Taurus is the second astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Taurus. In western astrology, this sign is no longer aligned with the constellation as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. In astrology, Taurus is considered an earth sign and is one of four fixed signs. Like the rest of the earth signs, Taurus is considered a "negative", feminine sign, which in astrology means it is rather introvert. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus (which also rules Libra). Being the second sign of the zodiac, Taurus has been associated with the astrological second house. The glyph is also the alchemical symbol for rocksalt.

Individuals born when the Sun was in this sign are considered Taurus individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun is in Taurus roughly from April 20 to May 20. Under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently there roughly from May 15 to June 15. People born on these juncture dates should have an astrological chart drawn to determine which sign the sun was in at the exact time of their birth.

Mythology
In mythology Taurus is often associated with the Greek myth of the bull-form taken by Zeus in order to win Europa. Taurus is also associated with the Greco-Roman goddess Aphrodite/Venus and sometimes also the goddesses Hera/Juno, Ishtar, Isis, Freyja, and Frigg and the gods Pan, Dionysus/Bacchus, Xolotl, and Quetzalcoatl. The astrological symbol for Taurus represents the head and horns of the bull.

Associated traits
Astrologers assign personality traits to the signs. The following are traits more widely associated with Taurus. Note that no scientific research thus far has been able to prove such correlation. Many astrologers consider planetary aspects to hold a key influence which may override sign location and thus conceding many exceptions.

• Stubborn, however prefer thinking of themselves as patient, sensible and firm.
• Dedicated, willing to work hard for what they enjoy.
• Determined.
• Disciplined, methodical.
• Sensible, practical.
• Conservative, traditional.
• Artistic / creative. Often musical.
• Relaxed, laid-back, generally cool and self-possessed.
• Slow to anger, but can become furiously mad.
• Sensual, greatly enjoys food.
• Loving
• Romantic and affectionate.
• Getting stuck in ruts.
• Good sense of humor.
• Resentful.
• Prudent, cautious.
• Reliable, dependable and trustworthy.
• Tenacious, steadfast.
• Stable, steady.
• Patient.
• Loyal, faithful.
• Overindulgent.
• Very strong.
• Good taste.

Physical traits
Many astrologers believe that each of the zodiac signs has identifiable physical traits. Individuals born under the sign of Taurus will tend to have long faces, a well defined jawline, small ears, a large and dimpled chin, sometimes prominent foreheads, a pointy or short and turned-up nose, large and expressive eyes that offer a steady gaze, opaque, clear, light skin, often beautiful fair complexion, full and well-shaped lips, small and even teeth, and fine, often straight hair. Many astrologers believe Taurus to be very good looking individuals. They are thought to usually be above average height and the women often possess a voluptuous figure, a swan neck and Grecian nose. Some of the women are pure Aphrodites.They are beautifully proportioned, and extremely graceful in their movements and exude airs of deep sensuality, amazing drawing powers, and tremendous magnetism.

Compatibilities
Although many mainstream astrology books do not bother with superficial sun-sign compatibilities, Taurus is widely thought to be compatible with the earthy signs, Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus itself.

Taurus is also often considered to be a good match with Cancer and Pisces. Its relationship with Scorpio is often considered powerful and passionate, but rather complicated.

According to Liz Greene, Taurus could also learn a lot and build a solid enduring bond with air sign Aquarius, however both will have to make an effort from time to time to understand each other's different world-views. Taurus is also said to be good with Leo, although the relationship may need some work as both signs can be very stubborn, and should instead try to understand and accept each other.

There are many variables that determine compatibility in astrology, such as birth dates, birth months, birth years, position of a sign within the Sun, the Moon, Stars, etc. The signs listed as compatible with Taurus do not reflect an individual profile or individual reading as interpreted within astrology, but rather reflect a general guideline and reference to compatibility as dictated by variables such as Qualities and Elements within the Zodiac. Professional astrologers rarely boil compatibility down to just the sun-sign. The branch in astrology dealing with interpersonal compatibilities is called Synastry.

Correspondences

• The Indian equivalent of Taurus is Vrishabha.
• The Chinese equivalent is thought to be the wise, purposeful Snake, whose lunar month is 5 May - 5 June.