Linda Goodman's Sun Signs

by Linda Goodman

  This negative, fixed earth sign is full of contradictions in love. A Taurean will like to see you dress in luxurious clothing and rich colors. He may buy you a fragrant bunch of fresh, spring violets from the little old lady on the corner, and leave a large tip in her basket because she reminds him of his mother. (You, however, will definitely not remind him of either his mother or his sister—except when it comes to protecting you from the rude glances of other bulls who try to move in.) Music will stir his emotions and put him in the mood for love. He’s almost sure to have a favorite song that reminds him of you each time he hears it. It’s the one he keeps playing over and over.

  If you need more proof of the romance in his soul, the typical Taurus man will help you build your hope chest with birthday gifts of china and silver, and at Christmas he’ll remind you of Santa himself when he comes calling, loaded down with mysterious packages and sentimental trinkets. He’ll suggest moonlight swims, picnics in cool, secluded woods, and walks down country lanes under the stars. His will be the largest, fanciest, most eloquent Valentine the postman ever delivered on February 14th. When a Taurus man courts you, he courts you. He doesn’t fool around. You’ll probably be taken to dine in glamorous restaurants, with soft lights and violins, and he’ll never forget the date you first met or any other intimate anniversary between you. For the love of buttercups, how much romance do you need?

  It’s perfectly true that the bull isn’t a wild dreamer like the Aquarian male. Taurus will never sweep you off your feet like a Leo, or promise to take you floating away to live with him in a fairy castle, drifting on pink clouds forever and a day, like an Aries. He’s more likely to drop by on foot some Saturday night, with the architect’s blueprints for the house he plans to build for you, out of real lumber and with real cash. He’ll probably make the down payment on the property, or at the very least, on the apartment lease, before you become engaged. This man means business. When the bull lifts you across his threshold and plants you firmly in his substantial home, which won’t bear the faintest resemblance to a fairy castle, you can be sure the mortgage is secure at the bank. That’s hardly something to complain about. You’ll wonder why you ever wanted to be wrapped in those pink clouds, once you’ve been warmly and snugly enfolded in the soft Taurean blanket of security. You’ll be too busy enjoying your new furniture to weep for misty dreams that probably wouldn’t have come true anyway. That is, if you’re a female who appreciates solid value. Not every woman does, more’s the pity. But sensible girls, from eighteen to eighty, value the peaceful, easygoing ways of the bull and his calm, stable nature. His sentimental gestures and pleasantly earthy wooing can be just as satisfying as the soulful, poetic sighs of more colorful lovers, or the dashing excitement of the flashier Don Juans, quite often even more so. Ask any woman who’s been sensible enough to get herself good and loved by a strong Taurean. There are lots of contented cows and happy heifers around.

  A Taurus man plans for tomorrow carefully. As the squirrel stores his nuts when they’re plentiful in the summer, to provide security for the cold, barren winter—the temporary pleasures of a bright afternoon will never distract Taurus from preparing for the days when the slush piles up at the curb. It’s a funny thing, but the men who are financially able to treat their wife to Florida in January are often born in May.

  Naturally, there are drawbacks to a romantic escapade with a Taurus male—all is not peaches and perfection. For one thing, you’ll have to brush up on your ladylike behavior. No Taurus man is going to put up with a loud, masculine female, who cracks a whip like an animal trainer. If you have any forceful opinions, don’t shove them down his throat or brag about your brainpower in public. Privately, he respects a female with intelligence (though he places a higher premium on plain common sense), but you’d just better let him be the bright one of the team when you’re out together dancing cheek to cheek—even if you’re just sitting in a restaurant, knee to knee. Make like the emancipated woman in front of his friends and he’ll have one of two reactions. If he’s a primitive Taurean (and you’d be surprised how many of those there are), he’s likely to give you a shove and a shaking, maybe even a good smack in the right place when you get home—or worse, before you get home. If he’s a more sophisticated type, he’ll simply clam up on you in front of everyone and sit there like a large chunk of cold stone, refusing to speak a word the rest of the night, until you’re so embarrassed you wish the floor would swallow you. Your friends will be most uncomfortable, too. It can really dampen an evening, not to mention cramp your style.

