Scorpio
October 23rd – November 21st
Scorpio's contrasting personality is depicted beautifully
in this photo of the Indian Ocean crashing on the beach of Struisbaai
(a fishing village along the South African coast).
Juanita Coetzer is a regular contributor of this blog. You can follow her on Facebook.
The scorpion is a venomous creature capable of paralyzing its victims with one sting of its unsheathed tail, and in some cases, can even be fatal. They were here even before the dinosaurs, and scientists believe that 400 million years ago, they may have been the first animals to migrate from water to land. The scorpion is so potent and compelling that the Egyptians deified it in the form of Selket, the scorpion goddess of the dead. She is usually depicted on the walls of tombs, arms spread open protectively over the departed. The Hindu’s regard the scorpion as a “threshold” creature, capable of opening a doorway to the other side. Even Scorpio’s birthstone, topaz, contain elements of mystical powers. As a crystal, topaz is said to release occult powers, bringing peace of mind while offering protection from enemies or ill-health.
Of all the astrological outlines superimposed over their constellations, the stars comprising the sign of Scorpio actually resemble a scorpion. The myth begins with the death of Orion, son of Neptune. A handsome and fearless hunter, he was well-known for his prowess, strength, and virile masculinity. As with all mythology, there are many versions of this particular tale, but in one, Orion vowed to kill every animal on Earth. Gaia, goddess of Earth and protector of animals sent Scorpio, a giant scorpion, to kill Orion before he could do any harm. In gratitude to Scorpio, Gaia placed him in the sky, where each spring, he rises to chase Orion out of the heavens.
Despite the myth above relaying Scorpio as masculine, it is regarded as a feminine sign. Like a coin, there are always positive and negative sides and in Scorpio’s case, she is known for her extremes. She can be described as strong yet weak, independent yet clingy, passionate yet aloof, tenacious yet flexible. In other words, you can’t ever be sure of who you are going to get from one day to the next.
“I’ve looked at life from both sides now…
from win and lose, and still somehow,
it’s life’s illusions I recall.
I really don’t know life at all.”
– Joni Mitchell, Singer-songwriter, Artist & Scorpio
Scorpio is the sign representing birth, sex, death and regeneration, and all mysteries of the universe. She rules the eighth house of Sex, Death & Transformation. Governing both, is none other than Pluto, god of the underworld. It is therefore no stretch of the imagination to see Scorpios as sensual and magnetic. Naturally social creatures, they are renowned for their sexual appetites.
“Men are most virile and attractive between the ages of 35 and 55.
Under 35 a man has too much to learn,
and I don’t have time to teach him.”
– Hedy Lamarr, Actress, Inventor & Scorpio
However, her greatest challenge revolves around relationships, where Scorpio finds herself most vulnerable. Her undying loyalty to her partner can lead to jealousy and possessiveness. However, she is not quick to speak up and share what is really going on inside. And so instead, it comes across as a constant need for reassurance.
“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry,
to get my work done, and try to love somebody,
and have the courage to accept the love in return.”
– Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Singer & Scorpio
Like all water signs, Scorpios are deeply intuitive and emotional.
“The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place:
from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper,
from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.”
– Pablo Picasso, Painter, Sculptor, Designer & Scorpio
Intrinsically connected to matters of the heart, she is sensitive and can quickly get her feelings hurt. When this happens, she can be seen as moody and brooding.
“I don’t have pet peeves like some people.
I have whole kennels of irritation.”
– Whoopi Goldberg, Actor, Author, Comedian & Scorpio
Her resistance to change is due to her being a fixed sign. She is persistent and resilient - like a glacier.
“My agent said, ‘You aren’t good enough for movies.’
I said, ‘You’re fired.’”
– Sally Field, Actor, Director & Scorpio
But just like that iceberg – there is a whole lot more going on underneath the surface. As a result, Scorpios tend to be described as mysterious, or secretive, because you never really know what they are thinking. And until they get to know you better, they’ll hold back before trusting you with their heart.
“My definition of a friend is somebody who adores you
even though they know the things you’re most ashamed of.”
– Jodie Foster, Actress, Director, Producer & Scorpio
Best also, to stay on their good side as they are known to hold grudges; they don’t believe in forgive and forget. They usually retaliate and settle the score with an extra dab of whip cream on top. They are patient and have long memories. But this can work both ways, as they never forget a kindness and are extremely generous and loving in return.
“We ought to hate very rarely, as it is too fatiguing.
Remain indifferent to a great deal, forgive often, and never forget.”
– Sarah Bernhardt, Actress & Scorpio
Preferring to find the calm within the chaos, they insist on order and control. They tend to be super organized as they like things to run smoothly and efficiently. They have a good head on their shoulders and know the value of things which makes them naturally good with their finances. As high achievers, they are focused, driven, and forever curious.
“The power to question is the basis of all human progress.”
– Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister (Iron Lady) of India,
You can see why the proud Scorpio is one of the most misunderstood signs of the zodiac. I know a handful of people whose sun sign is in Scorpio and what I appreciate most about this complicated personality is their passion – whether it be in life, or love, their work, or a cause close to their heart – their dedication and devotion is second to none.
