The negative polarity of Scorpio gives it an introspective, investigative energy that is secretive and penetrating. Scorpio has a passionate desire to probe the depths of life’s mysteries. It uses its determination, intensity and inner strength in resourceful ways to overcome its fears and face the darkness: the turbulent swampy underworld with its shadows and demons. It understands that darkness and light cannot exist without each other. They are co-creative forces in life.

Scorpio uses its transforming and resurgent powers to cleanse and heal itself. Unafraid of death, Scorpio strips away the superficial and extraneous. It surgically eliminates the unessential and the false to reveal the “bare bones.” It uncovers deeper truths, discovers its true nature, and reveals its innate essence.

Scorpio knows that we are spiritual beings, only temporarily having this human experience. Our ego enables us to navigate our earthly life. Yet there comes a time when the ego and physical form we identify with must die. Death is but one stage in the cycle of reincarnation. In this cycle, our spirit climbs upward in an ever-expanding spiral, similar to the kundalini force surging up the spine during awakening.

Just as a snake sheds its skin, we need to periodically shed parts of ourselves so we can spiritually transform and regenerate anew. Scorpio asks us to venture into the deepest parts of our subconscious, face our shadows, and experience the “death” of our ego-identified self so we can become transfigured and experience rebirth. This how we evolve at the soul level.

Scorpio is magnetic and sexual. The key phrase for this fixed water sign is “I Desire.” It is strong willed, intense, persistent, and has difficulty letting go. It can be extreme, obsessive, a lover of chaos, fear, pain and suffering. The emotional nature of Scorpio is expressed in powerful ways. Scorpio is attracted to catharsis for its drama and intensity, and uses it to provide relief from strong or suppressed emotions. The vast amount of concentrated energy stored deep within Scorpio can burst forth unexpectedly and destructively, like a volcano.

Psychologically, Scorpio is associated with the “shadow side” of our psyche: our fears and obsessions, fixations and compulsions; our need for control and personal power; and acts of betrayal and manipulation, treachery and vengeance. Preoccupied with power, Scorpio ultimately comes to understand that true power cannot be gained by being obsessive, controlling and dominating others. We must plumb the depths of our own inner psyche, and exorcise our demons. Exercising self-control, being insightful and inscrutable allows us to reclaim our own power and use it to transform and regenerate ourselves.

Scorpio is represented by different colors and symbols, which correspond to the levels of its spiritual awareness and expression. The black scorpion represents the lowest level of Scorpio. When threatened, it inflicts pain with the venom injecting barb at the end of its tail. The deep red phoenix rising from the ashes of its ego-identified self represents the resurgent power of Scorpio. The eagle soaring on high with its piercing depth of vision symbolizes Scorpio’s ability to see clearly into the heart of the matter while keeping an objective distance above emotional chaos. Having transcended death itself, the white dove, known in Christianity as the Holy Spirit, symbolizes the highest and purest spiritual expression of Scorpio, the rebirth of the Soul.

Areas of life ruled by Scorpio include other people’s values, shared possessions, joint assets and wealth, as well as power struggles over shared resources and sexuality. Scorpio rules politics, political relations and economics, which contain elements of power and control. Death, mysteries, secrets and hidden things fall under the sign of Scorpio. Significant breakthroughs and other deeply transforming emotional experiences are in its domain.

Occupations and archetypes for Scorpio include private investigators, criminologists, researchers, surgeons, psychiatrists, pathologists, politicians, organized crime, terrorists, sex workers, occultists and vampires. Parts of the body ruled by Scorpio are the organs of reproduction and elimination. The gem for Scorpio is onyx. Its metal is plutonium. Thorn-bearing shrubs and chrysanthemums are Scorpion plants. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, scavengers and parasites are Scorpio animals. Parts of a house that are ruled by Scorpio include sewer drains and septic systems, exhaust vents, toilets, and garbage systems.

“Your lost power resides in the hidden depths of your Being. Do not be afraid to go there. The things you fear are only shadows. The power you can reclaim is necessary to power your Solar Light. You cannot shine fully in the world without it. You will only be a weak version of the Divine Flame you are meant to radiate.”