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Archetypal Scorpio

Archetypal Scorpio is a deep, private, intimate Sign. It seeks to get to the bottom of things, to understand itself and the world around it in a visceral way. This is ride-or-die energy, bottom of the abyss— no time for superficiality here!

Traditionally ruled by Mars, it is perseverant, determined, and strategic, the Scorpionic endurance knows no bounds! Once Scorpio has its sights set on something, it won’t stop until it gets it. Obsession, compulsion, and control are also features.

As a Fixed Water Sign, it has the capacity to swim for extended periods of time in its emotional depths. Scorpio experiences the world intensely. If Mars in Aries is the grenade, Mars in Scorpio is the sniper or deadly syringe (no surprise it’s often associated with tattoos and piercings)! Here in its nocturnal domicile, Mars has the capacity to enact its force of will under cover of night.

Scorpio is the only Zodiac Sign to have more than one symbol. Other than the scorpio, it is also associated with the snake (its capacity for transformation and regeneration present in the never-ending Ouroboros), an animal connected with spirituality, temptation, and sexuality. It is also associated with the eagle/phoenix in its most elevated form, able to pierce through to the truth as the majestic eagle or continuously rise from its ashes reborn as the phoenix.

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Characteristics of Scorpio

Scorpio is a Nocturnal, Fixed Water Sign. Nocturnal Signs (Earth + Water) are more receptive and inward-facing. Fixed Signs are resolute, reliable, and rigid— they come in the middle of the seasons when the weather is predictable (in this case, Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere). Water Signs are intuitive, emotional, and creative, able to perceive the world through their bodies and senses.

The Scorpio archetype is strongly associated with intimacy and intensity, when it loves it loves hard, and when it hates it hates hard. If you have their loyalty it’s for life, but beware if you cross them, a Scorpio never forgets!

Its ruling body part, fittingly, is the reproductive and excretory systems. Scorpio understands that there is no light without dark, that death is necessary for life, and composting is a sacred process. It is no coincidence that many cultures across the world celebrate their beloved dead this time of year, and the veil is universally said to thinnest (Dia de los Muertos, Samhain, Halloween, All Saints Day etc.).

The Planets and Scorpio

As Astrology is the study of the Planets, it can be useful to think about a Zodiac Sign through which Planets are comfortable and at home in them, and which ones struggle in their domain.

Scorpio is ruled by Mars traditionally, Ares, God of War, in Greco-Roman mythology. Mars is, well, martial. It likes to get sh*t done. Scorpio’s efficiency is legendary! Mars is also a protector and defender, in this Scorpio’s desire for self-protection can be strong (it’s what a sense of control can bring them). And did I mention desire? Yeah Scorpios’ are strong.

Mar is of the night “Sect”, known as the “lesser malefic” in comparison to Saturn, known to bring conflict, severance, and inflammation.

Mars finds its so-called “joy” in the 6th House of Work + Health. Traditionally this was the House of accidents and injuries, fittingly. It also deals with our day-to-day routines, responsibilities, acts of service, and pets.

No Planet exalts in Scorpio, which I find interesting. The Sun exalts in the other martial Sign, Aries; whereas Mars exalts in Capricorn, ruled by malefic Saturn.

As the Moon exalts in Taurus, it finds its fall in Scorpio, the Sign opposite. The Moon is the Planet of comfort, security, and safety; it governs our body, needs, and emotions. Ruler of sensitive Cancer and exalted in luscious Taurus, Sign of embodiment and pleasure— it can struggle with the depths of emotion of Scorpio.

The Moon in Scorpio can have a hard time letting go and dealing with its potent emotions here. If this is you, seeking lightness and mastering the art of surrendering and letting go can be lifesavers.

Venus is also detrimented in Scorpio as it is is the ruler of Taurus. Venus in Scorpio loves fiercely. As the Planet of sweetness and niceties, it can struggle in the no-bullshit caverns of Scorpio! Here Venus can be the darker side of love— jealousy, manipulation, and possessiveness (but not always of course)! Learning the difference between passion and drama (or toxic traits) can be useful here.

Continue reading for more details about the Zodiac Sign Scorpio:

The Planets in Scorpio

The Zodiac Seasons are governed by where the Sun currently is in the Zodiac belt (which is a division of the ecliptic— the apparent path of the Sun— into twelve equal Signs). When it is in the Sign of Scorpio, we are collectively in Scorpio Season.

This usually occurs roughly between the 22nd October - 22nd November but depends on the day of the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere each year (which starts the Astrological cycle and is what the Tropical Zodiac Signs are based on— not the constellations as is commonly thought), the Sun spending roughly 30 days in each Sign thereafter, moving 1º a day.

In the Northern Hemisphere (which “Western” Astrology is developed on), Scorpio Season is in the heart of Autumn, a time when endings, death, and decay start to become ever-present as we witness the beautiful changing of nature and cast our minds towards the end of the year. This is a time for getting cosy, intimate, and connecting with our loved ones, dead or alive.

Scorpio Season

During Scorpio Season can be wonderful time to focus shadow work, befriending your inner demons, purging, cleansing, and releasing anything stagnant, and leaning into transformation. Shed your old skins. If we were focussing on the lightness in Libra Season just before, now we can focus on its opposite and get comfortable with the dark.

It’s also a wonderful time for not only embracing all the comforting autumnal activities (hot cacao, simmer pots, forest walks, ritual baths, mulled wine) but also of connecting to your inner witch! Get out your pendulums, Tarot cards, and cast your spells!

-> If you would like rituals and magick to connect to the energy of this period, get the Scorpio Season Workbook (created for all Zodiac Signs)!

