Scorpio, the Scorpion: Zodiac Signs

Closeup view of a scorpion in nature
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Scorpio's symbol is the Scorpion, hinting at its sting, and reputation as dangerous. 

Scorpios are born in the darkening time of the year, from Oct 20th to Nov 20th. It's a season of mystery, and intimacy with the phenomenon of death (and rebirth).

Scorpio's Characteristics

Scorpio's creative power is unrivaled, and this includes procreation, too. The seeds of Scorpio are the treasures that are discovered, at the heart of the rich darkness. 

Scorpio is also a sign of healing to the soul level. It's a sign that knows that sometimes the poison is the cure. Scorpios are emotionally courageous, going where others fear to go. They walk through the shadows in the valleys of death and fear no evil. They, above all other signs, recognize that evil is real and shouldn't be underestimated.

Scorpio in love is self-protective, loyal and has strong sexual urges. 

If they seem cautious, that's because Scorpios see the energetic currents of what's said and not said. They can become victims of their own psychic powers, if they only dwell in the shadows, and forget to balance it out with the lighter side. 

Scorpios are tenacious and are only happy when they can put their whole being into what they're doing. Since they can't fake it, and don't want to, they are highly discriminating about who and what they plunge into. 

Scorpio Particulars 

  • Element is Water (psychic, enveloping).
  • Quality is Fixed (fulfilling, bringing to fruition).
  • Scorpio is Feminine (mesmerizing, magnetic)
  • Polarity is Taurus.
  • Ruler is Pluto and co-ruler is Mars.
  • Natural House is Eighth.
  • Phrase is "I desire."
  • Body Association: Sex organs, bladder, rectum.
  • Season is Samhain and composting (piles of leaves) of autumn, descent into dark.
  • Colors are rich browns and reds (the colors of blood), maroon, burgundy, black, blue-green, algae-green.
  • Rules plutonium, steel, tungsten.
  • Birthstone is topaz, with other stones beryl, apache tear, aquamarine, coral, and obsidian.
  • Other Gemstones are red coral kunzite, labradorite, lava, malachite, nebula, moldavite, mahogany obsidian, desert rose, black pearl, serpentine, snakestone, staurolite, green turquoise, and unakite.

Flowers traditionally associated with passing into the next life. Chrysanthemum, calla lily, tuberose, purple heather. Exotics like black poppy, torch ginger, deadly nightshade, belladonna or other pretty poisons.

Animals are those that go through a metamorphosis. Caterpillar to butterfly, snakes, tadpoles to frogs, insects that leave the old shell behind. Birds of prey, especially vultures. Poisonous spiders and insects, like the black widow, brown recluse. Slithering reptiles (alligators, geckos), the scorpion, and the mythic dragon.

Scorpio = Power 

Scorpio has a compelling presence that others sense. A big life theme is power, and knowing who to trust and when.

Scorpio wants to experience the depths of love, and with the intensity of feeling, comes dangerous currents like possessiveness, revenge, obsession. Through merging with life's work, or in love, Scorpio goes to the extremes and is transformed.

At those extreme edges, Scorpio is wary, secretive, and calculating.

Scorpio in Love

Scorpio shines as a big-hearted, loyal, lover or friend who will walk with you through the darkest hour.

Scorpio bores of small talk, preferring to go deep into the psychic undercurrents. Many are drawn to the taboo, or most difficult roles as healer transforming what's hidden or unconsciously repressed.

That's why it takes time to get to know them―they are reluctant to let down their guard, not knowing what they're getting in to. 

The Dates for Scorpio change every year, so check an ephemeris―or get a free birth chart―if you're on the cusp.