Astrologically Speaking

Taurus 2002 edition ...

Astrologically speaking the Spring Equinox launches the year. That is when the Sun's ingress into Aries takes place. This took place March 20th both in 2001 and this year. Your typical sun sign column states that Sun is in Aries starting March 21st. Astrologically we calculate that moment to the second, this year Spring Equinox took place on the 20th at 11:16 AM PST, in the GMT time zone (through England 0°W 00') it was 7:16 PM GMT and if we go to the Australia (10 hours east of Greenwich), Spring Equinox started the Autumn at 5:16 AM on the 21st.

"The Universe should be deemed an immense Being, always living, always moved and always moving in an eternal activity inherent in itself, and which, subordinate to no foreign cause, is communicated to all its parts, connects them together, and makes the world of things a complete and perfect whole". -- Albert Pike

Astrology focuses on cycles of the planets and the stars. In their separate cyclical motion the energies represented by the planets and stars intermingle and connect. The most observable motion is that of the Moon as she waxes and wanes every month in about 30 days (29 days 12 hours 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds) is easy to see and just about every calendar shows the phases of the Moon. There are longer cycles that astrologers watch of Jupiter, who spends about a year in a zodiacal sign. Saturn is like the Moon only measured in years. Uranus takes 84 years through the zodiac, Neptune and Pluto cycles do not complete in a period of human life span. The Sun takes a year around the zodiac and while we do not see the phases as we do with the Moon we do get to observe the changing of the seasons, months every year without fail.

Each sign shift is the same it takes place to the minute. Sun changes into the zodiacal sign of Taurus on April 19, at 11:20 PM PDT (that's dinner time on the 20th in Australia). The change of seasons is defined by the equinoxes and solstices, which are astrological (and astronomical) events. We have an arbitrary system of months, these begin on the 1st of a month but astrologically speaking when a month starts with the Sun at 10-12° into the sign, the tone has been set when the sign change happened, not on the first. As I write about astrology and view life's ups and downs with that slant I thought I should use the months as defined by the Sun's movement through the zodiacal signs.

So April 19, 2002 launches the Taurus month, which ends on the 20th of May at 10:29 PM PDT. Taurus follows in the foot steps of Aries. When the Sun is in Aries new ideas, new plans, and new activities are sought out. It is the time for starting new things, not the time for finishing these. When the Sun moves into Taurus it is the time for growing those ideas, helping give form to ideas and the time to start tending the seedlings sown in Aries both figuratively and literally. In Europe it is the month when daffodils bloom, that typically is not the case in our climate in western Canada, here it is the time for the Cherry blossoms and budding leaves.

Taurus is Earth - the elemental force that helps give form to our visionary ideas as well as those hare-brained notions. The Taurus month is for working patiently on nurturing the new "life-forms" that we feel worthy of our efforts. Taurus is the sign renown for its ability to put forth a sustained effort, it is too stubborn to give up but will not work on something without merit. So hare-brained notions not get weeded out provided that they are recognized as such.

The day we celebrate every year during Taurus month, it the 2nd Sunday in May. Yes, Mothers' Day, it is curious to me that Cancer is the sign we associate with mother, yet we collectively celebrate Mothers while the Sun is in Taurus. Yet, it shouldn't be - Taurus is associated with Mother Earth, we also celebrate Earth Day on Monday the 22nd of April. Earth Day always falls on the Monday following the Sun's ingress into Taurus. Mother Earth provides for our needs, fruit and vegetables grow in her rich soil. Our physical needs are met, not without effort - Taurus is a hard working sign. The materials required to fabricate shelter from nature's elements are produced by Mother Earth as well. Isn't that what mothers do as well feed their children and protect them from the elements.

No wonder we know Taurus Sun individuals as natural caretakers. They will take of your physical needs. It is easier to enjoy other things life has to offer when you don't need to focus on finding food and shelter as a full-time preoccupation. Taurus is associated with 2nd house of values, worth and sustenance. One of the questions Taurus asks is - what value does it have and is it worth a sustained effort? Taurus is a strong fixed sign very capable of labouring over projects and bringing them to completion.

