October 23 – November 21
Constellation
Scorpio can be found in the Constellation Scorpius, which spans 210-240 degrees ecliptic longitude. Scorpio is unique in being associated with three different animals, including a scorpion, a snake, and an eagle. The Constellation’s image is typically shown as a Scorpion. In fact, the Babylonians called this Constellation “MUL.GIR.TAB” and the signs can be literally read as “the creature with a burning sting.” In old representations, the Constellation Libra is shown as the “Claws of the Scorpion.” Interestingly, the Western Zodiac Sign of Scorpio is quite different from the actual Astronomical Constellation. In Astronomy, the Sun is in the Scorpius Constellation for only 6 days (November 23–28). Moving on, Scorpius can be correlated to Hindu Astrology’s three Nakshatras (or lunar mansions) Anuradha, Jyeshtha, and Mula. Another fun fact is that Scorpius in Hawai’i is known as the demigod Maui’s Fishhook (“Ka Makau Nui o Māui”). The Javanese people of Indonesia view this Constellation as “The Brooded Swan” (“Banyakangrem”) or a “Leaning Coconut Tree” (“Kalapa Doyong”) due to its shape. This Constellation and its Zodiac Sign are quite fascinating! It is so much fun to discover more about the mysteries that lie behind them!
Element
Scorpio has the element of Water. Water is special in that it’s constantly moving such as small ripples in a lake, flowing in a river, and falling down a waterfall. This movement also flows within all of us and holds the secret to our Soul. Water represents a cycle: conception/beginning and its corresponding death/end. This Element is vital to our livelihood and carries our emotions. Water Signs are natural in acknowledging and validating emotions and feelings. Water Signs are well equipped to accept both positive (such as love and happiness) and negative emotions (such as sadness and anger). Water Signs tend to be considered too emotional, extra sensitive, or have a thin skin. On the contrary, their sensitivity and being in tuned to their emotions is their strength. They are perfect for helping others with deep inner emotional struggles such as being natural therapists and compassionate coaches/advisors. There is no such thing as being too emotional. Water Signs teach all of us that our feelings are our greatest quality, and that true love is boundless.
All that being said, Zodiac Signs with an accented Water Element need to learn that while their emotional nature carries great opportunities and possibilities, it can also hinder them and block you from fully expressing themselves creatively. Water Signs tend to struggle finding a direction since they see the endless possibilities. This is where a Fire Sign may be helpful. A friend that is a Fire Sign can provide the Water Sign the fiery energy that gives them direction and passion towards their goals, which is where their creativity and talents can be discovered and utilized. Otherwise, if alone, Water Signs can be set adrift, being dreamy and imaginative internally but being swayed in different directions.
Quality
There are 3 different Qualities of Expression (also known as Modes or Modalities): Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Scorpio is the Water Sign among the four Fixed Quality Zodiac Signs. While Cardinal Signs kick off the start of a season, the Fixed Quality Zodiac Signs are the embodiment of the season. For Scorpio, they represent the season of Autumn. Like the seasons, it is fixed, meaning that it is stable, resolute, purposeful, and relentless. They are trustworthy and loyal with steadfast devotion and beliefs. They are the best friends that you can rely on to help you through the hard times. They are powerhouses with the stamina and endurance to follow things through. They are by nature able to focus and take their ideas into completion. This is a blessing in that Fixed Signs are determined, don’t give up easily, and are reliable. However, they can be so stuck in not wanting to change that they may miss out on chances or good opportunities.
Fixed signs are also very stubborn, which the other Zodiac Signs notice. Fixed Signs do not like change and may have a hard time with transitions of various kinds. They like things as they know them because they know that when they put their soul and heart into something they believe in, they know that they can achieve anything. Failure isn’t considered an option and they possess the gifts of endeavor, work integrity, and patience. As a Water Sign, Scorpios can have their emotions take the lead through being controlling or jealous. Also, these Scorpions will “use their stingers” to protect themselves from other who wish to do them ill will. However, these Water elements also make them determined and a powerful force to be reckoned with. If Scorpios really want something, no one and nothing can stop them. They are passionate problem solvers and are so driven that they make sure the tasks they have set are completed to perfection.