  Your first impulse will be to try to undo the damage, but trying to jolly him out of his stubborn mood before it’s run its course is literally impossible. It’s like trying to move the Rock of Gibraltar. As a matter of fact, if you attempt to tease him back into normal social behavior, you may wish you had just let him sulk. A hunk of cold stone is infinitely more acceptable than his reaction to your coaxing after you’ve angered him. Push him too far and he’ll turn from a silent sphinx into a bellowing bull, who may very well let loose some mighty earthy language, which will cause your cheeks to flame even pinker. Either that, or he’ll say calmly to the group, “Excuse me for breaking up the party, but I have to drag this woman with the tent flap mouth home and teach her a few lessons.” You’ll hide from everyone you know for weeks afterwards. And all because, when he’s holding the group spellbound with his summary of the political scene, you interrupt him with a remark like, “Oh, honey, don’t be so naive. Everyone knows Utterbach takes bribes. With his record he couldn’t get elected chairman of the Boy Scout cookie sale, let alone Congressman. You don’t know what you’re talking about,” at which point he’ll dig in those heels, fold his arms across that beefy chest, and begin to pout—or clobber you—whichever. If you see him reach for his coat, you might as well put on yours, too. A Taurus man will seldom leave his woman alone with the wolves, unprotected, no matter how angry she’s made him. He’ll take her along, by the hair, if necessary. So don’t get any ideas of staying behind to get sympathy from the others. When he leaves, you leave. And I would strongly advise you to apologize before you get home. He won’t. Running to Mama’s arms won’t do any good. You share his bed and board, as long as he pays the rent. Motherin-law interference is about the last thing the typical bull will stand for. The first time you try that “running home to Mother” routine will probably be the last. After they once experience his fury, your parents will prefer to keep the door locked and let you handle your own problems.

  I know a Taurus man with an aggressive wife who found a unique solution. He simply refuses to go out with her in public. Her irresistible force met an immovable object—him. She can go out and rob other men of their masculinity all she wants, not Taurus, the bull. He’s very fond of his positive mate, and they have rather a nice team going in many ways; they respect each other tremendously—but until she learns to submit, keep her mouth closed, and let him be the man, she’s forced to go to parties, meetings and the theater without an escort. This particular Taurean has refused to accompany her ever since the time they joined several other couples for dinner at a fancy restaurant. His wife grabbed the menu from him and ordered for the whole group. She made unflattering remarks about his haircut and his tie during the first course, and supplied the punch line to three of his jokes during the entree. Now she goes to social functions alone, while her Taurus mate refuses to budge from his castle. You can’t really blame the bull. He’s just being true to his Sun sign. It’s still a solid marriage, but you may not be so lucky. So don’t tempt your Taurean by shoving him around.

  He’s extremely patient, but he won’t wear a ring in his nose. He doesn’t necessarily want a clinging vine, either. He’s too practical, and he likes his freedom too much to enjoy a female who sticks to him like rubber cement and cries at the drop of a hanky. He doesn’t mind a woman with some fire and spunk. It intrigues him and balances his own steadier maturity. With a smile of detached amusement, he’ll watch her cheerful
ly scampering around in typical feminine fashion, as one would watch a beloved, pretty kitten playing with a brightly colored ball of yarn. Just so kitty knows when the bull gives a strong tug on the yarn, it’s time to stop the fun and games and listen to the voice of her master. No one can be kinder, more gentle and truly tolerant than a Taurus man, when his masculinity is secure. He’ll do anything in the world for the woman he loves except allow her to wear the pants. Taurus may sometimes behave like a clumsy circus bear, and his humor is often rough and ridiculous. But he will not play the role of the fool after the party is over.

