October 23rd to November 21st
Scorpio is probably one of the most maligned signs in the Zodiac. Although treated by many as a “negative” sign, Scorpios are complex and vivacious people. Where the scorpion that is representative of this sign always has her stinger set and ready to strike, the Scorpio is actually a person capable of deep emotion and thought.
Although tagged with many traits seemingly less than desirable, that is more from a lack of understanding than any true lack of “goodness” in those of this sign. Scorpios need to be aware of a perchance for becoming obsessive about something…whether it’s a new fad, a new hobby, or a new look; take time to slow down a little and think before committing whole-heartedly. Is your experimental nature and intensity setting you up for an uncomfortable fall?
Many years ago I was in a jewelry store in Anchorage, Alaska. There in the jewelry case with the diamonds, rubies and pearls was an emperor scorpion. I was fascinated by the creature. I had always thought of scorpions as slow lethargic desert creatures with little cunning or speed. How wrong I was! That Emperor Scorpion looked like he could do 10 miles an hour standing still. It was the epitome of energy in motion. The raw power and majesty of the animal was stunning. Situated in a jeweler’s case full of finished pieces and raw stones it created a brooding sense of foreboding in those that saw it. (BTW – the jeweler used to say he never worried about getting broken into – he had creatures in each of the cases!) Much like the adept Scorpion you are often misunderstood because people are not willing to take the time to look below the surface.
You are capable of exerting tremendous energy into a situation, even if others do not see what you are doing. Scorpios can often be found working in the background, making sure things run smoothly while others take the limelight.
Scorpions are given their unjustified negative aspect because of the depth and scope of their emotions. Scorpions are wary of those who have stung them before. While open and caring, you will never forget a kindness granted to you. Whether it’s the stranger who holds the door or a gentle squeeze on your shoulder from a loved one, those born under this sign appreciate these small gestures of caring. Loyal to a fault, and sometimes having difficulty with the green-eyed-monster of jealously, you are steadfast and stand strong with those you care for. What keeps getting you in trouble is your high ideals and belief that everyone feels the same as you do when that is not necessarily the case.
Scorpions are emotional by nature and protective of the ones they love. Cozying up with a Cancer or Pisces would be the best matches for you! A relationship with a fiery Leo or an Aquarian might be just enough for you to put your stinger on automatic! Gentle, stable Taurus, your opposite, may well understand your emotional ways and help you find the peace you seek.
Here’s a fact sheet about your sign. It gives a lot of quick answers at a glance. These little tidbits of information regarding your sign can help you understand some of the ways you act and react to situations. For those reading about someone else’s sign, these bullet statements can help with everything from choosing an appropriate gift to seeing if someone will fit in with the mix at a social gathering or employment setting.
Sign Name: Scorpio, the Scorpion
Sign Glyph
Glyph description and meaning:
The stinger of the scorpion (the arrow) is connected to the soft folding lines which represent the human genitalia.
Scorpio with its warm feminine energy rules the reproductive organs. Ancient symbol for the Phoenix, the bird that dies in the flames and is reborn in beauty and splendor to rise from the ashes, the glyph’s symbology is ancient. The arrow pointing up indicates an aim to higher conciousness. The consciousness. The curved lines represent strong emotions with the tail anchoring a point of practicality for the Scorpio.
Ruling Planet:
Ruled by the long-term Planet Pluto, you are not afraid of long-term projects. Pluto was the ancient god of the underworld and things dead. For Scorpions Pluto lends regenerative powers and the capability to slip easily through the various phases of life, sometimes garnering the jealousy of others with your surety and serenity.
Placement and Symbology of placement in the Zodiac:
Scorpio is the eighth sign of the Zodiac and rules the area of Mysticism. Scorpios are often found as students or practitioners of the mystic arts and the realms of the world of the wierd and wonderful. A solid connection with Pluto affords an easier crossing to the other world in some traditions.
Duality:
Duality in Western Astrology is much like Yin/Yang energy in the Eastern Tradition. The idea of opposites evolved in the Pythagorean School of Ancient Greece. The duality of the Scorpion is Feminine and receptive. The idealistic and sometimes dramatic Scorpio is always open to receive the answers to the questions to the Universe.
Polarity:
This is the sign that is opposite the Zodiac Wheel from practical Taurus. The sign of personal possessions, Taurus may seem a bit of a stick in the mood to you. With your highly idealistic nature you don’t really understand the concept of hording. It is more important to Scorpio to leave her young well taken care of than to live in a glass cage with diamonds, rubies and pearls.
Cardinal/Mutable/Fixed:
A Sign is either Cardinal, Mutable or Fixed. Of course, Scorpio is a fixed sign. While you can be imaginative and passionate (not to mention emotional), your down sides are that obstinacy and an unyielding attitude are easy for you to slide into. Make sure your choices are not clouded by emotional thinking.
Dominant Keywords:
I Desire. The Scorpion desires, but the Scorpion desires knowledge, truth, enlightenment and beauty. The Scorpion personality is more likely to leave a tangible legacy for the benefit of others than many other signs. Your desire for having a name that will be remembered is not a bad trait, not when you are willing to do the work to have it happen!
Most Likeable Trait:
Your idealism is truly your most likeable trait. You can see the good in just about everything. With ideals of the highest order, you inspire many to set goals for a higher good. Unfortunately, this also makes you a little unpopular with those who are seeking grandeur by easy means.
