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Rulerships | Traditional Definitions | Famous Scorpios

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Personality Traits

Scorpio holds the enviable reputation of being the most sexually

magnetic, smoulderingly charismatic, and psychologically enigmatic
of all the zodiac figures. Wonderful! But there is, of course, a
downside (no sign gets it all). Scorpio has also garnered the most
derogatory collection of 'keywords', with its predilection for subtlety
and self-preservation never far from the inference of craftiness,
cunning, betrayal, and deceit. Throughout history, Scorpio has been
subjected to ongoing slanderous assault: Considered a dark,
defensive sign with subterranean drives and a powerful reservoir of
emotional energy, Scorpio has often been used as a significator for
liars, backstabbers, traitors, thieves, lechers, and all sorts of
dubious users and abusers! In medieval times scorpions were
emblems of evil, death, and the serving of self-interest, used as a
token for Judas in Christian symbolism because of the deadly
treachery implicit in their sting. [1] Fortunately - in view of such
disparaging associations - Scorpios are also known for their
impenetrable defences, and for their ability to beguile opponents
into underestimating both their resilience, and the fixidity of purpose
that fuels their interminable self-will.

The dark and heavy emphasis of traditional texts leaves a very

unbalanced, one-sided view of Scorpio's fundamental dynamics.
Whilst the essence of 'darkness' permeates this feminine,
phlegmatic, nocturnal and autumnal sign in every aspect of its
symbolism, the value judgements that we place upon astrological
motifs are often inappropriate. No sign ever falls on the negative
end of a moral trait; it is only bound to representing an archetypal
theme and bringing both extremes of that theme into focus. With
Scorpio the inference of deceit picks out the theme of falsity and
truth; and as we might expect, those with the acuity to be masters
of deceit are also the best equipped to recognise it when they see it.
In their gift of realising deception, rejecting hollowness and seeing
through shallow facades, Scorpios are not afraid to expose realty for
what it is; they are the emissaries of a more complete sense of truth
than many of us are prepared to contemplate, the penetrating
aspects of it often being too painfully sharp for comfort. The paradox
of Scorpio is that when it is fooling you, it is not really
acknowledging you at all. Real communication with this sign means
engaging with honesty, no matter how candid, sordid or direct.
Cheat you it may - that means nothing; when something really does
matter Scorpio won't be fooled and it won't mess around with either
pleasantries or mind games.

Traditionally governed by Mars, Scorpios are genuinely capable of

seeming destructive and intimidating, (towards noble ends as well
as self-centred interests), because where Mars dominates there is
little interest in compromise; the impulse is for active attack or
strategic defence, whatever it takes to avoid yielding one inch more
than necessary. But the direct, active principle of Mars is sublimated
in its nocturnal expression, and like all water signs Scorpios seldom
instigate attacks, preferring to hold their power in reserve. This
undercurrent of unexpressed energy is the basis of an almost
tangible magnetism, a sense of power embedded in the aura that
reveals itself expressly when their acute defensive instinct is stirred.
It's worth remembering that, as much as it may seem a
contradiction, Scorpios strongest line of attack is always in defence,
where their fixidity brings enduring patience and determination, and
their natural resilience makes them seem practically impassable.
Consider the role of scorpion gods in ancient symbolism and myth;
invariably their function is to act as guardians, custodians and
protectors; oblivious to external distraction but ferocious in the cruel
retribution unleashed on those who break their sentinel.

When Scorpios do engage in conflict their method of operation is

perfectly reflected by the terrestrial creature that defines their
celestial motif - all scorpions are venomous and all are predators,
but they never actively hunt or chase down their prey; instead they
patiently sit and wait, months if necessary, proceeding to ambush
only when their quarry is close enough to stand little chance of
escape. In business and battle Scorpios make inestimable
adversaries, particularly when they take up positions where they can
calculate, control and hold back a concerted effort until its execution
will realise maximum impact. Consequently Scorpios excel at
military leadership, board room politics and court room disputes;
Second World War leaders Patton, Montgomery and Rommel were
all Scorpios, locked together in a game of cool, calculated planning
geared towards maximum damage for minimum effort. No doubt the
capacity to hold the nerve and strike without hesitation has served
Scorpio Bill Gates equally well in the battle ground of the business
world.

