Taurus

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Last Quarter Moon in Taurus ☾ Aug 6, 2015

The Last Quarter in Taurus comes exact on Thursday, August 6 at 10:03 pm EST

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

In this particular phase, the Sun in Leo squares the moon in Taurus. The moon will rise at midnight, peak at dawn and set at noon. If you view the moon at midnight, the Sun will be positioned directly beneath your feet. Staring at the moon during this time will align you so that you are looking right out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^

Squares mean change

The Full Moon in Aquarius ushered in conscious awareness, revelations and illumination of all that was hidden, lurking. Now we decide which information/ideas best serve us. The waning light of the moon represents gradual descent into darkness: a return to the proverbial womb. It is wise to launch new endeavors at a later date so as to better focus on the imminent. The week between the Last Quarter and New Moon (Aug 6-14) is the ideal time to buckle down and wrap up all that was set in place with the New Moon in Cancer of mid-July.

We have come to a corner and must choose a direction. Any stress or anxiety that surfaces now is there to catalyze decision-making. Gracefully surrender. Release and forgive. Destroy useless internal edifices. The moon is asking you to empty yourself. The Last Quarter Moon in Taurus of summer 2014 fell on August 17. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

Heads collide

For those who are strongly affected by lunar energy, the quarter moon phases are extremely emotional. Square aspects are sharp, angular junctions that prompt change. As CafeAstrology notes, the quarter phases feel like a “crisis of consciousness.” So please be compassionate with yourself and prepare to be tested! The Last Quarter Moon in Taurus is not a conflict between two opposing concepts so much as it is a silly argument between two people who insist that they are completely different but are actually very similar - indeed, both Taurus and Leo are incredibly stubborn and difficult to persuade of anything much at all. I like to imagine each Moon cycle as a procession of poignantly themed challenges. Generally speaking, the Leo cycle is wildly expressive in nature, but the bull is here now to bring it all back down to reality. The bull, unlike the lion, moves slowly, purposefully and efficiently. Taurus thrifts and saves for maximum comfort in the long run, but Leo would happily spend all his money and resources at once if it meant having the best time ever RIGHT NOW!

Without the bull’s insistence on practicality, the lion remains forever convinced that anything less than complete majesty is a waste of life. Taurus is the cosmic strongwoman of the zodiac, and Leo her pampered son, bounding after luxury and leisure. Leo regards Taurus as stale, boring, too safe. The lion is not satisfied with aspirations that fail to leave room for unbridled passion, followed of course by proper relaxation. This is not to say that the Last Quarter Moon in Taurus is an attempt to extinguish Leo’s spark - if anything, she would love to partake as well. What both signs are really seeking is to live the best life possible. From Taurus we learn to survive off of our own inner confidence and self-appreciation; from Leo we learn the importance of genuine compassion and forthright praise for others. What we really learn is that it takes incredible courage to live completely in the present moment, detached from all terrestrial doubts, fears and worries. At this time our desire to get grounded will speak to the heart while the pull towards our social life will feel like a duty.

Conservation vs. excess

Expect themes of loyalty, or perhaps loyalty to indulgence, to pop up now. This square connotes a conflict between conservation and excess. Even the imbalanced bull is known to swing wildly between saving and splurging. This phase falls in fixed signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that is bold and definitive. This modality lends an unmistakable seriousness to the phase, but we’ll save the griping for the second quarter moon in Scorpio coming next month. When the Moon transits an earth sign, energy is nuturing and genuine. Taurus loves to cook and lounge around. More so than other signs, she has a deep need for intense sensory experiences. The bull loves aromatherapy, passionate music, massages, rich food, fine art and intimate sex. If you’re feeling imbalanced, treat this for what it is: a phase, nothing more. Physical energy levels will decrease now temporarily - but not emotional energy, not even a little bit! I suggest a ritual involving earth/soil or some Taurus Yoga.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: slow breath

New Moon in Taurus ⚫ May 17, 2015

The New Moon in Taurus comes exact on May 17, 2015 at 10:14 pm MDT

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

Every new moon falls in the same sign as that of the Sun. This is precisely what makes it a new moon. Sometimes we end up with a new moon at the end of a cycle. That’s what we have now with the New Moon in Taurus. This is the bull’s sweet send-off, her earthy kiss, two hearts beating as one.

