The horns and head of the bull from the Taurus glyph, signifying the strength and determination of the sign.
History
The sign of Taurus is associated with several myths and bull worship from several ancient cultures. It was the first sign of the zodiac established among the Mesopotamians, who called it "The Great Bull of Heaven," as it was the constellation through which the Sun rose on the vernal equinox at that time, that is the Early Bronze Age, from about 4000 BC to 1700 BC.
Personality
Determination is a key feature of the Taurean personality, as are inflexibility and risk-aversion. Routine and security are essential, meaning Taurus often gets stuck in a rut. Extremely reliable, devotion to duty and loyalty are the personal qualities that Taurus values the highest, making her or him an excellent team member. This is a tenacious personality that approaches even the most mundane of tasks with diligence and patience.
Mind
Taurus has a slow, deliberate, but not unintelligent mind, and thinks problems through, paying close attention to detail, arriving at solutions that are always practical and often creative. With imagination kept on a tight rein, a Taurean relies heavily on data received through the senses and rejects ‘illogical’ or ‘irrational’ intuitions. Once a decision has been reached, Taurus rarely reconsiders.
Emotions
Stemming from an overwhelming need for security, the emotions that resonate most with a Taurean are possessiveness and jealousy. This sign does not let go easily. Not just material goods, it wants to own people too. A furious temper lurks behind a typically calm exterior, ready to erupt if the bull’s sense of ownership is threatened.
Strengths
Dependable Taurus has tremendous personal resilience and integrity. With common sense in abundance, this industrious sign is excellent at planning and organisation. Taurus can be relied upon to carry things through no matter what obstacles lay in the path. Complementing this practical aspect is an earthy creativity and artistic ability.
Weakness
Unable to appreciate different points of view, Taurus often builds up entrenched opinions. The bull refuses to take risks or to try anything new. Taurus can be excessively possessive with people and belongings. This personality can also exhibit self-indulgence and ostentatious behavior in pursuit of the good life.
Shadow
The Taurean shadow incorporates the unpleasant side of Scorpio. Venomous ill-humor, envy, jealousy and resentment fuel an underlying, smoldering rage. The archetypal grudge-bearer, Taurus never forgets and finds it impossible to forgive.
Karma
Taurean karma arises from an overwhelming attachment to material possessions and a tendency to find security in external things. The karmic challenge is to learn to let go in pursuit of an inner security that is eternal and indestructible.
Likes
Comfort of any kind, including good food, good company, sex, luxury, and high-quality retail therapy.
Dislikes
Change, uncertainty. Being hurried, feeling cold, hungry or uncomfortable.
Money
In the interest of security, Taurus amasses money in the bank, but also spends on good quality, luxury items. This character puts money into bricks and mortar and has everything insured. Never fooled by get-rich-quick schemes, Taurus only invests after careful research.
As a parent
Taurus is a conscientious parent, favoring discipline and routine. Children of Taurean enjoy a highly structured environment. There’s little room for spontaneity but practical creativity is encouraged.
As a child
They typical Taurean child needs predictable daily routine and a practical education that utilises both the body and the senses. Most have a ‘security blanket’ or a treasured item that makes them feel safe. Often fearful of venturing into the world, this child benefits from gentle encouragement. Head-to-head confrontation is best avoided as it usually leads to a temper tantrum or obstinate refusal to move.
Careers
An abiding interest in good food makes Taurus an excellent restaurant critic or restaurateur. The sign’s deep connection with the land often finds expression in work as a landscape gardener, horticulturist, organic farmer, surveyor, builder, architect or estate agent. Taurus is also suited to work a singer or musician, art or antique dealer, body artist, jeweler or craft-worker. Reliable Taurus makes an excellent government employee, administrator, financier, banker or investment broker.
Leisure activities
Wining and dining are a favorite Taurean pastime. Given the strong earth connection, landscape gardening, building renovation, carpentry and sculpture are also popular outlets, as is painting. Love of the home manifests itself in cookery, collecting art and antiques, interior decoration, dressmaking and upholstery. If exercise is on the agenda at all, yoga, dance, wrestling, judo, football and walking are all appropriately Taurean choices.
The Zodiac sign of Taurus includes six stones: sapphire, amber, chalcedony, diamond quartz, rose quartz, and turquoise. In addition to the Zodiac stones, tiger's eye, aventurine and emerald are listed as the Planetary stones for Taurus and garnet as the Talismanic Stone.