Scorpio
Sign 8 of 12 · 210°–240° of the ecliptic
Scorpio is a fixed water sign. Astrologers associate it with intensity, depth, loyalty and transformation. In the tropical zodiac the Sun is in Scorpio from about 23 October to 21 November.
| Symbol | ♏ The Scorpion |
|---|---|
| Element | Water |
| Modality | Fixed |
| Polarity | Feminine (receptive), nocturnal |
| Ruler | Mars (modern: Pluto) |
| Exaltation | — |
| Detriment | Venus |
| Fall | Moon |
| Opposite sign | ♉ Taurus |
| Body (traditional melothesia) | Reproductive organs |
| Tropical Sun dates (approx.) | 23 October – 21 November |
Scorpio in a chart
Sun in Scorpio: identity expressed through intensity. Moon in Scorpio: emotional needs coloured by water and a fixed rhythm. Scorpio rising: a first impression in the style of Scorpio, with Mars as chart ruler.
Across traditions
| Tradition | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western (tropical) | Scorpio | Measured from the March equinox. The Sun enters around 23 October. |
| Vedic (sidereal) | Vrishchika (वृश्चिक) | Lord: Mangala (Mars). With the Lahiri ayanamsa the Sun enters around 16 November. |
| Chinese | No equivalent | Chinese astrology has no Sun signs. The 12 animals count years, months and hours. |
Test yourself
Which element does Scorpio belong to?
Learn it properly in the courseBuilt from the Astrolysis facts table western/signs/scorpio.