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Taurus: One of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a bull. People who are born approximately between the 20th of April and the 20th of May come under this sign.

To the Egyptians Taurus, The Bull, symbolized both Osiris and his sister Isis who were represented as a bull-god and cow-goddess respectively.

In Greek legend, Taurus is identified with the disguise adopted by Zeus, also known as Jupiter by the Romans, in yet another of his amorous adventures. On this occasion, the god had fallen in love with the beautiful Europa, daughter of King Agenor, as she strolled with her companions on the seashore. He suddenly appeared amongst them as a magnificent white bull, but one which was so gentle that they felt no fear. Europa and her maidens gathered flowers and made garlands which they hung around the animal's neck and, such was their trust in his docility, that Europa climbed upon his back. However, at this moment, the bull plunged into the sea and swam away furiously with the terrified girl. When they reached Crete, Zeus revealed his true identity and ravished her. She was to bear him three sons, the first of which, Minos, introduced the bull cult to Crete.

The ancient zodiacal constellation of Taurus was one of Ptolemy's original 48 constellations and remains today as part of the official 88 modern constellations recognized by the IAU. It is perhaps one of the oldest constellations of all and may have even been recognized prehistorically. Taurus spreads over 797 square degrees of sky and contains 7 main stars in its asterism with 130 Bayer Flamsteed designated stars located within its confines. It is bordered by the constellations of Auriga, Perseus, Aries, Cetus, Eridanus, Orion, and Gemini. Taurus is visible to all observers located at latitudes between +90 ° and -65 ° and is best seen at culmination during the month of January.

There is one major annual meteor shower associated with the constellation of Taurus, the annual Taurids, which peak on or about November 5 of each year and have a duration period of about 45 days. The maximum fall rate for this meteor shower is about 10 meteors per hour average, with many bright fireballs often occurs when the parent comet – Encke – has passed near perihelion. Look for the radiant, or point of origin, to be near the Pleiades.

Taurus is considered by some to be one of the oldest recognized constellations known and may have even been depicted with the Pleiades in cave paints dating back to 13,000 BC. According to Greek myth, Taurus was the god Zeus, transformed into a bull in order to woo princess Europa, and perhaps could represent one of the Cretan Bull of Herculean fame. The ancient Egyptians also worshiped a bull-god for which this constellation might represent, just as the Arabs also considered it to be bovine by nature. The Hyades cluster was meant to represent the sisters of Hyas, a great hunter, placed in the sky to honor their mourning for the loss of their brother – just as the Pleiades represent the seven sisters of Greek mythology – as well as many other things in many other cultural beliefs. The Persians called this group of stars "Taura", just as the Arabs referred to it as "Al Thaur". No matter what way you want to look at it, this handsome collection of stars contains many fine deep sky objects to pique your interest!

Let's begin our binocular and telescope tour of Taurus with its brightest star- Alpha – the "a" symbol on our map. Known to the Arabs as Al Dabaran, or "the Follower," Alpha Tauri got its name because it appears to follow the Pleiades across the sky. In Latin, it was called Stella Dominatrix, yet the Olde English knew it as Oculus Tauri, or very literally the "eye of Taurus." No matter which source of ancient astronomical lore we explore, there are references to Aldebaran.

Taurus represents permanent stability. They are very calm and patient but can be very stubborn and grumpy, somewhat greedy and spiteful at times.

A Taurus is usually practical, determined and has strong willpower. Taurus' are stable and conservative people, they will follow loyally a leader they have confidence in. They love peace and tranquility and are very respectful of the laws and rules. They respect material values ​​and avoid debts. They are a bit reluctant to change. They are more practical than intellectual and, since they like continuity and routine, they usually have fixed ideas. The Taurus' are prudent, stable and have a great sense of justice. They do not usually sink in the face of difficulties but keep going until they come through. Sometimes Taurus can be too rigid, argumentative, self-centered and stubborn. Taurus' like beautiful things and are often fond of art and music. Some Taurus have an unconventional and very strong religious faith. They love the pleasures of life, luxury and good food or drink. In fact, Taurus' must strive not to be carried away by the temptation to excessively satisfy these tastes.

A Taurus is very indulgent, creative, and lazy. They are best suited for someone who doesn't mind relaxing and staying in a few nights a week, while still catering to their creativity and physicality. A Cancer is an amazing match for a Taurus, because they will relate to a Taureans need for security and deep, serious relationships. A Cancer is also an empath who is compassionate, so they will appreciate and love a Taurus' sensitivity and need for emotionality.

Some people might call Taurus' stubborn, but usually they simply just know what they believe in, and that is rare these days. So, if you are a Taurus, don't let what other people affect what you believe in!