#45.21 - The Age of the Bull

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The Age of the Bull, immortalised in the Year of the Bull and in the month of Taurus, took place thousands of years ago. It was a time in human civilisation when the bull was the sacred animal. Hindus still revere the cow and the vehicle of the god Shiva, the god of creative destruction, is Nandi the beautiful and life giving cow. In Ireland, the bull was the centre of one of the most tragic epics ever written - The Tain, where the desire for the Black and White Bulls brought terrible war and the death of the defender of Ulster, Cuchulainn. The two bulls eventually end up going mad and killing each other. In Greek mythology, the bull figures in several myths, including that of Europa and the Bull, where Zeus turns himself into a bull and abducts the nymph.

We may think that in our urban lives bulls are something which we have nothing to do with and yet they live on in our subconscious.

On Wall Street, a bull run sees stocks storming upwards. A bull in a china shop, refers to someone who is callous. When we think someone is talking rubbish they are talking bullshit.

It is a year which I feel much fondness for, mostly because I love the Age of the Bull in history and the many beautiful myths it gave birth to. It seems to have been a high point in the mythic narratives of our ancestors lives. It is a majestic, unapologetic age, an age of strength and pride and calm determination. The strength in the beauty of the bull, is one which we try to possess through the worship and personification of this most magical of animals in our stories and imagery.

May the Year of the Bull bring the same strength, beauty and determination which this member of the bovine family possesses. May it help you storm the ramparts of your ambitions, toil with a calm determination in all you do and bring healing with its gentleness and generosity. 

May we have a great 2021.


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