Astrologer Laura Craig

Mars Enters Taurus

Vintage Bullfighting Poster

January 6 - March 4, 2021

In Death in the Afternoon, Hemingway’s treatise on bullfighting, he explains to those not in the know: “All supposed exterior signs of danger that a bull gives, such as pawing the ground, threatening with his horns, or bellowing are forms of bluffing. They are warnings given in order that combat may be avoided if possible. The truly brave bull gives no warning before he charges except the fixing of his eye on the enemy, the raising of the crest of muscle in his neck, the twitching of an ear, and, as he charges, the lifting of his tail.” As Mars enters Taurus, I think we’d do well to remember the temperament of the bull when provoked. He is not a warrior by nature, but when made to fight, when trapped in the ring, he is a force to contend with. And even when doomed to death, he doesn’t go out without first inflicting pain, and most likely drawing blood.  

Mars in Aries for the past six months has been an adrenaline junkie, full of vim and vigor, or piss and vinegar, depending on which turn of phrase you prefer. It’s been a boon for all risk-takers, initiators, and brave endeavorers, but now his time’s up, as he comes practically screeching to a halt in Taurus, the Venus-ruled earth sign. He may keep his horns, his strong will, his physicality and passion, but otherwise we play by very different rules here. 

Whereas Aries is a proving ground for the Self—a trial by fire—in Taurus, you are part of an ecosystem; you must respect your place in it and not try and change it. This new Mars will find himself more grounded, and slower to anger. His fire will now smolder, simmer, or throb; warm instead of burn. His hot head must try to cool and remain steady—violence only when necessary, and as a last resort. Here, he will have to summon his patience and simplify his pursuits. Under Venus’s purview, everything is in relationship; any action becomes a dance, and desire the lingua franca. Conflict becomes a pas de deux, challenge a matter of honor, battle overlaid with pageantry and romance, and the battlecry full of duende. Bloodsport, but make it seductive.

During his time in Taurus, Mars will pass by Uranus and Black Moon Lilith, square Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn, and square Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius. This transit is full of power. It is determined, dominating, acrobatic, torturous and sensuous. It is a fixed eye and a raised neck muscle. It is also an opportunity to raise your voice and bellow. For the next two months, life is the corrida, and we are both torero and bull. 



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