Taurus: Security, Simplicity, & Survival
2nd House / Fixed Earth / Yin Expression / Ruled by Venus
Grounding the Aries Energy
Taurus is the second archetype in the zodiac wheel and the first earth sign. At the core, Taurus desires to live well on the earth plain— enjoying a stable routine that is abundant, sensual, and connected to life’s simple pleasures.
Taurus is a natural evolution of energy from the previous archetype of Aries— the first archetype of the zodiac wheel— which was concerned with action, independence, and doing whatever it takes to answer the burning question of “Who am I?”
Taurus serves as a grounding force for Aries’ constantly forward-moving energy. When Aries’ momentum collides with Taurus, it’s like a fireball slamming into a rock. Taurus teaches Aries that if it wants to truly survive, it must slow down, build steady foundations, and adapt to the simple rhythms of life.
Taurus understands that constant inertia and unchecked impulse can’t be sustained forever. We are in a body that has limitations, our resources are finite, the world is unpredictable, and we need make sure we stay alive. For Taurus, the key to survival is building a stable and sustainable routine— one that fosters security and builds strength for the long term.
Security and Self-Reliance
One of Taurus’ primary concerns is securing the resources needed to sustain life— nourishing food, clean water, safe shelter, and money. Once the basic needs are met, the finer things in life can be enjoyed. Whether it's through a home-cooked meal, the luxury of a comfortable bed to rest in, or the quiet satisfaction of financial security, Taurus's sense of well-being hinges on how well they are managing the essential elements of their physical reality.
In order to truly feel secure, Taurus needs to have a continuous supply of the resources that they rely on. Further, they will want to ensure they can acquire what they need independently, without the help of anyone else. By eliminating the unpredictability of other people— who can often be inconsistent or unreliable— Taurus can maintain their steady routine without any outside threats or disruptions.
Whether this manifests as someone who grows their own food or knows how to fix their own car, Taurus values the practical skills needed to take care of themselves. It’s about getting back to basics and ensuring that they never feel helpless or dependent on others.
Limitation & Stubbornness
Taurus’ desire for security and doing things themselves is essential because it helps them survive. However, they can easily become stubborn or too narrowly focused— insisting on always doing things the same way. Taurus’ resistance to change or outside help can be a source of limitation— holding them back from the fullness of life.
Taurus will experience limitation in at least one of the following ways: self-imposed boundaries or external constraints.
In the first case, Taurus may hold themselves back by rigidly clinging to what’s familiar— even when it’s deteriorating— because it provides a sense of comfort and continuity. For example, they might stay in a run-down house with mold and disrepair simply because it’s what they’ve always known. Despite the option of finding a better living situation, the fear of uprooting themselves and the reluctance to take on the cost of moving keeps them stuck. Over time, their stubbornness can lead to greater financial and emotional costs as they remain locked in their comfort zone, allowing things to worsen.
In the second case, Taurus may acutely feel the burden of real-world limitations— such as financial concerns or a lack of other resources. These constraints can trigger a scarcity mindset, causing them to hold themselves back from pursuing opportunities or taking risks.
Taurus could also be painfully confronted with their own personal limitations when out in the world— such as a block in their physical or social capacities— and feel resistant to putting themselves in any situation that would expose their weaknesses. The irony is that exposure to these circumstance would challenge Taurus to evolve and live more fully, but because of they threaten the status-quo, Taurus would prefer to remain unchanged, unbothered, and not be pushed out of their comfort zone.
Personal Values and the Relationship with Ourselves
Taurus’ emphasis on survival highlights our self-value. Do we value ourselves enough to take care of ourselves? Do we treat our bodies like a temple? Do we make our living spaces comfortable, do we eat well, and get good sleep?
The way Taurus cares for their body, mind, and resources reflects how they feel about themselves. It’s not enough to just have security and stability in their lives; Taurus must believe they are worthy of it. Without a solid foundation of self-worth, none of the external comforts matter.
Taurus also highlights how well we value our resources. Do we respect the Earth? Do we waste food, water, and money, or do we use them wisely, sustainably?
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of relating. In Taurus, Venus the relationship that we have with ourselves, our bodies, our planet, our commodities, and things. Taurus emphasizes the relationship with our value system, because it’s living by our values that helps us to survive and live well.
