Horoscopes:
Take the bull by the horns
By
Imhotep
The three zodiac signs of spring in the Northern Hemisphere -- Aries, Taurus and Gemini -- do surprisingly well in mid-winter. The colder it gets, the better these sprightly stars perform.
For people born under the Fire sign of Aries (21 Mar-20 Apr), January is a month full of challenges. But however much they shirk mundane responsibilities, never putting in their share of domestic chores, for example, the Rams in question seldom back away from a challenge.
Though Arians characteristically behave more like sheepdogs than rams, it was with the ram that they were paradoxically identified by ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks. Yet Arians are anything but sheeplike, sharing none of the complying, gentle characteristics of the creatures after which they are named. Full of vitality, typical Arians are notorious for temper tantrums. Like sheepdogs, however, their bark tends to be worse than their bite, so don't take offence -- they possess an enviable simplicity of heart.
Arians are outdoor people. In winter they'd rather be on the ski slope than by the fireplace. In Egypt they're likely to be scuba diving in the Red Sea in winter. Rams are brave, even bellicose people, never intimidated or influenced by contrary opinions or opposition.
Don't expect Rams to make sheep's eyes at their shepherds. Arian children are among the most difficult, and they grow up into fiercely individualistic characters, never moving in flocks. But to every rule there are exceptions. Very occasionally one does stumble on an adorable Arian who is at heart nothing but a little lamb.
Rams are instinctively prejudiced, until, with patience, their blindfolds are removed. They enjoy nothing better than leading a parade. This winter, though, they must learn to listen attentively to others, including their superiors.
Taurus (21 Apr-21 May) is a sensual Earth sign ruled by Venus, and Taureans have a tendency to lead hedonistic lives. Bulls have insatiable appetites, they can be obsessive and they'll stop at nothing to have the object of their desire. Deny them their pleasures and there'll be hell to pay.
Ancient Greeks saw Taurus as an incarnation of Zeus, the god of gods -- as a majestic white bull. Phoenicians, the ancient world's most famous mariners, relied on the North Star while navigating the Mediterranean. Wherever they went they spread the cult of the all-powerful Bull.
According to Greek legend, Zeus fell in love with Europa, daughter of the King of Phoenicia. Disguised as Taurus, Zeus abducted Europa, taking her off to Crete -- like a true, headstrong Taurean. Don't make the Bull see red, otherwise he'll charge. Taureans are normally slow to anger, but test them and they'll be the proverbial bull in a china shop.
Women born under the Sun sign of Taurus cannot be cowed. Don't be deceived by their captivating femininity and docile exterior. When push comes to shove, they are every bit as Taurean as any Bull.
Taureans have Herculean strength, and an indomitable will to match. But a word of warning for Taureans this January: don't show off all your strength; be a bully and there'll be a price to pay.
Anyone born under the mercurial Air sign of Gemini (22 May-21 June) desperately needs a change of air this January. Whether a sudden career change or a short trip abroad, change is on the cards.
And with the need for change all around, January offers the Twins a chance to harness their incredibly fertile imagination, trying out their original ideas and plans. Once they do so extraordinary public recognition will almost certainly follow. But though the Twins are easily flattered, sensible Geminians will not let it get to their heads.
Castor and Pollux, the original Twins of Gemini, were Greek heroes. And this winter modern-day Geminians will have ample opportunity to demonstrate their latent heroism. They will discard their innate duplicity, drop the mask of their double persona, and grab the bull of adversity by the horns.
