Scorpios are the most intense, profound, powerful characters in the zodiac. Even when they appear self-controlled and calm there is a seething intensity of emotional energy under the placid exterior. They are like the volcano not far under the surface of a calm sea, it may burst into eruption at any moment. But those of us who are particularly perceptive will be aware of the harnessed aggression, the immense forcefulness, magnetic intensity, and often strangely hypnotic personality under the tranquil, but watchful composure of Scorpio. In conventional social gatherings they are pleasant to be with, thoughtful in conversation, dignified, and reserved, yet affable and courteous; they sometimes possess penetrating eyes which make their shyer companions feel naked and defenseless before them.

In their everyday behavior they give the appearance of being withdrawn from the center of activity, yet those who know them will recognize the watchfulness that is part of their character. They need great self-discipline, because they are able to recognize the qualities in themselves that make them different from other humans, and to know their utterly conventional natures can be used for great good, or great evil. Their tenacity and willpower are immense, their depth of character and passionate conviction overwhelming, yet they are deeply sensitive and easily moved by their emotions. Their sensitivity, together with a propensity for extreme likes and dislikes make them easily hurt, quick to detect insult or injury to themselves (often when none is intended) and easily aroused to ferocious anger. This may express itself in such destructive speech or action that they make lifelong enemies by their outspokenness, for they find it difficult not to be overly critical of anything or anyone to whom they take a dislike.

They can harness their abundant energy constructively, tempering their self-confidence with shrewdness and their ambition with magnanimity toward others provided they like them. They relate to fellow workers only as leaders and can be blunt to those they dislike to the point of cruelty. In fact they are not above expressing vindictiveness in deliberate cruelty. They are too demanding, too unforgiving of faults in others, perhaps because they are not aware of the shortcomings within themselves, and extravagantly express their self-disgust in unreasonable resentment against their fellows. They do, however, make excellent friends, provided that their companions do nothing to impugn the honor of which Scorpios are very jealous. Part of the negative side of the Scorpio nature is a tendency to discard friends once they cease to be useful, but the decent native is aware of, and fights this tendency.

They are fortunate in that their strong reasoning powers are tempered with imagination and intuition, and these gifts, together with critical perception and analytical capacity, can enable the Scorpions to penetrate to profundities beyond the average. They have a better chance of becoming geniuses than the natives of any other sign.But charismatic " twice-born" characters such as they can sink into the extremes of depravity if they take the wrong path, and the intensity of their nature exaggerates their harmful tendencies into vices far greater than the normal. Rebelliousness against all conventions, political extremism to the point where hatred of the Establishment makes them utterly unscrupulous terrorists. Brooding resentment, aggressive and sadistic brutality, total arrogance, morbid jealousy, extreme volatility of temperament, these are some of their vices. At the other extreme is the procrastinator, the man or woman who is capable of so much that they do nothing and become indolent and self-indulgent, requiring extravagant praise and flattery from those whom they make their cronies.

Being so gifted, they can find fulfillment in many employments. Their inner intensity can result in the ice-cold self-control and detachment of the surgeon, the concentration of the research scientist, and the heroism of the soldier. Any profession in which analysis, investigation, research, dealing with practicalities, and the solving of mysteries are relevant, can appeal to them. So police and detective work, espionage and counterespionage, the law, physics or psychology may attract them, and they can become masters of the written and spoken word. They may be most persuasive orators and find fulfillment as diplomats or preachers and, if they make the Church their profession, their inner intensity can express itself in the spiritual fervor of the mystic or the thaumaturgy.

Scorpio is the symbol of sex and Scorpios are passionate lovers, the most sensually energetic of all the signs. For them, union with the beloved is a sacrament, an "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.". Their overriding urge in loving is to use their power to penetrate beyond themselves and to lose themselves sexually in their partners in an almost mystical ecstasy, thus discovering the meaning of that union which is greater than individuality, and is a marriage of the spirit as well as of flesh. They are thus capable of the greatest heights of passionate transport, but debauchery and perversion are always dangers, and Scorpios can become sadistic monsters of sensuality and eroticism. Their feelings are so intense that even when their love is of the highest, and most idealistic kind, they are nevertheless frequently protagonists in tragic, even violent romances, "star-crossed lovers".

On your birthday, the Sun (your inner nature) was located in the feminine sign, Scorpio. The eighth sign of the Zodiac, Scorpio is ruled by fierce Mars, the warrior planet and mysterious Pluto, the planet of transformation. A fixed (strong and solid) sign, Scorpio governs will and authority. It is a water sign, which means Scorpio people are passionate and emotional, with very deep feelings. Although you are a loyal and dedicated friend, you are fiercely competitive, subject to fits of vindictive jealousy and can be quite manipulative in pursuit of your goals.