When Taurus lives in alignment with their values, everything falls into place. Life becomes a lot more simple and grounded in what truly matters.
Opposite Scorpio: Survival vs. Transformation
Taurus’s opposite sign, Scorpio, offers powerful lessons in death, rebirth, and transformation. While Taurus is focused on remaining stable and secure, Scorpio is driven by the need for deep, transformative change. Scorpio seeks to disrupt the status quo by tearing down what no longer serves and initiating a metaphorical death in order to be reborn from the ashes stronger and more evolved. This process is obviously deeply unsettling for Taurus, who wants to avoid at all costs anything that threatens their simple routine.
Taurus would never want to undergo a Scorpionic metaphorical death and rebirth. However, if Taurus remains limited in their narrow way of being, they will never change, never transform, and ultimately miss out on the greatness and richness that life has to offer. Taurus can get stuck in surviving, but not thriving— not truly living life.
The tension between Taurus and Scorpio highlights the need to take a risk in life. Taurus may fear change, but Scorpio shows us that change is necessary for evolution. Taurus must learn to trust that expanding their horizons isn’t the end of their world— just the end of the world as they once knew it.
Square Leo: Threatened by the Extravagant
Taurus forms a square to Leo, denoting a crisis or tension between the interests of these two archetypes. Leo, the archetype of the artist, can be extravagant, larger than life, and very whimsical and colorful. Leo will not share Taurus‘ concern for simplicity and conservatism— Leo will instead desire to celebrate, live loud and proud, and show off their colorful personality. Leo will challenge Taurus to step outside of their routine, focus on a creative ambition— even if it’s impractical— and have some more fun.
Square Aquarius: Threatened by the Avant-Garde
Taurus also forms a square with Aquarius— the archetype of the rebel and the innovator— which marks an aspect of tension between these two archetypes. Aquarian energy is avant-garde, futuristic, moving at lightning speed with new ideas of how to benefit the whole of humanity. Aquarius has the capacity to experience quantum leaps that go beyond the realm of what is considered normal. This emphasis on innovation, collectivism, and unpredictable change is deeply threatening to Taurus, who would much prefer that things remain as they currently are and always have been.
Taurus does not like change, whereas Aquarius thrives on it. Similarly, Taurus could be reluctant to adopt Aquarius’ group-oriented concerns, because Taurus is more focused on their own personal survival.
Aquarius challenges Taurus to expand their narrow focus on what they already know and open their minds to greater possibilities and solutions that they could have never dreamed of. Aquarius will very likely disrupt Taurus’ routine, but it could be exactly what Taurus needs in order to change with the times and keep surviving into the future.
Questions for Reflection
The Taurus archetype prompts us to reflect on the relationship that we have with ourselves.
How well am I caring for my physical vessel?
Am I living a life that aligns with my values?
What helps me survive? How am I managing those things?
In what ways does my routine support me, and in what ways does it hold me back?
Where am I keeping myself small for fear of change?
What risks have I taken, and what happened? Would I do it again?
The Gift of Becoming Your Own Guarantee
One of the ultimate gifts that Taurus bestows is the gift of becoming our own guarantee. Simply put, Taurus will always find a way to keep surviving. Taurus has the self-reliance, resourcefulness, strength, and self-value needed to withstand any storm. Taurus need not look outside themselves for security— everything that they need is within.
In the highest expression, Taurus’ natural stubbornness expresses itself as an unshakable fortitude. With their self-reliance and inner strength in place, Taurus can truly live in the present moment, fully calm, grounded, and peaceful. It is this exact reason why Taurus is said to be the sign of the Buddha— living with peace, simplicity, and at ease.
From this place of embodied inner fortitude, Taurus can feel safe stepping outside of their routine and into the unknown— experiencing the real fullness and adventure that life has to offer. No matter what happens out there in the big world, Taurus knows that they have the capacity to do whatever it takes to keep their feet on solid ground.
Where is Taurus in Your Chart?
We all have the Taurus archetype within us, active in some area of our lives. Look to your birth chart to see what house you have the sign of Taurus in, what planets or points are there, as well as what sign and planets are in your 2nd house, and the placement of your natal Venus.
Curious to learn more? Book a birth chart consultation to explore more deeply how the Taurus archetype specifically manifests for you in your life.
