Aries/Taurus
April 19 to April 23
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. It represents birth and the first realization of self. Taurus, the second sign of the Zodiac, moves beyond what is represented by Aries. Taurus begins to physically explore the world. Aries tend to display strong leadership, and their extroverted and assertive nature lets them eagerly lead the new cycle of the zodiac. Taureans tend to be richly sensual, enjoying the good things in life and the physical pleasures that come with them. Together, these two astrological signs denote an active and dynamic pioneer who responds to the world by examining the worth of each possible response. The ability to follow through and complete projects that others may have abandoned through boredom or because it was too difficult is blended with the sign of new beginnings. This promises a tremendous amount of fulfilling adventure and achievement for those born on the Aries/Taurus cusp.
The astrological symbol of Aries is the Ram. Like the popular conception of the Ram, Aries people are able to accomplish a lot by sheer energy and force of will, ramming their way to their goals. In this way, Aries exemplifies the cardinal quality assigned to it. The astrological symbol of Taurus is the Bull. The term bullheaded applies to Taureans in both its positive and negative connotations, and Taurus exemplifies the fixed quality assigned to it. The Aries/Taurus can be blunt, and they are bold and strong. They are among the strongest combination of signs when it comes to meeting goals because of their reliable persistence. Those born under the influence of both astrological signs are able to initiate and successfully complete projects and activities.
Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. In ancient Roman mythology, Mars (and his Greek equivalent, Aries) was the god of war. He was bold, aggressive, energetic and courageous. On the negative side, he was impulsive, compulsive and quick-tempered, and he could give in to anger and a will for destruction. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus (and her Greek equivalent, Aphrodite) was the goddess of love, beauty and pleasure. She represented joy, happiness and appreciation of beautiful things. On the negative side, her appreciation for sweets and luxury could result in overindulgence. Mars was active and high-spirited, full of physical energy and vitality; the Aries/Taurus-born reflect his leadership and initiative. They are strongly independent and determined and have the physical stamina to stay their course. They have a great love for culture. It's important for them to feel good. They often maintain extensive art collections and tend to be artistic themselves, sometimes through singing. They enjoy partnership and marriage, and use their charm -- as well as their focused perseverance -- to work toward harmony and personal security. An individual born on the Aries/Taurus cusp has the potential for great satisfaction in life, thanks to the balance of great action and great will.
The element associated with Aries is Fire, and the element associated with Taurus is Earth. Fire Signs are physical beings who tend to respond to the world through action. Earth Signs tend to respond to the world by examining the worth of each possible response. The combination of these two elements provides a solid foundation to pioneer uncharted territories.
The Aries/Taurus tends to want what they want, when they want it. The Aries side of their character needs to accept that this isn't always possible and stop butting their heads, ram-like, into the nearest wall. Aries/Taurus people can also be extremely patient and dependable. Their ambition ensures that they are hardworking and helpful to others. The blending of their elements, earth and fire, gives them a general focus on building things and seeing their ideas through to completion. However, the fixed opinions of the Aries/Taurus can be surprisingly unchangeable, even when they have discovered a flaw in their logic.
In their leisure time, Aries/Taurus tend to play as hard as they work at the office. They greatly enjoy athletics, as sports give them a positive and healthy outlet for some of their natural aggression. They appreciate both individual challenge, especially aerobics, as well as the group challenge of football and soccer. Aries/Taurus tend to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, that allow them to get close to the earth. Conversely, their appreciation of art and culture sends them to the opera and exclusive galleries. The Aries/Taurus cusp individual could possibly be an expert rock climber, kayaker or skier. Intense activity and drive channeled through a great love and respect for the natural beauty of the outdoors is often seen with this astrological aspect.
The great strength of the Aries/Taurus-born is in their energy, initiative and courage. Their ability to take a project and go with it is unparalleled. Their more earthy side brings out their stability and perseverance. Methodical determination enables them to be productive when others have long since given up. With the combination of fire and earth, they are one of the most dynamic, stable and passionate characters of the zodiac.
Sun in Taurus:
Your soul development in this lifetime involves fully immersing yourself in matter, the physical world, and your senses. The ramifications of this are many.
First of all, Paul, you very much enjoy the fruits of the earth in a simple, uncomplicated way. You have a deep rapport with nature and its rhythms, and if you cannot live in the country, you need at least to have a view of some natural beauty or to be surrounded with living or growing things. You have a strong affinity for plants. Regular contact with the land, forests, mountains, or your garden restores you, and without it you lose your center and your peace. When you are at your best, you function like a healthy animal, following what your instincts and your senses tell you. Your well known stubbornness and resistance to change is in part a reflection of your strong need to follow your own instincts and proceed at your own natural pace. As a wise one once phrased it "A soul must never be pushed or driven, but allowed to unfold naturally, like a flower blossoming bit by bit in the sunshine". This sense of a natural unfolding process underlies your tendency to be both steadily patient and very obstinate when faced with the need to make sudden moves or adapt to changes. Furthermore, Paul, your contribution in life has to do with, building (solid foundations, assets, structures), and continuing, sustaining, and preserving what has already been attained (thus, your disinclination to embrace innovation or change).
Your willfulness, which is quite strong, has the qualities of the earth itself - heavy, immovable, dense, enduring, and constant, and in terms of character or soul development this may work for or against you. You are not easily impacted or influenced by others, and you tend to ignore subtle hints and clues that you are not on the right track. Thus, Paul, you will persist in an endeavor until you are shown in some very gross, unmistakable way that you cannot or should not. In this way, you can make some egregious errors, carving deep grooves or patterns which are very hard to change.
Leo Rising:
If your Rising Sign is Leo, you put up a very confident front. You appear as proud and sure of yourself as can be. People expect drama from you, and they will be disappointed if you don't deliver the spiritedness one counts on with the Lion-hearted. You carry yourself with distinction, and you catch everyone's eye whether you like it or not. If others see these regal Leo qualities, they may pick up on the some negative Leo vibes -- like smugness or over-the-top vanity. Despite that perceived self-interest, you're bound to be popular in whatever clique you find yourself.
Your Pallas is in Taurus
With Pallas in Taurus, your strengths are your convictions, practicality and stamina. It may take time for you to make up that implacable Pallas-Taurean mind and rally around a cause, but once you've decided your convictions are set in stone. No one can sway you from your chosen path, no matter how enticing the rewards, or how frightened you are of a challenge. Those who agree with your cause see your implacability as strength, those against you see it as foolish stubbornness, but no matter -- you will not be changed by others' opinions. This internal security is truly your gift, and you're practical enough to almost never get wrapped up in no-win situations. Instead, you will plan and budget with exquisite practicality while others around you lose their heads. It's almost impossible to win against one whose Pallas resides in Taurus -- that is, of course, unless someone manages to penetrate your Achilles heel, your soft heart. No one can win you over by orders or threats, but by appealing to your emotional side another may be able to manipulate you.
Your Vesta is in Taurus
Material gain is what turns you on, and you'll go to almost any lengths to get it. You crave luxury, the finer things in life; and you feel most secure when there's a healthy balance in your bank account. Luckily, you're willing to work very hard to get the security and luxury you need. The Vesta-Taurus confluence makes you steady, stable, practical and eager to strive and work; qualities which will endear you to any employer and make you a natural for the fast track. The Vesta-Taurean implacability once again rears its head here -- when you've decided there's something you want, whether it be an object or a person, you're almost impossible to budge. You'll plow ahead until you get what you want or exhaust yourself trying. You're the same way sexually, determined to please your partner and touchingly devoted to their needs. But it's in sex that your softer side comes out, as you're exceedingly sensual and loving, a delight to touch and hold. It's very important to you to connect sexually and physically with the ones you love, which makes you very lovable indeed.
Your Juno is in Virgo
Juno in Virgo is always looking for the perfect relationship. She may in fact look with such intensity that she overlooks the near-perfect relationships which she is an expert in negotiating and may hope for an idealized love which can probably never be. Banish this tendency towards unkind perfectionism and you'll find that you're a lover willing to give your all to a long-term partnership. This tendency makes you a cherished lover and friend, with many willing to cast their lots in with your security and strength. It is important that you share the same material goals and values with your partner as you wish to grow with them rather than asserting your independence. The long-term partner you choose must also be sanguine about your nit-picking ways and can not be too sensitive to criticism. Instead, your partner should be strong and willing to look after the big picture while you pay attention to the troublesome details of life. Pick the right person and you're ready for a relationship which will grow and improve with each passing year.
Your Ceres is in Gemini
The luxuries and laziness that others crave is not for you; the Gemini soul cries out for stimulation and excitement. You particularly desire intellectual impetus and like to play games which challenge your mind or otherwise excite your intellect. Variety is your passion, and you'll go out of your way to find new people or situations during your down time. Nurture yourself with this need for variety and try new things often -- take classes in subjects which interest you, seek out new training, talk to those who may offer new ideas. Avoid getting emotionally entangled with those you encounter; your emotions play second fiddle to your powers of reason and you may find that others mistake your intentions. You are generally a kind and loving friend or partner but you express your love and care for others with the same attention to intellectual by-play -- you will challenge others to use their brains and their reasoning instead of acting on their emotions. Do not ignore or put off your attraction to variety and brain power or you'll find yourself feeling stultified quite soon.
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