  The bull enjoys shopping around and he’ll seldom rush pell mell into a serious courtship. The puzzled woman he’s been taking to the movies every Saturday night for a year may wonder if he’s ever going to catch fire. It takes time for him to work up enough steam in the boiler to get the engine going at full speed, but once he’s set his sights on a particular female, he can’t be sidetracked. He may even forget to be sensible and cautious. The typical Taurus man is blind to any warnings of incompatibility when he’s been pierced by Cupid’s arrow. The more his friends point out possible stumbling blocks, the more obstinate he gets, and you know how obstinate that can be. Consequently, the Taurean frequently makes the mistake of getting tangled up with fire and air signs, when he’s better off with earth and water, in most cases. Sometimes, it works out beneficially. Opposites can attract, and stay attracted. But when it doesn’t, Taurus will take a long time to get over the scars of a divorce before he’s ready to settle down again with a wife who more closely matches his own disposition and outlook.

  The financial picture with a Taurus man is usually excellent. Paint it pink and rosy. Few Taureans will fail to accumulate at least security, if not wealth. Some of them play the game of Monopoly with real money. And they win. Both real estate and cash are easily conquered by the bull.

  He probably loves the country, football, fishing and camping. If none of these, he likes flowers, gardening or long walks. He prefers to read books about the dashing heroes of olden days or the biographies of empire builders, rather than sophisticated fiction or deep philosophy. Most Taurus males subscribe to several men’s magazines, some earthy and practical, others featuring glossy pages of feminine pulchritude.

  He’s the ultimate in a man’s man, so don’t ever serve him those dainty tea sandwiches with the crusts sliced off. He likes good, old-fashioned home cooking, with plenty of potatoes and gravy, and apple pie like Mom used to make. Get yourself a good cookbook. He’ll also be willing to take you out to dine frequently. Typical Taureans don’t expect their wives to be kitchen slaves. (But he may mess up your pots and pans when he plays Sunday chef and expects you to play bus boy.)

  As a parent, he’s a perfect delight. He’ll think it’s important to have a son to carry on the family name, but he’ll love the little girls with special tenderness. Taurus men make loving, affectionate, warm and sympathetic fathers. He’ll set high standards for the children and expect them to respect property and possessions. The Taurean dad is patient. He won’t mind if the children learn their lessons slowly, so long as they get them correctly. His attitude is that young minds should be trained gradually toward maturity. You may find that he puts too much emphasis on material matters and showers them with expensive gifts that spoil them. But he’ll also shower them with his time and devotion, and the firm hand of discipline will be there when it’s needed. In general, life with father, if he was born in May, can be a warm experience, overflowing with love—except for those rare occasions when the bull charges in blind, furious anger, and the whole family has to hide behind the piano.

  The typical Taurean husband is generous to a fault with his wife. He won’t deny you nice clothes, perfume and baubles; attractive but practical furniture and a full pantry. The bull seldom skimps on furnishings, clothing or food. Still, money won’t burn any noticeable holes in his pockets (unless there are impulsive financial aspects in his natal chart). He loves luxury, but he’s just as enamored with value, and he’ll make sure his cash buys more than a salesman’s hot air.

  This man will work hard and need lots of rest. See that he gets it, because he can be quite a grumpy grouch when he’s tired and out of sorts. Don’t ever nag him or accuse him of being lazy. That’s like waving a red flag in his face. He lives life at his own leisurely pace, and he won’t be rushed or pushed. His speedometer is set at one speed—deliberate. Attempts to make him spin merrily through a continual round of whirlwind social activity are doomed to failure. He will enjoy entertaining in his own home, but he’ll prefer a few people of compatible interests to large crowds. Invite old friends, or those who have serious goals and ambitions, and he’ll behave pleasantly and hospitably. If you insist on cluttering his castle with empty-headed, frivolous superficial types, he may just disappear from the scene—sometimes permanently.