Planet
Scorpio is unique in that there are two different Planets that can govern this Zodiac Sign: Pluto and/or Mars. As I mentioned when I posted about Aquarius and Pisces, I would recommend picking either the Modern or Classical route and stick with that. I personally follow the Modern interpretations for the Zodiac Signs, but it is ultimately up to you, and I completely support you if you choose the Traditional meanings! For your convenience, I’ll describe both planets below.
In Modern Astrology, Scorpio is ruled by the Planet Pluto. Yes, it’s no longer an official Planet, but as I’ve mentioned in detail in previous Zodiac posts, it is still placed under the category term of “Planets” since they are all used in Astrology readings for the same purpose. Pluto has many meanings, most of which may seem troubling. It rules over destruction, death, taboos (mainly regarding sexual repression that may lead to underlying frustrations until it frees itself), terrorism, danger, occultism, natural disasters, and regeneration. You can imagine Pluto as gathering all these strong entities, like war and sex, into one single point where it detonates with extraordinary vivacity. It tries to contain it all in one place, but it loses control and can’t keep it together anymore, leading to destructive decisions and actions. If you look at Pluto in your chart, it may point to your deepest fears. It can also manifest as jealousy, impulses, and possessive behaviors. However, Pluto is not all bad. It illustrates a transformation in that negative energy or event. Sometimes we hit “rock bottom” and then start the process to truly heal in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. Pluto guides us on a deep, internal change that may be very scary. But it will be ok. It shows us that we will encounter a new sense of freedom and cross paths of genuine healers in the future. Ultimately, Pluto shows us that we are responsible for our own lives and, yet, nothing is impossible, including overcoming great life stressors and grave events.
Under Classical Astrology, Scorpio is governed by the Planet Mars, which can be described as one of determination and action. But it’s first important to remember that Mars represents the beginning of beginnings. It’s our first breath of life, our first scream of fear, and some interpret the Planet as the one who gave us the body we have in our current incarnation. You probably heard of Mars being the Planet of war, death, and destruction. It can also be associated with fighting or hurt/pain. This Red Planet is symbolic of our unconscious, basic, instinctual nature that we oftentimes restrict. Especially regarding our primary sexual expression, not giving these such energies freedom can create a sense of frustration or anger that is bubbling below the surface, which can cause various hindrances. Mars can also mention any fears that control our lives (the Planet’s moons are named Phobos [ “fear”] and Deimos [“panic”], after all) and can guide us in finding our ground, give us energy to follow through with plans and accomplish goals, and to help us settle problems that are existential or material in nature. This Planet’s a strong symbol of karma and unchangeable fate/destiny. Like Saturn, Mars shows our unconsciousness and instincts. Thus, in astrological readings, Mars is seen as instinctive, aggressive, pushy, fast, and angry.
House
Scorpio rules the 8th House. This sector covers emotional bonds, sexual intimacy, and transformation. This House of mystery also covers merged energies, bonding at the deepest level, birth, and death. It can also reflect mental health, the occult, and things of inheritance, such as other people’s real estate, investments, and money. The 8th House shows what takes place after endings. It shows the changes and the possibilities that lie within the conclusion. A celebrity example may be American singer, songwriter, and actress Courtney Love. She has two Planets in the 8th House, Mars (of aggression and action) and Venus (of love and attachment). Someone cold look at her chart and see how this has reflected in her personal life. In 1989, she married singer James Moreland and Las Vegas. She had it annulled in less than a year claiming James Moreland was a cross-dresser and they merely married as a joke. In 1991, Courtney Love was reintroduced to singer Kurt Cobain, and they married in 1992 with a child being born in 1993.
