Taurus is one of the 12 zodiac signs that people either love or hate. They’ve been called stubborn, intense and overbearing. Certainly these Taurus traits have caused trouble for members of this zodiac sign.
But is that all there is to the story? Not at all. Every zodiac sign has a range of good and bad characteristics. Think of each astrological sign as a spectrum.
The positive essence of Taurus energy shows up as patient, organized, supportive, romantic, careful, and dedicated. On the flip side, Taurus energy can also be overindulgent, stubborn, lazy, vain, tightfisted and too cautious.
Before we get to the not-so-awesome stuff, here are a few general Taurus traits and characteristics according to astrology.
What are Taurus Traits?
1. Many of them have great taste.
Classy Taurus is the picture of style and sophistication. Ruled by tasteful, beauty-conscious Venus, some Bulls think of their clothes as investments and may have an impressive collection of classic designer pieces hanging in a carefully curated closet.
Taurus is deeply sensitive to their home environment and needs to live in a comfortable, well-appointed space. Every detail counts, from the marble countertops to the drawer pulls. Taurus will invest in the best of everything that their budget will allow.
Even the grittier Taurus will still show up well-coiffed with a case of craft beer, with a badass look that somehow looks runway-ready. Whether they’re channeling a skate punk, athlete or #vanlife aesthetic, Taurus can manage to look pretty, polished and put-together without trying. Blame it on Venus!
2. They’re consummate entertainers.
This chic, comfort-loving sign has a natural talent for decorating and entertaining. The only thing Taurus might enjoy more than furnishing a beautiful home is filling it with loved ones who they can pamper and entertain in signature style.
Feel free to praise them heartily for their lovely home, taste in artwork and thoughtful food-and-wine pairings. Because their presentation skills are so savvy, food fares no different than a great outfit or well-decorated home, and they love to serve attractively plated and presented meals. Ask for the recipe for their signature dish or cocktail. The Bull loves to be admired!
3. Their voices are powerful.
Since this sign rules the throat, Taurus may have a melodic or gravely voice—and they won’t hesitate to use it to speak their minds.
4. Beauty and luxury surround them.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, luxury, and beauty. That is sensual Taurus in a nutshell. This sign’s Venusian energy adds charm and embellishment to everything it touches, from food to fashion to home decor.
Check all the positive Taurus traits >
Taurus Bad Traits: What to Watch Out For
To be fair, every zodiac sign has good and bad expressions. These Taurus traits and characteristics are the least appealing ones of this zodiac sign. Recognize any?
1. Taurus can be stubborn.
Taurus sticks to their opinions, and won’t change unless there’s good reason. Routine-loving Taurus can get us stuck in their comfort zones and habits. Make sure that consistency doesn’t turn into stagnation or inertia.
How to deal with it:
Find out WHY they won’t budge. Taurus can be stubborn, but they’re also loyal, dependable and determined. This is the sign that rules values—and when Tauruses dig in their heels (hooves?), there’s usually a deep commitment or ethic that they sense is being threatened.
Trying to talk them out of their point of view is futile, and will only frustrate you. (Believe us, we’ve tried, and ended up with hoarse voices from the screaming match that ensued!) Your first step is to validate their feelings. Take a deep, deep breath because you’re likely triggered by their intensity. Ask them to explain what principle or commitment appears to be threatened. Listen with an open mind and don’t interrupt.
You may actually discover there’s deep wisdom in what Taurus is trying to convey. And once Taurus feels heard, they might be more open to trying a new approach. But you may have to listen to a long rant before that happens!
2. They can get stuck in a rut.
This zodiac sign has a built-in energy conservation program. It will patiently assess whether something is worth the investment of time and resources. Then if the green light flashes, it’s all systems go!
With Taurus, what you see is what you get. This sign can be refreshingly simple—or irritatingly basic. Change is not something that Taurus welcomes readily. They make careful choices and investments, and as a result, Taurus can get stuck in the safety zone.
