Scorpio’s strengths and weaknesses
| Passionate | Jealous |
| Perceptive | Guilt-ridden |
| Determined | Manipulative |
| Supportive | Obsessive |
| Healing | Controlling |
| Willful | Cruel |
| Powerful | Destructive |
| Insightful | Defensive |
| Good in crisis situations | Secretive (hides vulnerabilities) |
| Strong survival instincts |
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This is the glyph for Scorpio: an “m” with a stinger.
Scorpio is the Fixed Water sign. Fixed signs are the most immovable. Water signs are the most emotional.
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, planet of death and rebirth, intensity, the underworld, sex, secrecy and extremes.
Scorpios have an extremely powerful will and rarely fail to get what they really want. The problem is knowing what to do with it once they get it. Desire is the thing that goads them, and once it is fulfilled, often times they’re no longer interested.
Scorpio energy gives one powerful intuition and tremendous insight into human nature. They make wonderful healers and have a knack for psychology and the intuitive arts. They have an immediate strong gut reaction to things and people, either love or hate. There’s not a lot of middle ground, usually. They have powerful instincts, and are very good at staying cool in emergency or crisis situations.
The life cycle of a Scorpio usually has many stages, including “rock bottom.” This is where they find their powerful regenerative abilities. Scorpio rules the deepest darkest depths, but also the highest heights. Once they overcome the fear of vulnerability, of losing control, these people make extremely powerful healers. They’re often attracted to the dark, macabre, or occult. Sexuality is very strong and important.
Scorpios usually look really tough, but they need to be treated with great care and tenderness. Like the scorpion, Scorpios have a soft side that they keep very well hidden.
Scorpios have an innate need to connect with another person on a very deep, intense level. To achieve this, they have to let the other person see their soft side, but fear and insecurity can keep them from revealing their sensitivities to their partner, because doing so would mean giving up control and facing fears of vulnerability.
Chart reading tip:
For more information about your Scorpio placements, look at the sign of your natal
Pluto. This will tell more about the context in which your Scorpio energies play themselves out.
Libra, relationships.
Virgo, health and work, perfectionism and worry.


Molly Cliborne

1 · blythe · 20 August 2005
pluto conjunct ascendant2 · Naomi · 4 November 2005
My pluto is in Libra/12th house. How does this express my scorpio nature? I also have a stellium in scorpio. My sun, ascendent, mercury, mars and venus are placed in scorpio/1st house. Is this why I've been an intense stress case my whole life?3 · Molly · 4 November 2005
Hi Naomi-- 12th house expresses in ‘12th house' ways, which are spiritual, hidden, secret, vibey.Elsa recently posted a great piece about Scorpio on her advice blog. Her point being that you have two choices with Scorpio. You must either express it or repress it. One is fun and empowering, the other is not.
I loved her post. Maybe you will too!
Elsa's post.
4 · Hannah · 25 November 2005
My husband has his Sun, Mars, Uranus and Pluto all in the 12th house, and has his moon and mercury in Scorpio.
One of his major issues (he's an amazing guy, really) is that he has repression and is uncomfortable with his sexuality (though I feel he is very sexual).
When we met he was a 27 year old virgin, and had put himself in seclusion for years. We met via the internet! ehhe. I had to comment on this because I just had a long conversation with him tonight about how I saw him as being truly intense and sexual and passionate (Scorpio), despite the secrecy (12th house), and his desire to be fair and not upset anyone (he's a double libra-- rising and sun).
He's made slow but sure progress over the years...
I read Elsa's blog and I DID love it! Thanks for the tip, Molly. I'm glad I found yours and Elsa's sites. What fun.
XO,
Hannah
5 · Priscilla · 6 February 2006
Hi Molly,
Thanks for that link to Elsa's post it was wonderful.
I also have Pluto in Libra, in the 12th with a Scorp ascendant, so I can understand the challenges associated with Pluto.
Having Leo sun, I had a nervous confidence that completely dissapeared (rock-bottom) which I blame on my Scorp but now that has been reborn to a confidence dangerously strong and unshakeable.
Like in Elsa's post I consider my personality to be a v. strong one whether I like it or not. I have since come to terms with this fact and have been at peace ever since
Cheers!
