Taurus Season: the Embodiment of Abundance
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
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
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
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
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.)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!