Venusian power

What to say of the new moon in fixed earth sign Taurus? We can learn a lot about the signs of the zodiac by looking to their ruling planets. Taurus is ruled by Venus, Goddess of Love. The bull is therefore a pleasure-seeking beast, often preferring to lounge and relax than work. She is also maddeningly obstinate when imbalanced, not to mention self-absorbed, argumentative and matter-of-fact, even if she doesn’t really know the facts. Or maybe she does know the facts but chooses to fight anyway, just because. Let’s focus instead on cultivating peace and prosperity for this new moon.

The new moon is your chance to recreate. This phase is like an infant: impressionable, vulnerable and wide-eyed. How will you set the tone? What projects have you been meaning to launch? What changes need to be made? This is a time of beginnings, or perhaps going back to the start. Words, thoughts and actions that surface now are seeds planted for later harvest.

Conscious awareness: inner abundance

As much as I love being a Taurus, I find myself continually frustrated by my bullheaded habits. Taureans have a way of acting and speaking when imbalanced that makes them appear complacent, overly self-assured or potentially greedy. However, the balanced Taurus lives from the fruit of inner abundance. Now that I’ve worked closely with children for the last year, I see that our astrological signature manifests at a very early age. Balanced little bulls are quiet, sweet, plodding along at a comfortable pace; others are materialistic and never seem to be happy unless they get absolutely everything they want.

Happy Taureans radiate profound warmth and contentedness. For this new moon, let’s imagine a home deep in the woods, surrounded by lush vegetation, brilliant fruits and a cacophony of bird song. In this vision, the heart, mind, body and spirit are interwoven as vibrant threads. There is a sense of eternal tranquility in the body with no desire to change or adapt. Let this be your intention for the new moon in Taurus: to be grateful for what is. This is the true balanced essence of the fixed modality - no seeking or yearning or longing, just genuine appreciation for the plenitude that springs endlessly and perfectly from the center of centers. Take a deep breath, inhale the flowers.

Grow your inner roots

We are still in the primordial period of the astrological year, lest we forget. And that’s really what it feels like at the threshold of this new moon. I find myself shaking my horns and stamping my feet a bit - impatient, wondering when things will pick up, feeling an insatiable restlessness in the seat of my soul. As Taurus is an earth sign, it is important that we stay grounded for this new moon. Go outside often. Get some dirt under your nails, lots of it. Take long walks, lay in the grass, watch the clouds, close your eyes, breathe in the rich scents of Mother Earth.

Despite everything I’ve just said, Taurus is one of my favorite signs. Maybe I’ve just recently come into contact with some particularly imbalanced little bulls, or maybe this is just what the Taurus season does to me, or more accurately, allows me to do. For the last few weeks, I’ve stepped back and been able to see myself so clearly, too clearly. This fixed earth energy is heavy indeed! If you’re feeling that weight too, know that it will be over soon. For those of you who are beautifully balanced, ignore what I’m saying and continue basking in that bright, full feeling that only bull energy can give you. The new moon in Taurus is ultimately an opportunity to find our home and wealth within. If you seek happiness and comfort in the external world, you will only come to find that all you sense is merely a reflection of the Self. From the great poet Rumi: “Don’t worry about transient things. Think how the animals live.”

If you would like to learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: my home is within

Sun in Taurus ☼ Apr 20, 2015

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

Mercury in Taurus ☿ Apr 14, 2015

Mercury transits Taurus from April 14 – 30

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Taurus.

Mercury transits to fixed earth Taurus after burning through Aries for the last couple weeks. In speech, writing and self-presentation, we are now decidedly matter-of-fact. Mercury in Taurus is slow yet self-assured, serious yet practical. Those born with Mercury in Taurus sound confident even when they’re not. When Mercury the Messenger rides the bull, we’re quick to make humorously bold statements that may or may not be true. Our style of communication is now gloriously straightforward, convincing and assertive.

