Tag Archives: Taurus

Hocus Pocus Horoscope-us?

I’m a Taurus, and was also born in the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of the Ox.  Does that make me doubly stubborn?  I’m sure my husband, Jose, would answer in the affirmative!  I’ve never been one to follow horoscopes closely or put weight in them, but I do find them rather entertaining.  The daily horoscope messages put out in the newspaper or online are pretty hit-and-miss, and I rarely read them.  What I do find interesting is the personality traits attributed to the different signs.  They seem, at least in my case, pretty accurate.

Here are some personality traits for a Taurus: patient, reliable, warmhearted and loving, persistent, determined, and placid. Taurus represents art, beauty in all its forms, and strength (not only physical). Taureans are realistic, and security loving (both on the material and psychological level).  Sounds right-on to me!

From the Chinese Zodiac: The Ox, or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering.  The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character.  Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task.  Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home.  This also sounds about right.

So, given the bullish and oxen-related vibe that surrounds me, for better or worse, I decided this week’s self-portrait should include a ceramic rendering of my bovine-esque self.  I bought this little ox at the Chinchero Market, in Peru – it’s one of a pair.  “I’m” posing with a rose to make my visage slightly more feminine and more colorful!

I saw countless pairs of ceramic oxen (larger than this palm-sized version) on the roofs of homes in Peru – particularly in the Sacred Valley.  They’re put on the roof to attract happiness and prosperity, and though I can’t put the pair I bought on our roof, the two oxen have a place of honor on our mantel.

A stretch for a self-portrait, you say?  I don’t think so, given the double ox designation of my birth.  It’s also a great way for me to mention an upcoming travel feature I’ll be posting!  Be sure to read my blog on Sunday, October 17^th – I’ll be posting a brief photo diary of my 2009 trip to Peru, including coastal Lima, Andean Cusco, the mountainous Machu Picchu, and the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,
Melody