Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac, a fixed water sign ruled by Mars and Pluto. Scorpio season runs from approximately Oct. 23 to Nov. 21, so if your birthday falls in that window, your sun sign is Scorpio. The sign’s symbol is the scorpion, and its reputation is built on intensity, loyalty, mystery and a famously long memory.
Scorpio lands in the heart of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, right around Halloween. As the weather gets gloomier, we move into a period of powerful change, mystery and reflection that suits the sign perfectly. Scorpios are often recognized for their charm and charisma, as well as their intensity, loyalty and possessiveness. Keep scrolling for our full breakdown of the sign, from its dates, element, symbol, modality, ruling planets and house to its strengths, weaknesses, love life and famous Scorpios.
Born right at the start or end of the season? Our guide to the cusps of the zodiac explains how a neighboring sign can color your personality, and our breakdown of the Scorpio decans shows how the three ten-day stretches of the sign change what a Scorpio is like.
Also read about: Zodiac Signs: Personality, Compatibility, Horoscopes and More
Scorpio Zodiac Sign at a Glance
- Sign order: 8th sign of the zodiac
- Dates: approximately Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
- Element: Water
- Modality: Fixed
- Ruling planets: Mars (ancient ruler) and Pluto (modern ruler)
- Ruling house: The 8th house
- Symbol: The scorpion
- Polarity: Feminine (yin), which you can learn more about in our guide to masculine and feminine zodiac signs
- Fellow water signs: Cancer and Pisces
Scorpio Dates: When Is Scorpio Season?
The sun moves into Scorpio in late October, so Scorpio season runs from approximately Oct. 23 to Nov. 21. The exact days can shift by a day depending on the year. It’s the eighth sign of the zodiac, arriving during the middle month of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It tends to reflect a more intense and emotional energy in the wake of the cozy peacefulness of Libra season and ahead of the more adventurous and carefree Sagittarius season.
Scorpio’s Element: Water
Scorpio is one of the water signs of the zodiac, along with Cancer and Pisces. Astrologically, water represents emotion, making these signs more sensitive, empathetic and sentimental than most, though Scorpio does tend to keep the touchy-feely stuff to themselves. They feel these emotions very intensely and lead with their intuition, and are often quite creative and artistic, channeling this energy in a productive way.
Scorpio’s Symbol: The Scorpion
Scorpio’s zodiac symbol is a scorpion, which reflects their temperament quite well. People may be intimidated by them, as they maintain a tough outer shell and possess a stinging, possibly deadly tail, but underneath it all, they’re really quite sensitive and prone to having their feelings hurt. This is often why they hide behind a mysterious and dangerous appearance. The stinger also serves as a warning. Do not get on Scorpio’s bad side, because they don’t forgive easily, and they’re not above exacting their revenge.
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: 16 Unique and Low-Key Birthday Text Messages to Send Scorpio for Their Birthday
Scorpio’s Modality: Fixed
Scorpio is one of the four signs of the zodiac with a fixed modality, joining Taurus, Leo and Aquarius. As the name suggests, these signs can be stubborn, but it’s all in the name of making something of themselves. They’re confident, dedicated and ambitious, and they set their standards high because they know what they’re capable of. They’re planners whose personalities make them likely to succeed in life, though their adamancy can also cause problems when they’re unwilling to budge from a commitment that’s no longer serving them.
Scorpio’s Ruling Planets: Mars and Pluto
Scorpio is actually said to have two ruling planets: the ancient ruler, Mars (which it shares with Aries), and the modern ruler, Pluto. Mars is typically associated with action, movement and intensity, while Pluto symbolizes the unknowable and cycles of death and rebirth. After all, the planet is named after the Roman god Pluto, the king of the underworld, who ruled over the dead.
(via Shutterstock)
Scorpio’s Ruling House: The 8th House
Scorpio is ruled by the 8th house, with themes of transformation and connection with others. It’s a house that represents sharing, whether that means our relationships or literally sharing a home or resources with others, and how major changes in our lives are often undertaken with others. It suggests reinvention and self-discovery, and urges us to reflect on our relationships, both romantic and platonic.
Also read about: 20 Intense Taylor Swift Lyrics That Make Perfect Instagram Captions for Scorpio
Scorpio Strengths
Scorpios are known for their appeal, with an ability to charm and persuade others without even trying. They’re naturally charismatic and a little mysterious, which can make others want to get to know them. They’re also confident and unafraid to speak their minds, and while they’re highly emotional, they don’t let their feelings get in the way of making good decisions. They’re also clever and witty, and while their friendship isn’t easily won, they’re deeply loyal to the people they trust most.
That drive and focus pay off at work, too. If you’re wondering where a Scorpio’s intensity serves them best, see our list of the best careers for Scorpio zodiac signs.
