Taurus in the Minor Arcana: The Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles, in the astrological correspondence system I follow, is linked to Saturn in Taurus - and to the final ten days of this sign (10^th-19^th May).   

Seven of Pentacles: Druidcraft (trimmed)

Let’s start by looking at what qualities Saturn brings to Taurus. Saturn is about establishing and preserving, as well as about having integrity.  In Taurus, that integrity could grow out of a sense of loyalty or reliability, or perhaps through building (Taurus) or establishing (Saturn) a safe and secure base – one that provides a sense of stability.  Saturn can also be about traditional values, as can Taurus (through its association with the Second House), as well as preserving the status quo, perhaps in order to maintain some sort of approval or recognition within a social context.   There can be a tendency towards conservatism in this combination, as well as that Taurean stubbornness (I like to call it tenacity!), linked to a Saturnian fear of not being in control.  Saturn wants to achieve but Taurus can slow things down, and at its worst could impede progress by not only stubbornness but also laziness.  At its best, progress is slow but sure; it’s steady, and often self-reliant.

But how does this fit with the Seven of Pentacles? This card is often linked to the need to make a decision, usually depicted by the man on the edge of two fields – one with a well-established crop, one lying fallow, or less developed.  It’s about the choice between the familiar, the established, the ‘tried and tested’ – all very Saturnian – and the promise of something new.  Taurus is represented by the idea of the crops; an achievement on one hand, something that’s required hard work, and on the other, the fertility of the yet-to-be-used soil.  

The Druidcraft’s version of this card gives that sense too. It’s a time to consider alternatives.  It’s all about choice – the Devil (Saturn rules Capricorn, the sign associated with The Devil card) you know or the Devil you don’t?! The emphasis is on the fact that the mistletoe on the tree is ready to be harvested – the figure has been patient and waited for the right time to harvest it, trusting in the natural cycle of things rather than rushing it.

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Taurus in the Druidcraft Major Arcana – The Lady

The Lady (Druidcraft Tarot)

Taurus, though Venus’ rulership, is often seen as the sensual sign of the zodiac.  In the tarot, Venus is associated with The Empress – called The Lady in the Druidcraft - who in many images is depicted as a pregnant woman, basking in nature and in the element of Earth.  Sometimes we see a Horn of Plenty, representing abundance – a very Taurean concept. The Lady cradles one in her left arm, while in her left she holds a sheaf of wheat. There’s a sense of stability here in earthy Taurus, as well as contentment through being comfortable physically.  

Venus brings awareness of the feminine and the principle of attraction – new relationships and marriage can be indicated by this card. Add the earthiness of Taurus and we have the idea of fertility and also motherhood, from birth through to maturity of the child. The waterfall beside her represents the union of female and male necessary to create a child. Creating life – procreation - is not the only possibility, of course. The Empress represents birth and nurturing of all creative processes.

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Taurus in the Druidcraft Minor Arcana: The Six of Pentacles

Today we move on to the Six of Pentacles, which - in the system I use - is linked to the Moon in Taurus, and to the middle ten days of this sign (30^th April-9^th May).  

Just to recap: Taurus is the fixed Earth sign, so Taurus will want to maintain personal resources in a practical, down-to-earth way. Those resources include anything that gives us a sense of security or stability – so this covers financial matters, material concerns, issues around health and well-being...whatever it takes to make us feel safe and comfortable.

 

Druidcraft Tarot: Six of Pentacles

And to help with that, we have the Moon in Taurus. Now, in astrology, the Moon is said to be exalted in Taurus – it feels very comfortable here, even though this isn’t the sign it rules.  The Moon rules Cancer, and is associated with intuition, instinct, feelings (Cancer being a Water sign), as well as protecting and nurturing. The Moon is about what we need, as opposed to what we want – and it represents our automatic or instinctive responses to things on an emotional level.  In Taurus, that automatic response may not be as speedy as it would be in Aries, for instance, but it’s there – it’s grounded, connected to the earth and nature. It’s patient, willing to wait, to be still.  And of course, the physical sensations that accompany feelings – the ‘gut’ instinct, for example, or the need to be in physical contact (touch) – is very much a part of this.

We can see this stillness represented by the wintry scene in the Druidcraft’s Six of Pentacles. The earth is asleep, waiting for spring. Three pentacles hang on from branches on each side of the old man, symbolizing the balance between giving and receiving.  It’s not clear whether the old man is receiving alms, or if he’s giving his money away – but in fact it’s about both, and the harmony and potential for growth through doing so.  

The Moon in Taurus is reflected in the generosity and sharing of our personal resources with others in need.  The sharing is unconditional, almost unthinking – the instinct to help and care and share comes naturally.  It may not necessarily be money or material help that we can give and receive – it could also be emotional or spiritual assistance.  And of course, the Moon also reminds us that what we want isn’t necessarily what we need!

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections