Taurus Season: the Embodiment of Abundance
As we move into the crux of Spring from April 20th- May 20th, Nature invites us into slow and intentional awareness, counter balancing the jolt of Aries season prior.
Aries is the first leg of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, meant to wake you up from your seed pod, get your blood racing, and flood you with the urge to emerge, no matter what may be waiting.
Undoubtedly, this energy helped us ignite our inner soul spark, the burst of inspiration that pushes us to start new projects and chase new adventures. Now, as we enter the fixed Taurus season, we’re feeling more like sinking into a comfortable chair in the sun, rather than jumping into anything new.
Taurus season is the deep, belly breath you take as you slow down and process the whirlwind of activity that just passed. Our hyper-productive society will immediately shame you for this slow down, but no worries, this is the natural next step of the seasonal cycle of growth!
Nature knows we need these periods of digestion and integration, and offers it to us through the wisdom of the plants and animals around us. Stabilizing, grounding, and focused on fulfilling desires, this season confronts us with its Earthy reality, and challenges us to not just chase the things we want, but to live them, to wholly embody them. During this time, we can focus on taking all that fiery energy from the weeks prior, and planting it firmly in the ground, where it has the chance to grow roots and stabilize.
Venus and Softening
Venus rules this season, taking over from the fiery Mars that would have us acting on our every whim.
In her western myths Venus is the Goddess of love and beauty, in Hindu stories, Shukra is a sage of demons who grants wishes, and in ancient Mayan cities our sister planet’s movements were so important they dictated the exact positioning of political and ceremonial buildings. Because of this, wealth, art, and relationships have fallen under her care for Millenia.
What do we really desire? Venus cycles ask. And more importantly, what do we attract through that desire?
But Venus is not concerned with the surface level answers to these questions, no, she would have us understand what about them makes us them desire them, or feel nourished by them.
And in turn, what does that say about what we value, or even how we value ourselves?
Taurus season reminds us that feeling the embodied sensations of our desires or emotions is really what we’re looking for, not the thing itself. And we have all the time to grow into and experience it. We can now let go of the harshness and urgency that might have built up in our body during the preceding growth phase, as we jumped headfirst into something new. Aries and Mars made us feel that we must go NOW. Venus promotes softening and waiting for the correct time—relaxing the physical body, as well as the mental and emotional defenses we may have relied on to get us through.
This softening is key to opening ourselves up to receive what we need. Without it we risk becoming rigid and stagnant like the shadow of the bull, or the mud of the Earth, stuck in our grief or anger.
Spring begins to reveal its abundance during these months, and we are encouraged to soak it in. Warmer temperatures, more medicines and foods available, and longer days begin to remind us of the fertility of life. We are also reminded of our roles as stewards of both our bodies and the Earth.
We start to understand through these cycles, that this is how the body is fed; through soft and reciprocal care. That goes for all bodies. In order to strengthen our roots and grow to our next stages, just like the plants around us, we’ll need to learn to be in relationship with the abundant nourishment of the life’s gifts, allowing it to make us feel physically and emotionally cared for.
This is the divine law of nature, and moving against this exchange of care and love can have dire consequences.
Myths and Animal Guides
Taurus is one of the oldest constellations known to humans.
Around 1,000BC the Babylonians included it in their star charts and called it the Bull of Heaven. In this myth, the goddess Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to Earth as a painful and unforgettable punishment. And unforgettable it was. The bull brought complete havoc, causing widespread famine and drought, and showcasing the disruptive power of nature when the divine balance is disturbed.
This season’s lessons are a stark reminder: disrespect towards the natural order can have devastating consequences. Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu eventually confront and slay the bull, but this act comes after much death and loss.
This story parallels the spiritual teachings of Taurus season, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between our bodies and the Earth. The Earth gave us our body, helps us feed and grow it, and will one day accept our body back. We are in a forever cycle of reciprocal nourishment. Just as the bull's destructive power reflected an imbalance in the relationship between the divine and the Earth, our own destructive habits in our body or surroundings may reflect a spiritual imbalance or disconnection from our higher purpose here as creatures and stewards of the land.
As a symbol that encourages us to cherish the Earth's bounty and beauty, Taurus urges us to consider how we nurture our environment and ourselves. It asks us to be mindful of our consumption, to engage with our surroundings responsibly and sustainably. When we mistreat the environment, we see the repercussions not just around us, but within us, offering us a powerful lesson in reciprocity and respect.
The Wisdom of the Beaver
This humble, and commonplace forest creature is celebrated for its incredible ability to alter its environment in constructive ways during this season as the snow melt begins to change the rivers Its wisdom can act as a beautiful guide for us during Spring and all year long.
Known for building dams that can transform small streams into bodies of water that, in turn, can support an entire ecosystem, the Beaver teaches the importance of shaping our surroundings to create something nurturing and sustainable for everyone. Using his knowledge and god given gifts, those cute but sharp teeth, the beaver creates for the entire forest.
The Beaver is an environmental engineer, and because of this, he is also a caretaker, reflecting a deep commitment to the welfare of both family and community.
The lessons of personal and communal responsibility, to me, are so easily paralleled with Taurus’s need for personal comfort and stability. Both guides want to feel safe and sturdy, to create a home, and gather resources so they can enjoy their life, but the beaver reminds us that what we desire will always be enriched by a sense of belonging and contributing to our family, human and otherwise. What we build affects the entire ecosystem. In other words, abundance is our collective birthright, a gift, worth collectively protecting.
The Beaver also encourages us to take pleasure in and fully experience the physical world around us. There's a tangible joy in what Beavers do, from the meticulous chomping to the playful splashing in water. Where the stories of Taurus in modern astrology might emphasize the enjoyment of “comforts” from a pretty individualistic point of view, the Beaver teachings ask us to remember the sacred exchange we engage in with everything around us. One is a real push to connect to our unique body experience, and the other reminds us that our happiest and most comfortable environments always exist in harmony with others and the divine order of nature. Both are important lessons!
Body Astro and Nourishment
The concept of nourishment, as the archetype of Taurus will have us understand it, encompasses anything that feeds your sense of well-being and brings you joy.
This is a reminder after the battle of Aries season that we are meant to enjoy this body and this life.
This might include indulging in good food, the stereotype of Taurus, but also in nourishing relationships, beautiful surroundings, art, and music—all of which are under the influence of the Venusian planet guide.
The body parts ruled by Taurus also help give us a better awareness of beauty and our capacity for pleasure.
Taurus specifically rules over the neck, throat, the voice, thyroid gland, and in some interpretations, even the lower jaw and ears. These areas are crucial to the lessons of the season.
Neck and Throat: These areas are for speech, communication, and swallowing information. The throat, in particular, is a critical gateway, managing both the intake of food (nourishment) and the expression of thoughts (communication).
Thyroid Gland: Located in the neck, this gland plays a significant role in regulating metabolism and thus influences overall energy levels and physical health. Especially when it comes to balancing the storage and transformation of nourishment.
Ears: Associated with hearing, they connect to the Taurus's appreciation of music and sound, expressed through the throat
Venus, the Earth Element, and Taurus together teach us to listen to, and communicate with our bodies. This 'language' can be subtle—and learning the unique way your body speaks to you means becoming attuned to these signals and honoring them, rather than pushing through them as the stubborn bull might want to do.
Instead what were really asked to do is to be vulnerable, present, and aware of how we feel. It involves recognizing what types of food, activities, and environments make your body feel good and which ones don’t, cultivating a deeper, more intuitive relationship. Simply put, this is a perfect time to engage all five senses in the pursuit of pleasure. This time of the year invites us to enrich our sensory experiences as a pathway to presence and mindfulness.
Now, this transition is not meant to oppose or undo the essential work of Aries season, but correctively balance it. We are reminded of the need to specifically balance our primal instincts, with moments of reflection and enjoyment. Through Taurus cycles we find pleasure in the here and now, in a delicious meal, a walk in nature, or simply taking a moment to feel the sun on our skin. Taurus brings us back to our senses, urging us to not get too caught up in our heads or our fleeting desires, but to live in our whole bodies, attuned to their wisdom. It is from this place that we are stable enough to grow to the next stage.
Recipes for Taurus Herbs and Foods
Softening and Nourishment
Herbs associated with Taurus engage the senses, introducing us to fragrances and oils that make us feel comforted and nourished. They tend to be especially gentle, soothing, and beneficial for the throat and skin. Taurus is an Earth sign and we can be prone to stagnancy during this season, think of moving through wet spring mud, fertile but viscous. Bloating is usually how this manifests and these herbs can also help soothe our digestion and keep things flowing. This is great news for us as we indulge in the gifts of the world around us. We cannot witness the beauty without becoming it, and these herbs can show us how.
Rose (Rose spp.)
Roses originated in Central Asia some 35-40 million years ago. They are ancient and wise ancestors, known to uplift the spirit during dark times, as well as protect us from harm with their thorns. Their ties to love and ever lasting romance are legendary.
Since their birth, roses have spread across the Northern Hemisphere, from Mexico to Northern Africa and Europe. The whole world now knows this flower in some way.
Their cultivation likely began in China, around 5,000 years ago, and they were a staple in the gardens of the ancients for their smell and taste. A full sensory experience. On Turtle Island, wild roses have been used as a remedy for minor things like sore throats and colds.
In fact, tea from the hips (the fruit of the rose plant) are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, helping to boost immunity and skin health. Rose petals and hips can also be used in ointments and tonics.
Rose petals contain polyphenols, antioxidants that help protect the body from cellular damage. The essential oils derived from roses have anti-inflammatory properties and can probably be found in your favorite skincare products to soothe irritated skin, hydrate, and restore complexion. Rose tea is known to help us digest better and to calm nervous tension, which aligns with its use in aromatherapy for reducing stress and making us feel light and loved.
RECIPE: Rose Petal Jam
Begin by gently rinsing 2 cups of fresh rose petals under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. It’s important to use only petals that haven’t been treated with chemicals. In a bowl, combine the rose petals with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar or honey. Use your hands to gently massage the petals into the sugar; this helps release their natural oils and fragrance.
Transfer the sugared petals to a saucepan. Add the juice of one lemon and 3/4 cup of water. If you’re using pectin (for a thicker set), mix 1 tbsp with a little water and add it to the saucepan.Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, stirring frequently. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes or until the petals are translucent and the mixture has a syrupy consistency.
While your jam is cooking, sterilize the jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth, place the lids on, and tighten the bands.
To ensure preservation, you can process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. This step is optional but helps increase the shelf life.Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Check the seals, then store in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within a month.
Plantain (Plantago major)
This hardy plant, native to Europe and Asia, has adapted to flourish in many environments all over the world, often seen sprouting in cracks in the pavement or along roadsides. A testament to its strength and persistance.
Traditionally, plantain has been a staple in indigenous medicine, valued highly for its ability to heal wounds and soothe respiratory issues. The leaves of the plantain are packed with bioactive compounds that are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, making it ideal for us to use as a topical application on cuts and skin irritations.
In fact, its seeds and leaves have long been used to make poultices that draw out toxins and heal tissue, while tea brewed from plantain leaves has been used to treat coughs and colds due to its mucilage content, which helps soothe irritated mucous membranes.
It is also a great source of fiber, which helps regulate our digestion, and its natural astringent properties can help us with soothing upset stomachs.
RECIPE: Plantain Herbal Salve Recipe
Thoroughly wash and dry 1 cup of fresh plantain leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Chop the leaves finely or crush them to increase the surface area. Place the chopped leaves in a double boiler and cover them with 1 cup of your choice of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil). The oil should completely cover the leaves.
Heat the mixture over low heat for about 1-2 hours, making sure the oil does not boil. Stir occasionally. This process infuses the oil with the medicinal properties of the plantain. After heating, allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Use a strainer or cheesecloth to strain the oil into a clean bowl, removing all the plant material. Press or squeeze the leaves to extract as much oil as possible. Add 1/4 cup beeswax pellets to the strained oil. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 part beeswax to 4 parts oil. Return the mixture to the double boiler and gently heat it until the beeswax melts completely, stirring well to ensure it's evenly mixed.
