The four Zodiac Elements...Fire, Earth, Air and Water...are also known as the Triplicities since there are three signs belonging to each Elemental category. Thus, this trio of Signs share something of a similar basic character. These Elements are also known as the Four Humors, utilized in Astro-Meteorology to describe a type of wind and in other matters associated with the weather. Empedocles, a Fifth Century Greek philosopher, originated the terms "Fire," "Earth," "Air" and "Water," explaining the nature of the universe as an interaction of two opposing principles called "Love" and "Strife" who manipulated the four Elements. Empedocles also stated that these four Elements were all equal and of the same age, each ruling its own province and each possessing its own individual character. Thus, different mixtures of these Elements produced the different natures of things.

Many historic philosophers and alchemists also believed that the four Elements exhibited themeselves in humankind as four varying natures and that one would be more prevalent in each individual than the other three. Elemental signs are basic, being general or generic in nature. The related characteristics may be tempered by other factors, but the Elemental influence nonetheless refers to core human behavior and temperament. The Elemental quality associated with a Sign is dependent upon which of the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac the Sun was residing at the time of an individual's birth.

NOTE: In the Wiccan culture and some other Western traditions, there is also a Fifth Element known as Pure Spirit, "Quinta Essentia," or Akasha. Akasha is the life force...the basic substance of the Universe and the soul or spiritual being of an individual. It is the subtle spiritual essence that pervades all space...not precisely ether, but an ether-like substance of a spiritual rather than material nature which, in ancient writings, is said to operate by mean of sound or vibration. Thus, it is often identified with the Element of Air, but in a spiritual sense...the "Breath of God" concept. Essentially Akasha stands apart from the Four Elements of the Zodiac and is not depicted within an individual's horoscope. Akasha hints at the freedom of mankind and is a reminder of the "great mystery of the eternal."

Taurus is governed by the Element of Earth...an element it shares with the Signs of Capricorn and Virgo. Earth is also the ruler of the Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses of the Zodiac. All metaphors associated with things of Earth are appropriate to those individuals who fall under the influence of this Element..."salt of the earth," "feet planted firmly on the ground," etc. These are practical, grounded and dependable individuals who are not known to be large risk-takers, much preferring to stick with a "sure thing." Earth is associated with a physical and sensual approach to life, where experiences are registered by way of the senses, resulting in situations which are evaluated based upon previous personal experiences. Earth also describes the process of containing experience by defining it boundaries...much like a clay pot holds water, enabling the utensil to be used for both drinking and cooking purposes. Earth is the most basic Element, being fertile, nurturing, stabilizing and grounding...it is indicative of the symbolic "Mother." Humana grow and raise food upon the Earth, live out their lives upon its surface and bury their dead within its depths. Essentially, the Element of Earth is practical and functional, indicative of stability. It is associated with wisdom, strength, growth and prosperity...the physical planet and the very heart of life itself. The traditional symbol for Earth is a triangle pointing downward with a horizontal line through the middle.

The Element of Earth provides the ability to manifest desires which help to ground energy and focus. Passive in nature, Earth represents both the womb and the grave by bringing forth and taking away. It is a stationary Element, lacking the active ability to create. It is the final outcome, related to the flesh and all physical matters. This Element nourishes, affirms, sees, touches, smells, senses, feels and holds. It is both sensual and practical. It can be stubborn and generous and possesses instinct rather than feeling. Earth is slow, steady and ever-changing...while remaining the same. Most Earth individuals have the essential quality of strength and are practical souls being fond of organization. As both defenders and builders, Earth natives are steady and solid in their efforts with a strong sense of responsibility. Earth Signs are concerned with reality and the constants of home, family and work. These are sensual subjects who tend to be conservative in their approach to life. They are kind and cautious and it takes much to win their trust and friendship...though once obtained, these people are forever loyal. Earth natives are attracted to power and can have a negative side when it comes to power games, often being possessive and manipulative. They are able to both forgive with little effort or hold a grudge for many years.

