Taken from my friend and teacher, Geordie Numata‘s, New Moon in Taurus, May 3rd, Deer Spirit Reiki Newsletter.

New Moon in Taurus, May 3rd, 2011

Taurus, an earth sign which is ruled by Venus and defines the 2nd house of the horoscope, is associated with values, quality, havingness, stability, wealth, resources, and needs. Venus is the essence of femininity – fertility, form, beauty, grace, affection, sensuality, elegance, magnetism and receptivity.

When we value something, we want to have it – to receive it and keep it, whether its a material thing or an inner quality. We want to have things and qualities that are beautiful and that enhance our lives.

But why is the bull / cow the totem of Taurus and why are they considered sacred in so many cultures? This is easy to understand if we examine the Vedic culture of India. In traditional Hindu society, cattle are equated with wealth and they are essential to survival. Cattle are used to pull plows to make the soil ready to receive seeds. Cows milk is consumed daily in many forms – raw milk, yogurt, curd, cheese, butter and ghee (clarified butter), which is the main cooking oil. When milk is boiled, its sedative qualities are activated and it can be imbibed before bed to promote restful sleep.

Cow dung is burned for heat, the smoke repels mosquitoes and the ashes are used for fertilizer. Both the dung and urine are antiseptic and have many medicinal uses. It is not mere coincidence that psilocybin mushrooms grow in cow dung!

When cattle die, the skin, bones, intestines and horns can be put to good use.

Taurus is a “fixed” sign. The fixed signs are the creative pillars of the zodiac and they have great stability and power. The bull has great strength, stability and sexual potency and the cow is the nurturer who gives its wonderful, nourishing milk freely. They are the archetypal animal embodiment of God / Goddess – the totem of the Creator. Native Americans use the skull of another bovine animal, the buffalo, to represent Creator on their altar. Its universal – cattle are considered sacred in Jainism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism as well as the religions of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The fact that Venus rules Taurus is a big clue to the true nature of divinity. The Goddess / Mother Nature / She Who Gives Birth To The Universe, is the Prime Creator and she allows space for and cherishes all life!

If you wanna see more, visit Geordie’s newsletter . . .