Taurus I: Hardship, Hope, and the Power of Persistence
We’ve officially moved from the fiery energy of Aries into the grounded and steady realm of Taurus. In this post, we’re exploring Taurus I, the first decan of the sign, where the themes of perseverance, resilience, and creating stability come into focus. In the video below, I unpack the unique characteristics of this decan, including its planetary rulers—Mercury and Venus—and how their influence combines intellect, beauty, and practicality. We’ll also connect this energy to the Five of Pentacles tarot card, vividly illustrating the challenges and opportunities that arise when navigating difficult times.
Below the video is a transcript I’ve rewritten and expanded to include additional insights, examples, and context. Whether you prefer to watch, read, or do both, this post offers a deeper understanding of Taurus I and its powerful lessons.
Transcript (modified and expanded)
Today, we will be exploring the meaning of the first decan of Taurus. I’ll approach this by discussing the planets associated with this decan, the tarot cards, some other ancient images, and the numerology tied to this decan. Finally, I’ll give you a couple of examples of people who have this decan rising in their charts: Serena Williams, the famous tennis player, and Robert Kennedy, the famous Attorney General and advocate for disenfranchised and marginalized communities in the 1960s.
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The Planets Associated with the First Decan of Taurus
To begin, let’s examine the planets associated with the first decan of Taurus. Mercury, the god of communication (Hermes in the Greek pantheon), and Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, relationship, harmony, and justice.
Mercury is associated with planning, putting things into order, organizing, and strategizing. It governs the mind and how we focus on what we need.
On the other hand, Venus represents love, beauty, harmony, justice, and what we value.
When we combine these planets with Taurus, a fixed earth sign, we get a unique expression of these energies. All zodiac signs belong to one of three modes: cardinal, fixed, or mutable. Taurus is fixed, meaning it is stable, concentrated, and slow-moving. Its energy is grounded, like the bull that symbolizes it—a creature that moves deliberately and steadily, embodying focus and persistence.
As an earth sign, Taurus is deeply connected to material reality and the practicalities of life. Earth signs focus on what is tangible and achievable in the physical world.
When we weave these ideas together—Mercury’s planning and strategy, Venus’s beauty and values, and Taurus’s fixed earth energy—we see that the first decan of Taurus is about breaking into the material world to establish something tangible. It’s about tilling fertile ground, organizing resources (Mercury), and creating something harmonious and beautiful (Venus). Venus also highlights the importance of values and social justice within this decan.
The Tarot Card: The Five of Pentacles
Now let’s move on to the tarot cards, which provide insights into this decan’s energy. The card associated with the first decan of Taurus is the Five of Pentacles. This card opens the meaning of the decan, especially when we connect it to examples like Robert Kennedy and Serena Williams.
Numerology, Tarot, and Kabbalah: The Numbers Four and Five
Before diving into the card, let’s discuss the number five, which plays a key role in numerology and ancient traditions like Kabbalah. In the mystical tradition of Kabbalah, the number five corresponds to Geburah, a concept associated with discipline, strength, power, and destruction as a necessary force for transformation.
In tarot, the fives consistently reflect themes of conflict and loss. This is because they represent a moment of breaking free from the stability of the fours. For example, the Four of Pentacles is associated with the last decan of Capricorn, a sign tied to achievement and material success. In the card’s imagery, we see a man seated on a throne, holding tightly to his pentacles. The pentacles are positioned over his chakras, symbolizing a blockage of energy. While he has achieved much, the card raises the question: What has been sacrificed in the pursuit of stability and achievement?
4 of Pentacles, Rider-Waite Tarot
The fours represent form and structure, where matter takes shape. The fives, however, challenge that structure, shaking it up and breaking it apart. They ask us to consider: What might have been hidden or lost? They invite creative potential to emerge, breaking new ground for possibilities.
Astrologically, the number five is linked to the quintile aspect, 1/5 of 360° (the full circle of an astrological chart). Quintiles are often associated with creativity and the ability to perceive what is unseen. People with quintiles in their charts tend to have an innate talent for breaking into new territory and uncovering hidden potential.