Earth people are basically the builders of the Zodiac. To these individuals, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it be in building jobs or homes...or creating comfortable rooms within that home through the acquisition of possessions...earth individuals are concerned with all that is solid and steady. In short, they feel at their best once a significant number of worldly goods has been accumulated. The inherent risk in this characteristic, however, is the tendency to become greedy and far too materialistic. The Element of Earth confers a sense of duty, responsibility and reliability to those who fall within its jurisdiction. Such are the people who can be counted upon to be there when needed. Although in both desire and approach they tend toward caution and conservatism, these natives are considered to be sensualists...certainly in that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than most others. The logical mind of the Earth personality is always appreciated. In keeping with this measured approach, such individuals also display considerable recuperative powers. On the downside, however, those who are ruled by Earth may become so caught up in their own objectives that they are apt to sometimes overlook the feelings of others. Overall, the Earth native may be more concerned with reaching the finish line than in the journey to get there. In summary, Earth people are dependable, practical and conservative, yet relatively materialistic. They have their feet on the ground...but their eyes are focused constantly on the prize.

The Element of Earth is concerned with imposing form, structure and foundation to projects, businesses and just about anything else which requires such things. After all, Earth is essentially a building element. Those governed by this Element are the producers of the Zodiac...ones who make things happen. Earth Signs turn dreams into realities, whether such dreams be of an individual nature or those of others. Earth people understand all the steps needed to be taken...everything from drawing up a budget to the scheduling of deadlines. They are capable of overseeing the flow of work through to its completion. Dedicated and responsible, those who are ruled by the Element of Earth can be counted upon to provide exceptional follow-through. They have a talent for harnessing available resources and making the most of them. Earth Signs are perceptive and realistic, possessed of virtually no self-delusion. Such individuals also display an uncannily precise sense of timing, which is an obvious asset in any endeavor. In short, those governed by Earth are loyal, patient, stable, naturally cautious and conservative...the latter quality preventing them from rushing in and squandering time, money or labor. Earth Signs prefer to make long-range plans, being highly ambitious people who are goal-oriented. There is a powerful will to succeed here and Earth individuals are not normally known to fail in that regard. As stated earlier, natives of Earth are usually solid and dependable...much like the ground upon which they stand. They are gifted at manifestation in the concrete world and take pleasure in finding useful purposes for everything. Natural recyclers, those governed by the Element of Earth deplore wasted resources of any kind. However, Earth Signs can focus too much attention on material production and thus, become trapped in repetitive ruts, often forgetting to use their imagination.

Earth individuals frequently attract those governed the Element of Fire (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius). Fire natives will provide an element of excitement and change in the life of an Earth subject, but then the Earth individual must deal with anxiety regarding what the unpredictable Fire subject is likely to do next. In general, Fire will prove too forceful for Earth's slower and more thorough nature. Earth also has a special problem with Fire since Fire is apt to have a carefree way of "burning up" all the reserves that Earth has so carefully developed, leaving nothing behind but a scorched scenario. Earth may not only find Fire to be impetuous, forward-surging and uneconomical, but also much too thoughtless in the face of uncalculated risks. Nonetheless, warming Fire is often good for Earth, bringing healthy excitement and intensity by way of the momentum, joy and constantly-flaming optimism. Earth signs tend to be fascinated by those who fall under the jurisdiction of Air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius), finding such individuals to be fast-moving and changeable...this despite the fact that Earth is untrusting of Air's unworkable schemes. However, the lively and restless nature of Air can often create far too much fuss for the liking of Earth natives. Air subjects constantly come up with lofty and modern ideas which fail to interest Earth individuals, who cannot comprehend why they should be obliged to involve themselves in such high-flown "mental acrobatics," particularly since theory and practice appear to be in constant contradiction under such a scenario. Earth values perceptions only when something can truly be done with them...a perception for perception's sake is quite superfluous to the Earth native. Yet, more receptiveness for Air would actually be good for Earth since the inventive spirit inherent in Air is likely to provide easy solutions and may even make things go much more smoothly for the Earth individual. Earth natives are generally most compatible with Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). Both Earth and Water share the characteristics of retentitiveness, self-protectiveness and acquisitiveness. Water is able to soothe and comfort the worry element so often found in those who fall under the jurisdiction of Earth. With such support and encouragement, Earth Signs find they have an ability to work almost constantly.