  Buy him one of those papa bear chairs that stretches out into a reclining position. No loud noises, blaring radios and TV sets, chaos and scattered toys, please. Keep your home full of music, beauty and peace. Remember that the trousers fit him better than they do you. Be his woman, and you couldn’t ask for a better man. No one else will ever treat you with such gracious consideration. He really deserves to be respected for it. Taurus love is simple, plain and honest. His affectionate nature and flattering attention will make you sure you are loved, in spite of all your little faults and failings that other men would constantly criticize. Taurus gives enduring loyalty and devotion, with a faithful heart. That adds up to emotional security. Combined with financial security and romance, there’s little else to ask for. So all right, he’s stubborn, but remember that stubbornness turned upside down is patience, and that’s a rare virtue.

  Get a nice, furry, fluffy blanket (Taurus loves things that feel soft to the touch), tuck it around him when he’s in his papa bear chair, and read him the stock market reports. Be sure he gets his hot bath with scented oils and lots of fragrant soap. Serve him a big bowl of rich porridge. Then you’re sure to have a strong, gentle man, who will protect you from all the storms. Contentment is the word. Doesn’t it have a cozy sound?

  The TAURUS Woman

  Without, the frost—the blinding snow,

  The storm-wind’s moody madness—

  Within, the firelight’s ruddy glow,

  And childhood’s nest of gladness.

  I remember a conversation I once had with a writer whose mother had been born in May. In discussing her parent’s habits and character, the girl happened to mention that “Mother was a tall woman.” “You must take after your father then,” I remarked, since the girl herself was only of average height. She smiled. And I shall never forget what she said. “I didn’t mean in inches. Mother was shorter than I am. That was just soul talk.” The girl was a Pisces, the sign that looks deep inside you.

  She was right. A Taurus female is a tall woman. Even if she measures less than five feet, she can reach tall enough to meet almost any emergency life chooses to throw her way. In many ways, the Taurean female is the salt of the earth, a combination of most of the sterling qualities every male looks for and seldom finds. She may have a violent temper that would frighten a strong man into running for the woods (or at least ducking under a table), but she won’t go on a raging rampage without good provocation. Ordinarily, if you don’t torment her beyond human endurance, or if Fate doesn’t hand her a really rough bunch of cards, she’ll play the game of life fairly, with cool, admirable calm. Her candor and basic honesty are undiluted with normal feminine tricks and tears. The Taurean woman has more moral and emotional courage than many a tough male, but she has enough confidence in her own sex to let you be the boss, if you want the job. If you don’t fill it, she may grab control and run things herself, but she’d much rather have it the other way around. She seeks a real man. That’s because she knows she’s a real woman, and she’s proud of it. To her, being a woman doesn’t necessarily mean being an incorrigible flirt, a mental fluff ball or a mewing kitten who
pretends to be weak to get her own way. It won’t be long before you see she has a mind of her own, and it’s quite strong enough not to have to resort to teasing to gain an objective.

  There’s enough self-control in the average Taurus woman’s make-up to hold back a team of horses (a fair idea of the force of her hidden will), if she chooses to exercise it. Let’s hope she does. With an Aries or Leo ascendant or Moon, she may be capable of occasional cruelty or frequent emotional storms and with heavy Pisces or Gemini influences in her natal chart, she may be more restless and wavering—but the typical Taurean female practices self restraint in all areas at most times.

  It’s a good thing, because her normally placid exterior conceals a sensual nature that could stand a little checking. Men always appreciate her gracious tendency to take people as they are, without quibbling. She’s as much at home with a scientist who studies tsetse flies in the Congo as with the sword swallower in the side show. They’re doing what comes naturally; they’re not phonies and that’s what counts with her. Her close friends may be weird creatures straight out of the world of Toulouse-Lautrec, or they may be Norman Rockwell paintings come to life. But they will be real people, not stuffed shirts or statues. When she runs across someone she dislikes, she doesn’t start a big campaign to destroy him or challenge his ideals and motives. She simply avoids him. The Taurus woman can show frigid indifference to her enemies, but if she counts you as a friend, she’ll be loyal through all your ups and downs. Her determination to stick with you would make the relationship between Damon and Pythias look like a casual acquaintance.