Mary Jo Wevers

Friday April 19th the Sun will leave the adventurous, energetic fire sign of Aries and enter the stable, placid earth sign of Taurus. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign.Taurus grounds and patiently utilizes the fire energy of Aries to connect with the physical world and create form, substance, tangible things that provide comfort and security.

The stress from unexpected events in our rapidly changing world can take a toll on our personal security and well being. We need ways to healthily cope with the assertive, combative, even revolutionary and destructive events taking place locally and globally. This month we can align with the energy of Taurus to stay grounded and create serenity for ourselves. Keep your feet on the ground. Be deliberate and dependable. Keep up your stamina. We are in it for the long haul.

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.”
– May Sarton

The first earth sign of the zodiac, Taurus takes the fiery energy of the Sun and transforms it into plant matter: trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and algae. Barren winter landscapes In the northern hemisphere become lush and green. Grazing animals enjoy fresh, verdant pastures. Farmers and gardeners till the soil and plant the first crops of the year. This month is a fertile and productive time of year.

Taurus engages the world through its physicality. It connects us to the earth, to the natural world through our bodies. It rules the ears, throat and neck, and the senses of hearing, taste, smell and touch. Slow-moving Taurus invites us to relax, settle in, and enjoy the beauty of this earth. Listening to the birds singing, feeling the soft breezes, and smelling the fragrance of flowers delight Taurus. Massage, aromatherapy, and good food provide sensory pleasures and physical comfort. Taurus enjoys beautiful music, playing instruments, singing and chanting. The tactile arts of pottery, sculpture, carving and painting are creative expressions of practical beauty for Taurus.

A fixed sign, Taurus perseveres, endures, and sticks with a project until completion. Taurus plods away in its deliberate, dependable manner, taking time to enjoy the process. It is patient, persistent and resolute. It has difficulty overcoming its own inertia and sometimes gets stuck in a rut. Because it dislikes change, it stubbornly refuses to try a new way or create a fresh start when approaching a project that is stale or bogged down. When challenged, Taurus holds its ground. It is strong, resolute, loyal, and conservative.

The key phrase for Taurus is “I Have.” Taurus rules the creation, accumulation and use of personal wealth: our money, possessions, property, and other material resources. Tangible wealth provides comfort and security in the physical world. Having the material resources we need provides us with self worth and value, which in turn gives us self esteem. Taurus governs our earning power: the value of the goods and services we offer in our work, and the monetary compensation we want for them.

Taurus rules our personal values, what we love and appreciate. Taurus asks us to examine how well we integrate our material and spiritual values to feel good about our self. Do you use your money and resources in ways that are in alignment with your personal values? How well do you take care of the things you have? Can you infuse your attitude towards material things with spiritual purpose? Are you fulfilled both materially and spiritually? Or do you feel you must be poor in order to be spiritual? Taurus demonstrates how we can embody the energy of the Buddha: valuing the gifts of the earth and our physical existence for the serenity, peace, warmth, love and spiritual connection they bring.

Archetypes for Taurus include the Green Man and the Earth Mother. Modern examples are bankers and financiers, gardeners, farmers and florists, opera singers and estheticians. Colors for Taurus are green and spring pastels. Pink-tinted malleable copper is its metal. The gem for Taurus is emerald. Apple trees and violets are its plants. Cattle and the Bull are animals which represent the strength and fertility of Taurus.

“Taureans are like walking pastures – rich, soothing and peaceful. They’re comfortable in their skin, with an air of graceful serenity that makes them almost glow . . . you can marinate in their tranquil presence, like human sanctuaries.
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– LeeAnn Lambright