Scorpio

When any planet is in Scorpio, or Scorpio is on the cusp of any House, the matters covered by the planet or House will be affected by Scorpio characteristics.

Ahh Scorpio, how do I love thee? Utterly, devotedly, passionately, shamelessly, completely, slavishly, with the dedication of a humble acolyte toward the image of the Divine, of course!

We've all heard the usual about Scorpio, and yes, much of it is true. Scorpios can be blunt, stubborn, vindictive, equally passionate in matters of love and vengeance. Along with Pluto, Scorpio is ruled by Mars, bringer of War and lover of Venus.

Other Scorpio traits, expressed every bit as strongly, but not necessarily emphasized as much, are tremendous loyalty, indomitable courage, unflappability, and intense will power.

It's been said that Scorpio and Pisces are "mirror image signs." This doesn't mean they're complete opposites: rather, the intensity of gaze is focused inward for the Scorpio native, while for Pisces, the gaze turns outward, focusing on others.

Scorpio natives admire strength and abhor weakness. Such an attitude might lead one to believe the Scorpio personality involves being a bit of a bully, but nothing could be further from the truth. Scorpio understands adversity, and has a generosity of spirit that often leads to inspiring acts of compassion. The recipient of said generosity and compassion must be deemed "worthy" by Scorpio, of course! Most Scorpio natives are harder on their own perceived weaknesses than on those of others, and have a danger of being dragged down into self-flagellation over perceived weaknesses -- which are in truth normal human faults and imperfections. Scorpio hates whiners, and you won't find many natives of this sign complaining over their lots in life: you'd be far more likely to run into a Scorp who, when unhappy with his or her personal circumstances, completely uproots, burns all bridges, and starts over from jump. Almost always successfully, I might add. Scorpio natives are true Phoenixes, immolating themselves and their surroundings, then rising from the ashes, reborn, and stronger for the experience. Scorpio knows he or she will be able to start out all over after losing everything. This may lead some to deliberately engage in a sort of scorched-earth policy, destroying so that new creation can arise. While it's a wonderful philosophical quality, it can lead to much heartache, for those left on the other side of the burned bridge.

Scorpio is intense. "Secretive" is another Scorp epithet, and it's a bit misleading. Most Scorpios are quite honest, often to the point of tactlessness, and outright lying is foreign to their natures. The Scorpio Secretiveness in truth is all about their natures. No matter how well and intimately you know the Scorpio native, there is always a small, hidden part of their psyche or soul, with "OFF LIMITS" stamped in huge, glowing letters. It's not that they don't trust you ... exactly. It's more that, for Scorpio, there are some things you Just Don't Talk About. Not because they shame or embarrass, but because talking about them, for Scorpio, cheapens or diminishes them. Scorpio holds some things as holy and inviolate, and the more deeply they feel about something, paradoxically, the less they'll actually say about it.

Saint or sinner, Scorpio does it all on a grand scale!

Scorpio is lusty, not just about sexuality, but about life in general. If passion and intensity intimidate you, stay out of Scorp's way! While in no way a bully, Scorpio will likely be a bit contemptuous of those "lesser mortals" frightened by the deep, deep waters which are Scorpio's domain. If Scorpio deems you worthy enough to be a friend, then you'll have a friend, defender, and ally for life. Don't let 'em scare you! Hang in and hang on, because your Scorpio friend, lover, teacher is always willing to bring "the worthy" along for the ride of their lives.

For information regarding the physical traits and characteristics of the Scorpio native, please see our page on Physical Appearance and Astrology.

Artwork: Klimt, Love and Death; Medea with her Children.