Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and is traditionally represented by the Bull. In modern Western, or tropical, astrology the Sun is considered in Taurus from April 20 to May 20; in sidereal systems the corresponding span is currently given as roughly May 14 to June 19. The sign is associated with the element Earth, the fixed modality, and the planet Venus, which together shape common astrological descriptions of Taurus as steady, patient and pleasure-oriented.
Characteristics and symbolism
The Bull symbol evokes strength, persistence and a strong connection to the material world. People born under Taurus are often described in popular astrology as reliable, practical, and sensuous, with an appreciation for comfort, beauty and routine. At the same time, Taurus traits are said to include stubbornness and resistance to change when stability is threatened. The standard glyph for Taurus resembles a bull’s head with horns, and Venus’s influence links the sign to aesthetics, relationships and values.
Parts, placements and common associations
- Element: Earth — grounding, practical orientation.
- Modality: Fixed — persistence and endurance.
- Ruling planet: Venus — attraction, pleasure, art and money.
- Glyph: Bull’s head and horns.
Origins and astronomical context
The astrological Taurus takes its name and basic form from the constellation of the same name. That region of the sky contains notable star clusters such as the Hyades and the Pleiades and has long been associated with bull imagery across ancient cultures. Myths connecting bulls and fertility, seasonal cycles and sky deities fed the sign’s symbolism in both Mesopotamian and classical traditions. For a basic star-map reference see the Taurus constellation.
Uses, cultural impact and distinctions
Taurus features in horoscopes, natal-chart readings and popular discussions of compatibility and career inclinations. In compatibility frameworks Taurus is commonly paired with other earth signs (Virgo, Capricorn) for shared practicality, and with water signs for complementary emotional depth. A key technical distinction is the difference between tropical and sidereal zodiacs: the two systems assign the Sun to Taurus on different date ranges because they use different reference frames for the zodiac.
Whether treated as literal influence or symbolic language, Taurus remains a prominent and widely recognized part of astrological systems, invoked in literature, art and everyday horoscopes to signify endurance, sensuousness and a concern for lasting value.