Is it just me, or are Taurus folks… kinda hot?! Whether you credit their too-cool-for-drama composure or their natural sensuality, the allure of a Taurus (that is, anyone born between April 20 and May 20) and their cosmically Taurus characteristics is undeniable.

Naturally, we have astrology to thank for that: Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty—hence the sex appeal. And while Taurus can indeed be stubborn (as the sign’s symbol of the bull aptly suggests), their resistance to change is also innate to their being. “It’s because Taurus is the only fixed Earth sign,” says astrologer Narayana Montúfar, author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.

ICYWW, zodiac signs with a fixed modality (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) are those that stabilize and consolidate the energy of each season, with Taurus season marking the heart of spring. In real life, that makes them loyal, devoted, and steadfast when working toward a goal.

Add in Taurus’s Earth element, which is associated with a grounded and practical energy, and it’s no wonder the sign can be so tenacious and full of conviction. Just a few celebrity Tauruses that capture the bull’s vibe—stubborn edge and all—include Tina Fey, Adele, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Lizzo, Billy Joel, Stephen Colbert, and Cher.

Whether you’re a Taurus yourself, have an important Taurus in your life, or just want to learn more about Taurus characteristics, read on for an expert-backed primer on all things Taurus, from key personality traits to preferences, strengths, weaknesses, compatibility, and more.

Taurus Dates

People born between April 20 and May 20 are Tauruses, meaning they have their sun sign (the main zodiac sign for which you’d read a horoscope) in Taurus. These dates mark the period when the sun typically moves through the Taurus constellation each year, with a margin of a day or two in either direction.

If you’re a Taurus, you can likely relate to many of the Taurus characteristics outlined below—but it’s important to note that no single zodiac sign equates to a monolith of people, either.

The complexity of any given person’s identity is not just reflected in their sun sign (or where the sun was located when they were born) but rather in their full natal chart, which shows where all the celestial bodies in our solar system were located in the sky at the time of a person’s birth. (Want to check out your chart? Drop your birth time, date, and location into an online generator like this one.)

That’s to say, even if you have a Taurus sun sign, the other luminaries and planets in your birth chart (say, the moon or Venus) could be in other signs and significantly influence your personality in very, well, non-Taurus ways. And the same goes for the reverse: If your sun sign isn’t in Taurus, but you have other chart placements in the sign, you could very much relate to the key Taurus characteristics.

Taurus Personality Traits

If you’re looking for a companion with whom to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, look no further than Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac. Of the 12 houses in astrology (which reflect specific realms of life), Taurus rules the second house of finances, personal possessions, and personal value, which means they wrote the rulebook on self care: Bougie shopping, spa days, and fine dining are often on the docket when you’re hanging with a Taurus.

“Every sign is governed by a planet, and Taurus is Venus’s child, so it’s no surprise that they are sensual, tactile, and sensory-oriented beings,” says astrologer Courtney O’Reilly, author of Zodiac Signs: Taurus.

And don’t forget the fixed modality and Earth element of Taurus, either: They tend to be steadfast and reliable people, says O’Reilly, who are determined to go after their goals and move through life with grounded conviction (even if it means being a bit headstrong sometimes).

To sum it up, here are the key Taurus personality traits:

• Practical
• Stubborn
• Patient and dedicated
• Nurturing
• Sensual
• Reliable and responsible
• Loyal
• Appreciates material possessions

What are Taurus strengths?

Equipped with a deeply rooted sense of determination, Taureans are able to accomplish anything they set their bull horns to. “Taurus is patient,” says Montúfar, “and it knows how to wait for the good things to come. These are the people that are really good at showing up every day to build something meaningful.”

“[Taurus] is super creative, affable, calm, consistent, and persevering—they’re some of the most thorough people you’ll ever meet.” —Courtney O’Reilly, astrologer

Slow and steady is the Taurus game, and they wouldn’t have it any other way: They’re methodical and take pride in doing something right the first time, no matter how long it takes. “They’re also super creative, affable, calm, consistent, and persevering—they’re some of the most thorough people you’ll ever meet,” says O’Reilly.

What are Taurus weaknesses?

The flip side of Taurus’s determination is that they can be aggressively unyielding, says Montúfar. “They’re not good with change,” she says, adding that even the smallest of surprising obstacles can be difficult for them to overcome. This rejection of change can also make their lives stagnant. If they aren’t pushed or inspired to do new things, Taurus can very well get stuck in monotony and in bad (if familiar) habits that don’t actually serve them.

Taurus also doesn’t deal well with vagueness and lack of clarity. “Taurus likes to know where they stand,” says Montúfar. Unfortunately for the bull, the world isn’t always so black and white: Romantic relationships, work dynamics, and even just future plans can all include gray areas, which can be a massive frustration for the sign.

