With Taurus season the spring reaches its full swing. The freshness of the new beginnings is increasing its display with alluring abundance originated from one particular urge: desire to survive.

     When the seed has already established its roots, and the main stalk started its journey upward guided by the solar light, there comes another important task to do: to find proper resources that allow the tiny plant to grow. Now, the fiery initiatory impulse of Aries which provided tiny seed with strength to start its life cycle, receives a new quality: desire to stay alive by securing the best conditions for growth. “To be” becomes “to have”.

     At that moment, the plant world embarks on tenacious journey to the light, which, at the very beginning, is all about the survival of the fittest. At the same time, another battle takes place underground, where the roots spread in various directions in search to hitch on the right source of minerals, so life may secure its continuous flow. This appetite for life culminates with the most spectacular forms of beauty that Nature has to offer. We can see them in fields dressed with fresh colors, smell them in blooming trees or hear them in the melodies sung by mating birds.

     Since time immemorial, this temporal abundance has been awakening all of our senses. It has impregnated people with joy, inscribing on their psychic collective landscapes firm correlation between our sensation of bliss and external world of phenomena.

     Very often, people born with strong Taurean emphasis takes this simplistic logic deep to their hearts. Like a plant, the Bull allows all his senses to become his main guide in search for the right supplies granting him comfort. Being leaded by desire, he develops strong attachment to those sources which fulfill his own sense of stability. This is also how our individual values are shaped as we tend to add a special worth to all that bring us peace of mind, being it of material, emotional or intellectual importance. To hold fast on what is familiar is one of the most well-known Taurean features. Hence, the famous bullheadedness!

     Traditional astrology is mainly focused with the material aspects of Taurean energy. And indeed, as being the Earth sign that mostly operates through the senses, the importance of the direct physical experiences is crucial. This is the main testing ground, through which the Bull explores the limits of his hunger and exercises his determination to get what he wants. At this level, the Bull’s eye seek for the external stimuli to satisfy his cravings. Hence material possessions, obsession with money and easily satisfied physical pleasures seem to be of major interest. However, as the astrologer, Moses Siregar pointed out, material and sensual compulsions are not the true nature of anyone. It is rather a sign of certain unconscious feeling of inner desolation, a desert-like landscape, where it seems like there’s nothing to hook on. Consequently, the quest for personal bliss must be outsourced. Astrologically, this is when traditional ruler of Taurus, the planet of Love, Venus, turns inwards, asking us about our relationship with ourselves.

VENUS

     In traditional astrology, the Goddess of Love has two different representations: in Libra, her flow is directed towards others, whereas in Taurus she asks us how do we feel about ourselves, what are our values and where do we find our personal bliss. Due to the strong emphasis on the materialistic viewpoint, Venus function in our chart is often interpreted as the style with which we consume the world, what gives us pleasure and -especially – what we are attached to. Consequently, Taurean side of Venus, due to its inherent earthiness, often reveals how strong our dependency on sensual pleasure is so we can feel good about ourselves.

     Naturally, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying physical world, as long as this temporal enjoyment does not hold power over us, and thus does not dominate our daily lives. After all, we are also here to find the ultimate delight that life always brings about, though we usually experience it on individual levels. While sexual pleasure might bring the ultimate ecstasy for some, for another an excellent food will turn into a highway up to heaven. With Venus placed in Gemini, mental stimulation will give the biggest pleasure, while in Capricorn, personal satisfaction is linked with some sort of achievement.

     Nevertheless, all this variety of experiences , no matter how good they sound, are bound to one danger that is the real Taurean nightmare, as it brings apparently comfortable stagnation: the attachment to the world of form. This hesitancy to let go needs to be overcome, so the realization of self-sufficiency, without being attached to anything external, may gradually arise.

THEO VAN GOGH’S TAUREAN DETACHMENT

     The dutch surname “Van Gogh” definitely sounds pretty familiar to everybody. Many of us heard stories about the excellent painter, Vincent, who in the midst of creative zeal, cut off his ear. Yet, not many know that behind this well-known figure stands his younger brother, Theo, whose genuine life-long support allowed Vincent to become one of the most recognized artists in the world.

     Both brothers started their career in arts, trying to make their living as an art dealers. While Theo’s professional path was clearly reaching high peaks, Vincent felt completely out of place. Seeing his younger brother struggling, Theo suggested him to become an artist. Since that day, Theo became the main provider for his troubled brother. It looks like he consciously chose his life to unfold at the borders of personal sacrifice and the strength of his own will. His birth chart is a profound illustration of this paradox with Venus in Taurus as a one of the most prominent characters.

THEO’S POTENTIAL KARMIC BACKGROUND

     Theo’s karmic baggage has a strong Venusian signature. With Lunar South Node located in the 7th in Libra we can imagine previous life scenarios where co-dependency became the core of life’s experience. The ruler of South Node, Venus, being clothed with double Taurean signature (by sign and house) tells us the story of dependency based on resources. Naturally, the images of wealthy couple where one of the partner hangs on another may arise, but it does not necessarily have to be the case. Actually, the presence of Uranus in tight conjunction with Venus and fused with Mars at 20 deg. Taurus suggests a highly possible trauma (Uranus) of literal not-surviving (Mars) due to the lack of basic supplies (Venus), like food, warmth or shelter.