This a great time frame to bring ideas into life, to tend to that garden so that you have a beautiful garden all summer long. Taurus is not hasty energy, the rushed energy belongs to the month of Aries that has just concluded. All of the inner planets have already marched on. Venus the ruler of Taurus has been in Taurus since the start of April - great time to re-learn how to eat good home cooked meals. Over indulging may be a problem, Taurus loves food - the taste, the texture, the feel, the smells - all of it. Taurus also likes money and what it can buy, which may bring the urge to spend a little too much on the things you just have to have. Taurus is not fond of change, it is an energy that prefers to hold onto things as they are, so sweeping changes might not be in the stars just yet.

Astrologically when we analyze time we are looking at cycles. Mercury has a year long cycle with a three disruptive time frames, when he takes his journeys back in the sign from our earthly perspective. Venus has an apparent annual cycle which is actually about 18 months. The Sun has a predictable annual cycle with minimal variation, each astrological month has its theme.
This is the birthday month for Taurus so typically themes that are built into the birth chart surface now, the focus around birthdays is typically about where you are headed in your life. This is the start of the new year for Taurus, astrologically speaking, easier to keep those resolutions now that your astrological year begins.

For Aries the Taurus Sun activates the money house from the solar perspective, the one sun sign columns utilize. It also brings to forefront the issue of time and asks if what you are pursuing is worth it. A good time to prioritize.

For Gemini the Sun in Taurus period represent a time to step back, take time out and spend some time contemplating what the next year should hold in store. This can also bring about a period where energy levels are depleted.

For Cancer the Sun in Taurus period brings the spotlight on friendship issues, long term aspirations and money from career type activity. This can also signify a very social time frame with lots of activity. The question is - are you getting what you think you are worth?

For Leo the Sun in Taurus period is about career, status and how the worlds views your accomplishments. This can send you questioning if your career continues to satisfy you. Are you getting the recognition you think you deserve? Is this the time to adjust your attitude or implement change?

For Virgo the Sun in Taurus period is about travel, learning, religion and philosophy. You may be too busy to notice or take the time to think about the deeper mysteries of life. Is what you are doing satisfying your long-term goals - are you doing what you love or just doing? Your quest is in focus.

For Libra the Sun in Taurus period is about assets, loans, debts and resources. It is also about assessing your values and deep desires from the vantage point of another. Are you feeding your soul - are you satisfied? Is there more to life than death, taxes - are you existing or living the life you know you deserve?

For Scorpio the Sun in Taurus period brings focus on relationships. This is the time put others first, be of assistance. Some relationships may end as they are no longer of value and so that new ones can be begun. The natural opposition formed here can be the source of friction and disagreements. Who are the people you value?

For Sagittarius the Sun in Taurus period shines its spot light on the house of work and chores. If there ever was a month to attack household chores and get organized this is it. You may find yourself more critical and analytical now, noticing things that normally don't get your attention. Time has inherent value - are you utilizing yours in a way that satisfies you.

For Capricorn the Sun in Taurus period is about romance, children and creative pursuits. It is time to have some fun. Now the question becomes what is fun, what do you still enjoy? Some interests may fade now as their pursuit no longer satisfies your need to balance your work with fun activities.

For Aquarius the Sun in Taurus period revolves around home. Spruce up and improve, make it your castle - it is important to you. It may be easier to eliminate unnecessary items, replace with new and to make your home a place of comfort and solace. You may find yourself examining your own view of self, some notions may become superfluous. Be kind to yourself.

For Pisces the Sun in Taurus period is about activity in your daily environment. Communication with siblings and neighbours. What gives you pleasure in your daily life? Are their activities you'd rather do than those you are doing? You make those decisions - remember it has to be worth your time and effort.

So enjoy the Taurus Sun period, the Gemini Sun to follow isn't quite as light-hearted as the average year...© Anne Massey April 2002

Astrologically Speaking

Taurus 2002 edition ...

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