Taurus Likes and Dislikes

What makes a Taurus happy?

While it’s true that Taurus loves their creature comforts and enjoys spending quiet time at home to recharge and take care of themselves, they also tend to feel their best when they’ve had plenty of outdoor time. “Taurus is the sign traditionally linked with the middle of spring, when the Earth is in full bloom and lush, and so for Taurus, getting out in nature is important,” says O’Reilly.

Taureans also love material things—and beautiful ones at that. “Since Taurus’s senses are so finely tuned, they adore beautifully prepared food, fine wine, and also bodywork—regular bookings for massages, Reiki treatments, or facials are deeply nourishing,” O’Reilly says. And all of these things cost money, so to fuel that long-term happiness, a Taurus needs resources. “Their ruling planet, Venus, is a financial planet, so establishing a nest egg and being on top of finances offers Taurus peace of mind,” she adds.

What annoys a Taurus?

Despite the naturally strong convictions of a Taurus, O’Reilly insists that getting along with a Taurus isn’t very difficult: “Taureans are easygoing by nature and are quite affable, thanks to Venus—planet of love, affection, and friendship—being their ruling planet,” she says.

Still, they’re not immune to annoyances; just like every other sign in the zodiac, they do have turn-offs. Montúfar says that Taurus dislikes being challenged, especially in regard to routines, values, or beliefs that they’ve held onto for years. Similarly, “they don’t like to be rushed,” says Montúfar. Yes, the bull tends to move at a glacial pace, but that’s because they’re strategic and measured; any attempts by others to quicken their pace will likely set them off.

Montúfar adds that “they don’t do well with loud people,” and that people who talk really fast (or with a know-it-all tone) should expect a cold shoulder from the sign.

Taurus Compatibility With Other Zodiac Signs

Like many astrologers, O’Reilly is big on the belief that, technically, any two sun signs can be compatible. It’s not just unfair to assume that any two people can’t get along because of their sun signs alone—in most cases, it’s also untrue.

If you recall the concept of a birth chart, you’ll remember that each piece of a person’s chart (not just their sun sign, but also their moon sign, Venus sign, and so forth) will determine a separate facet of their identity. Just because two people’s sun signs might not be deemed compatible doesn’t mean that they can’t find connection, romance, or friendship via other points of similarity elsewhere in their charts. To that end, comparing sun signs is just brushing the surface of astrological compatibility.

Nonetheless, you can glean some intel about how well you’re likely to get along with someone by taking a look at how the core characteristics of your sun sign mesh (or fail to mesh) with theirs. Below, learn more about the signs that Taurus is most compatible with and the signs that might not fare so well with them.

Which zodiac signs are Tauruses most compatible with?

According to Montúfar, Taurus tends to gel with fellow Earth signs Virgo and Capricorn. Both of these signs can naturally understand why practicality and staying grounded yield a sense of fulfillment for Taurus, and they also appreciate the value of hard work and maintaining structure and routine in life.

Aside from Virgo and Capricorn, Taurus also tends to thrive when paired with water signs, like empathetic Pisces, nurturing Cancer, or intuitive Scorpio—all of whom can form deeply passionate and loyal connections. “The elements of Earth and water together are fertile—flowers can grow,” says O’Reilly.

Which zodiac signs are Tauruses least compatible with?

Fire and air signs will have a tougher time getting along with Taurus, says Montúfar. Fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius can come off as unwieldy and reckless to Taurus (given their proclivity for sometimes-impulsive action), while the eccentricities and innovative tendencies of air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius can come off as contrarian, clashing with the bull’s more methodical approach to life.

Taurus in Love, Relationships, and Sex

If there’s one sign that appreciates the build-up of a lengthy Harlequin romance novel, it’s Taurus. Aligned with the symbolism of their ruling planet Venus, Taurus values stability and tradition in love. They see love as a commitment that requires responsibility and a solid foundation of trust, which is why it takes them some time to fully open up to others, both emotionally and sexually.

“Taurus is a slow sign that you can’t rush,” says Montúfar, adding that once you do get a chance to take them to bed, they like to take their time and savor every second. “They’re very sensual—they’re not that lover that you can just rush into orgasm,” she says. “They’re going to make sure the lighting is perfect, and the music is on, and the vibe is set.”

“Taurus takes a little while to establish a relationship because they want to make sure that things are going to work out.” —Narayana Montúfar, astrologer

This highly considered approach applies to romance, too. Taurus brings a strong level of dedication to their intimate connections, says Montúfar. Slow and strategic, Taurus won’t jump into any relationship without knowing that the other person is as dedicated to the union as they are. “They take a little while to establish a relationship because they want to make sure that things are going to work out, since they’re not good with change,” says Montúfar. “They crave security to a greater degree than many other signs.”

