TAURUS

Vacation Guide for Taurus

A Taurus loves luxury and beauty, so roughing it on vacation just isn't your thing. Instead of sleeping bags you want superb accommodations, with a soft bed and lots of goose down pillows to lull you into a peaceful sleep.

That doesn't necessarily mean you prefer chi-chi urban settings. An earth sign ruled by graceful Venus, you'll enjoy a lush mountain area like Sun Valley, Idaho, Sedona, Arizona or Aspen, Colorado. Before you go, do your homework, and find a hotel suite or a luxury lodge with a breathtaking view.

Beauty is always a source of inspiration. Another vacation to feed your inner artist could be a fall foliage trip to New England in the USA. States like Vermont or New Hampshire in early October are absolutely stunning at this time of year. Walking in the crisp, cool air is invigorating, and the colors are truly unforgettable.

Have your passport ready? Check out the natural beauty of Sugar Loaf in Brazil or Victoria Falls in Africa‹either would be perfect for a Taurus.

Your sign appreciates life with ALL their senses‹base your vacation around the sensual pleasures the world has to offer. For example, Taurus loves music, so why not travel to the many music festivals the world over? Several come to mind: The Salzburg Music Festival in Austria, outdoor concerts in Tanglewood, Massachusetts or the Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

Let's not forget the thing so many Taurus are known for: their appetites. Make your love of food the whole point of your trip. Arrange a stay at a chateau/hotel in the South of France, where you can combine your love of nature with your love of great food and wine. A snowy wonderland would suit your romantic side. Let me indulge for a minute: Imagine a comfy couch in front of a roaring fireplace where you sit in the evening to take an aperitif or dessert and after-dinner coffee. (Your pupils are dilating, aren't they Taurus?) Or try a long weekend wine tasting in the Sonoma Valley, California.

Taurus may love the good life, but they aren't slackers. You work hard, dear Taurus. What's the best antidote for work well done? Pampering. Unwind with spa treatments like facials, massages, seaweed wraps, salt scrubs, hot manicures and pedicures‹you don't even have to travel for this kind of vacation! If you'd prefer to get away, most upscale hotels offer such services. Better yet, book yourself into a spa for a full week and give in to the experience 24/7. Most spas offer fitness activities as well, such as sports, yoga, nature walks, and nutrition sessions and more.

Try not to over-schedule your itinerary. As a Taurus, you like to have time to nose around in galleries, bookshops and boutiques. Few signs enjoy shopping as much as a Taurus, a sign that has a weakness for beautiful things.

The Taurus Man: April 20 - May 20


The Taurus man loves creature comforts. He is sensuous, tactile, giving, practical and stable. When a Taurus man falls in love it is forever, because Taurus guys aren't wanderers. One of the sexiest characteristics of a Taurus man is his wonderfully sexy, deep voice. Taurus rules the throat, and many Taurus are well known singers.

Your Challenge

Taurus men often settle into ruts and aren't known to be too flexible. You'll want to coax him into trying sharing new experiences and considering your point of view at decision-making time. Some Tauruses can be very jealous of anyone else you may be dating, so you'll have to keep an eye out for that too.

How To Handle Him

When this man says, "Be mine!" he means it quite literally, for this is a possessive sign. While this may seem charming on the outset, it can get a bit annoying. Deal with this by being a little flirtatious around other guys, but not to the extent that he thinks you would really dump him for someone else. Just tease him a little and reassure him that he is your number one man, and his passion will burn even brighter for you. Feeling secure is important to Taurus, and most of their decisions are based upon how he can increase this feeling. Taurus likes routine (hard to believe anyone does, but it is true.) While he is not a sign known for flexibility, his steadfastness and reliability will more than compensate, and you will find it comforting. So, don't expect your Taurus lover to understand when plans change at the last minute. He has difficulty turning on a dime and this is something you will simply have to accept. And if you want to have any influence his thinking, be sure to get your ideas across in early during his long decision-making process, before he becomes "set." Taurus can be quite stubborn!

