astrology

An Everything Guide to Scorpio in Astrology

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

Let’s be honest: Everyone’s a little scared of Scorpios. And they should be! The eighth sign of the zodiac (there are 12 total) is symbolized by the scorpion, representing the journey from darkness to light that recalls power, control, and all that exists in the shadows. Casual! If your birthday falls between October 23 and November 21, you’re a Scorpio sun, so you’re no stranger to secrets, mystery, and taboos. (Curious how this water sign influences other areas of your chart? Grab your date, time, and location of birth to explore and interpret your birth chart with me.)

Scorpios are known for their emotional depth, intensity, and powerful presence. These celestial anarchaids are the detectives of the zodiac, driven by a desire to understand core truths — it’s no wonder that they’re such excellent armchair psychologists. But what else should you know about Scorpios? What are they really like? Keep reading for a full breakdown of Scorpio’s personality, compatibility, and everything in between.

Remind me: When does Scorpio season start and end?

Depending on the calendar, Scorpio season begins on or around October 23 and ends on or around November 21, perfectly aligned with Halloween and all things spooky.

So what are Scorpio’s typical personality traits?

Symbolized by the scorpion — the eerie arachnid that lingers at the bottom of murky waters — Scorpios are known for their intensity, mystery, and magnetic presence. Scorpios have an air of secrecy that draws others in; no one can resist Scorpio’s elusive charm. Often seen as private, Scorpios keep their emotions closely guarded, revealing their true depth only to those who have earned their trust. And beneath their composed exterior lies a passionate soul driven by a relentless pursuit of personal transformation and discovery.

What element is Scorpio? And what does that mean?

Scorpio is a water sign, which speaks to their emotional depth, sensitivity, and intuition. Water signs are known for their ability to feel deeply, and Scorpio embodies this through their capacity for profound emotional experiences and insatiable desire to explore the unseen. Their powerful gut instincts enable them to sense what’s hidden, making them incredibly perceptive and strategic within all dynamics.

What is Scorpio’s ruling planet?

Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars, the planet of action, intensity, and desire, but in modern astrology, Pluto — the planet of transformation, power, and rebirth — is considered Scorpio’s ruler. Life for Scorpio is like a game of chess, a complex interplay of strategy, power, and precision. Scorpios approach every move with intense focus and a desire to win — and their cunning intuition helps them adapt, plan, and patiently await the right moment to strike. Scorpios are always several steps ahead, carefully calculating their next move in pursuit of personal evolution and ultimate victory.

Can we talk about Scorpio and compatibility? What zodiac signs are the best and worst matches for Scorpio?

Scorpio craves deep emotional and physical connections that are truly immersive, so they’re best matched with signs that can meet their intensity. Fellow water signs Cancer and Pisces understand Scorpio’s need for emotional depth and offer intuitive, authentic connections. Earth signs like Taurus and Capricorn can also ground Scorpio’s passionate energy, providing the stability and loyalty that can ease Scorpio’s jealous tendencies. However, aloof air signs like Aquarius might struggle with Scorpios controlling qualities, while independent fire signs like Aries could find themselves in a fierce power struggle with their Scorpio partners.

What are Scorpio’s strengths?

Scorpio’s strength lies in their unwavering determination and deep emotional intelligence. They have an unmatched ability to see through superficiality and get straight to the heart of the matter. Scorpios are incredibly resourceful and thrive in challenging situations, often rising stronger when faced with adversity — it’s no wonder this sign is so closely associated with a phoenix rising from the ashes (which also happens to be Ben Affleck’s giant back tattoo — and he’s a Scorpio moon, but I digress). Their loyalty and fierce protectiveness make them formidable allies, and their keen intuition gives them an edge in almost every situation. Whether in love, friendship, or work, Scorpios are committed to those they care about and will go to great lengths to ensure their loyalty is reciprocated. By any means necessary!

What about Scorpio’s weaknesses?

While Scorpio’s intensity is one of their greatest strengths, it can also be their fatal flaw. Their desire for control and secrecy can easily morph into an obsession with power — sometimes to the point of manipulation — as they strive to ensure that they remain in control. This sign is also prone to jealousy, driving Scorpios to lash out with calculated precision and cause damage that can’t be undone. For Scorpios, the true challenge is learning to release their tight grip, trust others, and embrace vulnerability without fear — because true power comes from learning to let go.

Famous Scorpio celebrities?

Kris Jenner, SZA, Katy Perry, Frank Ocean, Lorde, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Julia Roberts are notable Scorpios, famous for their magnetic presence, palpable intensity, and powerful artistry. These celebrities embody Scorpio’s passion and depth, excelling in industries where emotional intelligence and regeneration are vital. Their ability to captivate and hold an audience mirrors Scorpio’s natural gift for drawing people in, hypnotized by their mysterious and commanding aura.

More astrology guides

See All
An Everything Guide to Scorpio in Astrology