Taurus: I Own

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and represents the stage of building on and stabilising what was started in Aries. Taurus is a fixed, earth sign (see my articles on these topics) - this simply means that people who are affected by Taurus energy (eg, Sun, Moon or Ascendant in this sign) will tend to be steadfast, unchanging and 'earthy'. This is an introverted sign that is slow, deliberate and cautious, very much the opposite of Aries.

The Taurean symbol resembles the full face and horns of the bull. Symbolically this powerfully built, possessive animal, unflinching in attack when in a rage, is identified with the Taurean type. Keywords associated with this sign include, 'I own' and the purpose, 'to build, to accumulate'.

This energy places a great emphasis on the self, reaching out and attaching itself to possessions - this sign finds its identity by the value of what it owns. Like Aries, Taurus is highly subjective, often with little concern for what others value or need.

Colours associated with this sign include browns and earthy tones. Health problems associated with this sign include: hoarseness, dry cough, inflammation of the throat, nasal catarrh, and thyroid gland problems. Sensitive areas of the body include the ears, lymphatic system and neck.

Taurus in Mythology

According to Liz Greene in The Astrology of Fate there are three major bull myths that have relevance to Taurus. These myths describe:

1. The white bull that carried Europa from her home in Tyre to Crete; this bull was Zeus himself, transformed into animal form for the purpose of abducting/seducing the woman of his choice. 2. The second is about a cow - the animal form of Io, another of Zeus' lovers, whom Hera in her jealousy turned into bovine shape. 3. The third and most famous is the Cretan bull with which Pasiphae, the wife of King Minos, fell in love, and which fathered the monstrous Minotaur.

Greene points to the myth that best describes the themes associated with Taurus is the one that involves the Cretan Bull. The King of Crete (King Minos), was the child of Europa and Zeus from the first myth described above. His nature was cruel, tyrannical and selfish.

Before he became king he had to compete with his two brothers for the throne. Minos prayed to the god Poseidon, lord of the sea and of earthquakes, to send a bull out of the sea as a sign from the Gods of their approval. In this way he hoped to win the crown. Minos sealed his prayer with a vow to sacrifice the animal immediately as an offering and a symbol of service.

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