The ability to penetrate superficial gloss is a trait that Scorpio shares

with Virgo, a sign to which it is tied in sympathy, albeit often with
the inequitable viewpoint of Scorpio being the perpetrator of
worldly-wise experience, and Virgo, the victim of purity born from
naivety. Their affiliation is revealed in the similarities of their glyphs
which represent the intestines and illustrate that both signs are
highly sensitive to gut-reaction. Impetus derived from the guts
rather than the brain is emotive and instinctive, 'gut instinct' being a
potent motivator in the decision-making processes and emotional
responses of both these signs. Yet with Virgo the glyph is closed off
and recedes into itself, symbolising barrenness, an urge to be self-
contained, but revealing a need to receive and allow itself to be
drawn out in order to gain completeness. With Scorpio the glyph is
outwardly extended, blatantly phallic, depicting an energy that is not
so easily constrained; its impulse is to penetrate, invade, and when
it does so its manner is unswerving and focussed.

Both of these are feminine signs, so neither is comfortable with an

easy, expressive discharge of internal energy; and since Scorpio is
of the phlegmatic temperament it is even more driven towards
internalisation. In order to penetrate it must first draw towards it:
Scorpio doesn't walk into your territory, it doesn't flirt and cajole, it
merely let's its own energy attract, and when penetrating your
secrets it does so having lured you to a place where resistance is
low. Like Virgo, Scorpio has an analytical gift: it probes the depths,
breaks apart, identifies the dross and eliminates the wasteful or
insincere. But whereas Virgo draws upon a Mercurial process of
analysis and integration, Scorpio relies purely on its gut-reaction, its
lack of quick mental assessment more than adequately compensated
by heightened emotional/psychic sensitivity and a compulsive
fixation upon a problem until its actual dimensions are finally
exposed.

Like all water signs, Scorpio finds a natural habitat in the world of
feelings and instincts. Its emotional reservoir is incredibly strong
since its fixed nature is resistant to easy movement, allowing the
watery element to seep into rarely accessed depths that are not
easily stirred, processed or purified. Within the practical application
of using astrological symbolism to identify locations, the 'fixed
element of water' is used to represent long-accumulated sediment,
water trapped by the coldness of ice or the heaviness of mud. It is
moved only by great effort and force, signifying torrents, flooded
land and destructive mud-slides. In drawing an analogy between
water and the realm of human emotions, we can see why this sign
has a natural attachment to depth-psychology: Scorpio has a very
rich and fertile insight into the underbelly of life, and even in the
definition of the sign as 'autumnal' we are reminded that the
emphasis is taken away from that which exposes itself on the
surface, to the need to withdraw back to the fundamental root. Here
destruction and creativity meet together, causing a tremendous
alchemical reaction between attraction and repulsion, a
transmutative force which deserves the highest respect since a
negative or uncontrolled release is capable of destruction, just as a
positive, controlled discharge is imbibed with the power to sweep
away all boundaries of resistance.

The Egyptians, who accorded great honour to scorpions and beetles,

recognised the spiritual alliance between the creatures that dwelt
beneath the earth and the magical, alchemical processes of life,
death and regeneration. The most blessed state was to be born in a
'rich compost' of power, and the black, fertile mud of the Nile delta
was their Prima Materia, the bubbling melting pot of creativity where
decomposing elements underwent an attractive reaction that
allowed the emergence of new life. Their word for this black, muddy
earth was Kemit, adopted as khemia by the Greeks, and eventually
forming the basis of the word alchemy which has dropped its
spiritual dimension - but not its power to transmute and create - in
the modern word chemistry. Whilst all the water signs are known for
their fertile potential, it is with dark, still, muddy Scorpio that we
encounter the truly powerful creative potential.

Similar analogies are revealed through the relationships between the

signs of the zodiac and the parts of the body they rule. These are
never 'ad hoc' connections, and allow us another route to explore
the deeper motive of each sign. Scorpio governs the groin area: the
'private parts' which contain the reproductive and excretory organs.
Reproduction expresses the drive towards continuance, 'seed' being
symbolic of latent life force and reserves of power as yet
unexploited. Excretion demonstrates the need to eliminate that
which has served its purpose; thus in the bodily processes of
procreation and elimination we see the metaphysical reflection of
the Scorpionic dance through attraction, creation, destruction and
regeneration.