Harnessing the power of defiance

Mercury, ruler of mental processes, lover of to-do lists, calendars, letters, media, schedules – everything that rolls us forward in the societal sense of linear progression. This is why Mercury transits are, in my opinion, a fine occasion to set some goals. You will have the most success now with goals that are defiant in nature. Mercury in Taurus is combative and obstinate; the bull is mighty when she is determined and well-known for her perseverance and capacity to sustain. Although it definitely doesn’t happen quickly, following things through to completion gives the bull deep satisfaction. We are encouraged now to be concise, so get to the point or get out!

It is easy now to become frustrated with others. When listening to “the facts,” you may be wont to ask impatiently: well, what makes you so sure? Mercury in Taurus can be too complacent or, on the other hand, unnecessarily argumentative if imbalanced. Imagine the bull’s horns goring the present moment: potentially refreshing and poignant, or maybe just unreasonably severe. It is important to remember that Mercury in Taurus is ultimately kind of silly. Sometimes the bull spouts off in jest or says something inflammatory just to amuse herself. But if you need to “get the job done” and communicate how you’re feeling about something, now is the perfect time to do so candidly and powerfully. Mercury in Taurus speaks with conviction, no fear or insecurity. Ask yourself: how can I be more real and upfront in the way that I communicate, or in the way I handle the day-to-day logistics of life? Taurus lives in the basics. When in doubt, keep it simple.

Rejecting surface image

You may recall that Mercury transited the bull’s opposite sign (Scorpio) at the end of September 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. Mercury in Scorpio is even more intense. Scorpio energy almost feels sharp, whereas the bull is rather soft and yielding if you catch her in a good mood. Neither Taurus nor Scorpio are interested in small talk; conversations run deep as there is a strong urge to get to the root of things. As with Mercury in Scorpio, we are now very direct and perhaps even a bit judgmental.

The balanced bull is minimalist and essentialist, effectively rejecting dependence upon material comforts and luxuries. The bull and scorpion are both very interested in eliminating what is not important so as to better see what is. Some Taureans feel uncomfortable with spirituality as a way of life because it is so difficult for them to ground in the unknown, whereas Mercury in Scorpio courageously explores topics such as metaphysics, taboos, occultism, sex, deep space and transcendentalism, among other things. Our greatest challenge now is to emulate the scorpion and discover what lies beneath the surface.

When balanced, Mercury in Taurus actually has quite a sunny disposition. The bull is content as long as her surroundings are peaceful, at least in appearance. We are less interested now in grasping the true essence of life and more so in implementing and maintaining peace. Mercury in Taurus doesn’t like complication or complexity, so we have to push now for greater depth. Whereas Mercury in Scorpio draws power from our intuition and capacity for empathy, Mercury in Taurus struggles to see past the raw physical details of external reality. The scorpion can’t help but probe others for insight and understanding. Mercury in Taurus is pragmatic, but this is still a rather odd placement; in his natural habitat, Mercury moves quickly and freely, rarely dwelling or lingering. The imbalanced bull may be slightly obsessive or harsh, but Mercury in Taurus is light and comfortable when balanced. Rather than break your head trying to attain conscious awareness, focus on the nuts and bolts of daily life. The bull teaches the scorpion that once we have some level of control over our bodies and manifest reality, transformation follows suit.

Although Taureans are not always intellects at heart, they possess a certain earthy charm that is hard to resist. The bull loves to engage in long, meaningful conversations. Mercury in Taurus is unabashedly sensual and passionate, but not particularly emotional or profound. This is not to say that all Taureans are simple beasts, just that this transit is not really one in which you will have to confront issues that have been lurking undetected. The bull is well equipped to handle arduous and elaborate missions so as long as they have some basis in the terrestrial scape perceived by the senses. Balanced Mercury in Taurus seeks and desires nothing, he just sinks into the earth with a big happy sigh. So just be, enjoy this clarity which will allow you to easily see past what is superfluous. Prepare to become delightfully in tune with your instincts and physical body. When imbalanced, we might be intransigent or unforgiving. Stirring things up just for the sake of “making things interesting” is not so far-fetched now; understand that the bull moves at a glacial pace because she needs time to choose her words carefully.

