Taurus Foods

Welcome to Taurus, the second sign of spring. After rushing to new adventures in Aries, we slow down and settle ourselves in Taurus. We make sure physical needs are met and then focus on pleasures of the body. Taurus loves food for the sheer earthy pleasures of eating. Read on for ideas on healthy enjoyments during Taurus time.

The first food that supports Taurus is obvious - the bull likes meat. Red meat has gotten a bad rap in the last few decades; in popular media you'll still read 'steak' and 'artery-clogging' or worse 'heart-attack' often in the same sentence. But we humans have eaten meat for most of our time on the planet, so I submit that health issues stemming from meat eating are not due to the fact of eating meat, but the quality of the meat consumed. If you eat sufficient amounts of animals that have been fattened on questionable feed and kept alive on antibiotics, then your own body might also turn ill. Meat from happy cows raised on green grass, though, is a health food!

In Taurus we have a keener sense of smell; we are also willing to put in the time for an extra special pleasure. Instead of just tossing a steak on the stove, try marinating it first. Nothing complicated: olive oil, garlic, rosemary; or pepper and shallot; or even good salt or a flavored one like rosemary salt (my favorite). Zuni restaurant in San Francisco is famous for their hamburgers. Why? Because they salt the meat the night before, and when cooked it just tastes better. Simple but true.

Some people do well on dairy, others would do best to avoid. Either way with Sun in Taurus everyone who tolerates milk foods can eat more of them. This makes sense - the mother cows are giving their milk now. If you like cheese, it is a good time to be alive. A typical Whole Foods will have literally dozens (if not over a hundred) choices from all over the world. Even many cities in Italy and France will not have nearly the selection. I suggest trying the raw milk varieties - they have more flavor and most luscious texture. Try and see. Don't worry, cheese made from uncooked milk is not dangerous and you won't pass out. Why the paranoia about raw cheese and milk? Probably because to be raw and safe means to be small and fresh, the direct opposite of dairy industry large and extended shelf life.

A quick aside for the more astro literate: if you have Aries rising, Sun or Moon, or several planets in Aries, try finding a favorite sheep cheese. Sheep cheese can be quite calming and is recommended in Tibetan medicine for Air types for this reason. If you have a Capricorn emphasis in your chart, then try different goat cheeses. If Taurus or Virgo, then cow's milk and cow cheeses might be your favorite. And if you have Gemini or Libra, then maybe you like the combo cheeses (yes, they exist).

With the energy of Taurus we stereotypically think of meat and potatoes; however the only potatoes available are from last year. Whatever food is coming out of the earth in your location, that's the thing to eat.

Taurus is fixed earth sign, the most stable of all. While we can enjoy stimulants in Aries because we are into the rush, in Taurus we'll appreciate slowing down. Drink more tea instead of coffee; eat less sugar and fruit; and eat solid, stick to the ribs food.

With Sun in Taurus, we enjoy simple pleasures. Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame has her Sun in Taurus, and her restaurant expresses the earthy sensibility of this sign. No fancy sauces, few imported ingredients, just fresh, pure flavors simply prepared. Yet her way of thinking has changed the way America eats.

Since our attention has turned to the earth, it's time for spring gardening. A few pots of fresh herbs will turn a regular meal into a memorable event. Get them going now so you can harvest throughout the summer.

Most of all, Taurus takes time to enjoy pleasures. In America many have lost, or never even encountered, the art of eating. A few years ago an business acquaintance went to a remote village in Italy. "All there is to do in the evening is eat, so people spend 3 hours at dinner," he complained. He just didn't get it. Good food, wine, friends and time enough to enjoy it all - what more could you want?

Taurus might like to eat so much because it is sign of the throat. Try extra neck stretches this month. Also let your throat totally relax. If your throat is tight, it may mean that you are restricting something you'd rather say.

May you have good health with Sun in Taurus. Watch for the next column when Sun enters Gemini on May 20th.

Disclaimer: Consult your health professional (modern Western and/or alternative) for all health related inquires and issues.