For Scorpios who lack conscious direction this can seem an

exhaustive ongoing process, a life full of highs and lows, passion and
pain, with the zenith and nadir of experience expanding with each
successive turn. There is no doubt that this full exposure to
experience involves pain, suffering, hardship, distress and agonised
emotions. The 'private parts' relate symbolically to the depths of the
hidden, unlit realms; where the raw, gritty and disquieting elements
of all that is unpleasant and socially unacceptable take place. Most
Scorpios have encountered the harsher realities of the world at
some level or another, and being fixed in disposition they retain
their experiences - even the most in-depth, transpersonal
counselling techniques can only help to bring acceptance and
understanding, they do not erase the memories. Through Scorpio
we are drawn to confronting and conquering such demons, a
journey requiring an honest acceptance of how we contribute
towards, as well as suffer from, the issues that underlie corrupted
patterns of behaviour. It has been said that no one has a true
understanding of any brutal, distressing event until they have
experienced it in full. Who can claim to understand or even try to
break any pattern of abuse except those that have acknowledged
their part as both abuser and abused, and then, having risen outside
of the circle, brought the wisdom of experience to the needs of
those still suffering within it? Scorpios that are in or have worked
through this cycle naturally find it hard to be lightly chatty about it.
Any attempt to skirt around issues, whatever form they take,
smacks of insincerity and avoidance, and Scorpios have seen too
much, and worked too hard to deal honestly with the darker sides of
reality, to engage in a world of pretence. Even in their sarcastic
sense of humour Scorpios have a way of reminding us that we may
laugh at life, but we should never be too flippant about it.

If, as the Egyptians thought, scorpions represent initiation into the

sacred mysteries, we can consider the sign's other related creature,
the eagle, as a higher expression of Scorpio power. Many ancient
astrologers, including Ibn Ezra, recognised eagle symbolism as valid
to this sign, since the biblical prophet Ezekiel described a vision,
believed to be drawn from Babylonian astrology and representative
of the 'fixed cross of matter':

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man
[Aquarius], and the face of a lion [Leo], on the right side: and they four
had the face of an ox [Taurus] on the left side; they four also had the
face of an eagle [Scorpio]. (Ezekiel 1 verse 10).

Saint John's book of the Apocalypse (Revelation 4, v7) also alludes

to the vision, of which Fred Gettings, in The Secret Zodiac, writes:

The eagle of St John is the eagle of Scorpio, which sign (alone of all the
twelve) has two images, the eagle the symbol of the redeemed and
spiritualized Scorpionic nature, the scorpion its fallen, unredeemed and
earth-bound nature. [2]

Transcendence from the crawling scorpion to the soaring eagle, still

predatory, still conveying the essence of patience and penetration,
but capable of flight and height, brings together the theme of
destruction and renewal as a story of evolution. The argument that
the constellation Aquila the Eagle took its name from the time it
coincided with the summer solstice - the bird of greatest elevation
assuming the symbolism of the summit of the Sun - supports the
view that in this respect the eagle is representing the 'Scorpionic
myth' of the phoenix, which self-immolates after turning its nest into
a funeral pyre and, (according to the Roman historian Pliny's
report), rises again, initially as a small worm that grows from the
bones and marrow of the carcass. [3] All Scorpios feel themselves to
be on this spiritual quest of transformation and it should be
remembered that their depth of mind is as equally attracted to
higher philosophy as it is to depth psychology.

Being committed to such a purposeful journey, Scorpios may well

seem too intense to many, immensely secretive regarding private
matters, unforgiving, jealous and possessive of their territory, and
instinctively hostile to those who stand in their way. Their emotions
are strong and passionate, but they run deep and are not easily
expressed. Their relationships are seldom relaxed and easy-going,
as sexual attraction is often the means through which they explore
their own emotional power and transformational journey. Once
passion is lacking they are capable of an almost cold-heated
detachment and reserve which can leave an acute sense of
abandonment in the partner. Ultimately they follow their own path,
and yet they remain intensely loyal to those to whom they give their
allegiance, take their responsibilities seriously and respond
positively to trust that is sincerely invested in them. Their personal
magnetism draws many towards them and if they chose to take up a
position of leadership their motivating will bears strong influence
upon others and their persistence usually guarantees success. But
they will often shy away from positions that involve long periods of
being the centre of attention - bright light is stark and inhospitable
to them. Although they enjoy pulling the strings of influence, they
prefer to do so 'behind the scenes' or in such a way that ensures
their personal privacy is preserved. Scorpios have subtle, crafty
fingers but never forget that they are attached to an iron first of
power. People tend to love them or hate them; either way Scorpios
are always a force to be reckoned with.

Dignified Planets

Planets Dignifed in Scorpio:

Mars as ruler of the sign and triplicity in both diurnal and
nocturnal charts. (Modern astrologers have assigned
the outer planet Pluto as a co-ruler for Scorpio but
this is disregarded in traditional techniques which
require use of the full dignity scheme).

