Astrological Blueprint
Planetary Ruler: Venus
Mode: Fixed
Element: Earth
The archetype of Taurus is a beautiful, strong, and stable energy. After the initial spark of creation takes flight through the fiery initiation of Aries- this seed of consciousness needs a place to land and take form so it can become manifest and experienced. This is Taurus energy: it is the form through which the divine spark express. In order for this form to be the most realized expression of its potential, Taurus requires simple stability to thrive. Groundedness allows Taurus to create the security necessary to experience the abundance and pleasure available through the physical senses. Being ruled by Venus, luxury, beauty, the body, the earth, and health are deeply intertwined with this archetype. As the fixed earth sign of the zodiac, Taurus is naturally patient, persevering and reliable. However in its shadow it can be slow, stubborn and even materialistic.
In the body The primary correspondences for Taurus are to the ears, throat, vocal cords, neck, sinuses, tonsils, thyroid, lower jaw.
Other secondary correspondences include the lymphatic system, as well as the skin and kidneys, as these are ruled by Venus.However the primary correspondence of these (skin & kidneys) is Libra.
When out of balance Taurus can express as general stagnation, depression (physical and mental), obesity, hypothyroid, gout, throat infections (streptococcus, tonsillitis), and ear infections.
Herbal Actions Alterative, bitter, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, bitter, lymphogogue, aphrodisiac, nutritive.
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Herbal Allies
Cleavers (Galium aparine) : Lymphatic, Alterative, Anti-Inflammatory, Mild Diuretic, Mild Astringent, Aperient, and Tonic. In some ways cleavers may not be the most obvious Taurus herb, given their delicate morphology, however they do often pop-up around Taurus season in the Pacific Northwest and act as an excellent lymphagogue, helping the body to produce lymph and get it moving through the body. They are incredibly useful in tonsillitis, as they help to clear the lymphatic swelling, and cool and sooth the inflammation. Cleavers are also a wonderful alterative and mild-diuretic that can help to support the clearing of the general stagnation that Taurus can be prone too. In helping the body to gently detoxify, cleavers can help with conditions of the skin which come under the Venusian rulership that is shared with Taurus. Energetically, we see Cleavers as a wonderful aid for sticky situations within relationships: just like how they stick to their environment, crawling towards the sun, cleavers can help us deal with clingy stuck energy within relationships, indicating another correspondence to Venus. Try cleaver for energetic use in our protection mist. You can also find it in our Nourishing Greens Tincture.
Garden Sage (Salvia officianalis) : Antimicrobial (bacterial, fungal, viral), Antihyperhydrotic, Oestrogenic, Anti-galactogogue, Antioxidant, Spasmolytic, Carminative, Astringent. While sage doesn't fall specifically under any of the actions we generally associate with Taurus, it does correspond to the Taurean body as it has an amazing affinity for tending and mending a classic sore-throat. When used as a mouth wash, classic garden sage is useful for clearing throat infections, pharyngitis, laryngitis, uvulitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, glossitis, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers. Follow that with a tea-spoon of honey and you should be singing in no time ;)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) : Nervine Tonic, Nutritive, Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Aphrodisiac, Galactagogue, Trophorestorative, Neuroprotective, Demulcent. Maca is another herb that at first glance may not seem to directly correspond to Taurus as it doesn't fall under most of the actions of systems of the body that are normally associated with Taurus... except for the aphrodisiac qualities. Taurus is an incredibly sensual and embodied sign. It is also a sign with a lot of stamina. Not only does maca work to soothe and restore the nervous system, while increasing the body's resilience to stress, but it is also amazing for promoting libido, sexual stamina, fertility and overall sexual function in both male and female bodies. Maca is packed with nutrition and supplies the body with key macronutrients that support overall health and stamina. This emphasis on stamina is exactly why we are drawing the correspondence to Taurus. Morphologically, like Taurus, it is also looks rather unassuming above ground, but underneath its medicine is in the strong and sweet earthy root.
Calamus (Acorus calamus): Carminative, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Stimulant, Tonic, Warming bitter, Lymphagogue. Calamus or Sweet Flag, is useful in acute infections where swelling of the lymphatic tissues of the neck and throat is present. Morphologically, the roots of calamus actually look quite similar to the throat and it is useful for restoring the voice and treating upper-respiratory conditions. In Sanskrit the word for calamus is "Vacha" which means "to speak" or "to speak well." These roots are incredibly aromatic, and useful for those using their voice a lot either teaching, singing or in some other way. Simply chewing on a small piece of the root to restore the voice. Energetically this plant can also be of immense support to those who have difficulty expressing themselves.
Burdock (Arctium lappa): Depurative, Bitter, Mild Laxative, Mild Diuretic, Antirheumatic, Antibiotic, Hypoglycaemic, Diaphoretic, Hepatic & Hepatoprotective, Antitumor, Alterative, Nutritive tonic. Burdock is particularily useful at opening up the channels of elimination of the body, making it a classic "blood purifyer." In this way, it is useful for the toxicity that can occur from a result of general stagnation that Taurus is prone too. It is also a strong and sturdy root, which can fall under the rulership of Jupiter... however nothing in astro-herbalism is black or white. It is simply a study of patterns and relationships, and while Taurus is associated with the beauty of Venus, it is also incredibly strong, sturdy and stable like burdock. Try burdock in our Daily Detox.
Magnolia Blossoms (Magnolia grandiflora) : This month we've chosen magnolia blossom as our ritual herb. When working with Taurus ritually, we are naturally also working with Venus. And while Roses are an easy go to, we wanted to expand our horizons this month. Magnolia blossom are absolutely beautiful, stimulating our senses and inspiring a sense of abundance. They also grow from larger trees, making them more sturdy than your average patch of flowers- very true to the fixed earth quality of Taurus. Flowers for Healing says "The Magnolia Flower Essence allows you to connect with and become a vessel of Divinity, holding these energies whilst remaining grounded with the Earth." - this is exactly the essence of Taurus described above... the grounded vessel for the divine sparks of creation.
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