     Saturn squaring the Nodal Axis from 4th house in Cancer highlights this particular scenario even more, accentuating the impression of being defeated; of failing in one’s role of being the provider/leader for one’s family or having this experience from the perspective of being the one cared about. Nevertheless, no matter the role Theo’s Soul was involved in, the karmic emotional imprint of his chart is formulated not only upon the evading sense of sacrifice but also fruitlessness resulted from it (Neptune in sextile to Uranus and in wide trine to Saturn).

     Looking at Moon’s position, we can single out a possible instinctual pattern originated in such peculiar circumstances that will color Theo’s emotional responsiveness throughout his life. Leo Moon in the 5th house in opposition to Aquarian Chiron might carry some unconscious memories about a profound pain resulted from being hold back in one’s genuine expression. This wound will be a subject of deep healing expressed as a long-life support given to Theo’s creative brother, Vincent, allowing his essence to truly shine no matter the circumstances. In one of his letters, Vincent sincerely admits:

” If I didn’t have Theo, it wouldn’t be possible for me to do justice to my work.”

THEO’S TAURUS SIGNATURE

     Without looking closely at the evolutionary background, the first glimpse at the chart with so strong Taurean emphasis might be very misleading. In the eyes of inexperienced astrologer it may look like we deal with somebody whose attachment to money and sensual pleasures was definitely above average! With five main planets ( including Sun- Theo’s individual life force) in Taurus in the 2nd house, we could expect somebody who was compulsively driven by the need to own (Pluto), whose actions were aimed at gathering resources (Mars) and who actually truly enjoyed it (Venus)! Yet, knowing Theo’s role played in Vincent’s life, we all realize that this traditional portrayal has nothing to do with his actual life-path. In fact, what his life dynamic actually shows is the higher expression of Taurus archetype: becoming provider of stability for others. That is the first step on Bull’s long path aimed at loosening attachment to world of form, so the importance of material plane may finally dissolve at the very end of that journey.

THEO’S BATTLEGROUND

     Theo’s case is a clear example of evolutionary nature of astrology, as his chart read by the traditional -static- mindset focused on material aspects of signs, wont definitely make justice to this humble man. His taurean emphasis stands as an exclamation mark, yet not as a force driving him to posses, but rather to give of himself freely. This is the beginning where the enlightening quality of the Bull starts to cast its first beam of light, serving as an uplift and illumination of fellowman’s path. Now, the power of will gradually gains a new direction: it turns a pure desire into higher aspiration of becoming a support to others.

     In esoteric astrology, the character of the Sun, and thus our essence, cannot be completed without looking at its polar opposite, the Earth itself. Alan Oken, in his “Soul-Centered astrology” writes:

“(…) the Sun in the soul-centered chart is indicative of the ‘creative equipment’ a person brings to the present lifetime. The Earth, 180 degrees opposite, reveals where this equipment “lands” for its proper use”

     “The proper use” corresponds to to the filed of service (Earth) best suited to our personality (Sun), so it may may shine forth. It is where the actual battle takes place, so our creativity can win over general conformity and our actual purpose may find its earthly, hence practical expression. Theo’s Earth lands in Scorpio in the 8th house strongly emphasizing the push toward empowering others (Scorpio) by using his own resourcefulness (Taurus). The true nature of Taurus-Scorpio polarity always implies some sort of sacrifice in order to allow the Light (Taurus) penetrate the dark corners of our experiences (Scorpio). Theo was an embodiment of that Light in Vincent’s life. He gave him not only material support but also became his source of strength enabling him to pursue his artistic visions and ideals.

     What was the price then, one may asks? The very word sacrifice implies that Theo must had gave up something so his life long dedication to his brother might have became the main force driving his actions. In his letter to his sister, Theo writes:

“(…) Can you understand that it’s sometimes difficult never to mix with anyone other than men who talk about business, with artists who are generally having a difficult time themselves, but never to know the intimate life with wife or children of the same class? “

     This quote utterly describe difficult position of Theo’s Moon in Leo. It squares his Sun-Earth axis and – as this combination were not enough to create tension and uneasiness – receives Chiron’s pain as opposition from Aquarian 11th house. It also rules Theo’s 4th house (family) whose heaviness is marked by restrictive finger of Saturn. Also, being born in First Quarter Lunar phase, like Theo was, indicates life charged with constant tension; a sensation of chronic inner conflict. The clash between what’s our mission (Sun) and what gives us comfort (Moon) creates a necessary psychological friction that motivates us to take the final action. Leaving comfort zone is not easy and it always entails sacrifice. Yet, “to kill one’s Moon” is the key that opens the gate to the individual freedom.