P.S. I love dancing on the treadmill at the gym!...lol..
6 · Marion · 29 June 2006
Hi there,
I have a 20 month old son who is a triple scorpio. Any insights on how to proceed, besides “with care!” ;o)
Thanks,
Marion – Mommy to one willfull little man.
7 · Molly · 30 June 2006
Hi Marion,
Proceed with care seems like good advice to me, with any kid. You might also check out Lance's astrology of children article.
I'll add this: be up front with your son at all times. He can tell if you're hiding something. And if he trusts you with a secret, don't blab. Even if it doesn't seem like a big deal to you.
8 · John · 11 July 2006
I have Scorp on second (Mars and Saturn, the latter being in the first and mars in the second)... and pluto conj. rising on the 1st. I’ve been having a lot of trouble dealing with this and am in a rock bottom state. Any advice or exrcises I can do to deal with it?
9 · Molly · 15 July 2006
Hi John— I am sorry for not answering you sooner. It has been a busy week.
Your pain comes through loud and clear here. I thank you for sharing so bravely. I think your Pluto rising is part of the story, but I have a feeling there are other facets of this you haven’t told me about in this brief comment. If you get in touch with me we can explore it one on one.
Like the Scorpion who has a hard outer shell to protect the softest, most vulnerable inside, Plutonian people tend to hold onto things and try to control to avoid feeling the truth of their vulnerability. Pluto’s message is to let go, and to forgive, and finally to transcend. It’s easier said than done.
I hope you’ll get in touch with me, we can spend a little time talking and fill out the picture.
10 · Margie · 20 July 2006
Hi Molly,
My Mars and Saturn are in Scorpio in my 5th house, Pluto is in my second house in Leo, and I am a Capricorn with my moon in Leo (1st house) and cancer rising. How do you see my Scorpio energies expressing themselves?
Margie
11 · Josh Lieberman · 16 August 2006
Hi Molly im a 25 year old guy from Brooklyn, Newyork who just got out of pharmacy school. Im into the Jewish faith and have not really given astrology alot of thought, although alot of women have always tried to push it on me as an all out philosphy. But lately, after reading into it on various knowledgable website, it seems to make more and more sense to me.
My sun is in LIBRA
My moon is in PISCES
My rising sign is in SCORPIO
My venus is in SCORPIO
My mercury is in SCORPIO
My mars is in AQUARIUS
Aside from these i have various less effective planets: 2 in SAGGITARIUS and one more in SCORPIO and PISCES
I have read the description for libra and although its true that i am very good at 1v1 occasions, and although i cant be alone sometimes, most of the libran nature doesnt really fit me too well.
At times i am totally ignorant of my emotions, and at others they completely rip me apart like a rollercoaster. Funniest thing is noone can tell! noone seems to be able to tell what im thinking EVER! While all the while in my own head i feel as if my thoughts and emotions are so overwhelming that they can be percieved across the street.
I seem to be extremely intiuitve, as i have some sort of innate ability to see through people. I can sometimes sense how theyre feeling at any given moment as well as what theyre thinking, just from a vibe i can feel.
Strangely, i feel as if im being torn apart by different idealisms that i have conjured up myself. There also seems to be alot of self contradiction within me, like me myself thinking what im thinking is wrong.
Judging from my birth chart MOLLY, what can you tell me about my personality that i can make sense of?
12 · Jeff · 24 August 2006
Goodbye Pluto! Scorpios all over the world are screwed!
13 · oh no · 24 August 2006
Oh no!! I am sorry Jeff, what a crazy thing you have just said. Crazy, but I laughed anyway. Crazy, because my closest scorpio has ended our friendship, just now…and I feel like I don’t understand why. That whole “dwarf” business was too much. It made a painful life situation somehow…amusing? Can it be?
14 · starlette · 12 September 2006
Molly,
Im a Pisces sun with a Taures moon, and a Cancer rising (3-14-86). I have realized a special energy I share with a lot of Scorpio males. I know of guys who are born on a certain day (Nov.7). These energies seem to come across in sexual feelings, and deep passionate understanding of eachother (or maybe on my half). Why is this influence of Scorpio so strong, is this because I dont have any Scorpio signs (except my pluto), or is this simply just a coincidence? Thank you for all of your wonderful imput, its very inspiring!Scorpio lover
15 · Carolina · 23 October 2006
I have natal Pluto in the 12th house, which makes me too reclusive and isolated, thus lonely. Relocating to California puts Pluto in my first house. This seems like a great idea to me! Would it be effective? All info welcome!