A Closer Look at the Five of Pentacles
The Five of Pentacles card itself presents a stark and emotional scene. In the foreground, two people walk through a harsh winter storm. They appear to lack resources—one is on crutches, and neither has shoes. Despite their struggles, they persevere, moving forward under highly challenging conditions.
5 of Pentacles, Rider-Waite Tarot
Several key elements stand out in this card:
There are two people, not one. This introduces an element of relationship and connection—a Venusian theme. They are not alone in their hardship; their shared journey suggests community and support.
The church in the background is illuminated, with the five pentacles displayed in the window. This light symbolizes the presence of sustenance or refuge, yet the figures remain outside, separated from it. This creates a paradox: they embody the energy of outsiders, yet the potential for support and warmth is nearby, just out of reach.
As Rachel Pollack explains in her book 78 Degrees of Wisdom, this card reflects the tension between exclusion and the hidden potential for salvation or resources that may not yet have been accessed.
Agrippa’s Image: Naked Man with a Sickle
In Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, the decans are described as astrological divisions and as deeply symbolic entities tied to specific imagery, spirits, and magical properties. This text is a cornerstone of Western esoteric tradition, written by the 16th-century scholar Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. It explores the connections between astrology, magic, alchemy, and theology, offering a comprehensive guide to the mystical forces believed to shape our world. The book is divided into three volumes, with the first focusing on natural magic and astrology, the second on celestial and angelic influences, and the third on divine and ceremonial magic.
When it comes to the decans, Agrippa presents them as 36 subdivisions of the zodiac, each with its own unique symbolism, planetary rulers, and spiritual associations. These decans were thought to influence not only personality traits but also the outcomes of magical workings, making them vital for those practicing ritual or astrological magic.
Agrippa associates Taurus I with figures of power and endurance. He describes its image as a “man with a large body, girded, and carrying a sickle,” symbolizing labor, perseverance, and the hard work required to harvest what has been sown. This imagery vividly captures the essence of Taurus I’s earthy, grounded energy, emphasizing resilience and the determination to create material security.
Agrippa also ascribes specific spiritual influences to this decan, suggesting that it is governed by celestial forces that support efforts of persistence and the overcoming of obstacles. This aligns beautifully with the Five of Pentacles tarot card, which depicts a scene of hardship but also reminds us of the inner strength needed to endure and eventually overcome difficult times.
Examples: Robert Kennedy and Serena Williams
Now that we’ve explored the planets, tarot, and esoteric ideas surrounding Taurus I, let’s look at two people with their Rising or Ascendant point in the first decan of Taurus: Robert Kennedy and Serena Williams.
The Rising sign, also known as the Ascendant, is one of the most critical points in an astrological chart. It represents how individuals approach life, their outward demeanor, and the energy they project into the world. The Ascendant is often described as the “mask” or “face” we show others, but it also reflects our path through life and how we navigate challenges.
When someone's Rising point is in the first decan of Taurus, the qualities of this decan—endurance, hard work, practicality, creativity, and a connection to values and justice—become central themes in their lives. These individuals tend to embody the essence of Taurus energy in a visible and impactful way, often leaving a tangible mark on the world through their efforts.
By examining the lives of Robert Kennedy and Serena Williams, we can see how the first decan of Taurus Rising manifests in real life. Both individuals exemplify the persistence, determination, and ability to break new ground that Taurus Rising represents. Additionally, their lives highlight the Venusian themes of justice, relationships, and values, and the pragmatic and hands-on approach associated with Taurus’s grounded earth energy.
Robert Kennedy
Robert Kennedy was born into immense privilege and financial wealth as a member of the influential Kennedy family. However, despite his privileged upbringing, Kennedy was deeply committed to the causes of the marginalized and disenfranchised. His life and career align strongly with Taurus I’s energy of endurance, social justice, and practicality.
One of Kennedy’s defining qualities was his hands-on approach to addressing inequality and poverty. Rather than relying solely on abstract policies, he visited the communities he sought to help. These included inner-city neighborhoods, Native American reservations, and the rural regions of Appalachia. He witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty, and these experiences informed his advocacy for systemic change. This reflects Taurus I’s earthy, grounded energy: a willingness to get involved in the practical, physical work of creating stability and improving material conditions.