Personality
Scorpios are natural leaders and guides that are also assertive, determined, focused, and passionate. If they have a question about something important to them, they are typically willing to dive-deep into research to find the truth. As a result, they are resourceful, dedicated, and fearless when faced with an obstacle. If you have a secret, they will take it to their grave even if you two are mere acquaintances. They fight for the truth and do not wish to dishonestly manipulate others even if it benefits them. These Scorpions also live, eat, and breathe emotions. They confront, embrace, and express their feelings. At the same time, because of these strong emotions and feelings, they have a tendency to become jealous and distrustful of others. These feelings can lead them to act strangely in the eyes of other Zodiac Signs since a Scorpio will want to follow their suspicions to find the truth. A Scorpion has a deep understanding of the Universe’s rules. With a cause to fight for, they are brave and cannot be stopped. They will ignore potential negative consequences of karma and go full force forward in the name of what is important to them and what they desire. Scorpios also need to have freedom with no restrictions or negative judgments, so they have the space and liberty to fight for their beliefs. By doing that, they will find happiness and inner peace.
Compatibility
A Scorpio may need to put forth a little more effort when it comes to compatibility with Fire Signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. A Scorpion tends to be cautious while Fire Signs tend to be bolder in nature. A Scorpio will want to be the dominant figurehead in the relationship while a Fire Sign typically loves having control over their own lives. Scorpios are also quite emotional, wanting close intimacy and imprint into their memories the harsh things done towards them. Fire Signs may not be so careful as they act so passionate and fiery, and may incidentally hurt a Scorpio from their words or actions.
Scorpions may also struggle more with Air Signs, Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra. Air Signs are quite carefree, lighthearted, and extroverted when compared to a stereotypical Scorpio. For example, a Gemini seeks social contact with diverse groups of people. They are typically more aloof and would prefer to avoid emotional drama like the plague. Scorpios, on the other hand, are more quiet and emotionally intense. They can thrive on the emotional drama and demand a deep emotional intimacy with their romantic partner.
On the flip side of things, Scorpios tend to have good compatibility chances with fellow Water Signs, Cancer, and Pisces. Regarding intellect and communication, Water Signs “get” each other and can think and feel similarly. They embrace their emotions and have an easier time expressing them to each other since they take the emotional approach to everything in their lives.
Scorpios tend to have better luck in compatibility success with Earth Signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. A Scorpio will typically find an Earth Sign to be the Element Sign that they can trust above the others. It can be simply because Earth Signs tend to be more honest, upfront, and direct with their partners. Also, an Earth Sign and a Scorpio will both want to be successful in life. Like a Scorpion, Earth Signs can focus and put their time and energy towards their goals to make their dreams a reality.
A Scorpio Man is a great observer and can be quite intuitive and intelligent. He is also intense, brave, and passionate who would prefer to avoid drama. Scorpio Men are motivated and have the strength of motivating others, too! Scorpios as a whole are a special Sign that can provide any other Zodiac Sign both memorable experiences and beneficial life lessons.
Yes! And with all that knowledge and insight into what makes a Scorpio, I’ve posted the usual quick, cheat-sheet below for your convenience! This was fun!
And that concludes this Scorpio post! Yay! Are you or someone close to you a Scorpio? Does anything here describe them to some degree? Are there any Scorpio traits that you admire or try to apply to your life, if you’re not a Scorpio? As always, it’s completely fine if this does not describe you or someone you know that’s this Astrological Zodiac Sign. This is ultimately for your enjoyment and for you to reflect on the different aspects of Astrology. In the meantime, we are starting to approach the end of our in-depth Zodiac Sign posts, with only two more to go. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through yet another post and I look forward to writing another fun, informational post for you, my dear friends!
“When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
- Image Captions (in order of appearance):
- Scorpio. Image courtesy of Shutterstock user Natalia Mikhalchuk; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc.
- Shallow Focus Photography of Water Splash. Image courtesy of Pexels user Sourav Mishra; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Pexels GmbH.
- Pluto as seen from the New Horizons spacecraft in 2015 at a distance of 476,000 miles. Image courtesy of Unsplash user NASA; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Neon heart sign isolated on brick wall background. Image courtesy of Shutterstock user Omnart; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc.
- References (in alphabetical order):
- Van de Car, Nikki. Practical Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals, Horoscopes, Psychics, and Spells. Running Press, 2017.
- Woolfolk, J. M. (2013). The only astrology book you’ll ever need (Twenty-First-Century Edition). Taylor Trade Publishing.