Taurus

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Felicem Natalem Diem!  

            TAURUS        (Scroll down for large constellation)

For many ancient cultures the bull was an important, and sometimes sacred, animal. So it is no surprise that it appears in the sky. The stars that form the nose of the bull are known as the Hyades, daughters of Atlas, who carries the world on his shoulders. Their half sisters, the Pleiades, now ride on Taurus’ back. The bull himself stands between the girls and Orion to protect them.

Taurus - The sign of Taurus stems from the Tale of Europa and the Bull. This is a tale of one of Zeus' many affairs. Zeus was extremely attracted to Europa and yearned for her affection. Zeus then appeared before Europa in the form of a magnificent white bull. Europa couldn't resist petting the bull, so she walked over to it and did just that. She then climbed upon the bull's back at which point the bull carried Europa across the sea to Crete where he then took the form of an eagle and, for a lack of better terms, raped her. In remembrance of this affair, Zeus placed the image of the bull amongst the stars.