How to deal with it:
Exercise your Bull. Physical movement can help Taurus get emotionally and mentally unstuck. This sign needs to take a chance occasionally, to remember that risk can make life rich! Physical activity is crucial to Taurus’ overall wellbeing. This sign needs to move around regularly and often.
Earthy, stable Tauruses are built to last. As a result, the energy of this rock-solid sign is heavy, like a sitting bull, and can get stuck or stagnant. Too much of that sedentary stuff and Taureans become ticking time-bombs. Which brings us too our next point…
3. When Taurus is mad, the bull will charge!
Ruled by the persistent and plodding Bull, Taurus energy has two speeds. It’s either relaxed and contented, like a steer luxuriating in a verdant pasture, or hyped-up and ready to charge. (Toro, toro!)
When something doesn’t go according to plan, it’s easy for the Bull to grow bitter, endlessly rehashing all the energy they “wasted.” As thoughts build, they may grow increasingly agitated until they’re a ticking time bomb, ready to explode with rage. And once they lose it, it’s hard for this sign to pull back from their rage spiral.
Although Taurus has a soft spot for your loved one and offer great generosity, they’ve got their limits. Anyone who takes Taurus for granted or crosses your boundaries will have a pissed off Bull to deal with! Their mates quickly learn that kindness does NOT equal weakness. Underneath that charm is a person of steel.
Interesting fact: In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, legend has it that when Saturn castrated his father, Uranus, Uranus’ blood spilled into the sea, impregnating the sea foam and giving birth to the goddess Venus—the ruler of Taurus. Who knew this charming sign came from such violent origins?
How to deal with it:
Clear a path—and get out of the way! Once in the grips of their hyped-up emotions, it’s very hard for Taurus to regain control. The whirling dervish energy must move through their systems. That might mean they snarl and say hurtful things that hit below the belt, or even that a few things get smashed, thrown, kicked or punched.
In the grips of rage, the Bull “sees red” and may not realize their own strength. They become righteous and focused on a single goal: destroying the enemy, opposition or obstacle. Get out of the way of this fearsome creature and let Taurus’ anger run its course without you being the human target.
There are proactive things a Taurus can do to prevent escalation, if they implement these in advance. Bottom line: Taurus needs many outlets to keep their intense energy flowing instead of bottling it up. Exercise, creative projects and goals that are challenging but still attainable can help prevent Taurus frustration from reaching dangerous and explosive levels.
Unfortunately, the self-soothing tactics many Bulls choose can be destructive (think: fast cars, rich food, alcohol and drugs), especially when consumed in excess. Which brings us to our next point…
4. They can be indulgent with food, drink and money—and prone to addiction.
Tauruses love rich, hearty meals that are comforting. With an acute sense of smell and taste, Taurus can be prone to overeating, but they also make an excellent cooks. They’ll dine in the best restaurants, quickly befriending the waitstaff and the chef, and solidifying access to the best table in the house. The bartender and sommelier know them by name and they take pride in having these connections.
This is all fun and good until things reach a tipping point and devolve into excess, which can happen easily for Taurus. When it comes to indulging their senses, Taurus doesn’t come with an “off” switch. They have a bite, a sip, a drink, a sniff…and suddenly, they’re transported to the ethereal realms of Venus. Little to they know there’s an on-ramp to Hades/Pluto when Taurus has “too much of a good thing.”
Since Taurus is a creature of habit, some are even prone to addictions, especially if they use these earthly delights to avoid feeling their feelings or dealing with life’s more challenging demands.
How to deal with it:
Monitor their emotional state. If an indulgence is part of a happy celebration and Taurus is feeling balanced, they may be able to enjoy their earthly pleasures without everything going to hell. But there’s a saying in recovery, H.A.L.T, that stands for “hungry, angry, lonely or tired.” People overcoming addictions are advised to use this acronym to check in with themselves, as any of these four H.A.L.T. states can trigger a relapse.
