The Glyph and Myth of Taurus

Taurus is represented by an archetypally unflattering astrological mascot: the Bull. The significance of this animal symbol supersedes the bovine’s blatant muscularity and the cock-and-bull idioms one usually associates with it.

Bulls have made important appearances in many cultural mythologies. The ancient Egyptians worshiped a Sacred Bull – an animal they believed animated the soul of their god Osiris. And the ancient Greeks have allegorical tales littered with bulls, as they were a symbol of beauty, majesty, and sensuality. So why is this animal associated with Taurus, and more so: what the hell does that bull glyph signify?

Inside Taurus there is a visceral philosophy which lays the foundation of all of their actions and motivations. And this inner ethos can be recognized in the earth sign’s glyph.

The bull horns … are an illustration of Taurus’ extended sensory awareness, like a pair of antennae. Even though the astro-Bull is about as far away from being an insect as possible, their horns can still be considered something akin to sensing appendages. As I have mentioned earlier, Taureans are very in touch with their five senses, probably more than any other sign in the zodiac. 

Taurus’ are feelers in every literal and non-literal sense of the word. In fact, the only way for astro-Bulls to recognize and comprehend lessons, instructions, or feelings is to translate them through their physical faculties. And this is what the glyph is trying to communicate. Taurus is at his or her best when they are mindful of and responsive their five senses. And they are at their worst when they are repetitively and mindlessly indulging them.

The indulgent aspect of Taurus is hard to ignore (and harder to control), seeing as the sign is ruled by sensual Venus, and the story of the Minotaur is the sign’s most obvious mythological clone.

Many Bulls are often powerless in the presence of one or more beautiful or desirous people or possessions. And the consequences of their Venusian tendencies can be seen in the Minos myth. Astrology’s Taurus are all four of the story’s characters; Minos, Minotaur and Theseus, with Aphrodite being a model of the astro-Bull’s inner epicure. Minos (like many Taureans) wanted to have and hold the snowy bull because it was beautiful. And his wife mated with it because she was overcome with Aphrodite-induced infatuation. These are examples of the astro-Bull’s powerful hunger, as well as their possessiveness. Both of which, when taken to the extreme and under the influence of a cerebral aphrodisiac, can consume them and turn them into the Minotaur. If Taurus fails in controlling their appetites for beautiful and sensual delights, then like Minos and the Minotaur, they will suffer an existence of chronic consuming.

If you’re interested in learning more about Taurus’ Bull glyph, then you need to  get your copy of my book, Taurus: the Delight, which covers all aspects of the earth sign. Interested in the whole zodiac shebang? Check out my 360-page ebook on the 12 signs, The Zodiac Abstract. And here’s a link about Egyptian Bull Cults for those curious about Osiris and his Bull heritage.