Stubborn but grounded: Here's everything you need to know about Taurus signs

Taurus, the Zodiac sign ruling the first part of May, is known as a stubborn, but grounded figure. Resolute, and resilient, this earth sign is not quite like any other.

Taurus horoscope: Take a look at the week ahead

Wondering how to spot a Taurus and what you should know about them?

In conversation with astrologer Cleo Neptune, USA TODAY explores what makes a Taurus a Taurus, their key personality traits, romantic tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. "I definitely thought it was just some gimmick in a newspaper ad," Neptune tells me of their own journey to loving astrology, "But once I discovered the depth of astrology, the planets, the asteroids, and how it can help me explain my life experiences, I started to take it seriously."

Learn more about each Zodiac sign

Pisces | Aquarius | Capricorn | Sagittarius | Scorpio | Libra | Virgo | Leo | Cancer | Gemini | Taurus | Aries

When does Taurus season start?

The dates of Taurus season run from April 20 to May 20. Taurus is an earth sign and is signified by the bull.

Key personality traits of Taurus

Tauruses get a bad rap for being stubborn, but Neptune tells me, unfortunately, the stereotype is very much true. "When I think of Taurus, I think about the terrible twos," he jokes. Tauruses are very fixed in their ways, he says, describing them as creatures of habit that can sometimes get stuck.

Taurus being ruled by Venus, the planet of pleasure, means they are a sign that enjoys the finer things in life, Neptune explains. They are very generous as well, not sharing their own bounty but always bringing along something for you so you can enjoy it together. "Venus rules over gifts," Neptune says, both giving and receiving. "They want everyone to enjoy the pleasure that they are experiencing."

Tauruses crave comfort, he explains, so they often settle down and stay in one place, making sure to adorn their home with plenty of those finer things.

Career

Because Tauruses are very fixed in nature, they might bring something different to the workplace, Neptune says, if only because in so many other areas of their lives they have been doing the same thing.

Neptune describes Tauruses as efficient, if only because they want to get a task done quickly and be rid of it. Just like in other areas of their lives, in their careers, Tauruses run the risk of getting stuck. "When it's time for change, they're extremely resistant to that," Neptune explains.

As coworkers, Tauruses are great mentors and champions of others in the workplace, though they keep those relationships professional and don't cross the line into friendship. "Because they've just been there for so long and they look so comfortable people want to come to them with questions," Neptune says of Tauruses.

Relationships

For Tauruses, when it comes to acquaintances, Neptune describes their approach as a "free for all" not very intentional or organized. But for their inner circle, best friends and partners, a Taurus needs someone who is a ride or die.

"They're kind of scorpionic in their close relationships," Neptune explains, "they need someone who they know will have their back." They need someone they can feel safe around, who shows up for them in a tangible way, and who they can entrust with their emotions and trust won't embarrass them.

In romantic relationships, Tauruses are very much the providers, Neptune says, describing them as real gift-givers, but not always in a 'luxurious' way. Their gift-giving doesn't center around the price tag, it's more about noticing the small things and remembering them.

Tauruses are also sensory beings, Neptune explains, calling them sensual partners and lovers who are very touchy-feely but only with those whom they care for deeply. Because of their natural magnetism, people sometimes want to be physical with them. They will be highly put off by this, making themselves seem standoffish to avoid such contact.

Taurus Zodiac sign compatibility

Taurus is compatible with other Earth signs and with some Water signs.

Astrologer Cleo Neptune advises that Tauruses can go well with:

• Pisces

• Libra

• Virgo

A Taurus and Pisces know can relax around each other, Neptune says, so they find an easy connection.

As for Taurus and Libra, they are both ruled by Venus which makes the connection strong.

Taurus and Virgo, belonging to the same element, are both a similar kind of "earth sign critical," Neptune jokes, which makes it easy for them to find shared perspectives.

Weaknesses

Aside from an innate stubbornness, Tauruses can also be too fixed in their ways, Neptune says.

Though their identity as creatures of habit can help them to tailor a comfortable environment, it can also mean that they can get stuck in it, refusing to break from a traditional approach to something or remaining in the same place for too long.

Since their magnetism can attract even those that they do not hope to attract, Tauruses can also be standoffish and appear unapproachable on purpose.

Given their love for the finer things in life, Tauruses can sometimes project an air of elitism, Neptune explains.

Strengths

Tauruses tend to have very nice voices, Neptune says. As Taurus rules the throat in astrology, their tone is usually smooth.

They are excellent gift-givers and thoughtful partners. Tauruses have a similar magnetism to Scorpios, Neptune explains.

They are observant and generous, often showing their love with gifts personally tailored to a partner or friend's desires. As friends, Tauruses are also dedicated and loyal, not trusting many but putting tremendous effort into their inner circle.

New to Astrology? We've got you covered. Explore more Zodiac coverage and find out what the stars say about you with USA TODAY's astrological sign series.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taurus Zodiac sign: Dates, personality traits, horoscope, and more