I was born with Mercury in Taurus, so these next two weeks will be a Mercury Return for me. More on that later! To ascertain your personal Mercury sign, click here. To learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: my home is within

Mars in Taurus ♂ Mar 31 - May 11

Mars transits Taurus from March 31 to May 11, 2015

Click here to learn about Mars. Click here to learn about Taurus.

For the last month or so, Mars has been hanging out at home in Aries. As predicted, frustration and impatience bubbled up more quickly than usual. Energy levels were high, inertia suspended. We fully comprehend what the ram is capable of now that we’re more than a week into the Aries cycle. What can we expect as Mars spins to a lull in the realm of Taurus?

As each planet gravitates from sign to sign, subtle aspects of life on Earth shift accordingly. Martian transits shape the nature of our ambitions, physical drive and sexual urges. Martian power is sourced now from external reality and the senses with which we perceive this reality. Mars in Taurus is painfully stubborn and slow to act when imbalanced. However the bull, unlike the ram, is placid and peace-loving in her natural state. I would also say that most Taureans have a “long fuse.” But make no mistake: push the bull to her limits and you shall be promptly gored. When balanced, Mars in Taurus encourages us to declutter our living space. This placement may be more sedentary than usual.

Mars stops to smell the flowers

Mars in Aries was assertive and fearless: pure energy, straight from the Source. Now Mars immerses himself in the Divine Feminine: art, aesthetic, abundance, home and Gaia. Mars in Taurus is like a boulder: mighty, but incredibly difficult to budge! If you can get Mars off the couch, this transit will work very hard for you. Once Taureans finally set to work on a task, they attack it with impressive force. Imbalanced Mars in Taurus can be obstinate, quarrelsome, reckless, lethargic or too complacent. If balanced, expect to feel sublimely grounded. The bull with a good head on her shoulders is exceptionally calm and patient.

Mars in Taurus wants to find activities we can do in waking life to keep the connection between body, earth and spirit blooming. For example: a morning ritual or self-care regimen, intention setting before a meal, time spent gardening/farming, ceremonial burning or singing, as Taurus rules the throat and voice. You now begin to explore your sensual and sexual proclivities. We are tactile and lustful with Mars in Taurus. Like Aries, the bull must answer to biology’s finest call; we’ve got a one-track mind come springtime, no different from any of the other animals with whom we share this lovely planet. Mars in Taurus draws us to more passive affairs such as leisurely walks, cooking, sun bathing and bonding with cats ^___^ Imbalanced Mars in Taurus may manifest as over indulgence, particularly with vices such as drugs and alcohol.

I expect that the pace of life will slow down a bit now, but not too much since we are indeed in the midst of Aries season. Because of this, physical energy levels will probably remain high. Instead of struggling to get out of bed, we may struggle to go with the flow. One karmic lesson for those who incarnate as bulls is letting go and surrendering to the unseen forces of the Universe. It’s time now to walk boldly down the trails cut by the ram.

To ascertain your personal Mars sign, click here. If you would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Venus at home in Taurus ⚢ Mar 17 - Apr 11

Venus resides at home in Taurus from March 17 – April 11, 2015

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Taurus.

Venus now moves from cardinal fire Aries into fixed earth Taurus. Venus draws us closer to the Divine Feminine: romance, beauty, pleasure, happiness and fine art. As she moves from sign to sign, changes take place in the heart. Venus concerns attraction: what vibes are you exuding and what attracts you? If Venus in Aries was like sitting atop Mount Everest for the first sunrise of the year, Venus in Taurus is like building a house with the one you love. After the rebirth, we’re ready to settle in and take stock of what we have. Venus rules both Taurus and cardinal air Libra. In astrology, we say that she is returning “home” now. Planets at home are auspicious placements.

