Taurus is the second constellation of the zodiac. Its name is the Latin word meaning “bull.” Astrologically, the Sun resides in the house of Taurus from April 20—May 20 each year.

The astrological symbol for Taurus is ♉, and the constellation sits in the sky between Aries and Gemini. Other nearby constellations include Auriga, Perseus, Cetus, Eridanus, and Orion.

Learn more about each zodiac sign.

Constellation Taurus the Bull

Taurus contains 132 stars, including 19 main stars that are most often depicted as the horns and front hooves of a charging bull. Its brightest star is Aldebaran, a giant orange star, about 40 times larger than our own Sun, located on the bull’s head.

Taurus contains two well-known Messier objects, deep sky objects were identified by French astronomer Charles Messier during the 18th Century: the Crab Nebula (M1) and the star cluster known as the Pleiades (M45). The Pleiades, a bright cluster of blue stars, have been known since ancient times. In addition, it contains two other star clusters: the Hyades, and Hind’s Variable Nebula (NGC 1555).

Bulls were considered sacred in many ancient cultures, and were often worshipped, sacrificed, or both. The constellation is most often associated with the Cretan bull captured by Hercules as the seventh of his Twelve Labors. Hercules snuck up behind the bull, grabbed it by the neck and sent it to Eurystheus, the king who imposed the Twelve Labors on him. From there, the bull was released and wandered the city of Marathon, where it fathered a half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur. Theseus, another Greek hero, eventually slew both the bull and the Minotaur.

Taurus is also often associated with the god Zeus, who took on the form of a white bull to abduct the Phoenecian princess Europa.

Traits of Taurus

People born during this period have Taurus as their Sun sign. Proponents of astrological determinism believe that people born under the same Sun sign share certain character traits. Taurus people are most often described as strong, stable, dependable, loyal, compassionate, honest, realistic, and stubborn.

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