Vrishabha (
Taurus), the bull, is the second sign of the zodiac. The bull has been
assigned a respected place in most world religions as a symbol of all the
auspicious things in life. Social position, security, ease and comforts, wealth,
progeny, vitality and a passionate nature are some of the characteristics of
this sign. This is so because at this stage the unborn potential (
Mesha (
Aries))
becomes a creative urge which makes objective manifestation possible. At
this stage there is a simultaneous attraction and repulsion which produces
tremendous sexuality, materiality, and enjoyment of the pleasures of life.
And yet the activity, motion, and adventurous spirit of
Mesha (
Aries) is lacking here,
which makes the person comfort-loving, passive, content, and desirous of
staying close to the birthplace rather than moving around in search of new
experiences.
A bull is physically powerful. It has a tremendous capacity to breed. The
very word
Vrishabha means any male animal, anything best or eminent in its
class. The maleness of
Vrishabha (
Taurus) symbolizes its role as a storehouse of
procreative energy. When engaged hi an activity, the
Vrishabha (
Taurus) person can
work unceasingly at it, even if it is repetitive, till the desired result is
achieved. There is a symbiotic relationship between the
Vrishabha's individual
and his environment. Just as an oak tree becomes a permanent part of its
landscape, a
Vrishabha (
Taurus) will want to "belong" to a permanent scene. Even so
there is no satiety and stasis; there is always an urge to be creative and
continue the evolutionary movement.
Vrishabha (
Taurus) is feminine, earthy, and a fixed sign. These characteristics, however,
must be carefully understood.
Vrishabha (
Taurus) is considered feminine, earthy and
fixed because these qualities reveal the special creative nature of the sign.
Procreation is the most sublime function of the female. The feminine nature
is passive, yet full of desire and emotion centering on the female role in
creation. Sexual activity is the supreme goal of the female. The earthiness of
Vrishabha (
Taurus) describes it as "downward," that is, "earth-ward" movement.
Vrishabha (
Taurus) represents the nature of the individual rather than his activity, as indicated by
the fact that it is "fixed" rather than moving in any special direction. No
planet is debilitated in this sign because the creative cannot let any force
remain negative:
Chandra (
Moon) is exalted here and
Shukra (
Venus) owns the sign. These
suggest a zone of influence where consciousness and sensitivity are in a
highly alert condition.