For the last month or so…

Venus in Aries was as sexy as it was combative. This transit gave us the much-needed opportunity to start fresh in our relationships, but hitting the reset button comes with its own set of difficulties. Tact was elusive with this placement. Aries energy can be aggressive, reckless and stubborn when imbalanced. I observed in myself that anger and impatience bubbled up more quickly than usual. As Aries is the first sign in the zodiac realm, it is often analogized with birth/early childhood. In the same way that young children move through the world with equal parts fearlessness and naïveté, the ram bursts and leaps without regard for anything much outside the Self. Fire energy spreads rapidly in all directions, just like the boundless enthusiasm and optimism of a child. I like to visualize Venus in Aries as young lovers running and stumbling, yet still laughing - a colorful relationship full of blunders, bruises, lessons learned and plenty of hot love. Venus in Aries was candid, straightforward and unapologetically raw. What to expect now as the Goddess of Love returns home to her bull pen?

Body meets world

The move now is from a ravenous heart to an indulgent one. Venus in Taurus is obstinate, lavish, materialistic and yet deeply familiar. Taurus lives in the body’s weight, pressed and wrapped in the warm folds of your very own bed; in the fullness of the stomach after a huge, delicious meal; in the profound peace found in a mug of tea on a cold night; in the caress of the wind and grit of the sand beneath you on the beach; in the pleasure derived from the simple tools and comforts of life: pillows, chocolate bars, fuzzy sweaters, baked goods, a finely carved bowl, a framed painting. Venus in Taurus is sensual and tactile. We ardently crave physical contact with others now. The bull thrives on all things sweet, savory, soft, luscious, melodious and aromatic. Taurus is also associated with childhood - in particular, the period in which we feel out our surrounding environment. Just as children attempt to willfully deny those details of external reality which challenge their dream-like conception of the world, the bull is notorious for digging in her hooves and shaking her horns: no! I do not accept! The karmic purpose behind incarnation as a bull is to learn the ultimate unimportance of the material world. Although it can be delightfully cozy and nurturing, this terrestrial scape we see all around is only one tiny sliver in an infinite spectrum of spacetime dimensions. Having said that - let’s take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the abundance of the Universe. This is what Venus asks of us now.

The axis of sensuality

You may recall that Venus transited the bull’s opposite sign (Scorpio) at the end of October 2014. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then. Taurus and Scorpio are both incredibly passionate and sexual. Venus in Scorpio was powerful and transformative in a rather dark, intense way; Venus in Taurus lacks the emotional crisis element found in Scorpio. Taurus is master of all that can be reached by the senses while Scorpio wishes to know what lies beyond: all that is hidden, intangible, metaphysical. Venus in Taurus keeps life simple. I am often reminded of the time one of my Taurus friends told me that she doesn’t “like to think about outer space.” This little tidbit reveals much about the bull’s insistence on stability and consistency. The infinitude of the Universe challenges the apparent order of the bull’s little pen in the sunshine. Both the bull and the scorpion get hung up on issues of control: Taurus needs control over the physical environment, Scorpio over the natural power dynamics found in a given relationship. As a Taurus, I can attest that it is a constant struggle to overcome the ferocity of lust, desire and the apparent “need” for material comforts.

With Venus in Taurus we seek transcendental body-soul connections with our lovers. Of all the signs, Taurus is perhaps the most inclined to confuse love and sex, as these are inextricably bound up in the bull’s psyche. It is practically impossible for Taureans to keep their hands off others - their love is expressed most organically when it is skin-to-skin: warm hands on warm bodies, massaging, nuzzling, holding. Whereas the intensity of the scorpion is piercingly psychic and intuitive, the energy of Taurus is firm and grounded like sun-baked earth in mid-spring: ripe, dappled, honey-like. The bull prefers the sunshine, stretched out like a fat cat on the front porch. Venus in Taurus is calm, agreeable, grounded and practical when balanced. Venus encourages us to consider – do my surroundings, including my relationships, reflect inner harmony? Venus in Taurus is clear, assertive and empathic all at once.