Once the beeswax is melted and mixed into the oil, remove the mixture from heat. If you're using essential oils, add a few drops at this stage and stir well. Quickly pour the hot salve into jars or tins. Allow the salve to cool and solidify at room temperature. Label your jars and store the salve in a cool, dark place. The salve should be good for up to a year if stored properly.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
The ancient Romans found Sage to be very important, using it for everything from preserving meat to enhancing the memory.
The name itself derives from the Latin "salvere," meaning "to save," which speaks volumes about its esteemed status in ancient herbalism. Saving herbs and their medicines was kind of the whole point!
Indigenous to Mediterranean cultures, sage has long been used in spiritual practices as well. It is commonly found in smudging ceremonies, a tradition borrowed from Indigenous Turtle Island and Abaya Yala practices where the burning of different sage species in bundles is believed to purify spaces, clear negative energy, and restore balance.
Health-wise, sage is a powerhouse. It contains significant amounts of antioxidants, which help us to combat free radicals in the body, and has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe conditions like arthritis and asthma. Sage also supports digestive health and can relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Additionally, studies suggest that compounds in sage may enhance our cognitive function and memory, possibly even offering benefits in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease!
RECIPE: SAGE BUTTER SAUCE
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to cook for a couple of minutes until it starts to foam.
Add the 8-10 whole sage leaves (and 1 clove of minced garlic, if using) to the melted butter. Let them sizzle gently, stirring occasionally. Cook until the sage leaves darken slightly and become crisp, and the butter takes on a golden-brown color. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Season the sage butter with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of acidity, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Remove the crispy sage leaves and use them as a garnish. Drizzle the warm sage butter sauce over your cooked pasta, grilled fish, or steamed vegetables.
Seaweeds (various species)
People have not only been eating seaweed for centuries, but also using it as medicine, and even as a natural fertilizer that helps plants thrive by enriching the soil with nutrients.
It's packed with iodine, which is essential for a healthy thyroid, helping to regulate our metabolism.
It’s also full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, B vitamins, zinc, and iron, not to mention its antioxidants which are great for fighting off cellular damage.
Spiritually, seaweed has something to teach us too, especially during Taurus season—a time traditionally linked with growth and stability.
This usually requires roots, but kelp gets all the nutrients it needs from the environment around it. Its connection to the ever-moving ocean reminds us about the importance of being adaptable. This way, we can make the most out of life, just like seaweed as it sways with the ocean currents.
RECIPE: Seaweed Salad
Soak 1 cup of dried Wakame seaweed in warm water for about 5-10 minutes until it is fully expanded and soft. Drain well and gently squeeze out excess water.
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance) 1-2 cloves garlic, minced. Stir until well mixed.
In a mixing bowl, toss the rehydrated seaweed with the dressing. Add sliced cucumber and julienned carrot. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for an extra crunch and flavor. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Violet (Viola odorata)
Violets are blooming during this season and are used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
They have traditionally been used to treat skin conditions, and as a component in syrups for cold and flu relief. Violet is rich in vitamins A and C.
It also has the ability to soothe and calm with its mild sedative properties, making it great for helping with sleep or anxiety.
And even with its gentle and sweet presence, this flower also embodies the Taurus traits of patience and persistence. It’s believed to bring protection and enhance our connection to the divine.
RECIPE: Violet Lemonade
Steep a handful of fresh violet flowers in hot (not boiling) water for about 15 minutes.
Strain the liquid and add it to a mixture of lemon juice, water, and a sweetener of your choice.
Chill and enjoy its vibrant color and soothing properties.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to share insightful information on the benefits of herbs, everyone’s health needs are unique. Therefore, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle based on herbal remedies. Herbs can have powerful effects and may interact with medications or conditions. Always ensure that any herbs you plan to use are safe for your specific health situation. Stay informed and stay safe!