Lucky Day:
Your lucky day is Tuesday! On Tuesday you can accomplish anything with a minimum of effort. On Tuesday you are on top of the world. Just remember to spread that feeling out through the rest of the week or you’ll become caged and unhappy.
Danger:
You know what it is. It always seems like you have the terrible knack of saying the wrong thing at the worst possible moment. Counting to…TWENTY!! …before speaking may help control the tendency.
Cities and Countries:
The following cities and countries are associated with the sign of Scorpio. Liverpool, Washington DC and Newcastle are all spots sure to recharge Scorpion energy. For a cultural immersion vacation, try Norway, Morocco or Tahiti to really get the creative energy going.
Element:
With all the emotional energy and passive strength, Scorpio is one of the Water signs, hence it’s association with places of water.
Metal:
Plutonium – what else. Of course not something one would want to wear, but definitely a metal of strength and power. Those born under the sign of the Scorpion would do well to study the properties of plutonium.
Magical Birthstone Stone:
Topaz, pure and simple. The topaz has long been thought to either release or accentuate occult powers. More recently it
has been associated with creating serenity with the inner mind. Whether accentuating or creating serenity, topaz is also thought to protect the wearer from enemies and/or illness.
Stones of Power:
Stones of Power differ from the magical birthstone in that the stones of power help you to accentuate the strengths within yourself. Using Obsidian, amber, citrine, garnet or pearl for meditations, amulets, or other jewelry to wear will help you tap into the energy of your creative force.
Special Color:
With your high ideals and sensuous nature, the colors of passion and sensuality are the only ones that will do for you. Crimson, burgundy or maroon, these colors will help *your* true energy shine brightest. Coupled with black, these red tones will ensure you can’t help but look your best!
Flowers:
The flowers associated with this sign are emblematic of the complicated nature of Scorpio — the many pedaled chrysanthemum and the beautiful rhododendron are the flowers associated with this sign. Both beautiful plants, it is the complexity of their natures that reveals their true beauty and perfection of design.
Trees:
The ancient Blackthorn is aligned with the Scorpion. More readily found bushy trees are also aligned with this sign.
Animals:
Insects and crustaceans are the animals that Scorpio rules. Studying these smaller creatures could help the Scorpio be more in tune with their natural energies.
Myths and Legends:
Scorpio is associated with many myths which cross a wide range of cultures. From the great bird The Phoenix, to the sorrowful tale of Hades and Persephone, to the great power of Shiva, scorpions can be found there in many cultures throughout the globe.
Famous People:
Scorpions may be accused of being a difficult personality, but that’s because they listen to the counsel of their own cycle of life. Their capability of achievement and sacrifice show the traits of Scorpio at its best. Some prominent Scorpions are:
James Earl Jones – Theodore Roosevelt – Roy Rogers – Jonas Salk – Pablo Picasso – Martin Luther – Marie Curie – Dylan Thomas
Pluto is currently accepted as the last planet in our solar system. Chiron is still open to debate although many astrologers recognize its influence on a person’s chart. As the outer most astronomically classified actual planet Pluto represents the extremes. (In August 2006 the astronomical community ruled that Pluto was technically not a planet, but has been classified as a dwarf planet. However, the astrological community still recognizes the strong impact Pluto’s energies have on someone’s chart.)
Found less than a century ago (1930 by the Lowell Observatory). The first honor of naming the planet was given to the public and the first letter to arrive at the Observatory would name the planet. A young British girl suggested Pluto. In the Roman Pantheon, Pluto was the God of the underworld. By being a planet of extremes Pluto exerts pressure at times.
Due to its association with the underworld, Pluto is believed to represent death and birth; the regenerative properties of the universe. The power associated with Pluto can be fierce because of the extremes it can represent. Pluto can bring inspiration in a flash of intense clarity and perception, or it can bring the worst that mankind can offer in his baser self.
Pluto speaks of elimination. It is through the cycle of planets that we journey in our lives. Pluto reminds us that we must sometimes clean out the attic to make room for new things. Elimination need not be bad, unless of course it is taken to the extremes that Pluto can sometimes represent.
Pluto can challenge you to reach the highest heights or the lowest depths, be sure the choice you make is the one you can live with. The positive and negative side can be exemplified by comparing the brutal despotic dictator to the idealistic democratic leader.
Think of Pluto as your planetary contact lenses. It is through the lens of Pluto’s energy that we perceive the world.
The Eighth House: Mysticism
Many astrologers refer to the Eighth House as the House of Transitions. Some who choose to take a more dire interpretation call this the House of Death. However, this is a misnomer, much like the Death Card in the Tarot deck. The Death it speaks of is not the death of the physical body. It speaks more of the death of a situation; the death of an outdated way of thinking; the letting go of that which no longer serves you. So, if you think of “death” in the allegorical context in its representation of change, you can see where lots of positive energies can be capitalized on.
Sex and sexual appetites are ruled here. With stingy Scorpio and patient Pluto ruling this sign we are reminded to keep things in balance. If you want a forecast of how well you will be at garnering your own financial wealth, check here! If you have negative aspect planets it may not be the best of ideas for you to try to do day trading! Related to the essential life force, this House can tell us much about our carnal and physical self and attitude towards sex and money. It’s no sweat if you don’t have any planets here. Scorpio and Pluto lend a fantastic sense of balance to this House!