Taurus II: You’re Going To Reap Just What You Sow
By Dr. Jess
I’ve generated a playlist of some notable Taurus II musicians below along with a spreadsheet detailing their corresponding Taurus II placements here. The playlist is a bit absurd because there is such a wide array of artists and genres included but I do hope that you enjoy the playlist nonetheless.
Just a perfect day
Drink Sangria in the park
And then later
When it gets dark, we go home
Just a perfect day
Feed animals in the zoo
Then later
A movie, too, and then home
Oh, it's such a perfect day
I'm glad I spent it with you
Oh, such a perfect day
You just keep me hanging on…
Lyrics from Perfect Day by Lou Reed
The second decan of Taurus, ruled by the Moon (Chaldean) and Mercury (Triplicity), has a quality of decadence, luxury, and comfort that is encapsulated marvelously in Lou Reed’s song Perfect Day (particularly if we take the lyrics at face-value, as suggested by Reed). Perhaps not so coincidentally, Lou Reed’s ascendant is said to be at 11° Taurus*, his song reflecting the hazy, early spring warmth of this decan.
Nevertheless, Taurus II embodies more than just fleeting joys, pleasure, and sweetness; the fixed earth essence inherent in Taurus seeks substantial stability and security – and Taurus is willing to go to great lengths to cultivate and protect it. The decadent luxury of Taurus II is an intentional byproduct of diligent effort, planning, and patience. Unsurprisingly, Taurus II is associated with the 6 of Pentacles, a card that is capable of both generating wealth and sharing it widely.
In the Rider Waite Smith Tarot, the 6 of Pentacles is depicted as a finely dressed figure throwing coins to two others who are on their knees begging; the figure is holding the scales of justice, speaking to the internal give-and-take of desires versus needs; self-restraint versus hedonism; our dreams versus our concrete, tangible goals. The sharing of wealth may speak to financial or material support, but may also be understood as skill-sharing, educating, and offering compassionate presence and empathy to those who are struggling. 6 of Pentacles offers a sense of having wealth and understanding how to manage that wealth to best benefit the self and collective.
Shifting Tides, Riding Waves
Similar to the nature of the Moon, constantly morphing in its appearance, the 6 of Pentacles, and by proximity Taurus II, has a subtle mercurial essence, vacillating with the circumstances of the moment. This is echoed nicely by the triplicity ruler of Taurus II: Mercury. Mercury and the Moon are swift moving planets, highlighting the changeable qualities associated with this decan and how materials (money, abundance) can flow in our conscious reality. In other words, navigating the realm of security requires a delicate dance of equilibrium and flexibility, reminiscent of the ever-balancing scales depicted on the 6 of Pentacles.
For Taurus II, mastering this dance means embracing the ebb and flow of money and the material with grace and intention. Taurus II must be willing to adapt and adjust, understanding that clinging to outdated notions can trap them in a state of inertia and stagnation. By embracing change and releasing old anchors, Taurus II can ensure their financial security and chart a course towards sustainable prosperity, flowing comfortably with the tides of life, and riding waves of uncertainty with a sense of ease - an unflappability.
Crafting Magic from the Mundane
The subtle flow of Taurus II can also be seen in the manner with which these natives alchemize the mundane into magic through self-expression, often by creative means. With a firm handle on form and function, Taurus II artists are able to encapsulate visceral, raw bites of reality and morph them into delectable works of art. Engaging with art by Taurus II creators ushers in an odd sense of nostalgia, a longing for a time and a place that never truly existed. The highly stylistic nature of these creators gently toys with the viewer, reminding us that what we see is not necessarily the reality of the circumstance - a hard lesson that the practical nature of Taurus keeps in the forefront of their mind.
Take, for example, the work of American director Wes Anderson: an 11° Taurus II Sun. Anderson is best known for his “distinctive visual aesthetic of quirky comedies”. His work features highly detailed, symmetrical sets, eccentric characters, pastel hues, and consistent color palettes layered over seemingly grim storylines. Anderson’s films delve into dysfunctional families, runaways, death, loss, and grief almost as equally as they explore topics of young love, love in general, fresh beginnings, and, perhaps most notably, hope. In his unique style, Anderson is able to take the bedrock of experience and morph it into a fantastic, borderline absurd, portrait of humanity.