Birth info: 10/14/42 2:40am Dallas, Texas
16 · anabel · 25 November 2006
Hey…
My sister who is into all this astrology stuff just worked out that I’m a triple scorpio (evil laugh)
So what exactly does it mean?
I mean I realise my ascendence/sun/moon are all in scorpio etc… but I can’t find much info on triple scorpios.
Anyway all my sister said was “That explains alot…” hehe
17 · Molly · 25 November 2006
Anabel,
You are right, triple means your Sun, Moon and Rising are the same.
What exactly does it mean? It’s very rare, the energy of one sign, undiluted, in the three most important indicators of character and personality in the chart. You have both the strengths and the weaknesses of Scorpio undiluted. That’s a powerful chart.
18 · james · 17 December 2006
I have asked a lot of people in my high school about their birthday and it seems that everyone born under scorpio becomes goth or is unpleasent to be around. I mean no disrespect by this, but I being a gemini cannot see how someone can live like that.
19 · Dana · 26 September 2007
Well, for one thing, I don’t think having all your “inner plannets” in Scorpio means you’re some “super Scorpio.” The single person I think is most representative of the Scorpio type is Marie Curie, and she didn’t have her rising sign, moon, nor mercury in Scorpio.
20 · Ana · 15 November 2007
I’m a triple scorpio,
but i dont seem like a scorpio in the least.
21 · jill · 15 November 2007
hello i am a scorpio rising with my sun in leo and moon in gemini. they say that scorpio risings are very quiet…but since i have a moon in talkative gemini and sun in outgoing leo…does that make me less quiet?
22 · Hannah S-Q · 16 November 2007
oooh a triple Scorpio…wooooooow. I’m incredibly intrigued.
Well anyway. Signs are sometimes hard to get the grasp of until after years of study and observation. Of course there are lots of other factors in your chart that color that. I suggest you get some help reading your chart. (in my humble opinion)
Your Uncle,
23 · pere · 17 November 2007
I have sun, mercury, ascendant in scorpio strattling the 1st and 12th house. Can you tell me what that means?
24 · Edlyn · 9 December 2007
I HAVE LIBRA AS MY SUN SIGN, LIBRA IN MY MOON SIGN AND SCORPIO IN MY ASCENDANT. WAT KIND OF PERSON DOES THAT MAKE ME? 10-9-88
25 · Ana · 22 December 2007
Hello Molly! I was born 21th of April but dont see myself in Taurus or Aries AT ALL.I see myself in Scorpio though. And I mean 100%. I have Stellium in the 8th house(Mars,Mercury,Venus and Sun),Uranus in Scorpio,IC in Scorpio…
Question:Does all that mean I also look like a Scorpio? Another question:My Sun is actualy on the cusp betwen 8th and 9th house so I guess is both. Explanations for Sun in the 9th house is somewhat correct but explanation for Sun in the 8th house is completely accurate. Can you please explain that?Thank you. Ana aka Scorpio girl
26 · amanda lynn monroe · 24 December 2007
Hi i have a Acorpio ascendant with pluto in scorpio conjuncting it.Also my Juno (soulmate) and Lilith “Dark moon” are in scorpio also conjuncting my ascendant and all fall into my 1st house..Im a Cancer sun and moon In aries…When ever i tell ppl im a cancer they raise their eyebraw and start laughing saying “Your too mean to be a cancer” And i find That i do relate to my Scorpio ascendant very much.I also have my Venus im gemini in my 8th house.What all does this mean?What affect does it have on me?
27 · Anon · 19 January 2008
I know someone who has a whopping 5 planets in Scorpio! He’s private about what’s private, but isn’t everyone. What really shines through is his Venus/Uranus-conjunction i Sagittarius;) The most fickle Scorpio I’ve ever come across. Fun and well-informed conversationalist, though:)
28 · Raymond · 13 April 2008
Hey Molly,
I’m a Sun, Mercury, Mars, Pluto, & lillith in Scorpio. My moon is in Pisces and my ascendant is in Taurus. Venus, Uranus, Neptune, and & Saturn are in Capricorn. My Jupiter is in Cancer.
