Scorpio season is here, and we have much to learn from this much-maligned sign. All zodiac signs are more complex than we typically think, and Scorpios have more layers than many know. As a Scorpio myself, I enjoy sharing the hidden depths of the sign.
Scorpio rules the sky from October 23rd until November 21st. Those born under the sign are known for being passionate, intense, mysterious, and loyal, with a powerful sense of determination. They possess a deep emotional reservoir, are highly intuitive, and often have a magnetic presence. They are known to use their intuition along with research skills to find information.
Scorpios tend to be naturally curious about everything, especially things that are deemed occult or taboo. But the passion and intensity that many consider among the sign’s allures can also be a deterrent for those wanting to get closer to them. Scorpios tend to be secretive and distrustful until we’ve decided you are trustworthy, and that can take a while. That distrust can mean Scorpios can become jealous and manipulative. But once a Scorpio trusts you, they are loyal friends and partners.
Much of Scorpio’s association with the occult and the taboo comes from the sign being ruled by two planets, Mars and Pluto. Mars has long been linked to Scorpio’s passionate and aggressive qualities, whereas Pluto is associated with transformation and the hidden forces that shape reality.
Scorpio symbolism centers on transformation, rebirth, intense emotions, and hidden power. It is the only zodiac sign represented by three symbols. Each sign has an image associated with it: Aries is a ram, Taurus is a bull, and so on. Each sign’s representative symbol, be it an animal, person, or an inanimate object, can tell you a lot about its overall personality. Although Scorpio is most represented by a scorpion, the sign actually has a few other animals associated with it — specifically, the serpent, eagle, and phoenix. This is not to say the scorpion doesn’t accurately reflect the Scorpio archetype, but these other symbols capture aspects of the sign that may be omitted from your average personality profile.
The scorpion is the most widely known symbol, but it’s also the least evolved. It’s a tiny creature that feels threatened and protects itself with a venomous stinger. This echoes the tendency among some Scorpios to lash out rather than let themselves be vulnerable. They can cause more harm than they think, but they’re usually acting out of a desire for self-preservation and defense rather than malevolence.
The serpent aspect of Scorpio shows up when they have learned to be charming (and/or manipulative) to get what they want. The serpent also reflects the versatility and love of change that we associate with this sign. The eagle aspect of Scorpio reflects their intense stare, the ability to see the big picture, as well as their loyalty and vision. However, even at their most noble height, eagles are swift predators.
Finally, there is the phoenix aspect. The phoenix is the most evolved form of Scorpio and represents their ability to weather change and transform. Many Scorpios reach this stage after a momentous life shift or an immense personal loss. In the same way that a phoenix is reborn from ash, so, too, are these Scorpios. These are the most magical, alchemical, and resourceful Scorpios who have a gift for making something out of nothing. They possess the strengths of all the other forms: the scorpion’s power, the serpent’s knack for change, and the eagle’s big-picture thinking.
This season, get to know your local Scorpios for a refreshing dip into emotional and philosophical depths. Or use this time, as we wind down toward winter, to embrace some of the qualities of the sign. Wherever life takes you, enjoy your journey — and try to stay on the good side of a Scorpio.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.