by Laura Strebel

Created on: November 20, 2008   Last Updated: January 14, 2010

How does my astrological sign affect my personality?  I am a Taurus, the sign of the bull. I'm sure the other signs are oblivious or maybe a little envious, but being the sign I am, I am humble about my gift and don't argue the point!

Taurus is the sign most associated with being stubborn, loyal to a fault, patient and easy going. We are the most likely to avoid arguing amongst ourselves because we recognize that an argument will settle nothing as each party is just as stubborn as the others. We're patient, as long as we're not pushed but will trample over those that push us too hard. We seem to plod along most of the time but if we are pushed too hard and too long and have reason to get angry, we can be damaging and our stamina is above the call. We love to surround ourselves with beautiful things and although we make friends slowly we're loyal, honest and a friend that can be counted on.

Did being a Taurus sign mold my personality? I think it possible. I found an astrology book when I was young and allowed myself to follow, to a great extent, what it deemed to be my nature. Recognizing most of the traits as being my own, I used the information to strengthen the traits that I felt most comfortable with and to avoid the ones I dislike. I tried to keep and magnify those I felt were good and eliminate or downplay the ones I didn't like.

Do people of other signs do the same? Would I have done the same had I been a Gemini or a Sagittarius? I just don't think so. Those signs are not as contemplative and far less patient, with themselves as well with others. They interact more and pay attention to the world outside themselves. Taureans will sit back, watch and step in only if they are needed. Usually logical minded, they will weigh the different sides before making a decision but once it's made, it would take a much better argument to change their minds. Change is not an action we're comfortable with in any context. If it's a good argument, give us time and we'll see it without further coaxing. Now, the question becomes, which came first, the knowledge or the trait?

Many people believe that anyone can be the personality type of any other sign and only pick out the things they like, but I disagree. For whatever reason, whether it is astrology, the season they were born, the family traits they inherit, the birthing order, there is a difference when comparing the natural traits that seem inborn, to other arenas of life.

For Taurus, being a homebody and resisting change is the opposite of a Sagittarius who loves to be surrounded by people and always on the go. Different personalities; comfort levels; driving force; sense of humor; all separate and in some cases, direct opposites.

When I meet someone and we seem to hit it off immediately, lots of traits in common, agreeable and complimentary, they usually turn out to be a fellow Taurus. The people that do not seem to become friends easily are those that, on the zodiac, are not compatible. And who are they the most comfortable with? Others in the zodiac that are their compatible signs.

I've scoffed at such beliefs in the past, but experience is teaching me there are still many unknowns in life and perhaps the zodiac holds many secrets, after all.

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