Scorpio horoscope

Myth and constellation

The constellation of Scorpius is one of the few that genuinely resembles what it represents: a long curve of stars depicts the body and the curled tail of the animal. From France, it can be seen in the evening in early summer, fairly low above the southern horizon. Its heart is marked by Antares, a red supergiant whose Greek name means "rival of Mars", because of its colour. The Sun passes through this constellation for only a few days each year: the sign, defined by the seasons, no longer coincides with the stars.

Greek mythology links it to the hunter Orion. Depending on the version, Gaia or Artemis sent a scorpion to punish his pride, and the creature killed him with a sting. The two adversaries were placed in the sky opposite one another: Orion disappears below the horizon as Scorpius rises, as if still fleeing from it. Another tale involves the scorpion in the fall of Phaethon, whose horses it frightened during his ride with the Sun's chariot.

Element, modality and planet

Astrology makes Scorpio the fixed sign of water. The water here is deep and calm on the surface, an image of powerful, lasting emotions rather than changeable ones; the fixed mode gives it endurance and loyalty to its choices. Its traditional ruler, Mars, lends it courage and combativeness, turned inwards. Modern astrology also associates it with Pluto, discovered in 1930 and now classed as a dwarf planet, which adds the themes of the end of cycles, crisis and renewal.

The eighth sign of the cycle, Scorpio follows Libra: after the meeting comes the bond that commits deeply, with all that it implies of sharing and vulnerability. It corresponds to the middle of autumn in the northern hemisphere, when leaves fall and nature seems to die down before regenerating, a period that also includes the traditional festivals dedicated to the dead. Tradition associates it with the reproductive organs and, often, the functions of elimination.

The three decans

From about 23 October to 1 November, the first decan is, in the modern division by triplicity, ruled by the ruler of the sign, Mars or Pluto depending on whether one follows tradition or modern astrology. This is seen as the most intense Scorpio: strong will, a taste for challenges and a need to get to the bottom of things. Tradition also credits it with a great capacity to recover after hardship.

From about 2 to 11 November, the second decan receives the influence of Neptune, the modern ruler of Pisces (Jupiter in the traditional reading). Astrology credits it with a more open sensitivity, a highly developed intuition and an attraction to spirituality, art or caring. The sign's intensity is readily expressed here through empathy and compassion.

From about 12 to 21 November, the third decan is associated with the Moon, ruler of Cancer. Tradition describes a Scorpio here who is more protective and more attached to loved ones, home and memories. Emotion runs deep and emotional memory is very present, with a strong desire for security within the inner circle.

In friendship and family

In friendship, tradition describes Scorpio as a selective friend but one of rare loyalty. It takes time to size people up before granting its trust; once given, it is there in difficult moments and knows how to keep a secret. It appreciates sincere conversations that go beyond small talk, and expects the same frankness and discretion from its friends in return.

In the family, the Scorpio parent is described as very protective, attentive to what their children feel even when they do not say it. The Scorpio child is said to have a rich inner life and keen sensitivity; they are said to need their love of privacy to be respected and to be spoken to frankly. Among siblings, they are credited with strong, lasting bonds and an acute sense of solidarity when one of their own is going through a difficulty.

The rising sign

The ascendant (or rising sign) is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It changes on average every two hours, which is why the time and place of birth must be known in order to calculate it. Astrology reads in it the way one approaches the world and the image one projects. A Scorpio ascendant is said to give a penetrating gaze, a magnetic presence and a certain reserve at first meetings. Tradition also associates it with a strong power of observation and a self-control that often intrigues those who get to know it.