ASPECT/POLARITY: Feminine, which is not a reference to gender but to the associated type of energy. In the case of the feminine aspect, the energy is receptive and traditionally conceived as being less active and more focused on the emotional/material world, lending sensitivity and emotional depth to the character. Feminine signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces) are nocturnal or night-oriented by nature, viewed in the same light as the Yin (or dark) polarity of the Tao.
ANGEL OF EARTH: Uriel (sometimes referred to as Auriel), Archangel of the North.
SEASON: Winter...the time of darkness.
VIRTUE: Propriety...conventional, proper and fitting. Earth follows what is socially acceptable in conduct, behavior and speech. Earth possesses excellent manners and is very polite. It is also prudent and has a deep regard for conventional rules of behavior
CORE/INDIVIDUALITY: Merchant...the storekeepers, bartenders and traders of the Zodiac. Earth is at its best when buying or selling either material or tangible commodities. In general, Earth is very business oriented.
NATURE: Physical with a characteristic love for the material and tangible. Earth derives pleasure from sensory stimulation...taste, smell and touch, for example. Earth surrounds itself with tangible items such as fine furniture, art and jewelry, desiring a nice home which is decorated with an expert hand. Earth possesses excellent taste in clothing and is a connoisseur of food and drink.
EMOTION: Sensory stimulation...with each of the five senses producing an emotional response of either joy or depression. Earth likes nice surroundings, good music, the feel of quality materials, the smell and taste of good foods and financial security. Lacking these things, Earth is almost sure to be emotionally unhappy.
EVILS: Chief fault is fraud. Earth is not normally prone to physical violence but, as in any given situation, there will be exceptions. Earth is mildly revengeful, liable to hold a grudge and tends to have a "my time will come" attitude. In general, revenge is apt to be by way of a "hit" in the pocketbook of the offender. When angered, Earth is quick to express such in a verbal fashion with physical violence being used only as a last resort.
HUMOR: In Medical Astrology and Astro-Meteorology, the humor of Earth is Melancholic, being cold and dry.
COLORS: Black, White, Yellow, Russet, Brown and Green.
MOON PHASE: Fourth Quarter...Dark Moon.
POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Endurance, Wisdom, Stability, Humility and Reliability.
NEGATIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Materialism, Nonprogressiveness and Laziness.
SENSE: Touch.
SYMBOLS: Pentacle, Pentagram, Square, Cornucopia, Spindle, Scythe, Rocks, Gemstones, Soil, Plains, Fields, Caves and Mines.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Drums and all Percussion Instruments.
PLANTS AND TREES: Alfalfa, Cotton, Ivy, Grains, Oats, Rice, Rye, Wheat, Patchouly, Moss, Lichen, Nuts, Roots and the Oak.
STONES: Rock Crystal, Salt, Coal, Moss Agate, Emerald, Peridot, Onyx, Jasper, Amethyst, Royal Azute and Tourmaline.
METALS: Iron and Lead.
LOCATIONS: Caves, Canyons, Chasms, Forests, Groves, Valleys, Fields, Farms, Gardens, Parks, Plant Nurseries, Kitchens, Basements, Mines and Mountains.
ANIMALS: Bull, Cow, Bison, Stag, Dog, Horse, Gopher, Ant, Bear, Wolf and all Burrowing Animals.
ELEMENTAL SPIRITS: Gnomes (ruled by King Gob), Dwarves and Trolls who inhabit the interior of the Earth and are the consciousness of precious gems.
POINT IN LIFE: Old Age and Death.
BODY PARTS: Bones, Sexual Organs and Legs.
HOUR: Midnight and the Dark Hours of Night.
PENTAGRAM POINT: Lower Left.
DIRECTION: North...the place of greatest darkness...ruled by Boreas, purple-winged God of the North Wind, which brings the chill of Winter.
MOTTO: To Keep Silent.

