posted April 20, 2006 03:55 PM            

All those rumors about Taureans being stubborn? They're true. But lest you begin to think that stubbornness is a bad trait, consider the way people talk about those who don't stick to what they believe in: wishy-washy, scattered, distracted. Isn't stubborn better? Of course, there are other words that suit the average Taurus quite well, and have a nicer ring to them: focused, grounded and stable, to name just a few. In other words, if there's an important task to be accomplished, you'll want a Bull for the job.

But there's a lot more to that Taurean nature than the ability to make a decision and keep to it -- innate sensuality, for example. These folks are the touchmeisters of the zodiac, so if it smells, tastes, looks, sounds or feels good, they're there. Just step into the home of the nearest Taurus for ample proof. You may not find the Mona Lisa on the living room wall or a bottle of Dom in the fridge, but you'll come across something that looks just as elegant and tastes just as good -- and you're in luck, too, because the Bull is more than happy to share, as long as the company is of equal quality.

When it comes to relationships, in fact, the one thing a Taurus absolutely insists on is that they have something to share. They're very big on getting a return on their investments, no matter what they've invested or how -- that goes for time, energy and resources. If you're involved with a Taurus on a one-on-one basis, it's not just unbelievably pleasurable -- it's also a tremendous compliment! With Venus as its ruler, this sign settles for nothing less than the best of everything; if a Taurus isn't sure their partner answers that description on many levels, they wouldn't waste their time. So if you're a Bull yourself, those thoughts might go through your mind every time you and your sweetie get into an argument that leaves you trying to decide whether or not to walk out and stay gone. You know that you wouldn't be with them for this long if they weren't the best -- just be true to yourself, and your decisions are sure to be as solid as you are.

** Your Starcast for April 20-May 20 **

The Sun is running the show at the beginning of this astrological month, between its move into earthy Taurus on the 20th and an authoritative square to Saturn a few days later. Later in the month, though, Mercury seems to be the planet to watch -- rendezvous with both Saturn and Jupiter might just demonstrate the highs and lows of your patience! And pay close attention to that sultry full Moon in Scorpio ... secrets, secrets everywhere. Keep reading for the whole story on this month's highlights:

April 20: Sun into Taurus, Venus trine Jupiter
There's no sign that loves physical pleasures more than Taurus -- and no planet that's as willing to help Taurus get them as Venus. Throw in the extravagant influence of Jupiter, which will be a tremendous boost, and it's easy to see how this combination of three pleasure-seeking planets will bring you a great weekend. In fact, you're headed for a lovely week (and yes, this influence will last at least that long) if you play those cards right. Venus and Jupiter simply never fail to create a party -- no matter who you're with or what you're up to -- even when there hadn't been one scheduled.

April 24: Sun square Saturn
When two authority figures get into squabbles, it's never pretty -- mostly because they're both absolutely sure that they're right. Well this time out, it's up to you to find a way to make the Sun (head honcho in our corner of the universe) and Saturn (the heavens' ultimate authority figure) resolve their testy square. There's really only one way to do it too: You've got to give them a strenuous task to accomplish -- together. Something that will absolutely require that they pull together. So how about pitching in to help someone rebuild a home that's been damaged or volunteering to clean up a local park? There might still be some arguments along the way, but it sure will be easier than listening to inconsequential bickering. Be brave. Be bold. Help each other!

April 27: New Moon in Taurus
New Moons are all about fresh beginnings and renewed initiative -- and this one will shine the spotlight on your career. Are you loving your current gig and ready to move full steam ahead toward that promotion? Or maybe you've found yourself returning to your childhood dreams of taking to the stage or penning a groundbreaking novel? Whatever your situation, this isn't the time to force it, but rather to consider the options. Try to avoid any new-Moon impulsiveness and just experience your professional dreams and values. Sure, there are always practical matters to weigh -- but for now, indulging in a little reverie about what will truly fulfill you is the most responsible thing you could do!

This new Moon will most affect Taureans born April 26-30, Leos born July 29-August 2, Scorpios born October 29-November 2 and Aquarians born January 26-31.

