Taurus - Celebrate the earth

On the 20th April the Sun moves from Aries into Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac. As the first earth sign, Taurus provides the fertile ground for the energy of Aries. It is seen to represent resources. Just as the earth provides nutrition for the growing plant, we too need nourishment and the means for that.

The earth beneath our feet also provides the foundation, so Taurus is also associated with stability and material security. These things are important to the Taurean. Unlike the impulsive Aries, with Taurus slow and steady wins the race. Ruled by Venus, Taureans have an appreciation for beauty and nature. Having comfortable and pleasant surroundings is important.

Each sign has it's shadow side, and with Taurus as a fixed sign, stubbornness is a well known Taurean trait. There can also be a tendency to hold onto things.

Planets that work well in Taurus, are it's natural ruler Venus where beauty and values sit well. It is the resources and values aspect of Venus that is expressed in Taurus, with the relational aspects expressed in Libra.

The Moon also works well in Taurus. This is the archetypal earth mother, though it has to be said that for an individual all aspects of the chart will have an impact on what is ultimately expressed, as well as personal choice. Nurturing is expressed in many ways, we can lovingly nurture a garden (very much Taurus with it's association with the earth), a pet, a project or a sick relative.

Planets that don't work well in Taurus are Mars and Uranus. The energy of Mars struggles to find expression in steady Taurus and can get a bit stuck. Mars in Taurus can get quite literally a bit stuck in the mud or it's energy can be expressed destructively, burning through the material that keeps Taurus feeling safe.

Uranus is the planet of change and the unexpected. This doesn't fare well in a sign that is about stability, and when Uranus transits Taurus (as it is currently) it can be destabilising. When the earth is unstable we have earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There has also been financial instability. Uranus finally leaves Taurus in 2026 to move into Gemini, when we can expect fresh ideas.

There is quite a bit going on astrologically on the day the Sun moves into Taurus. Just before the Sun leaves Aries, there is a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses always occur at new Moon, and the Moon's shadow obscures the Sun. This one occurs at 4.14am in the morning, so may not be particularly noticeable in the UK. Eclipses are said to be a time for change, and with this one also happening on the day of the change of a sign, change is abound. As the Moon obscures the Sun's light, it is also a time when things might not be as clear. There can be a risk of falling prey to illusion, but it can also be a time to trust your intuition, as there might be things that are hidden or not immediately apparent.

The Sun is also conjunct the North Node, which has been transiting Taurus since January 2022. The North Node represents what we need to develop so takes us out of our comfort zone. With this eclipse happening right next to the North Node changes are likely to evolutionary, but not necessarily easy.

As if that wasn't enough to be going on with, Mercury turns retrograde, in Taurus on the 22nd April, and remains retrograde until the 15th May. Retrograde Mercury is always a time to think before you speak, check and double check before you sign, and review what you already have. Currently rising after the Sun, it will pass the Sun on the 2nd May, and then rise before the Sun. Following the work of Joanna Wickenburg, when Mercury turns retrograde, we have become more conservative in our thinking and defined by the group. As the Mercury makes it's way back to the Sun, we may

become less conscious of our thoughts, making it very important to slow down and avoid acting on impulse, and as it beings to rise before the Sun, we begin to think more individually with new ideas.

There is a bit of good news, as Mercury turns direct Jupiter enters Taurus. Jupiter, as the largest planet in the solar system, represents expansion and is often associated with gifts and good things. So with all the upheaval thanks to the Uranus transit there might be some blessings coming in. It has been said that the Universe responds to gratitude so as Jupiter moves into Taurus express gratitude for whatever you already have and ask Mother Nature for what you need.