Overcoming laziness and denial

In her natural habitat, Venus enjoys a certain level of bounty and luxury. In Libra, she plays the part of peaceful diplomat, constantly seeking balance and fairness. In Taurus, Venus reclines. Just as we must be vigilant when it comes to the allotment of our land and resources here on Earth, we must be careful now to take only what we need and not allow ourselves to settle into a rut. This is what I often see with aging Taureans: at some point, life gets hard and they just give up. They choose, consciously or not, to remain as they are, a rock lodged upright in the river of evolution. This terrifies me! This is not acceptable. We have an obligation, to ourselves and the rest of the Universe, to continue becoming. Taureans have naturally addictive personalities. In the same way that an addict denies and deceives in order to get a fix, the imbalanced bull glues herself to a reality which supports her endless excuses. The imbalanced Taurus says things like, “I would have liked to…” instead of taking accountability and swallowing the bitter pill called self-awareness. The balanced bull wants to beautify the inner Self and the external world; balanced bulls take extremity and turn it into healthy intimacy. This intimacy can and must extend beyond the fleeting satisfaction of material comforts.

Resisting indulgence

When taken to the extreme, Venus in Taurus may have us spending too much money, lounging around at home or eating lots of rich foods. However, we are eager to share our earthy dedication, affection and devotion. The bull is lush, romantic, majestic, ravishing…! You may find that you feel like treating yourself and others for no particular reason. For the most part, this transit should be smooth and sophisticated, like Valentine’s Day in Paris. We approach our leisure and love life now with ease and amiability. It may be challenging now to resist feelings of self-satisfaction or undue contentment.

Venus in Taurus might have you feeling lethargic, possessive, jealous or especially susceptible to cravings, but I do hope that you can link up with the bull’s singular, unstoppable capacity to sweat and focus. We are uninterested now in small talk, drama or superficial communication. The bull is truly a peaceful creature at heart, despite the fact that she prefers to live life fervently, vehemently, wholeheartedly.

To find out your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: my home is within

First Quarter Moon in Taurus ☽ Jan 26, 2015

The First Quarter Moon in Taurus comes exact on January 26, 2015 at 11:48 PM EST

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

The First Quarter marks the halfway point between the New and Full Moon. The First and Last Quarter Moon phases occur when the Moon squares the Sun at a 90 degree angle. In this particular phase, the Sun in fixed air Aquarius will square the Moon in fixed earth sign Taurus. From the Earth, the “right side” of the Moon will be illuminated. The Moon rises at noon, peaks at dusk and sets at midnight.

Reaching a checkpoint

This phase is a checkpoint. What aspects of our initiatives have been successful thus far? Where do we need to work harder? It’s like creeping to the high point of a rollercoaster, represented by the Full Moon: a time when all undertakings are fully realized and answers to lingering questions brought to the fore. The Moon encourages you now to scope out flaws in the foundation laid with the New Moon in Aquarius. Are your ventures built to last?

The waxing light of the Moon symbolizes a return to total awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve upon existing plans. At every Full Moon we conclude all that we have set out to do at the New Moon, so the week between the First Quarter Moon and the Full Moon (January 26 – February 3) is a very powerful time. If you have been diligent, expect to see your ideas come to fruition now.

Making way for the new

Squares mean change. We have reached a corner and must choose a new direction. The building energy and excitement you may feel now is there to inspire you and encourage decisive action, calculated risk-taking, networking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The Moon is asking you to gather yourself. This phase falls in fixed signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that is sustainable. Our intention now is to build upon that which was conceived during the initiatory Capricorn cycle. Taurus energy takes Aquarian ideas/ideals and molds them into manifest reality.

Mind over matter

The First Quarter Moon falling in Taurus represents a conflict between the mental body and the material world. Aquarius generates thoughts and conversation as rapidly as the wind; Taurus abides firmly in the tangible side of life, as this is where the bull feels most comfortable. Aquarian energy may feel rather frustrated by the bull’s insistence on moving slowly and deliberately. Taurus asks of the water bearer: are your dreams and goals applicable? How can we use this in everyday life? Both signs are headstrong in their own way. The water bearer doesn’t understand why the bull can’t be more experimental and unconventional; the bull sees the water bearer as ungrounded, speeding through life with impatience, disconnected from what is. The challenge is to continue fanning the spark of intellect, allowing Aquarius energy to spiral into its fullest expression, while still tuning in to physical existence and the limitations thereof. From Aquarius we learn to be bold, radical and imaginative; from Taurus we learn the art of practicality and stability. At this time our desire to feel steady and rooted speaks to the heart while the pull towards creative/social/unorthodox experiences will feel more like a duty.

