TAURUS the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planet of Taurus is Venus, named after the goddess of love, beauty, harmony and fruitfulness. The influence of Venus can be seen in the Taureans sense of affection and fondness for a peaceful life. Taurus is a fixed, feminine earth sign whose positive traits indicate enduring loyalty, a calm and patient outlook, attentiveness, thoroughness, and very loving nature, while more challenging traits include a tendency to be self-indulgent, materialistic, and easily embarrassed.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Taurus is represented by a circle with an upturned curve on the top, a simple depiction of a bull’s head. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Taurus and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include the rose, crowned as ‘the queen of flowers’ by Cloris, goddess of flowers which has become a symbol of love and desire; mint, used for easing headaches; dandelion, from the French ‘dent de lion’, used to cure a red nose as well as easing watery eyes. The dandelion also has some wonderful local names such as; Clocks and Watches, Stink Davie, Golden Suns and Lay-a-Bed. Gemstones linked to Taurus include the topaz, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ meaning ‘to glow’ and the emerald which has been used by women to ease the pain of childbirth. The ancient Greeks believed that this gem ensured security in love and it was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. Some believe that the emerald becomes pale or changes colour when placed in the presence of deceit or treachery. Apart from the obvious bull, Taurus has special associations with small birds such as the wren and the sparrow. The goddess Venus, the ruling planet of Taurus, had a strong affinity with the smaller birds and as she walked around the fields and forests of Mount Olympus birds such as doves and nightingales would circle her head.

THE TAURUS NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Taurus and include: the central bull leaping over the astrological symbol for Taurus and the symbol of the ruling planet Venus; the background of leaves represents the element earth; the gemstone emerald sits in the bottom right hand corner; in the top left hand corner a rose has been placed just above a dove carrying a sprig of mint in its beak. The Taurean colours of green and blue are represented by the background and the border

KEY WORDS
Dependable
Artistic
Attentive
Resourceful
Loyal
Placid

To further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Taurus characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your ownlettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can uselettering of your own choice.