The Taurus star sign is ruled by the persistent and determined Bull. When it comes to their energy, the typical Taurus person has two speeds. They’re either relaxed and contented (picture them luxuriating in a verdant pasture) or hyped-up and ready to charge. (Toro, toro!) The Taurus zodiac sign has a built-in energy conservation program. Taurus people will patiently assess whether something is worth the investment of time and resources. Then if the green light flashes, it’s all systems go! Until then, slow and steady wins the Taurus race.

This sign encourages us to break our work into simple steps then take daily action. Taurus is the sign of the builder, helping us create concrete results for our diligent efforts. Under the influence of a Taurus planetary transit, we roll up our sleeves and get the job done. The positive essence of Taurus energy shows up as patient, organized, supportive, romantic, careful, and dedicated. On the flipside, Taurus energy can also be overindulgent, stubborn, lazy, vain, tightfisted and too cautious. Routine-loving Taurus can get us stuck in our comfort zones and habits. Make sure that consistency doesn’t turn into stagnation or inertia.

Taurus people can be grounding, bringing a sense of ease and contentment. Unless, that is, they’re worked up about something. Then steam pours out of their ears. You’ll see them pacing, muttering the same thing over and over, clenching their fists and looking like Bulls ready to charge! But when they’re content and in the groove, there’s no happier sign than Taurus. Lovers of the arts, you can find them composing photos, blissing out to music, losing themselves on the dance floor or preparing a feast fit for royalty. This affectionate, comfort-loving sign can indulge in hours of deep lounging or sensual boudoir play.

As earth signs, they may love to go on walks, bike rides and hikes. Disclaimer: some Bulls think “communing with nature” means gazing at the French Riviera from the Hotel du Cap veranda, chilled rose in hand. Never go cheap on a Taurus, because these epicureans love the finer things. That said, they can be very down-to-earth and work hard to pay for their indulgences. (You might need to light a fire under their butts to get them going.

Once in motion though, there’s no stopping this charging Bull!) Sure they can be materialistic, but really they just want tasteful creature comforts that last the test of time. And, if you’re lucky enough, they’ll share the finer things in life with you, too.

Scorpio people are perhaps the most misunderstood and mysterious members of the zodiac. Secretive by nature, your power can be felt even when you haven’t said a word! Scorpio is an intense zodiac sign, powerful and seductive. Scorpio is the sign that rules life, death and resurrection. Your life is a story of transformation and reinvention. Many Scorpios are also drawn to “dark” things, and often wear the color black, or a shocking tone like red or hot pink.

The essence of Scorpio energy is magnetic, passionate, loyal, protective, trendsetting, controlling, powerful, charismatic, transformational, focused, loyal, healing, psychic, bonding-oriented and brave.

On the flip side, negative Scorpio energy can be obsessive, possessive, jealous, secretive, vengeful, cruel, calculating and manipulative.

There are actually four incarnations of Scorpio: the first is the venomous, possessive Scorpion itself; the second is the slippery, charming-yet-deadly snake; the third is the soaring eagle whose piercing gaze sharply observes the landscape (and its prey) below; and the final version is the ever-burning, all-seeing Phoenix that rises up from the ashes into eternal rebirth.

Although this sign may crave complete and utter control over everything, Scorpios secretly yearn for the very thing they fear: true intimacy with others. It takes a lot for Scorpio to reveal their vulnerability, so guard that privilege with the utmost care. As Scorpios open up and learns to show their shadow side, they can heal in ways that are truly profound.

Scorpio people can be tricky to spot. With their reserved personas, they seldom starts a conversation or expresses interest in others openly—unless they feel out the situation first. Once you get them to open up, however, you’ll feel their scorching passion for whatever topics fascinate them.

The typical Scorpio person can be jealous and possessive. During Scorpio season or when a planet is in Scorpio, we may find ourselves dealing with some intense people and energy. We might stay up late at night to process complex emotions or channel our feelings into focused work and creativity.

Be warned: Scorpios can focus on one subject to an extreme! (Hello obsession?) Scorpio’s concentration powers are amazing, but be careful not to get obsessed. so you may be in for a deeper dive than you expect—or want! But their natural charisma can quickly pique your interest in the topic, too. Many Scorpios are cutting-edge trendsetters with cult-like followings!

Another way to spot a giveaway Scorpio trait? Look for the piercing gaze, which is hawklike, narrowing in on its “prey” with hypnotic and piercing eyes. If you happen to be the object of that look, watch out! You could feel read as easily as a children’s book, as Scorpio seems to just KNOW all your secrets, soft spots and fears. Their focused attention can be addictive, and even painful when it’s pulled away.

Be careful how quickly you fall down that Scorpio rabbit hole—it’s not as easy to crawl back up. When you befriend a Scorpio, you form a power couple or formidable alliance. While they don’t give up their loyalty and trust easily, once they do, they’ll stick with you through thick and thin. Don’t even think about double-crossing a Scorpio, though, because they WILL unleash their fury on you, divulging all of your secrets and airing your dirty laundry.

Revenge is Scorpio’s favorite dish to serve…ice cold! On a positive note, Scorpios are the perfect people to help you explore your darker emotions or sexuality, guiding you through fifty-plus shades of irresistible and soul-communing experiences.