When the Moon transits an earth sign, physical energy runs low. Expect people to be more argumentative and stubborn than usual. I like to visualize Taurus as a lazy, happy cat; the bull loves nothing more than curling up in a pile of blankets with a good book, cup of tea and cuddle buddy. So if you feel like staying in and avoiding the masses, this is perfectly natural. This is a time of getting in touch with what makes us feel warm and fuzzy - what makes us feel at home. Taurus energy requires that we take our time, focusing on quality over quantity. If balanced, expect to feel quite relaxed.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: feet on the ground, head in the clouds

Full Moon in Taurus - Nov 6, 2014

The Full Moon in Taurus comes exact on November 6, 2014 at 5:23 PM EST

Click here to learn more about the Moon. Click here to learn more about Taurus.

At the Full Moon we reap the seeds sown with every New Moon. This particular Full Moon is known as the Full Frost Moon or Full Beaver Moon because it comes at a time when Natives and settlers would set beaver traps before the water froze completely. All that we intended during the Scorpio cycle now comes to culmination. The Moon will rise at sunset, peak at midnight and set at sunrise.

The Sun and Moon face each other in total opposition between fixed water Scorpio and fixed earth Taurus: form vs. formlessness. Taurus loves things, especially nice things. The bull invests deeply in terrestrial life, often placing too much importance on money, houses, cars and other worldly status symbols. However, the balanced bull is actually content with very little. Taureans easily derive immense pleasure and satisfaction from the simple things in life.

If Taurus can succeed in suppressing a deep want for material possessions, the next challenge is overcoming inertia. The bull is notoriously lazy, slow-moving and apathetic, often working in short yet highly productive bursts. Taureans quickly make up for lost time due to the sheer quality of their work. They have a wonderful eye for aesthetic, immaculate attention to detail and a profound connection/aptness with their hands. Many Taureans are artists, in particular those who work with 3D materials such as clay or glass. Many Taureans describe themselves as highly tactile and sensual. The bull seeks fulfillment through the body. Taureans are usually quite affectionate. Their weaknesses include all things soft, warm and fuzzy; baked goods; cats; fine art; passionate music; gourmet food; perfume/incense; long showers; sleeeep.

The Taurus-Scorpio polarity is between that which is visible and invisible. Whereas Taurus abides peacefully and effortlessly in the raw forms of physical space, Scorpio yearns to transform that physical reality in order to see through it, to understand all that is intangible. I like to visualize this transit, following last month’s rather extreme Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aries, as a fat cat settling deeply into an overstuffed couch. We are feeling quite content, maybe even complacent. Unlike the last Full Moon, this one should be relatively quiet. However, it has a special intensity of its own. Both the bull and the scorpion desire total connection, whether that means skin-to-skin or soul-to-soul. For those who can take it, this is a truly magical time we are entering. The light within keeps growing and growing.

Unlike the bull, Scorpio is attracted to crisis and volatility. This makes the imbalanced scorpion emotionally unpredictable. The bull diverts our attention to the external environment; the scorpion dives below to investigate mysteries within. The conflict is between simplicity and complexity. Our greatest challenge is, as always, to recognize the supreme importance of both ends of the spectrum. Are you connected to the au-delà? Or do you spend so much time out in the cosmos that you neglect life here in the present moment?

Opposite signs on the zodiac wheel have inherent differences, but they also have a lot in common. Taurus and Scorpio both want to live a life of quality rather than quantity. However, the scorpion is more comfortable exploring what lies beyond the horizon, so to speak. Scorpios are often very interested in deep space, spirituality, abstract art, mysticism and the paranormal. Too much Scorpio energy pushes us into the whirlpool, stuck in the recesses of the psyche, the past, obsessions, fears. Too much Taurus energy cements us to the false idea that all you can see is all that is. Scorpio reminds the bull that true power lies in conquering our fear of the unknown; the bull reminds the scorpion that it’s perfectly acceptable to spend time making our bodies and physical environment comfortable. Taurus molds, sculpts, shapes, builds, fortifies; Scorpio inquires, understands, knows, feels, desires.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: I am immortal