April 29: Sun sextile Mars, Mercury sextile Neptune
In astrologese (as astrologers affectionately dub their lingo), sextiles mean excitement and stimulation. They bring together planets that are in compatible physical elements -- fire and air, for example, or earth and water. So when two pairs of planets form sextiles in one day, the heavens have blessed us with two opportunities to make good situations even better. Today, you're working with four planets who will be only too happy to help you move toward your goals. For starters, the Sun and Mars, the two red-hottest fireballs in our corner of the universe, have come together in fire and air, fanning each other's flames and giving us all an amazing amount of energy. Talk about a terrific opportunity to practice multitasking! Better yet, Mercury and Neptune will simultaneously help us come up with a dream. This is a day to think big, then get out the hammer and nails. Bring together your favorite group of go-getters and go get. You'll be amazed at what you'll accomplish, and how quickly. Prepare to be proud -- deservedly so.

April 30: Venus square Pluto
Imagination is a wonderful and terrible thing. It's wonderful when it's used to create a dream -- say, the dream of starting a business, building a home or making a relationship permanent. But it's terrible when it's used to justify a fear. You have a choice to make, because either of those scenarios is possible now. Venus, ruler of love, is squaring off with intense, possessive Pluto. On the one hand, that can be just wonderful -- the foundation of an intense and lasting relationship. But on the other hand, it can be the start of something built on jealousy or false perceptions. So if you feel like you're on the giving or receiving end of that second scenario, it's time to reevaluate. Talk to someone you trust, and resolve to use today's intense energy to make some serious changes for the better.

May 3: Venus into Aries
After weeks of contemplating that perfect person to hide out with -- to hibernate with, that is, for as long as possible and with minimal interruption -- you've had your fill. And you're not alone. If you already have a special someone, this doesn't mean that you two aren't meant for each other -- but you may not be meant to spend quite so much time together. The situation is this: Loving Venus has just left discreet, privacy-loving Pisces in favor of something a lot more assertive. Aries, the most action-oriented sign out there, is Venus's current host, and will be for the rest of the month. So if your friends -- not to mention your sweetheart -- seem a bit befuddled by your behavior, try to be understanding. Aren't you a bit surprised yourself?

May 5: Mercury into Taurus
When the Sun is in a different sign than Mercury, his constant companion, it's easy to see that he'd be lonely -- and to us here on Earth, it almost feels like Mercury is retrograde. One thing you might notice in particular is that there's about a two-second delay before you can honestly say what's on your mind. Instead of just opening our mouths and speaking, we all need first to think and translate right now. Fortunately, after almost two full weeks, all that will end today, especially with regard to matters of love and money -- and what could be more important? Stop stalling. Call that 'state of the relationship' meeting, make some coffee and get the show on the road! Isn't it time to get it all out into the open?

May 7: Mercury square Saturn
When Mercury the Messenger is in a sign as famously stubborn as Taurus, it affects us all. Suddenly, even the most hotheaded among us become the very souls of patience and discretion (or at least a lot less volatile!). That goes double when highly disciplined Saturn meets up with Mercury in Taurus, which is what's going on today. For starters, then, don't be too tough on yourself if you don't get your point across in that 'cut to the chase' style you prefer -- oh, and don't deliberately yawn if an already slow-talking friend is talking even slower.

May 11: Mercury opposite Jupiter
You've spent three days trying to be as understanding as possible of everyone around you -- especially your nearest and dearest. You've done a fine job of it too. Unfortunately, you're not feeling all that patient today. To be perfectly honest, you're feeling impatient. Very impatient. So impatient, in fact, that you're ready to scream -- even at someone you're usually more than willing to tolerate. The problem is, you're currently a member of a very large club, and we all want to scream at whoever's irritating us. Keep that in mind before you pound your fist on the boss's desk. It's your paycheck, after all.

May 13: Full Moon in Scorpio
When a full Moon comes along, it illuminates not just the sign it's in, but the opposite sign, as well. That's because a full Moon puts the Sun and Moon at opposite sides of the Earth, making night almost as bright as day. Figuratively speaking, it also means that what's supposed to be hidden suddenly becomes obvious -- and with the Moon in sexy, mysterious Scorpio this time around, some serious secrets could emerge. Are you ready for them? If so, this could be the start of a whole new closeness between you and someone you adore. If you're not, better fasten your seatbelt -- it's going to be a bumpy ride.

This full Moon will most affect Taureans born May 11-15, Leos born August 13-17, Scorpios born November 13-17 and Aquarians born February 9-13.