I’ve heard somewhere that this would be an extremely weak chart since my Taurus ascendant is opposing so many placements in Scorpio and my Jupiter in Cancer is opposing so many placements Capricorn. Is this true?
How can you tell whether someone’s chart is weak or not?
29 · CreativeExpression[Tazzy10] · 4 August 2008
Hey, my girlfriend is a scorpio and you seem to be spot on with her qualities.
30 · CC · 25 August 2008
How about Pluto in 1st house, Lilith/juno :conjunction: in SCORPIO & Chiron/Pallas in H8…
Never realized all this SCORPIO influence until all these intense relationships I had built began falling apart b/c I was maturing & learning to PURGE unhealthy people out of my life in order to grow, improve, change…
31 · Gregory · 1 September 2008
I am a Gemini with Libra rising & Libra moon.
I have Mercury in Taurus & Pluto in Scorpio,
So my Mercury is opposition to my Pluto.
But I have Venus & Mars in Cancer,
So they are in good positions with my Scorpio Pluto.
My Uranus & Neptune in Capricorn are too.
32 · kevin · 10 September 2008
hello molly, my sun moon rising and neptune is in
scorpio 11 22 65 500am brooklyn ny what’s my attraction to leo’s i’ve been running into these amazing ladies all my life
33 · Gregory · 14 September 2008
My 5-Paragraph Scorpio Essay
9/14/08
When I first read about the intense nature of the zodiac Scorpio, I was confused by it. But most non-Scorpio probably are! And rightfully so. Scorpios can be a tough cookie to crack! But now I understand this sign completely. Too many people seem to get caught up in the bad aspects of Scorpio, which is the last thing they should do. If you do this, you’ll just see the worst of the worst. But if you choose to look at all the good Scorpio can do, you’ll only get the best of the best!
Scorpio is a fixed water sign, so they are like ice. Because water signs are the most emotional and fixed signs are the most dependant, Scorpio is the most emotionally reliant. They do what they feel like. Scorpios usually know when the best time to take action is. They are very decisive! But they can keep secret details hidden along the way. Scorpios usually don’t like to share their own secrets, but they love extracting other people’s secrets. They hate unanswered questions and they always love digging beneath the surface.
Scorpios are merciless to their enemies and very loving with their friends. They have the ability to cut through all the other crap in between. Scorpios usually look really tough, but they need to be treated with great care and tenderness. They have a soft side that they keep very well hidden. Scorpio is the 8th sign of the horoscope and it rules the genitals. They are the most sexual sign. Scorpios are extremely intuitive, extremely passionate, extremely intense and extremely powerful! However, they can hide this power or use it when needed.
When faced with an opportunity, they will either choose to do absolutely nothing, or if they do something, they will do it completely to the best of their ability! Their mission in life is to transform from the lowest low: a scorpion digging out dark secrets in a deep watery abyss, into the highest high: an eagle soaring above all of the world’s problems into the vast beautiful sunset. They like to take it to the max in whatever they do so they be all they can be! This is how Scorpio achieves spiritual transcendence.
Scorpio literally represents the beginning and the end. Scorpios are never neutral! They have the ability to flip back and forth between good and evil, so the Scorpio needs discipline sometimes (so they won’t choose evil). For them it’s usually all or nothing. Scorpio rules the planet Pluto (associated with the Hades, Lord of the Underworld). So with that planetary position, Scorpio’s intuition, power, passion and intensity is further intensified! If you were born during the Pluto in Scorpio generation like me, then your life’s destiny is to go through the ultimate transformation. From the worst to the best!
34 · J · 26 November 2008
I have 12th house Pluto in scorpio Conjunct ascendant 1st house sun in scorpio conjunct saturn both opposing taurus in 7th
35 · sarah · 17 December 2008
ive just found out im a triple scorpio! sun,ascendant and moon in same sign, venus in first house.not a single earth planet in an earth sign…it does explain alot…anyone know of any goos sites to look up the special triple?