This innate magic is also readily displayed in the musical capacity of Taurus II, which is perhaps a nod to its triplicity ruler, Mercury. Beyond Lou Reed, several renowned musicians boast Taurus II placements: Diana Ross, Adele, members of Depeche Mode, Queen Latifah, Rob Zombie, and Donovan each have Taurus II Sun, Moon, or Ascendant. Roy Orbison has Mercury and Mars in Taurus II, while David Byrne - lead singer of Talking Heads - has a Taurus stellium including a 12° Taurus Venus.
Jhené Aiko, a fellow 12° Taurus Venus, aptly captured the magical quality associated with this decan in her explanation of how her craft has been therapeutic for both herself and her fanbase stating, “…it wasn’t until after I released my first studio album that I discovered my music could be a healing source for others.” While Taurus II certainly does not have a monopoly on the magic conveyed through artistic expression, they are able to generate a sense of comfort and familiarity in their work that any audience can relax into and find solace in.
If you’re in need of a dash of Mercurial-Venusian goodness, I encourage you to listen to some of the artists shared in the playlist at the beginning of this post — you may find a new name that adds extra enchantment to your every day.
A Lesson in Follow-Through
Coppock’s 36 Faces details Taurus II as “horn-headed and cow-footed humanoids” (a vibe), representing “wealth and beastly fecundity”; later representations show a man with the key to success itself (no pressure!). The understanding of this decan is that it is the pinnacle of fertility, with undertones of sensual passion woven into some representations. Indeed, this decan speaks to the gifts bestowed upon humanity which coincides with spring in the northern hemisphere - a season of planting after months of bitter cold and little sunlight. Nonetheless, Taurus requires effort and consistency to receive the wealth of success promised by this decan:
“Yet the matter is not brought to fruition solely by means of a single conjunction, no matter how vigorous. Once planted, the matter must be attended to carefully and consistently. One cannot decide to water a plant when one chooses, nor can one make up for neglect by a double application of effort the next day. Consistency and dedication must join fecundity and passion to complete the picture this face provides.” (Coppock, p. 75)
Forging a relationship with follow-through is essential here; it’s easier to find oneself “at the right place at the right time” in this decan when there is clarity regarding what is being worked toward, and what the bountiful harvest may yield (Chang, p. 27). Echoing the refrain at the end of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, Taurus II - whether natally, by transit, in composite, return, or event charts - can bestow security, comfort, steadiness, decadence, sensuality, pleasure, and abundance among those who work with its essence, so long as they remember: “You’re going to reap just what you sow.”
* = Lou Reed’s chart is C rated, though he has a Taurus stellium including Mars, Saturn, and Uranus in the third decan of Taurus.
About the Author
Jess, Ph.D., M.S. (she/her) is a professional astrologer and tarot reader of six years, a research scientist, and a Gemini Sun / Taurus II Moon / Libra rising. Jess utilizes her background in psychological research to help inform her astrological practice, which utilizes both modern and traditional perspectives. Ever the seeker, she finds joy in being both an eternal student of astrology and an enthusiastic educator.
Instagram: spicygeminimemes and spicygeminiastrology
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Website (readings open at the 1st of each month): www.spicygeminiastrology.com
Patreon (400+ posts, updated weekly): www.patreon.com/spicygeminiastrology
References
Chang, T. S. (2021). 36 secrets: A decanic journey through the minor arcana of the tarot. Anima Mundi Press.
Coppock, A. (2014). 36 Faces: The History, Astrology and Magic of the Decans. Three Hands Press.
Mejia, N., & Aiko, J. (2022, November 26). Jhené Aiko on the power of music as a healing force. Jhené Aiko On The Power Of Music To Heal, Uplift, And Connect. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a41969055/jhene-aiko-on-the-power-of-music-to-heal-uplift-and-connect/
Preston, C. (2024, April 19). Wes Anderson. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wes-Anderson
This is so beautiful!! A Taurus II Sun has really helped me with money wounds, recalibrating my relationship with abundance and staying consistent. You're a superstar, Jess!!!
Thank you! Taurus 18 Jupiter 5th.
Amazing kids, 3 businesses and lots of creativity. Yes a little hot air since it’s in my 5th. Opposite Neptune 20 and boy oh boy I have stories (friends, sex, dating and not mating)! Almost trine Pluto and mars in Virgo 9th.