Things To Do, Gifts To Buy

Taurus men love the arts, so a Saturday spent poking through art galleries in Soho with a grand dinner at a fine restaurant later would be a perfect day. (Taurus can quite a gourmet, so make the restaurant special.) Taurus is a sensuous and cultured sign, so everything you do should be carefully and subtly orchestrated for the ultimate seduction.

When making love, remember to stimulate all his senses. Start by surprising him with some special imported dark or white chocolate--Taurus men adore chocolate!--to nibble while consuming their other favorite treat, superb champagne. Other things to have on hand include: dozens of votive candles, a short, silk charmeuse slip for you in a maddeningly flattering color, such as a pale peach (wear nothing underneath), a jar of warm, satiny cream to rub his shoulders and chest with (the areas Taurus men have the most tension), and his favorite CDs on the stereo. (Surprise him with one or two new titles, too.) Wrap up a new designer men's cologne and tuck it under his pillow--tell him how much this scent turned you on while you were in Saks Fifth Avenue and how it made you ache to be with him. Now, your seduction is all set. Happily, Taurus men don't like to rush anything they do, so you're assured that he is yours for that evening! Lucky girl, Taurus is one sign that thoroughly enjoys languorous lovemaking.

The Taurus Woman: April 20 - May 20


The Taurus woman is feminine, soft and highly diplomatic. She has a lyrical speaking voice that soothes and comforts you, and she could even have a talented singing voice (Barbara Streisand is a Taurus). Ruled by Venus, Taurus is a sign which adores the arts--from music to painting--and will enthusiastically go to any cultural event her lover suggests. In lovemaking, the Taurus woman is passionate and deeply tender. She may not be as sexually experimental as the other signs, but her fidelity and strong sense of ethics will impress you. Her bed will be the pinnacle of comfort, with piles of pillows and a fluffy comforter. There might be fresh flowers in her bedroom, or she might have a glass wall overlooking a lush garden. She will make her environment so inviting you won't want to leave, for Taurus adores comfort.

Your Challenge

Your Taurus woman will need to see tangible evidence of your love for her--and that means gifts. There is no getting around this and you may have to save up to afford her! She is one of the most loving and affectionate of all signs, certainly one of the most sensuous, and quite a catch. But first, this lady will want to know that you have a nest egg. Delay popping the question until you can show her your substantial stash of Treasury bills, a solid investment in mutual funds, an impressive stock portfolio and, of course, cash in the bank. Being a earth sign, having some real estate wouldn't hurt either--it is something which would impress her deeply. (I never said your courtship was going to be easy, did I?)

How To Handle Her

Assure her of your reliability and your stability--traits she values in a person. Being flaky is the surest way to turn her off. She is slow but sure in matters of the heart, so don't rush her. Treat her well and she'll be yours for a long, long time.

Things To Do, Gifts Buy

Always keep in mind that she is ruled by Venus, the planet of decorative arts. Start by sending her flowers. Be prepared to plunk down major money for a large bouquet of rare blooms. Don't try to get away with something cheap and small--you'll loose points. Original flowers to try would be white and purple lilacs, which are as fragrant as they are beautiful, and send them to her in an expensive crystal vase. (A Taurus knows quality when she sees it, and she adores objects of beauty. Every time she uses the vase you gave her, she will think of you.)

Another clever tactic would be to find out the name of her favorite scent. Most Taurus women have an entire arsenal of perfumes, one to suit every mood, and she uses her stash to seduce her chosen male with skill and subtlety. Taurus rules the throat, so a choker of pearls or other stones would go over well too. Princess Di has popularized the choker. This was not surprising since she had Venus in Taurus. This sign likes almost any kind of gem, as long as it is precious and refined, so certainly there must be something that strikes your eye at the jeweler's. If you can't afford to get her jewelry, then try for a fine silk or cashmere scarf. She is prone to sore throats and you'll want to be sure she stays cozy warm in the winter.

Finally, the influence of Venus gives the Taurus woman a rounded silhouette, perfect "material" for a WonderBra. If you know her well, by all means buy her a selection of this type of bra in various pretty colors, then talk her into giving you a fashion s how. Since the media keeps telling women who have curves (as most Taurus women do) that they are less-than-ideal, you'll need to counteract that notion. Keep reassuring her that you adore her real-woman curves and that the waif look was never one that turned you on.