Within each of the Triplicities or Elements is found a category known as the Qualities...also referred to as the Quadruplicities, Modes or Common States. There are three Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Each Quality addresses the manner of expression which will be displayed by the individual who falls within its jurisdiction, based upon which of the four Elements predominates. Thus, the Element (either Fire, Earth, Air or Water) will dictate the core characteristics, while the Quality (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable) will dictate the way in which those characteristics are expressed.

Taurus is a Fixed Quality Sign (a Quality it shares with Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius). Fixed Signs arrive at the height of each of the four Seasons...a time of the most powerful seasonal expression. These Signs are the anchor points of the Zodiac, providing depth and meaning through the establishment of a strong sense of values. As the second Zodiac Sign of Spring, Taurus is the solidifier of this Season. Fixed Signs operate with stamina, loyalty, determination and perseverance. They are not easily compromised, possess deeply-ingrained habits and find any form of change a difficult concept. The most common response of Fixed Quality Signs is one of resistance. Thus, "letting go" can be a problem in all areas of life. These natives maintain, uphold and defend positions, responsibilities, goals or desires in everyday situations. In short, they are the Zodiac's preservers of tradition and those who fall under the jurisdiction of a Fixed Quality are not easily distracted...able to keep "hands on the wheel and eyes on the road" at all times. Fixed Signs can be relied upon to build with dogged persistence. They stabilize assets and never give up, working away in a calm fashion until the desired objective has been achieved. Fixed Signs have an abundance of self-reliance and seldom lack confidence. They are both powerful and purposeful, never forgeting those who helped them to reach their goals. Patient and steady, these individuals are reliable and determined...resolute and stable...possessing a great deal of strength, persistence and the ability to concentrate. Conversely, Fixed Signs can sometimes be stubborn, displaying a "my-way-or-the-highway" attitude and may tend to become stuck in their ways, believing they are always right. These are the tenacious souls of the Zodiac...the individuals who actually get things done. Fixed Quality Signs represent centripetal energy...energy which radiates inward toward the center. These natives are associated with the principle of intertia in their mundane manifestation, but are also known for great powers of concentration and perseverance when the energy is used in the pursuit of creative activities or spiritual development. The Fixed Quality is more centered on the "here and now" than either of the other Qualities, its essential energy movement being to preserve and sustain what was begun in the Cardinal phase. While Cardinal Signs start projects, Fixed Signs will finish them. In short, the Cardinal Quality indicates action, whereas the Fixed Quality is indicative of drawing action. There is an inclination toward stubborness here, coupled with a tendency to get into something of a rut, but such is the downside of an inherent ability to "stay the course." Fixed Signs are generally greatly valued for their consistency, loyality, devotion and reliability...to say nothing of being blessed with a patient nature. However, those who governed by a Fixed Quality hold very strong opinions and, at times, can be inflexible. Nevertheless, there are some areas of life where such traits are needed and even encouraged.

As an Earth sign with Fixed Quality, Taurus individuals inherently focus on the accumulation of the material and the seeking out of security. Such subjects are also moved to guard what they earn or accumulate. Since Taurus natives possess sensuous natures, they enjoy the tactile quality of tangible objects. They care for the property of others in the same responsible manner as if such property were their own and are often found in positions of professional guardianship (such as a museum curator) thoroughly enjoying the prospect of protecting and evaluating the worth of precious artifacts. Insurance is also a perfect industry for the Taurus individual because of this Sign's focus on security. Natives of this Sign are oriented to the "here-and-now" and need to see tangible fruits of their labors. In short, some Signs of the Zodiac have no problem with being famous rather than rich, but this does not apply to Taurus subjects. Being under the influence of a practical Earth Element, Taurus individuals will always prefer to "see the cash." All Earth Signs possess the characteristics of being relentless but in the case of Taurus, this is manifested in a fixation on a method which has been adopted through experience. Thus, if something worked well in the past then, as far as these individuals are concerned, the same will work again and again.