Taurus (April 20 – May 20) is represented by the bull, a symbol of stability and determination that is known for its grounded approach to life. However, Taurus is also ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet of love, beauty, and money. While Aries loves the game for its own sake, Taurus loves the game for its rewards. Venusian influence makes these epicurean oxen the most sensual of the zodiac, enchanted by any physical manifestation of comfort and luxury. Imagine…chillaxing in the bucolic countryside, bathed in the soft sounds of a celestial orchestra, soothing aromas of the finest incense wafting by, fed by cherubs with only the finest and most succulent seasonal fruits. Ah, to be a Taurus, luxuriating in nature’s finery!
However, this hedonistic TLC is not the sole and full extent of your existence. Taurus is a fixed sign, reflecting your steadfast and loyal nature. Fixed signs are excellent at maintaining systems, and Taureans prioritize consistency and reliability in all areas of their lives. You know hard work is required to obtain these rewards you so enjoy, and you aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and put your nose to the grindstone to earn them. Also as an earth sign, you are very down-to-earth and you possess all the traits needed to do this well. You are ambitious, resourceful, resilient, and focused. You understand return on investment, and how to play the long game in both professional and romantic pursuits. Stability and security are paramount for you, and any threat to these can be unsettling in the extreme. Gone unchecked though, your admirable qualities may turn into stubbornness, overcommitment, or burnout.
But be proud, Taurus! Some of our most beloved artists and entertainers are among your ranks: Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson, Queen of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald, Beacon of Self-Love and Acceptance Lizzo, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the immortal Audrey Hepburn (and that saucy minx Robert Oppenheimer!). Your nature contains the seeds for great creativity and love. Let’s find you some gemstones that can aid your quest for the finer things in life, support your need for stability, as well as assuage any tendencies towards rigidity or tunnel vision.
- Abalone is a shell, made of nacre (same as pearls) by sea organisms secreting layer upon layers of the stuff over time. This beautiful “bio-crystal” has been used by humans for millennia – as jewelry, in rituals, and as currency. Abalone encapsulates the healing energy of the ocean, bringing a sense of peace and one-ness with nature, and transmuting negative energy into positive to uplift the mood and bring new perspective to situations. Wearing it can encourage healing (for yourself and your relationships), compassion, and improved communication.
- Aventurine, for heart chakra opening. The name aventurine comes from the Italian word for chance, aventura, which hints at its association with abundance, prosperity and confidence. It is also said to balance the nervous system and support fertility issues, connecting to the heart chakra and supporting circulation and overall well-being. Aventurine is also known for helping overcome old patterns, and encouraging decisive action.
- Carnelian, for courage. This richly-hued stone has been used since antiquity. It is believed to be named after the red-orange Kornel cherry, and the use of carnelian dates back to the Bronze Age circa 1800 BC on the island of Crete. This gorgeous juicy-looking stone was believed by the Romans to be a stone of courage, supporting confidence and strength. In ancient Egypt, the stone was placed on mummies to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife while architects to the pharaohs wore carnelian to denote rank and status. In the Middle Ages, carnelian was used by alchemists when boiling stone to release the energy of other gemstones. From ancient times, carnelian has been worn in cameos to ward off depression. It is also used to enhance confidence and creativity, and to increase physical energy. Carnelian is associated with the solar plexus chakra, where imbalances are thought to cause digestive problems, as well as lack of confidence.
- Chrome diopside, to alleviate stubbornness and prioritize love. Diopside comes from the Greek "di" (two) and "opsis" (vision), and chrome diopside is revered as a stone of visualization, sometimes placed on the forehead to help encourage good dreams by ancient peoples. Other cultures believe this gem comes from the tree of life, and buried their dead with it to ensure renewal of life. Long used to boost creative vision and awareness, chrome diopside is also thought to improve intellect and encourage the desire to learn. It is also used to help alleviate aggression or stubbornness by enhancing love and commitment. Its green color resonates with the heart chakra, and it has been used to treat headaches, regulate blood pressure, encourage recovery after illness, and to help those suffering from addiction.
- Emerald, for emotional balance, love, and protection. Known as the stone of successful love, emerald opens the heart and refreshes the spirit. Its strong connection to the heart chakra invites compassion, unconditional love, and good fortune. Emerald also enhances memory, mental abilities, and focus, and can aid in uncovering limiting beliefs that you may not be aware of.
- Herkimer diamond to support a broader perspective. Known as the stone of attunement, this gem has a high vibrational energy that clears out blockages and raises spiritual awareness to guide you in the right direction. It will clear & activate all chakras, and can be used to purify both physical and energetic bodies. Herkimer diamonds are often used along with other crystals to purify & amplify their energy, and aid in manifestation.
- Pyrite is a strong protector stone, shielding its wearer from negative energy and pollutants, as well as increasing energy and confidence. It can help release negative energy and fears, including fears that may be blocking success, which is why it is associated with abundance, wealth, prosperity, and success. Pyrite is connected to the sun, and solar plexus chakra, lending it a bright, yang fire energy.
- Rhodochrosite with its lovely rich pink hues is a stone of love, compassion, and matters of the heart. If you are seeking emotional healing, the release of past emotional wounds, fearlessness, or a kick into action, this is the stone for you. Through strengthening self-love, self-confidence, and self-acceptance, this stone will help you harness new capabilities and explore new horizons. It also amplifies more subtle feminine energies of determination, commitment, and caring, helping you to expand your consciousness, and find deep relaxation, acceptance, and balance. Rhodochrosite has been associated with the ancient Sumerian goddess Nisaba, prominent throughout many periods in Mesopatamian history and worshiped as the god of scribes.
- Sapphire has long been associated with royalty, and is believed to attract abundance, blessings, and gifts. It has been used to protect against negative energies, as well as calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and invite spiritual clarity. Sapphire comes in a range of colors and has connections to all chakras, especially the third eye, and so is said to enhance integrity and wisdom.
Head over to our store to see what we have on tap for you, and to feast your eyes on all the other pretties!
Image: Taurus, Astrological Ceiling, Dendera Temple. Photographer: Aidan McRae Thomson. https://www.flickr.com/photos/amthomson/40010036711/in/photostream/