Abun-dance!

At 0941 UT today, the Sun moved (astrologically) into the zodiac sign of Taurus (Latin for ‘bull’).  Here in the northern hemisphere, we associate this time of year with spring, with the buds that started to appear in Aries (or maybe even earlier, this year) now bursting into blossom.  Taurus is ruled by Venus, the Roman counterpart to the Greek Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty (among other things), adding an appreciation of the splendour of the natural world around us.

Taurus, though Venus’ rulership, is often seen as the sensual sign of the zodiac.  Through our senses, we experience the growth of the seeds planted in Aries – we see the colour, we smell the blossom, we hear the birds, the bees... the world continuing to come to life and live up to the promises and intentions set in Aries.  I have to admit to a particular attraction to this time of year, being a double Taurus! There’s so much pleasure to be had simply by going for a walk in the woods, or out on the Levels – seeing and listening to all the birds, seeing the flowers coming out. Even in my mini-garden I love watching the plants beginning to emerge.

In astrology, Taurus is one of the three Earth signs, along with Virgo and Capricorn, as well as being one of the four Fixed signs. You could say that this makes it the most enduring of the three Earth signs, although some might associate that with stubbornness!  It takes what’s been initiated in Aries and gives in form – as we see in the natural world around us at this time of year (again, apologies for the northern hemisphere bias).  Taurus is often called ‘the builder’; it provides the stability as well as the tenacity to maintain what’s been started.  Other qualities associated with Taurus are solidity, dependability, reliability, patience, and perseverance.  Taurus is a hard worker, like the other Earth signs, willing to put in the hours in order to maintain financial and/or material security.  

Taurus is also known for being indulgent!  Going back to the sensuality of Taurus, via Venus, it’s not only pleasure through sight, smell and sound, but also taste and touch.  Good food and wine... and not only the enjoyment of consuming (Easter eggs, perhaps?!) but also the growing.  Being an earth sign, Taurus loves being close to the earth – it’s the sign of the farmer and the gardener - but by extension, to any form of creativity.  

And, speaking of creativity, here are two Taurus images I've created over the years.  This one was born during the Taurus weekend of The Alchemical Journey (www.alchemicaljourney.co.uk) at Chalice Well in Glastonbury in 2009. The exploration of our senses in those surroundings brought ‘Taurus’ (a collage created with watercolour on paper) into being! 

‘Alchemical Taurus’ ©Alison Coals

 ...and this one goes even further back, to my days at art college, when I was inspired by native Canadian artists.

‘Taurus’ ©Alison Coals