TAURUS

Power / Effectiveness / Application / Awakening / Authority / Depth
I feel the power of nature in every cell of my being yet I prefer simply to surrender into the serenity of silence

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Seeing a bull in a field, we intuitively understand this sign on the psychological level: it reeks of power. Except for Scorpio, its need for security is the greatest in the whole circle – and to be secure Taurus feels it needs to be powerful. Without tangible involvement, we cannot express our fullest, empowered potential, and life would lack depth of meaning – yet no sign is more devoted to freedom than this one. The paradox is that we have to come to terms with the dichotomy between involvement and freedom. Seemingly they cannot co-exist, and yet, as the twin aspects of authenticity, both principles are deeply and meaningfully prized.

An extreme intensity of desire is embodied within this exceptionally sensual materialist, and such emotional drives can be felt within as profoundly destructive vulnerabilities, which the raging bull finds impossible to explain; it takes remarkable control and great self-discipline to restrain this force. The channelling and application of such energy explains its toil, hardiness, stability and stamina – and why it is the safe anchorage point for those who are easily overwhelmed by inflated dreams, strong feelings, or unworkable undertakings.

A truly great, watershed-level shift in civilisation occurred with the domestication of the ox, enabling ownership of land, and other agricultural advantages that arose from the brute strength of a bull dragging a plough through the earth to establish rootedness, and the emotional and material security of food-abundance. Taurus is down-to-earth and rock solid in character, establishing firm principles, and with a steady, refined and totally realistic approach to life that is thoroughly appreciated for its steadiness. Indeed Taurus likes to own property and solid things that appreciate over time, offering steady returns on investment.

When Taureans adopt an objective or commit to a bond, they stick to their promises and loyalties, remaining unfailingly faithful to their allegiances. This is how to build that which lasts. It is one thing to build castles in the air, and it is quite another to dig deep foundations, and add the next level only when the one below is firmly and certainly safe. With a plodding, predictable, risk-free, long-term approach to any task, they cannot do anything except build that which is reliable and functional – and this applies as much to constructing a dependable personality as to amassing more securities and comforts. That which is safe and long-lasting needs to have a root structure that mirrors the branch system – and rooting is all to do with commitment.

Wise people trust those who do not seek position and yet have a steady pair of hands. Without the quality of moderation, authority can become tyranny, so power is best held by those whose involvement is moderated by their equal love of freedom. There are people who desire power for its own sake, but Taurus simply wants to be safe, and must be free. Of course the bull would rather govern than be governed, and yet really its preference is for neither. Power untested is not as powerful, yet the freedom of self-conquest, rather than dominance, is the intention, and the real preference and capacity is for stillness and inner grace.

Like a tumultuous hurricane, the centre is always at rest. Alone in a field it will munch contentedly for ages, impervious to boredom, and will activate its will only when desire takes over – yet it is placid, good-natured and very slow to be aroused in passion. Until then, Taurus is the exemplar of peacefulness and contentment, with the last word in strength – a resolve to do nothing at all, except refuse to budge.