Scorpio ~ The Scorpion

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the Western Zodiac and is symbolised by the Scorpion. The glyph for this sign is a stylised depiction of this feared arachnid, replete with three pairs of legs and an enhanced sting in the tail!

Scorpio is a sign which often receives a bad press. It’s mythology has lead to a mixture of awe, fascination, respect and perhaps fear amongst those of a less powerful nature. Well known characteristics include deviousness, jealousy, passion, the desire for dominance and control, strong sexual urges and ~ when crossed ~ the over-riding impulse towards revenge. The brooding, intense, reserved, complicated and covert nature of most Scorpio subjects does little to ease this situation.

Nonetheless, Scorpio is a Water sign. It is thus sensitive, intuitive and psychic. The emotional life of a Scorpio is profound, but the basis of their thoughts is deeply personal and is kept well hidden. Others can however sense these turbulent inner machinations and may feel uneasy. In truth their thoughts are so complex and are felt at such a deep level that explaining them can seem an impossibility. However, their inner vulnerability is well safeguarded by their immediate attack response when this is endangered. It can be hard when faced with such behaviour to provide the required reassurance!

Scorpios are capable of great loyalty towards those to whom they are attached, but will not hesitate to wreak revenge on those who for whatever reason have angered them. Their feelings are enormously deep and exert such a powerful influence that any threat will provoke an extreme response. In all relationships they are either fully involved or not at all. Sexual activity can be pronounced, but so may sexual abstinence. These people are not familiar with moderation and favour extremes. They are magnetic and charismatic. Their whole life is lived with a passionate intensity which can be alarming to less ardent souls.

In relationships they feel particularly insecure, hence their reputation for jealousy and possessiveness. Swinging from crisis to crisis is preferred ~ perhaps subconsciously ~ to bland stability. Some deep, dark areas of the psyche will inevitably need to be explored. Scorpios are famous for seeking the truth and are said to make excellent researchers and detectives. Their perception is unerring and penetrating.

The scorpion ~ symbol of this sign ~ is an ancient creature which has remained largely unchanged in evolutionary terms since before the time of the dinosaurs! It lives in a variety of habitats, but thrives in conditions too harsh for most to consider. It is robust, resilient, tough, long-lived and is capable of remarkable feats of endurance. It inhabits hidden, secluded places and emerges at night in order to hunt. It is carnivorous and predatory, a scorpion’s favourite food is another scorpion!

Thus the Scorpio character is fixed, determined, persistent, tenacious and is capable of enduring great privations in the pursuit of long term objectives. These individuals have stamina and strength of character ~ they are subtle, secretive, private, self-repressive and carry out their activities away from the prying gaze of others. They make steadfast friends and formidable enemies. Obviously this is a sign which has great potential for both good or ill.

Scorpio is probably the most clearly defined Zodiacal constellation in the night sky. In many ways it is the ‘strongest’ sign in terms of the power of it’s expression. Excessive introspection and the desire for control and manipulation should never be allowed dominate their lives. Spiritual awareness, together with care and concern for others are the keys to the transformation and regeneration of their enigmatic and primal Plutonian natures. Their vast potential must never be misused.

© Paul Wade 1999