Taurus might be wise to adopt this metric as well. Emotions live in the body, so rather than trying to drown out an unpleasant feeling with vices, the Bull would do well to talk it out or walk it out. If you’re around an upset Taurus who wants to self-soothe through indulgence, suggest a conversation or some exercise first.
Codependency alert: It’s not your job to manage an out-of-control adult. If the Taurus in your life is habitually turning to escapism, vices and destructive behaviors, you may need to suggest therapy or recovery—then detach with love. If a Taurus struggling with addiction happens to be a loved one, you might benefit from the literature of a program like Al-Anon or Codependents Anonymous, especially if you find yourself trying the help or “save” them.
5. Taurus is vain.
Mirror, mirror! With beauty-loving Venus as their ruler, many Tauruses take pride in their appearance and love to primp and pamper themselves, then preen about. While some Bulls have their routines down to a well-timed minute, others will take forever to get ready. This sign loves to look good—and please don’t hesitate to compliment them when they do!
Some Bulls are so punctual, you can set a watch by them. But others can lose track of time enjoying a shower, putting on their makeup or choosing an outfit. It’s not just a process, it’s a ritual—a communing with the divine.
While we’re not here to stop anyone from basking in beauty and bliss, a little modesty wouldn’t hurt! Some Bulls won’t hesitate to name-drop the couture label who made their shirt or the artist who painted the mural in their dining room (you probably didn’t even ask). Are they intentionally trying to one-up everyone? Competing for the “Best Dressed” award?
While they might not intend it, Taurus’ materialistic behavior can be alienating. Taurus can come across as snobbish or elitist. Their drive to look “perfect” on the outside can leaves you wondering if they’re just completely insecure or even if there’s anything of substance on the inside.
How to deal with it:
Encourage self-acceptance instead of competition and denial. Taurus rules the material and physical world, so in all fairness, this realm is their zone of genius. They deserve to be acknowledged for creating beauty, ambience and a lovely experience. Throw your Bull a bone—that is, a compliment!
But if Taurus insists on revising reality and going into denial, you don’t have to play along. The equation “If it looks good, it is good” doesn’t pass the math test. (Ditto for sayings like “You get what you pay for” being used to justify Taurus spending beyond their means.) Taurus is the sign of self-worth, but they may mistakenly connect that to their net worth. That’s when things go south.
Just because everything looks “perfect” on the outside doesn’t mean it’s not totally screwed-up on the inside. The desire to put up a good front can perpetuate real problems, preventing healing and solutions. Who cares what the neighbors/town/friends think? Remind Taurus: If someone is going to stop loving you because you’re not perfect, those aren’t the kind of people you want in your life anyway.
6. Taurus people can be slaves to their senses and bodily urges.
Taurus rules the five senses and this sign can be ruled by bodily urges and functions.
Taurus is hungry? Stop everything and eat! Taurus is cold? Buy sweater from nearest boutique, even if it’s overpriced couture. Taurus has gas? Um, yes they did just break wind in the middle of a crowded street. Taurus feels frisky? Prepare to be pawed.
Although you may visit some great restaurants and boutiques as a result of this Taurus trait, it can also get annoying. You’re trying to get stuff done and boom—their basic needs suddenly take on code-red status. What other signs see as a “nice to have” item, Taurus regards as a critical and urgent basic need.
Clothing optional? The Bulls in your life may strut around disrobed, which can be awkward and outright embarrassing, especially if they do it in front of say, a giant picture window. The Bull believes in selective modesty, but this sign has no shame when it comes to reveling in flesh-and-blood pleasures and fully inhabiting their bodies. (Fun fact: In Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli’s famous painting The Birth of Venus, the Taurean goddess is fully naked, perched exquisitely on a clam shell.)
How to deal with it:
Join the pleasure party. Indulging in anything luxurious with Taurus can spark a serious case of the warm-fuzzies. If you’re into a Taurus, explore the joys of affection and sensuality. Touching, holding hands, and kissing are an all-night affair for Taurus.