Taurus in Work and Career

Taurus appreciates and values a hard day’s work. Diligent and perseverant, the bull “is really good at saving money in the bank,” says Montúfar, adding that they understand that indulging in many of life’s pleasures requires resources.

While they have the aptitude to see practically any project through to completion, Taurus will naturally excel in certain jobs that play to their strengths over others, as outlined below.

What are the best careers for Taurus?

Ruling over the second astrological house of resources and finances, Taurus is especially well-suited for careers that involve handling money, says Montúfar. “They’re a financial sign and will do well in banking, finance, and real estate,” agrees O’Reilly.

By a different token, Montúfar adds that careers that involve working with the Earth—like agriculture, or any roles connected to sustainability initiatives—are also great choices for the sign, as they play into Taurus’s down-to-earth sensibility and grounded Earth element.

Additionally, “Taureans are creative and so may pursue careers in entertainment, especially in performance, as dancers or vocalists,” O’Reilly says, adding that Taurus is the zodiac sign that rules the neck, throat, and vocal cords, so they often have lovely speaking voices and are talented singers.

But if you’re a Taurus who can only carry a tune in the shower, know that there are still plenty of other professional arenas where you can thrive. “Their sensory-oriented nature also makes them a natural in the food industry, say as a chef, sommelier, chocolatier, or gourmet grocer,” says O’Reilly, “and their heightened affinity for beauty means they may also do well in the aesthetics and wellness realm as a perfumer, masseuse, Reiki practitioner, or esthetician.”

What are the worst careers for Taurus?

Taurus would be better off avoiding fast-paced jobs that require regularly adapting to changing circumstances, like airline piloting, emergency services, or tourism roles, says Montúfar. It’s not that Taurus can’t perform the tasks associated with these types of jobs, but rather, their nature is better suited for a career that’s reliable and stable and nods to their appreciation of beauty, luxury, or nature.

To that note, Montúfar adds that they should avoid careers that “require them to get out of their preferred routine.” Taurus takes comfort in knowing their day is structured to their liking, so careers that interrupt that flow could be especially stressful for them.

Taurus in Friendships

Taureans make loyal, stable friends, says Montúfar, who likens an archetypal Taurus to that childhood friend of yours that’s been there for you through thick and thin. “Taurus is a sign that likely has fewer stable friendships over a ton of looser ones,” she adds.

“Taurus is a sign that likely has fewer stable friendships over a ton of looser ones.” —Montúfar

Just like with their romantic partners, Taurus can take a while to warm up to friends; that’s not because they’re closed off or aloof, says Montúfar, but because they want to find companions that are in it for the long haul. “They don’t want to be guessing what’s going to happen next,” explains Montúfar. “That’s nerve-racking for them.” But once you’ve formed a friendship with a Taurus, you can expect that friendship to last for life.

To get in the good graces of a Taurus friend, O’Reilly suggests saying exactly what you mean, especially if you have compliments to offer. “Taurus appreciates clear, direct communication,” she says. “They like to know where they stand, and they also thrive on acknowledgement for their efforts. They want to be helpful, and so it warms their heart to know they’re appreciated.”

Taurus in Family Dynamics

Hard-working and pragmatic, Taurus takes great pride in their ability to provide for their family—both as an emotional rock who can keep others grounded and as a consistent breadwinner. (Remember how naturally gifted they are with handling money?)

Given their inclination toward practicality, Taurus can also play a mediator role when it comes to contentious family dynamics. When others are more prone to acting rashly or flying off the handle, Taurus can provide a stable presence, serving as a safe container for others’ emotions. They’re also organized and have the tenacity to plan and execute goals for the entire family.

In keeping with their preference for familiarity over newness, Taurus is also typically dedicated to maintaining long-standing familial traditions, says Montúfar. Above all, in a family setting, they can see the stabilizing value in ritual for ritual’s sake.

Advice for Taurus

Taurus’s fixed modality can make it difficult for them to roll with the punches, to say the least. “Taurus is a security-oriented sign, and so they’re not easily persuaded to change their course,” says O’Reilly. When they do accept new ideas or shift gears, it’ll typically be on their own terms, says O’Reilly. “Given the facts and the time to consider, they may come around, but only because it was their decision to do so in the end.”

It’s for this reason that Taurus can benefit greatly from learning to trust the ideas, motives, and capabilities of other people. This way, they can also avoid burning out under the (often self-imposed) weight of constant leadership and decision-making.

Similarly, another one of Taurus’s biggest challenges is breaking old habits, says Montúfar. The sign naturally embraces the security that comes with things staying the same—but stagnancy is not a sign of a life well-lived. Learning to escape their comfort zone can help them avoid getting stuck in the larger patterns and routines that may be keeping them from growing.