A mango wood box with the sign of Taurus, 10 × 10 cm at the base and 6 cm high. The lid is a deep blue scattered with gold dots. In the cream circle at its centre is a bull’s head drawn in gold lines, with wide horns curving upwards and flowers blooming on its forehead and under its chin. Twelve sections around it hold the zodiac constellations. The lid opens on two small hinges, and a metal clasp holds it at the front. Made in India; you receive one box.
Europa and the white bull
Greek myth tells how Zeus turned himself into a gentle white bull to carry off the princess Europa, taking her to Crete on his back. Tradition says our continent is named after her. The sign of Taurus runs roughly from 20 April to 20 May.
Taurus people are said to be steady and fond of comfort, good food and beautiful things, and they hold on to what is theirs.
The first earth sign
Taurus is an earth sign, together with Virgo and Capricorn, and the first of the three in the year. Astrologers see earth signs as practical and reliable people who like everything to have its place.
A flowery lid for fine jewellery
Astrology links Taurus to Venus, and flowers decorate the bull on this lid too. It suits the jewellery you keep for special days, such as a ring you only wear on occasions or earrings you were given as a present. Inside, the wood is bare, so put a soft cloth under delicate pieces. Keep the box away from radiators and strong sun.
When someone in your family celebrates in late April or May, this is a small present on which they will see their own sign.