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Scorpio Weaknesses
As much as others are drawn to Scorpios, they tend to be very closed off. They’re sensitive, making it likely they’ve been hurt in the past, so they’re unwilling to open up to just anyone and face unnecessary pain all over again. They can be secretive and distrustful of others, as well as highly competitive and possessive. Jealousy can get in the way of their friendships, and a Scorpio never forgets. If you make an enemy of a Scorpio, prepare to face their wrath.
Scorpios in Love
Scorpios aren’t known for falling in love fast. As with all of their other relationships, they need to figure someone out before they’ll consider them as a potential partner, deciding whether they’re worthy (and loyal) enough for the job. Once they do get invested, though, Scorpios are typically super invested and dedicated partners who’ll do just about anything to make it work. While they can be intense and do prefer some degree of independence, they do believe in love, and they’re willing to fight for it. Wondering if a Scorpio is into you? Read 10 Signs Your Scorpio Crush Likes You Back.
Scorpios are generally the most compatible with fellow water sign Cancer, as the two sensitive signs are two sides of the same coin, as well as the hard-working and dedicated earth signs Taurus and Virgo. They can have a difficult time in relationships with the air signs Aquarius and Gemini because they struggle to see each other’s perspectives, as well as with the casual and impulsive fire sign Sagittarius.
Also read about: 5 Big Things to Understand About Your Scorpio Crush
Scorpio Season Energy
Scorpio season is peak fall energy, and it makes all of the sense in the world that the haunting and mysterious Halloween season arrives right alongside it. It’s also a moody and reflective time of year, with the colder, wetter weather driving people indoors, giving people the perfect opportunity to look inward and improve themselves, as well as foster better relationships with those around them. Getting into the spooky spirit? Browse our Halloween costumes, captions and ideas.
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Famous Scorpios: Celebrity Birthdays
Scorpios have a reputation for having a magnetically irresistible charm and an air of mystery around them. People simply need to know about them, giving them a unique star quality. These celebrities include:
- Emilia Clarke – Oct. 23
- Margaret Qualley – Oct. 23
- Drake – Oct. 24
- Liamani Segura – Oct. 24
- Katy Perry – Oct. 25
- Mia Goth – Oct. 25
- Lola Tung – Oct. 28
- Frank Ocean – Oct. 28
- Bill Gates – Oct. 28
- Julia Roberts – Oct. 28
- Winona Ryder – Oct. 29
- Ruel – Oct. 29
- Willow Smith – Oct. 31
- Kendall Jenner – Nov. 3
- Stephen Sanchez – Nov. 3
- Matthew McConaughey – Nov. 4
- keshi – Nov. 4
- Julian Lerner – Nov. 5
- Emma Stone – Nov. 6
- Lorde – Nov. 7
- David Guetta – Nov. 7
- SZA – Nov. 8
- Kiernan Shipka – Nov. 10
- Zoey Deutch – Nov. 10
- Taron Egerton – Nov. 10
- Leonardo DiCaprio – Nov. 11
- Anne Hathaway – Nov. 12
- Ryan Gosling – Nov. 12
- Travis Barker – Nov. 14
- Pete Davidson – Nov. 16
- Rachel McAdams – Nov. 17
- Danny DeVito – Nov. 17
- Owen Wilson – Nov. 18
- Tyga – Nov. 19
- Adam Driver – Nov. 19
- Michael Clifford – Nov. 20
- Carly Rae Jepsen – Nov. 21
Scorpio Zodiac Sign FAQ
What sign is Scorpio?
Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac. It’s a fixed water sign ruled by Mars and Pluto, and its symbol is the scorpion.
What are the Scorpio dates?
Scorpio season runs from approximately Oct. 23 to Nov. 21. If you were born in that window, your sun sign is Scorpio. If you were born within a day or two of either end, our guide to the zodiac cusps can help you sort out where you land.
Is Scorpio a water sign or a fire sign?
Scorpio is a water sign, along with Cancer and Pisces. Water signs are associated with emotion, intuition and sensitivity.
What planets rule Scorpio?
Scorpio has two rulers: Mars, its ancient ruler, and Pluto, its modern ruler.
What are Scorpio’s strengths and weaknesses?
Scorpios are charismatic, confident, loyal and driven. On the flip side, they can be secretive, possessive, distrustful and slow to forgive.
Which signs are most compatible with Scorpio?
Scorpio tends to get along best with fellow water sign Cancer, as well as the earth signs Taurus and Virgo. Our guide to the signs that are most (and least) compatible with Scorpio goes deeper.
Crushing on a Scorpio? Try these 10 flirty texts to send your Scorpio crush.