As Attorney General, Kennedy was a fierce advocate for civil rights during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. His fight against segregation in the South demonstrates Taurus I’s energy of breaking apart old, entrenched systems—in this case, the deeply rooted structures of racial injustice. His work on desegregation was not only politically risky but also physically dangerous, as he faced threats from those opposed to change. Nevertheless, he persisted, embodying the fixed, determined energy of Taurus.
Kennedy’s leadership extended beyond civil rights. He was a key proponent of anti-poverty programs, believing that economic inequality was a moral failure of society. His efforts culminated in initiatives like the War on Poverty, which included programs to provide education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to those most in need.
Another notable aspect of Kennedy’s work was his relationality and empathy, which reflect the Venusian side of Taurus I’s energy. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, forging genuine relationships with those he served. His speeches often highlighted themes of compassion and shared humanity, and he inspired many to join him in the fight for justice.
Robert Kennedy’s tragic assassination in 1968 cut his life short. Still, his legacy symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity and the belief that hard work and commitment to justice can create lasting change.
Serena Williams
In contrast to Kennedy, Serena Williams grew up without financial privilege, starting her life as an outsider in the world of tennis. Born in Compton, California, Serena and her sister Venus were trained by their father, Richard Williams, on public tennis courts in a neighborhood better known for its struggles with poverty and violence than for producing world-class athletes. Despite these challenges, Serena’s story is one of extraordinary hard work, perseverance, and breaking new ground, hallmarks of the first decan of Taurus.
Serena Williams faced significant barriers as a Black woman entering the predominantly white, affluent world of professional tennis. Tennis has long been associated with wealth, privilege, and exclusivity. Many of her competitors had access to elite training facilities, private coaches, and extensive resources that she and her family lacked. Nevertheless, Serena’s determination and work ethic propelled her forward. Much like the plow imagery associated with Taurus, she forged ahead through difficult terrain, tilling new ground in the sport.
Her playing style reflects the creative energy of this decan. She broke away from traditional expectations of what a tennis player should be, refusing to conform to stereotypes about how a female athlete—let alone a Black female athlete—should look or act. Her strength, power, and unique style of play redefined the sport, influencing a new generation of athletes.
Serena’s journey was not without its challenges. She faced relentless criticism from the media, much of it racially and gender-biased. Yet she remained steadfast, embodying the fixed energy of Taurus in her ability to endure and thrive under pressure. Her family and community provided crucial support throughout her career, reinforcing the relational and communal aspects of Taurus I’s Venusian energy. Serena’s sister Venus, in particular, was both a partner and a competitor, highlighting the theme of collaboration and connection even amid individual achievement.
Throughout her career, Serena achieved unparalleled success, winning 23 Grand Slam titles—the most by any player in the Open Era. Her victories were personal milestones and symbols of breaking barriers for women and people of color in sports. Her career exemplifies working tirelessly over time to achieve material and symbolic success, a key theme of Taurus I’s energy.
Beyond the tennis court, Serena has used her platform to champion social justice and equity, much like Robert Kennedy. She has been a vocal advocate for maternal healthcare, particularly highlighting the systemic biases that lead to higher mortality rates for Black women during childbirth. Serena’s own experiences with life-threatening complications during childbirth inspired her to speak out and work toward change.
Additionally, she has supported Black-owned businesses, particularly those led by women, and has invested in initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for marginalized communities. These efforts reflect the Taurus I’s focus on values, justice, and creating beauty and harmony in the world.
Conclusion
The first decan of Taurus is a powerful symbol of perseverance, creation, and transformation. Ruled by Mercury and Venus, and represented by the Five of Pentacles, this decan challenges us to confront hardship while staying true to our values. Whether breaking into the material world, cultivating stability, or advocating for justice, this decan reminds us that growth requires effort, resilience, and a commitment to what matters most.
Robert Kennedy and Serena Williams' examples show how this energy manifests in real life. Their stories inspire us to keep pushing forward, even when the path is difficult, and to build something meaningful that stands the test of time.
Stay tuned for the next video in this series, where we’ll explore the second decan of Taurus and uncover its unique themes and lessons.