The Sun transits Taurus from April 20 – May 21

Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Taurus.

Disclaimer: when talking about Sun signs, it’s really more accurate to say “the Earth’s relation to the Sun” since the Earth is the one moving. An appropriate name for this much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element would therefore be “Earth Sign.” Remember – you embody a whole soup of planets!

If you are a Taurus, this is your Solar Return. With the Sun in cardinal fire Aries for the last month, the Universe aimed to achieve the same end by one of two means: by capitalizing on the self-confidence you built over the last astrological year to move forward with exciting plans, effectively laying the groundwork for another spectacular year; or by smashing your face in the proverbial ditch, forcing you to get your act together right here, right now. As predicted, it felt like being thrown on a treadmill flying top speed. Aries energy is a punch in the gut, a flash of sun in the eyes, a rough landing, a vicious fight; the ram wanted to test our strength and level of preparedness. Prepare now for life to slow considerably over the next few weeks.

The Venusian cycle

The Sun in fixed earth sign Taurus marks the kickoff for the coming month and the official end of the Aries/Martian cycle. I am personally exhausted. This last month has been brutal. I am looking forward to the return of Taurus energy in our skies. The Taurus cycle is the framework; the basement bricks; the iron skeleton. It is time now to fortify and solidify. Balanced Taureans are slow, in a sweet, meandering kind of way. The bull moves patiently, with diligence and focus. She is loyal, stubborn and indulgent, perhaps bordering on hedonistic. Taurus draws power from green, blue and brown. Find solace now in the verdant leaves of springtime glory, in the majesty of rich, wet soil and the squirming buzzing jangling of birds, worms and humans emerging at last from winter’s cold shell.

Wabi sabi

Studying the polarities of the zodiac wheel is an effective method to learn more about the signs. You may recall that fixed water Scorpio is Taurus’ opposite sign, 180 degrees across on the wheel. Scorpio energy is piercing, probing, unrelenting. Taurus is Scorpio’s crude yet radiant predecessor. It’s not that Taureans are simple-minded, although they can be when imbalanced, but rather that the bull recognizes, from deep within the soul, that one of life’s greatest joys is wabi sabi. I have only recently become acquainted with this Japanese term - what does it mean? Wabi sabi is the feeling that arises in consciousness when we are at peace and in balance with our surroundings. It emanates from the divine simplicity and beauty of nature. Wabi sabi is like sharing a cup of hot tea with a friend in silence.

The Taurus cycle aims to make you feel at home. I expect that this transit will be gentle, nurturing and comforting. However, for those who are imbalanced, the bull may unremittingly nudge you in unsavory directions. When her horns aren’t screwed on straight, the bull is picky and intransigent. For the Aries cycle, I recommended getting tough to make it through, and it’s not really over yet, so hang in there. Here’s what I’m going to suggest now: allow yourself to relax. Don’t be disappointed if your plans didn’t pan out the way you wanted. We’re still in a primordial period, and you have infinite time and space to change, recreate and rebuild. Accept and surrender. Take a deep breath - yes, right now!

Channeling fixed energy

Under the influence of the fixed modality, we are either obstinate or unstoppable. The trick to working with Taurus energy is making sure you’re on the right path. The bull is detail-oriented and particular. She will not shower you with udderly abundance unless your goals and ambitions are ever so precisely aligned with your higher Self. There is no room here for ill-defined purpose. We must be ruthlessly clear and direct about what we’d like to accomplish. If you are indeed synchronized with what the Universe has in mind for you, expect bounty and peace. Imagine riding on the broad back and shoulders of a giant, silky mahogany cow as she ambles leisurely through a sunlit meadow in late spring. Her strength and resilience are remarkable, staggering, unprecedented. Plant this in your heart. Feel the warmth and power of the bull blossom in your own body. Her basic nature is tranquil, still. Surround yourself with pleasant sensations and aromas to best harness Taurean energy.

We’re still practically at the beginning of the the zodiac wheel, watching the first seedlings pop up from the soul’s freshly burned forest floor. Fire to earth…feel that transition viscerally, in your imagination and in your senses. Here’s what I mean, for example: when I say “lemon,” you instantly visualize bright yellow, a waxy rind; your tongue may even constrict as you imagine sourness. Now when I say FIRE, feel the heat on your skin, see the bright flames licking the sky - what else? Fan it, let it leap and grow, let it fill your entire consciousness. Now put out the flames with heaps of earth: cold to the touch, bursting with nutrients. Sink your fingers into this earth. Close your eyes, slowly lay down. Feel your heart beating, your breath drawing in. Smell the pungent soil with delight.

Grow your roots

Taurus pushes and forces. Yes, she can be graceful and supple like a tender young branch when balanced, but she’s a fighter deep down. It’s hard for her to be loose and flexible. Internally, the bull is a geometric assemblage of hard edges and rough emotions. Life appears to her as short, uncomplicated and rather harsh. The imbalanced bull puts her roots down too early or in the wrong spot because she is too stubborn to try harder, to explore, to consider other options. But the bull who can resist this lazy impulse carries her weight uphill, huffing and puffing. She refuses to settle, even when it would be “easier” to do so, even though it might bring temporary relief and satisfaction. So keep climbing, even while your pack grows heavier by the day and your legs weaker, wobblier. You will make it.

Let’s continue building for the year ahead. We still have wiggle room and countless new opportunities knocking. Taurus will help you transform your ideas into manifest reality. The bull is raw, physical, real. She is here now to mold and shape your life. Earth energy grounds and centers. Stretch out on your back beneath the sunshine. Intertwine your fingers and toes in the grass. Bury your nose in a flower. Open your eyes to what is. Let the first rays of light wash and absolve you. Let us feast together on springtime plenty. Be firm in your sense of Self. Step with confidence. You are propelled now by an unseen force. Namaste.

If you are a Taurus or would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me.

Mantra: I am home