After what has seemed like the enduring, frigid winter would never end, the longer, warmer days have heralded in springtime. Because the days are so much more pleasant, we naturally tend to focus our attention to the pursuit of enjoying ourselves and taking time out to experience a much deserved break.

This new-found sense of release from the preceding harsh winter months indicates that the first stirrings of love are in the air. Many people therefore find May to be a propitious time to formalise relationships by getting married.

The astrological sign of Taurus is in effect through two-thirds of this month, and is therefore its ruling sign. Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and indicates wealth and abundance in our lives. It is a fixed quality and earth element, making it perhaps the most stable sign of the twelve. Because it is fixed, it is steadfast and will not generally waiver from any resolutions. Once it has made its mind up about something it will not waiver unless strong evidence to the contrary is presented. Because Taurus is of the earth element, it is practical and stable.

Taurus’s sense of solidity and methodical persistence can lead other less balanced souls to believe that it is boring, but that is simply not the case. What less balanced beings perceive as dullardness is merely the Taurean desire to keep his affairs in meticulous order. Only on the rarest of occasions will you find a Taurean at the centre of controversy, because these beings simply refuse to allow themselves to be caught up in the muddled affairs of others, even if it means losing friends in the process.

Taurus is ruled by the second planet from the Sun. Venus, also known as the morning or evening star because it can is the first celestial object to be viewed at dusk and the last one to be seen at dawn. Venus governs music, the arts and all that is pleasant. It also rules partnerships, and for that reason is considered to be the planet of love and marriage. The negative side of Venus is that it is very, very jealous and does not tolerate competition of any kind. So ardent is Venus in the pursuit of a competitor free existence, it is not above sabotage to remove any obstacles that are unlucky enough to cross its path.

The Tarot archetype that most closely corresponds to Taurus is The Hierophant. The Hierophant is an ancient Greek word meaning a priest who initiates or interprets the sacred mysteries. These men embodied God on earth and were believed to become vessels for his spirit in certain rituals.

It may be difficult at first to associate a traditionally spiritual key with Taurus, which is generally accepted to represent the material world, possessions, money and security. Belongings however, can say a lot about a person because they are an outward expression of his inner beliefs.

It is important to realise that we are all physical beings and therefore reliant on earthly attributes in order to exist in this world. If our material needs are lacking, we will endeavour to focus solely on satisfying them until they are met. Therefore, we cannot aspire to a more spiritual way of thinking unless our physical well being is assured.

Because The Hierophant is indicative of ritual, religious ceremonies such as marriage are quite common during the month of May. The solemn ceremony with all of its symbolic moments is a profoundly important rite and relates to the dramatic traditional elements of this institution.

The Tarot archetype that corresponds with Venus, the ruler of Taurus, is The Empress. The Empress represents the fertile mother goddess, who was worshipped throughout the ancient world. One of The Empress’s most enduring symbols is the ‘Madonna Lilly’, whose starry shape reflected the fact that many of her names meant star, such as Astarte, Ishtar and Eostre (Easter). It is because of this stellar influence that The Empress is depicted crowned with stars.

Venus influences The Empress by revealing her earthy, sensual face. The Taurean Venus is concerned with the earth, its special smell after rain has fallen, beautiful overflowing gardens, and luscious ripe fruits. Sensuality is expressed through a healthy appetite for food and sex; a love of tactile fabrics such as velvet and silk; ,massage with perfumed oils; and, rich colours in clothes and furnishings.

The Empress represents powerful female forces and the time is right to expand and grow. Financially and materially, she will be well provided for as her basic needs will be comfortably met.