Taurus - The Bull's Story

Taurus, The Bull, is one of the oldest constellations with some believing it was observed in ancient Babylonia and others believing that it appears in a 40,000 year old cave painting in Lascaux. Stories about it have followed it throughout history with most referring to fertility and abundance. This could be because for the past 4,000 years it has announced the Vernal (Spring) Equinox. One of the most popular stories goes back to the Greeks. Zeus, the ruler of the Olympian Gods and the God of the Sky, became enamored with beautiful Europa, the daughter of King Agenor. Because she was always protected by her father’s soldiers, Zeus turned himself into a beautiful white bull with a pair of golden horns and wandered toward her while she was picking flowers in a field. Princess Europa, mesmerized by this unusual bull, made him her pet. One day, she decided to ride her favorite pet and jumped onto its back. Immediately, the bull bore her away, swimming across the sea to Crete. There Zeus revealed himself. The story continues with Europa having three sons by Zeus, one being Minos. Minos is credited with creating the Cretan Bull Cult and whose stepson, the Minotaur (half bull, half man) was banished to the labyrinth below his palace. When looking at the constellation, the horns are the dominate feature with the rest of the bull being rather disappointing. It is said this is because the bull was half submerged as it carried Europa across the sea to Crete.