Taurus, the second Sign of the Zodiac, is all about reward. Unlike Aries, who just loves the challenge of the game, Taureans love the rewards, the big payoff. Think physical pleasures and material goods, and a Taurean will spring to mind, for those born under this Sign revel in delicious excess. They are also a tactile lot, enjoying the tender (and sensual) touch. Taureans adore comfort and like being surrounded by pleasing, soothing things. And this applies to their palate, too - they favour a good meal and a fine wine. The good life in all its guises, the fine arts, or art of their own making, are heaven on Earth to the Taurean-born.

The Taurean mascot is the Bull, along with which comes the expectation that these people are bull-headed and stubborn. Yes, they are. This is due to the Fixed Quality attached to their sign, so expect that things will occasionally grind to a halt. That said, Taureans don't start out with the intention of getting stuck. They simply want to get things done, and it is that steady, dogged persistence which winds up being viewed as stubbornness.

Bulls are actually among the most practical and reliable members of the Zodiac, and they are happy to plod along, as it were, in pursuit of their goals. The good news for Bulls is that once they get to the finish line, they'll indulge in comfortable, luxurious material goods. A self-indulgent beast? Perhaps, but if you toiled as laboriously as these people do, you'd need some goodies, too.

Taurus is ruled by the Planet Venus, the Planet of love, beauty, art and indulgence. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus was the Goddess of all those things, and Taureans appear to have taken up where she left off. Bulls are fond of all things pretty, whether it's in their home, at a museum or on the stage. To onlookers, this may look excessive, but Bulls really aren't interested in living without being surrounded by beauty. To the Bull beauty also comes in the form of a happy home life, one that includes a partner and a stable relationship.

Taureans value harmony in their personal lives, so they'll work hard on keeping their lover happy. The Bull's penchant for sensual pleasures, of course, can only help things along. Bulls can also be the soppiest of sentimentalists. Will all this overweening attention to their mate turn a Bull into a possessive mess? Probably not, although these people do have to manage their tendency to latch on a bit tight. At the end of the day, however, the Taurean-born are true romantics and loyal to the core.

The Element associated with Taurus is Earth. No pie-in-the-sky for these practical people, since they would much rather be on terra firma. Bulls tend toward conservatism, and this is often seen in their daily behaviour. No far-out schemes (that's Air) or shrieking ultimatums (like Fire) here. Taureans far prefer to take each day slowly and steadily work toward their ultimate goal.

For that matter, those born under this Sign are happy to stick with their projects until they have reached a successful conclusion. They are also extremely patient, and dependable along the way. Does that sound earthy enough? The only kink in this well-oiled chain is the heckler in the gallery that tries to scold the Bull. The Torean may have a short temper. If provoked, a Bull can get argumentative, but they'll calm down eventually, and come back to centre, since these people would much rather be in Zen-like peace. The Earth in this Sign does tend to act as a balancing mechanism, so that things never get truly out of hand. For every one person who considers the Bull a pain, there are two who will say 'No way!' and happily take the Taurean's gentle charms whenever they can.

As Bulls are generally strong and well-built, it's no surprise that these people enjoy testing their strength on the field of play. Expect to find a Bull engaged in a spirited game of football or mountain climbing. Hiking is also a favourite pastime, since it keeps Taureans close to their beloved earth. Indoor adventures are also favoured by Bulls, which is why the opera or ballet is right up a Taurean's alley. When it comes to love, the Taurus-born are devoted, romantic and somewhat possessive. Their sensual nature has a way of erasing any mistakes. Since Taurus rules the neck and throat, Bulls would be wise to keep a silky scarf at hand, ideally in a warm (and soothing) earth tone. The great strength of the Taurean-born is in their stability, loyalty and dogged determination. Bulls want to get the job done, and they will. What better way to get the riches they so fervently crave?