Taurus/Scorpio

This is the polarity of values and profundity. Sometimes called the “money” polarity, they relate to the second house (Taurus), which is income and personal values, and the eighth (Scorpio) which is outgo of money and other peoples’ values, but also funds held jointly with others…like insurance, taxes, inheritances, partner’s income, and debt. A good way to remember it is the eighth is about money in which others have an interest. Any planets in those houses will behave somewhat as though they are in the signs related to them. It is also the sexual polarity. Taurus, an earth sign, represents fertility—mother earth. It comes in the spring when the ground is ready for sowing seed and growing crops. Scorpio moves beyond that and must have “meaning” in a relationship. It is looking for total union with another wherein the couple is more than the sum of each partner. Although known as the sexiest of signs, it is really quite capable of celibacy until a relationship with depth and meaning comes along. The only thing is, Scorpio reasons, “if we are ‘one,’ then I am you and you are me, ergo, I can tell you what to do.” Scorpio consumes and controls. Taurus The first thing you think about Taurus is the Bull. It was a wise person who mentioned that it’s not the raging bull it represents, but rather “Ferdinand” lazing around in the field smelling flowers. Taurus is more like that. If you watch this short cartoon on YouTube, you will see a wonderful allegory of what Taurus is like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGTVRbpAuRo However, as the saying goes, “Beware the anger of a patient man.” Taurus, wanting to avoid a confrontation, will hint quietly if something is displeasing (and most people ignore it), but suddenly—and Taurus, himself, doesn’t even know when—he will explode or remove himself from the situation if exploding is not wise. This is true if it’s the ascendant or Moon in Taurus, as well. Taurus appreciates the senses (especially scent) and is very physical. Taken to extremes, it can be the laziest of all the signs, but also perhaps the most patient. The essential goal of Taurus is to find value and meaning in life, plus peace and security. A little sensual pleasure thrown in, too, is welcome. Both Taurus and Libra are Venus-ruled signs, and both are non-confrontational. However, there is a difference. The Libran Venus is more interested in relationships and being accepted in society. So those heavily influenced by that sign will strive to get along with everyone more than anything else. Taurus, on the other hand, is placid but set in a pattern of his or her own choosing. It’s not that they are trying to be accepted when they don’t argue; it’s that they know they are not going to change their minds, so why argue about it? You’ll hear things like, “I see what you mean.” or “If I were in your place, I’d do that too.” or “I hear you.” You’ll notice there wasn’t an agreement there if they don’t really agree—just acquiescence to your point of view. You can’t discuss Taurus without mentioning money and food. They represent security to the Taurus, so when those things are stored away safely, they can relax and be the artistic, pleasant people they are. Most of the time, Taurus (or Taurus rising or Moon) has a melodious voice, thick or wavy hair and smooth skin and are usually attractive, although tending gracefully toward the stout side. Think of the bull—thick neck, strong shoulders—especially if it’s the rising sign. Scorpio The opposite of Taurus is Scorpio, and it is definitely “opposite.” With Taurus, you don’t necessarily find extremely strong passionate convictions—money in the bank, peace, valued work, and good food will do. But Scorpio is intensely passionate about everything. You will find the intensely positive preacher, like Billy Graham, or the intensely negative vindictiveness of Charles Manson. Very seldom is there a middle ground. Scorpio is intensely loyal to friends, but you wouldn’t want one for an enemy. Usually, they “get even” in triplicate for what they perceive to be a grievance, and since it is a water sign and very emotional, the grievance doesn’t have to be intended toward them or even real. All is in perception. My teacher used to say that Scorpio’s main problem is in not knowing where their “flight area” ends and another’s begins, so usually they are unconsciously controlling. She used the example of a mother-in-law who didn’t like her daughter-in-law’s kitchen curtains, so “surprised” her by hanging up some of her own choosing as a gift. It is the ultimate in controlling behavior to make changes in someone else’s home without their permission. Most of the time, sadly, they really believe they are doing you a favor. One way to control people is to act as if one is sharing inside information with someone, but in reality, is drawing information FROM them. Scorpios are secretive and do not reveal private information, like how much money they make or have saved, for instance. But many can be talkative and friendly, so before you know it, you are spilling your guts, so to speak. I’d think carefully before revealing anything to or confiding in a Scorpio. On the other hand, they make great detectives and lawyers. All of this will apply to Scorpio rising and Scorpio Moon, as well as a tenanted eighth house. The positive types will be controlling too, but it will be “for your own good”—like saving your soul for you. Many evangelists are influenced by this sign. They are good people, with hearts in the right place, but have so much passion about whatever the issue is, they “forget where their flight area ends.” Scorpio and Taurus are fixed signs. And fixed water (Scorpio) is ice. Scorpio is a cool customer and can appear impassive and emotionless while seething inside. What you see is not necessarily what you get.

Venus Retrogrades Today

There is a great deal of buzz about the retrograde of Venus starting today and lasting until June 27th. I think it is interesting that it is stationing at 23:59 Gemini and is conjoining the USA’s Mars square Neptune aspect, which is holding a conjunction of solar arc Pluto to the Neptune. When it stations to go direct in late June, it will do so at 7:29 Gemini—very close to the USA’s Uranus. Since transiting Uranus will square transiting Pluto (finally) for the first partile aspect out of a total of seven on June 24th, I think we can expect some surprises. I know you are all probably tired of hearing all the “harbingers of doom” who have been forecasting this coming period of time, but it pays to be prepared. This coming square of Uranus and Pluto (which occurred during the Great Depression) will be perfecting less than one degree from energizing the Sun/Jupiter midpoint of the USA chart. The Sun in the 8th house would have a great deal to do with debt and foreign countries (it rules the 9th) and Jupiter has to do with justice and the country, itself, since it rules the first house. The worst thing about the USA chart (in my opinion) is the Mars/Neptune square. It simply means “corrupt government,” since it occupies the ninth (legislature) and the seventh (justice). All by itself it means an excess of deceptive behavior. Look to the houses (mentioned above) to determine where it would be active. Pluto by solar arc is now just past squaring the USA Mars (brutally suppressed information to the public) and will conjoin Neptune in roughly seven months. Pluto is “death and rebirth.” It also exposes the nasty underbelly of disgusting things. Exposure is already in progress and, in fact, one month ago it was activating the midpoint of this configuration. Pluto’s transit shows it is time to transform this energy in our chart. However, it will always be there unless we “rebirth” our country with a new chart. Iceland did this recently when it fired the entire government and rewrote the constitution. Hopefully, we’ll recognize the need to do the same.