Of course, no Planet can be taken in isolation when reading a Birth Chart for a personality analysis, but here is a brief overview:

Sun in Scorpio

The Sun in Scorpio is deep, intimate, and private, seeking to understand its rich inner terrains and the psychology of those around them. The Sun here is perseverant with an iron-clad will.

-> If you’re a Scorpio, book in your Year Ahead Reading with me for details about what your Solar Return heralds for you!

Moon in Scorpio

The Moon in Scorpio can feel things very deeply and intensely, so much so it may be overwhelming at times. It also has a strong need to feel in control to feel safe, and its sense of self-preservation is legendary. Don’t be afraid to open.

Mercury in Scorpio

Mercury in Scorpio is investigative, penetrating, and suspicious— nothing is taken as given until the facts are verified! Mercury in Scorpio wants to get to the bottom of things and won’t stop until it has the answer. Its memory is enduring here.

Venus in Scorpio

Venus in Scorpio requires blood promises of lovers and loyalty to the death. It requires soul deep intimacy and to know all the secrets. It values the darker side of life and doesn’t shy away from the taboo or ugly shades. Be mindful of obsession or power dynamics!

Mars in Scorpio

Mars in Scorpio is strong, it has the capacity for perseverance, endurance, and strategy of a ninja. Mars in Scorpio is highly efficient, this is a placement that gets sh*t done and gets it done quickly and effectively (and won’t stop until it does).

Jupiter in Scorpio

Jupiter in Scorpio values the depths, intimacy, and darker sides of life. It knows that death is not antithetical to life but necessary for it. It has an appreciation for intensity, for psychology, and mysticism.

Its placement in your Chart can also speak to your Sagittarius and Pisces placements/ Houses.

Saturn in Scorpio

Saturn in Scorpio understands the sticky abyss the human mind is capable of excavating into. It is well-versed in the darker sides of life and knows the power of power.

As another social Planet, along with Jupiter, people born within the same 2-3 years as you will have Saturn in Scorpio— you can look to other placements for more personalised details (such as the House it is in, what aspects it is making, and the Capricorn/Aquarius Houses of your Chart, as well as where your Mars is).

Scorpio in the Astrological Houses

In each of our Natal Charts, Scorpio will occupy a House (regardless of whether you have placements in Scorpio or not), bringing its desire for depth, intimacy, and privacy to this area of ourselves and life for us.

-> When a Planet enters Scorpio, it is transiting this House for us, bringing its energy/action to this area of life (this is how all horoscopes are written)! To learn more about what the Planets have in store for you, get your Year Ahead Forecast!

Scorpio in the 1st House - Scorpio Rising

Scorpio Risings can embody the quintessential Scorpionic archetype— depth, magnetism, and a desire to understand the world deeply. You may have a powerful presence and an intense gaze (you might also like to wear black or have tattoos and piercings)!

Scorpio in the 2nd House - Libra Rising

With Scorpio in the 2nd House you may be highly protective of your personal finances and struggle surrendering control here. You may also be private about how much you earn and spend on things.

Scorpio in the 3rd House - Virgo Rising

Scorpio in the 3rd House can give you a deep and intense mindset and communication style. You might have a persevering mind that wants to understand and get to the bottom of things. You might also be private about your thoughts.

Scorpio in the 4th House - Leo Rising

With Scorpio in the 4th House you might guard your home and family fiercely, being highly private and protective of your private life. You’ll need a sense of intimacy and privacy in your actual house as well. Living by bodies of water can be healing.

Scorpio in the 5th House - Cancer Rising

With Scorpio in the 5th House you might like deep, passionate, intimate sex that goes soul-deep, no one-night-stands here thank you very much (unless maybe Mars is in Sagittarius or Pisces). You’ll also be fiercely protective and private about your children.

Scorpio in the 6th House - Gemini Rising

Scorpio in the 6th House needs a sense of intimacy and privacy on your place of work, smaller teams of co-workers may be well-suited. You may also be private about your health or (when you are sick).

Scorpio in the 7th House - Taurus Rising

With Scorpio in the 7th House intimacy, depth, and passion in your relationships are key. You may be attracted to (or attract to you) brooding partners that even have a streak of “danger” to them. Either way, loyalty and substance are key.

Scorpio in the 8th House - Aries Rising

With Scorpio in the 8th House you might like your investments and joint ventures to be intimate and private, you need to know what you’re getting into before collaborating with someone. There is also the capacity for alchemisation through cycles of life-death-rebirth.

Scorpio in the 9th House - Pisces Rising

Scorpio in the 9th House can give you an esoteric philosophy and appreciation for witchy spirituality. When you want to learn something, you go in deep. You might also be private and protective about what you believe in.

Scorpio in the 10th House - Aquarius Rising

Scorpio in the 10th House can give you an intense public persona with a magnetism and mystery to you. If you have a career goal, you might obsessively pursue and would prefer to be known as an expert in your field, certainly not doing anything by halves.

Scorpio in the 11th House - Capricorn Rising

With Scorpio in the 11th House you need your friendships to be deep, intimate, and intense— this is soul deep unions that last a lifetime. You might like to discuss darker topics and be fiercely protective over friends (but may also deal with issues of control).

Scorpio in the 12th House - Sagittarius Rising

Scorpio in the 12th House can bring a strong desire to understand the depths of your psyche, subconscious, and dream world. You might be highly private of your mental health and spirituality. Journey into your inner terrains and underworld.

During Scorpio Season itself is a particularly yin time for you of turning within and spending time introspecting in solitude.

So that’s a brief overview of the characteristics of archetypal Scorpio, I hope it’s insightful for you! Let me know in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or any questions.

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