Symbols for Scorpio are the scorpion, a ground-dwelling killer with a poisonous sting in its tail and the eagle, a far-seeing predator soaring above petty problems into the spiritual sky. Scorpio's real involvement is not primarily based on love or even pleasure, but on the control and understanding of human emotions and the role they play in the mysterious processes of life and death. Though you may not spend your life pondering the mysteries of life and death, you are inquisitive and probing, fascinated with how things and people work. Your mental and physical powers of recuperation are remarkable - and truly evolved (eagle) Scorpios can learn to use their power to help and inspire others.

Determined Scorpio, a fixed sign, can be rather stubborn and resistant to imposed changes. In many ways this is a plus, for it gives you the stamina to accomplish things in life, due to your tenacity. On the surface you may seem easy-going, congenial, and gregarious, but you are also extremely tenacious with a need to manipulate and control your situations.

Keys to your success are a strong will and the ability to get to the bottom of things. You want answers and doggedly persist until you get them.

The fiery energy of Mars shines out when you are enthusiastic; it attracts and inspires others. Your intensity can be overwhelming, but also subtle, for your considerable energy is not aroused or employed just to have something to do - as is often the case with Aries, the other Mars-ruled personality. Unlike Aries, Scorpio is not openly combative, unless it becomes necessary. Your privacy is tightly protected, so others get to know you only up to a point. You may not show any sign of inner struggle, but when you are after something (or someone) your determination is fierce. Should you not be favored in the outcome, you are neither a willing nor a gracious loser. Nevertheless, you are not arrogant, being generally interested in others and what they have to say, although you often exhibit a self-sufficiency which implies there isn't much you don't already know.

The transformative energy of Pluto motivates you, as you delve into the deepest mysteries of life. Whether you are trying to get to the bottom of a murder, or some heinous crime, or whether you are saving a life through your surgical skills, or pursuing a meditative magical mystery tour, you characteristically seek to uncover the truth or to transform raw materials into things of great power and beauty. Relationships are not exempt from this probing, so anyone involved with you must prepare for profound changes in themselves, their mysterious partner and the relationship itself.

Emotions govern your first reactions to every experience in life. Although instinctive emotions generate the strongest motivations for your behavior, you are not prone to wearing your heart on your sleeve (unlike those feeling-oriented Cancerians and Pisceans). You need to dominate relationships and rarely display your true feelings, holding back something of yourself, even at your most open and communicative moments. Although you may not intentionally want to be mysterious, you manage to appear enigmatic anyway. You hate being crossed or manipulated, and can react to such treatment with sarcasm and vengefulness.

Scorpio rules the reproductive organs and excretory system, so those with Scorpio active in their charts suffer headaches, infections and fevers, along with various illnesses to do with what used to be called the secret parts. You have, however, a strong constitution and can usually overcome your problems, many of which are of your own making, due to your clandestine activities.

Scorpionic colours are red, black, midnight blue, and emerald green. Scorpio rules metallic iron and your birthstone is the topaz. Topaz, one of the hardest minerals, cannot be cut with a knife. It is yet another representation of the impenetrable Scorpionic nature. Scorpio flowers include the anemone, heather, and gardenia.

You have a dark and mysterious style which, combined with an irresistible personal magnetism, creates a fascination in members of the opposite sex (and the same sex - or any other sex that happens along). You ooze sexual excitement and require a partner (or partners) who can keep up with your marvellous capacity for taking everything to the limit - and beyond.

Scorpio, although a feminine (yin) sign, is ruled by Mars, the warrior god and Pluto, the king of the underworld. This fiercely potent combination creates tensions in your internal balancing mechanism between the male and female polarities. Your emotions run deep and your faculty of intuition is remarkably accurate, so your antennae can prick up and pick out a prospective partner at first sight. You need however to keep a part of yourself private and personal and can react vigorously should anyone have the temerity to trespass in your personal domain.

Possessing great self-control, combined with intellectual ability and creativity, you can achieve greatness in your chosen field, but can be unduly domineering in personal relationships, especially should you perceive your partner to be weaker than yourself.

Unfortunately, weaker types seem to congregate around you like fragile moths, fatally drawn to the fiery, incandescent flame.

Scorpio is a fixed sign, so your biggest problem is finding someone who, while strong enough to maintain the tempestuous lifetyle, is interesting enough to remain challengingly enigmatic. However, knowing your penchant for getting to the bottom of things, it won't take you all that long to sniff one out!