Taurus Man

Send your sensuous Taurus man a basket of strawberries hand-dipped in chocolate, or a certificate for a luxurious Swedish massage. Venus-ruled Taurus would also love tickets to a musical event, whether it be rock, jazz, classical, opera, or a Broadway show. Shoot your wad taking him to a four-star restaurant that he's only read about and always wanted to try.

Since Taurus likes to "settle in" at home, buy him a comfy reclining chair and a deluxe, "Star Trek" remote control for his TV. Everyone needs a new VCR once in a while--you might get him a deluxe model, or new speakers for his stereo. Has he been dropping hints for new CD titles? Keep a list. Want to buy him clothing? Make it the best you can afford (Taurus likes quality) and make it tactile. Nothing scratchy or stiff for this man.

A handsome umbrella would be a good idea too, big enough for two to share. A basket of fine red wine and selection of imported cheeses would also surely make a hit. He loves greenery, so send him a tree or plant for his office, a new set of gardening tools, or give him a custom landscape consultation for his yard.

Taurus Woman

Venus-ruled Taurus women never have enough perfumes, so you can get her more with confidence. She would also adore silky body lotion in a soft floral scent, with talcum powder to match. Send her a basket of violets, or a huge bunch of white and purple lilacs for her bedroom, in a Baccarat cut crystal vase. For her kitchen, make her own custom herb-garden-in-a-basket. Give her a membership to a local municipal botanical garden to enjoy year-round. Delight her with a total day of beauty at a spa.

In choosing clothing for her, be sure you stick to natural fibers. Give her a snow white, Victorian nightgown of cotton, edged in Swiss eyelet. Since Taurus is highly touch-sensitive, have her choose a gorgeous black velvet gown for black-tie occasions or give her a tiny, sparkling evening clutch. She'd also love soft, cashmere-lined leather gloves, or a pretty scarf-hat-mitten set in a cozy wool blend, in a color which sets off her eyes. A pearl choker necklace (like Princess Diana's) would also be perfect for her because Taurus rules the throat. Want to give her gems? Save up! She adores emeralds.

Taurus: Comfort is Primary

It takes a lot to get a Taurus ruffled, but once done, the magnitude of the bull's temper can appear full force and just about anyone in your way could bear the brunt of it. When concerned about something like, "How on earth am I going to pay this tax bill?" Taurus needs to be left alone to meditate. Decision-making is careful process. An earth sign, Taurus needs to carefully consider all the options and weigh each for practicality. Yours is a fixed sign, so change comes slowly and deliberately.

A highly goal-oriented person, you are able to focus intently on whatever you do, making you efficient and effective. Usually you display grace under pressure. However, you are at risk of getting too close to what you are doing, focusing too intently on one portion of the project. You could be miss an important detail or misjudge circumstances. Also, you could find out later that the premise which formed the foundation of your plan was faulty, causing everything to collapse. Remind yourself to stop and question your assumptions now and then.

To give you better perspective and time to unwind, you need creature comforts. Yours is one of the few signs that would benefit from watching a little TV. Settle into your comfy chair or curl up on the couch and tune into a show you enjoy. You might opt to have a glass of wine and a few warm, roasted chestnuts at your side, or a couple of bittersweet chocolates. Fire up the wood stove or reach for a lap blanket in winter. In summer, if weather permits, open the window and feel the refreshing breeze. Your sign also enjoys music, but Taurus likes it best with the proper speakers and stereo unit. If you've set up such a system, now is the time sit back and let music soothe your savage breast.

Since Taurus is the sign of the ultimate shopper, cheer yourself up by buying one new item that you can wear right away. Perhaps a nifty new raincoat, or a fashionable new shirt? If money IS the problem (and therefore you shouldn't be spending ANYTHING) go to a gallery or museum and be around priceless objects of beauty. Go alone, and meander at your own pace. Later take yourself to lunch in the museum cafe (or nearby eatery that has a European, leisurely air) and read your newspaper in peace.