This sign loves to be pampered, so save your money for spa treatments that make you both feel relaxed and beautiful. Couples massages are a big turn-on if you’re romantically involved—and bonus, someone else is doing the heavy lifting while you both get to feel good.
7. They always have to be right.
One of the frustrating facets of Taurus is their need to be right. “I told you so” might be a commonly employed phrase. Despite their other Taurus traits, this grounded, sensible sign takes pride in having a strong relationship with reality.
How to deal with it:
Say “you’re right” and pause. Until Taurus hears those two magic words, they’re not gonna step down from their self-appointed soapbox. So swallow your pride and say it, then wait as long as it takes for the emotional temperature to change. Once things become calm again, ask Taurus to explain their perspective in a way that’s helpful and supportive.
You can also communicate to Taurus how their “I told you so” tactic makes YOU feel. Although you can appreciate the caring sentiment behind it, but let them know that when they discuss things from a polarizing right/wrong approach, it makes you shut down and feel silenced.
It can really help to have conversational ground rules and alternate phrases that you both agree to use. For example, instead of “I told you so,” you might agree to say “Can I offer another point of view?” Then: wait for the other party to give you permission to share your perspective, rather than ramming it down their throat!
Taurus Traits in Astrology
Why is Taurus the sign of the Bull?
Taurus people are born between the dates of April 19 and May 20 (give or take a day depending on the year). They’re symbolized by Bull, linking to the Greek and Roman myth of Castor and Pollux who were twin half-brothers who had the same mother.
According to Greek mythology, the constellation Taurus was created when Zeus transformed into a white Bull in order to woo Europa, the princess of Phoenicia. While he was a Bull, Zeus swam across the Mediterranean with his beloved on his back and brought her to the island of Crete.
The Taurus constellation also contains the Pleiades, a star cluster also known as the seven sisters, and its red giant star, Aldebaran.
Taurus is one of the 3 Earth Signs
Taurus is one of the three zodiac signs grouped under the earth element. The other two earth signs are Virgo and Capricorn. Since Taurus is the first earth sign in the zodiac cycle, it’s like the bedrock that sets the foundation. Many Taurus people are stabilizers, ensuring that there’s security for themselves and others. Under the influence of a Taurus planetary cycle, we all become more grounded and easygoing, taking the proper steps necessary to ascertain our goals through diligent effort and output.
Read about the four elements of astrology
Taurus is one of the 3 Fixed Signs
The zodiac signs are grouped into three “qualities” or “modalities”: cardinal, mutable and fixed signs. Taurus is one of the fixed signs.
There are four fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. These signs fall in the middle of every season. They’re the stabilizers—the ones who set up a solid goal or foundation, then start building.
Fixed signs can take the enthusiastic ideas that cardinal signs spark, and craft them into something real. They pick up the ball when the cardinal sign passes it, and run the distance to the goal.
Fixed signs are the trustworthy types who like “to-do” lists and fancy titles. If a cardinal signs says, “Let’s go on vacation!” the fixed sign will call the travel agency, book the tickets and hotel, and send everyone a list of what to pack.
Read about cardinal, mutable and fixed signs
Taurus Traits and Characteristics, Summed Up
In the end, it’s always your choice whether to have a Taurus in your life or not. With any person, you take the good with the bad. Is it worth it to put up with the shenanigans in order to enjoy the best of your Taurus? Only you can decide that.
If you do end up inviting a Taurus into your life, you’ll have plenty of comfort and affection. While this sign can be intense and overbearing, they can also be anchoring and loyal.
By understanding astrology and the traits of the Taurus zodiac sign, you can choose words and actions that bring out the Taurus’ best. And you’ll also see warning signs of any bad Taurus traits early, so you can either diffuse them or walk away and avoid the bad parts that go along with this sign. Knowledge is power!
Photo by Nathalie ANDRE on Unsplash