THEO’S PURPOSE AND ASPIRATION

     In Theo’s chart, the purpose of his personality (North Node) and the higher aspiration of his Soul (Ascendant) blends together forming tight conjunction in Aries, the expression of will. For those, who are not familiar with esoteric astrology, it might sound confusing, as usually Nodal Axis (and especially the North Node) is seen as a carrier of deeper purpose. However, in the Soul-centered astrology, there’s is clear demarcation line between personality and Soul, where the former -when developed- becomes the instrument for the latter. Until then, the process of maturation and self discovery (individuation) takes place and it is usually described by the Sun: a life-giving central force around which all our personal traits and complexes revolve. This process of knowing oneself is the main subject that exoteric astrology deals with. Esoteric one, however, takes it a little bit further, but only when the foundation (the Sun) plays a conscious part in one’s life, so the Soul may gradually start to act comfortably in its already mature vehicle (personality).

     Consequently, North Node does not have too much to do with the Soul directly, as it is an integral part of the story described by the Moon. It shows the necessary evolution that we must undertake to transform our unconscious patterns; to reconstruct the style in which we instinctively respond to life and which is mostly based on the past. By embracing energy symbolized by North Node and its ruler, we simply bring our past with harmony with the future, where the latter gradually starts to look even more exciting than our “old” comfort zone

     In Theo’s chart, both, his personality and his Soul are interested in the very same thing: to may finally exercise one’s Will (Aries). While the Tauren personality (Sun) strives for final lessons about nature of power one achieve through accumulating resources, the Soul (Ascendant) aspire to give it wise direction in form of service to others. As it was mentioned before, the karmic baggage brought by Theo into this life gives an impression of hopelessness and stagnation resulted from not having enough resources ( energy) to act accordingly one’s will. This time, the scale was about to shift.

     Theo’s career as an art merchant was, without any doubt, a very rewarding one. He had everything needed to be successful in raising his capital within the world of arts: patience, determination and artistic sensitivity. Finally, he was given the opportunity to may shape his own circumstances and become an active creator of his life (North Node in Aries, 1st house) . However, his Soul’s aspiration was not only about to have his hunger finally satiated. His role as an active shaper took a step further: he focused his will on his fellowman, his brother, shifting attention from his own emotional comforts (Moon) and focusing it on support of another human being.

     Aries Ascendant suggest that the experience of proper use of one’s will was that what Theo’s Soul was aspiring to learn, and thus to express. Yet, it was reachable for the Soul only through the higher expression of Taurus energy: gradual detachment from the world of form, resulting in giving freely from oneself rather then accumulating. Mercury, the esoteric ruler of Aries, placed in Gemini 3rd house ( house of siblings) points directly to the relationship with Vincent being the training ground for the life long lesson about individual power of one’s will. In one of his letters to Theo, Vincent writes:

“I myself feel, to the point of being mentally crushed and physically drained, the need to produce . . . I believe that the day will come when I’ll sell too, but I’m so far behind with you, and while I spend I bring nothing in. That feeling sometimes makes me sad.”

     In his response, Theo follows Taurus higher expression to the letter:

“You talk about money that you owe me and that you wish to pay back to me. I know nothing of that. What I’d like to see you achieve would be that you never had that concern. . . . You don’t know how you grieve me when you say that you’ll have worked so much that you’ll feel that you haven’t lived.”

     The importance of Vincent in Theo’s life seems to be crucial. Thanks to him, Theo might have exercised his will according Soul’s deeper intention: in form of service. This spiritual cooperation with his brother was so significant that in 6 months after Vincent’s suicidal death, Theo’s Soul decided to withdraw as well. The work was completed. Theo died 25 of January being 33 year old.

THEO’S VENUS

     This higher expression of Taurus contained in Theo’s psychological make up seems to be summarized by situation of Venus in his chart. Being his Solar sign ruler her significance obviously increases, yet there are other factors making Venusian influence in Theo’s life of great importance: her retrogradation, her “Out of Bounds” status, her tight conjunction with Uranus and her “mediation” between two rulers of Theo’s Aries ascendant: the traditional one, Mars, and esoteric one, Mercury; Venus is making wide conjunction with both.

     Some modern astrologers claim, that Uranus forming conjunctions often serves as an upgrade of the energy represented by the conjunct planet. Such conjunction gives potential to transcend the limits of average expression of given archetype, raising to the new, higher octave of manifestation.

     Theo’s desire nature, represented by Venus, was without any doubt a subject of powerful evolution. These first lessons of detachment served as a bridge between Theo’s personality and the higher aspiration of his Soul. This mediator’s role is symbolically written in Venus becoming the literal link between Mars and Mercury. Last but not least, the “Out of Bounds” status of Venus ( literally braking the limits of her usual astronomical declination, and thus archetypal expression ) seems to be a cherry on the top in the story of Theo’s as embodiment of an evolving Taurus.

     His short life is one of the examples of raising above the one’s own needs so the creative force of another human being may express itself freely. This is when Taurus being detached from one’s own possessiveness, became an spiritual illuminator, shedding the Light upon other man’s path.

• In this paper, I've intentionally omitted the esoteric ruler of Taurus, Vulcan, due to the uncertainty of its correct position within the birth chart.

• Artwork: Leon Frederic, "Fragrance" / oil on canvas / 1894

• Source used: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/stories/brotherly-love#2

• Source used: https://www.vangoghletters.org