Planets Debilitated in Scorpio:

Venus by detriment

Moon by fall

More on planetary dignities and debilities

Typical Features

Scorpio typically gives a well built, corpulent body with a strong

constitution. Where the body is large, it is nonetheless solid, robust
and active, and generally quite hairy. The complexion, hair or
features tend towards darkness, and the eyes are often dark and
penetrating. The face is characteristically square or broad with a
short neck, often giving a squat appearance.

Traditional Rulerships

Direction: All the water signs relate to the direction north -

Scorpio relates to north-east.

Anatomy: Scorpio principally governs the groin area, from

the bladder to the anus. It is related to the
excretory system, reproductive organs and the
genital regions.

Illnesses: Although Scorpio is considered a fertile sign, in

decumbiture charts it signifies afflictions to the
womb, and both the internal and external
reproductive organs. Governed by Mars, many of
its diseases are associated with ruptures,
inflammations, ulcers and acute pain caused
through abrasions and blockages. Diseases that
fall under the signification of Scorpio include
ureteral stones (bladder stones, blockages in the
penis); strangury (painful discharge of urine);
priapism (prolonged, painful erection);
inflammatory bowel disease and such diseases as
lead to fistulas (ulcerations that form channels of
infection) in the lower intestines and genital
regions; sexually transmitted diseases such as
gonorrhoea and syphilis; hemorrhoids or piles
(swollen veins in the rectum and anus which
cause painful burning and itching); testicular
diseases and all illnesses that lead to pain in the
lower abdominal, genital or perineal area.

Scorpio is also generally associated with viruses

or afflictions that come from bites, stings or
poisoning. Raphael claims it signifies "all secret
and virulent diseases" and it has often been
ascribed to illnesses of an hidden, occult or
unknown origin. Raphael also claims that Scorpio
signifies scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of
vitimin C, which prevents the healthy absorption
of iron from the intestines.

Places: Ruled by the malefic planet Mars, many of the

places signified by Scorpio suggest a hostile
environment, resonating fear or threat, or
characterised by a lack of light and restricted
movement. These include habitats where vermin,
 reptiles or insects gather and, according to Al
Biruni, deserted places, prisons and places of
grief and mourning.

As the fixed member of the water triplicity,

Scorpio also relates to locations where water
collects and stagnates: muddy or swampy
grounds, bogs, marshes, sedimentary deposits
and quagmires. Modern authors have suggested
that the fixed aspect of water is perfectly
representative of ice or snow, whilst Lilly
suggested "stinking lakes" and "ruinous houses
near waters" and Raphael proposed "receptacles
for filth and vermin, sewers, drains". Al Biruni
mentions black mud and underground conduits,
but also captured the destructive martial power
through his association with drowned (flooded)
land and torrents. A further illustration of Scorpio
being linked with mud is his suggestion that in
furniture it signifies artefacts made of clay.

Inside the house Scorpio points to locations that

are cold and dark, low down or underground, or
near water used to eliminate waste. These
include sinks (and the cupboards underneath
them that contain poisonous cleaning agents),
toilets and drains (inside and out); cellars,
pantries and larders (being cold and dark),
undeveloped basements, areas that suffer from
damp and decay, or have been left untenanted
and remain in need of renovation or demolition.
In the garden Scorpio will represent muddy
areas, compost heaps, the sunless north-facing
wall, inaccessible areas, pot holes, puddles and
stagnant ponds.

Countries Include Northern Bavaria, Norway, Algeria,

& cities: Morocco, Catalonia and Valencia in Spain,
Urbrino, Messina and Frejus in Italy, Vienne in
France, Ghent in Belgium, and Frankfurt in
Germany.

Colours Generally defined as brown, although sometimes

described as dark red, grey red or black red,
from which we can assume a dark, blood-red
brown.

Stones & Stones and metals fall under the rulership of

Metals: planets, not signs, but through its association
with Mars, Scorpio is often linked with iron, ocre,
bloodstone, jasper, red lead or vermilion.

Traditional Rulerships of Mars

Traditional Definitions:

Fruitful: Unless afflicted, Scorpio shows a propensity for

large families, many children or easy pregnancy.
Scorpio is the least promising of the fruitful (or
'fertile') signs however because where it is
afflicted, it can indicate many pregnancies that
fail.

Mute or Scorpio is not known for verbal dexterity, and

slow of suffers from an inability to communicate openly
voice: and freely.