36 · nes · 24 January 2009
my sun scorpio
moon scorpio
venus scorpio
mercury scorpio (retrograde)
mars libra
jupiter aries (retrograde)
saturn sagittarius
ascendant taurus
im really fed up of myself to be honest, i don’t know what is wrong with my energy. i just feel so trapped and life is no fun.
what sort of advise you recommend for a person with this setting of planets?
thanks :)
37 · nes · 24 January 2009
by the way all scorpios are stellium in 7th house. except the sun which is in 6th house with the mars.
38 · lily · 8 May 2009
I’m a:
rising=taurus
sun=scorpio
moon=cancer
mars=scorpio
mercury=scorpio
venus=capricorn
jupiter=cancer
saturn=capricorn
uranus=capricorn
Any insight? I’ve hear that taurus risings and scorpio risings tend to be shy and I am pretty shy sometimes.
Also…I’ve heard that some people act more like their moon signs, particularly if their moon signs are in water, does anyone know how true this is? Sometimes I do feel like I’m really cancer-like, but the whole of my personality is 100% scorpio…I guess that makes it easy to see how the moon sign is more like your subconscious feelings toward everything while your sun in how you express it…hmm..
I have 6 planets in water and yes, I’m reallyyyy emotional, haah.
Does anyone know what a Jupiter retrograde means? I have that..
39 · nes · 5 June 2009
hi lily I also have jupiter retrograde and mercury retrograde, I have heard that people with jupiter retrogrades usually have many opportunities after their midlife and not during the first part of their lives – i guess this is rather true because I am 21 and I feel like my way has always been blocked no matter how hard i tried to get anything done and I had to search for my own opportunities all the time and they kept slipping from my hands
by the way I am a taurus rising with sun, mercury, venus, moon, pluto in Scorpio and I am extremely shy in relationships I would fantasise a lot but never ever give the person I love even the slightest clue about how i feel
in social situations i am also very shy as well
40 · sweetandsaucy · 15 June 2009
“Too many people seem to get caught up in the bad aspects of Scorpio, which is the last thing they should do. If you do this, you’ll just see the worst of the worst.”
sometimes when I dont think things could get worse they do! and I have tried there are certain things that are unavoidable! as my strong dislike to certain people from how they have treated me because I can be so intense at times they see this as something to use to their advantage or are intimidated by and become judgemental or insecure and defensive!! its weird because I can become so insecure at times I should be most secure and I definatly think its because of my feelings of vulnerability around certain people as to why I am so defensive and people react towards it. I guess im not as good as hiding things- like my soft side as I thought I was. I tend to let my emotions run for me at times it has been exzilerating and others depressing. I somtimes wonder if there is way around the human emotions? maybe for some, but not for me.
41 · joy · 27 September 2009
Hi, i have moon sign taurus and sun sign scorpio born on 26th October wednesday.. 8:45 am . Am I compatible with Leo ? If not whom am I compatible with ?
42 · Baby Boomer · 1 October 2009
I have a Scorpio Sun, Pisces Moon, and Libra Ascendant. My Jupiter is in Capricorn in the 4th house. My North Node is Aries. Can someone tell me when I will have the most luck winning some money playing the lottery? I have heard a person has most good luck when the current moon sign is transiting your North Node each month, but I sense that it might be when the current moon sign is transiting through when your natal chart shows what sign your Jupiter is in. This is very confusing to me, and I don’t have enough money to play every day. Can someone help me please? Thank you very much.
43 · Molly · 1 October 2009
Put your money in an IRA, Joyce. The lottery is a fool’s game. If I knew how to win the lottery using astrology, I would be rich.
44 · jay · 7 August 2010
how can i know if I am a double or triple Scorpio ? can you please reply me through email?
45 · Luke p · 22 August 2010
Stumbled across this site today and read a few of the postings.I will share something with who ever reads this and perhaps connect or perhaps not.I was told I was a triple Scorpio at about 15 or 16 years old.That was not all I was told on that day it was as they say a defining moment in my life.I am now 55 and have gone all these years without finding another,not a triple Scorpio just another like myself.We would all like to believe we are unique and not as the others,but the reality is you are, and I’m still wondering if and when we will meet.If the time ever occurs I believe we will know at that moment.Is it something that happened with the planets or an astrological related occurence?I wish I knew.