You have other options too, Taurus. Your Venus-ruled nature always feels soothed by greenery, so get closer to nature by doing some gardening or landscaping. Planting petunias, lilies and roses in the fresh air will give you quiet time to think and make you feel better. The rich, fertile, moist dirt in your hands will soothe you, too. Live in a city apartment? Plant some seeds or a hyacinth bulb for your windowsill, get a lush green tree for your living room or fresh flowers for your desk, or just go get "lost" in your local park. Better yet, drive to see a public estate that has gardens that are elegant and manicured. Spend a Saturday morning or afternoon strolling through, stop to sit down and watch the world go by--no beeper, no cellular phone allowed.

If all else fails, try a getting the very best massage you can afford. Taurus is highly sensual, and responds very well to soothing touch. If you can't afford a professional--complete with aromatic herbs to relax you--ask your girl friend or boy friend to give you the deluxe treatment complete with candlelight and special oils. Taurus rules the neck, the first place your tension strikes, so be sure your lover works on that part of you. Afterwards, cuddle up together. Taurus adores affection. You need it now more than ever.

Fitness for Taurus

Your Ruling Planet: Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty, luxury and comfort.

The Part Of The Body Your Sign Rules: Taurus rules the throat.

Your Metabolism: Low.

Your Health Profile:

As a Taurus, you are aware you use all of your senses to explore the world. How something feels, sounds, smells or tastes matters to you--a lot. You love sex, good food, the touch and feel of certain fabrics against your skin (not to mention skin against skin), and are very responsive to beautiful music. Yet you are also a creature of comfort and can become a couch potato as a result. A Taurus tends to be sedentary rather than athletic. An innate fondness for chocolate and French cuisine can pack the pounds on you, Bull, and inactivity combined with a high-speed modem at home or 77 cable channels on your TV can wreak havoc.

Work with your sensual nature, rather than against it, to keep a program of regular physical exercise a fun part of your life. Instead of your beloved old sweats, shell out for comfortable and flattering clothing to wear at the gym. Bring along your portable tape player and earphones so you can listen to your favorite music, and treat yourself occasionally to an after-workout sauna and message. Women Taurus seem to be especially responsive to aroma-therapy massage. When your muscles are aching as you pull into that last abdominal crunch, just remind yourself that exercise always makes your sex life more active and pleasurable.

If you find a sport you enjoy--make the most of it! Take your bicycle through a beautiful or unexplored area. When you swim, don't get locked into lapping around your gym pool forever. This summer, try taking a field trip to the old swimming hole you used to frequent as a kid. Maybe you and an intimate friend could sneak in a skinny dip! Taurus loves greenery and flowers, so working in your garden could give you the dual benefits of gorgeous tomatoes and firm calves and arms. The point is, if you can enjoy the experience you are more likely to stick to it.

Don't be radical with your eating habits, Taurus. If you allow yourself to feel deprived sooner or later The Bull will see red! The trick is to gradually make healthy changes in your diet so that you keep your enthusiasm--and your metabolism--high. Don't give up if you reach a plateau. Since you are ruled by Venus, a fairly hedonistic, pleasure-seeking planet, you will have the most success if you get regular rewards. So write down all the milestones that get you to your final goal and list a reward for yourself (a healthy one!) next to each milestone.

Finally, Venus will give you a memorable a memorable, melodic speaking voice (perhaps even an ability to sing), but you will be more subject to sore throats and laryngitis in winter as a result. Keep drinking your breakfast juice, and if you do get a sore throat, drink tea with honey and lemon or gargle with warm salty water for relief.

Your Biggest Asset:

A will of iron and plenty of persistence!

What Drives You Crazy:

Having to rush through anything. Sports that require lightening-fast reflexes and agility, such as squash, don't usually appeal to you. What you are more likely to enjoy are sports that require concentration and good hand-eye coordination, such as archery, marksmanship, and golf.

Health Risks:

Inertia keeps you glued to the past, even in sports and fitness. Your memory of being picked last in grade school could keep you out of shape permanently, if you allow it to. C'mon Taurus--if you try it I promise you'll like it!