SCORPIO ~ THE SCORPION 23rd. October ~ 21st. November

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the Western zodiac and is symbolised by the Scorpion. The glyph for this sign is a stylised depiction of this feared arachnid, replete with three pairs of legs and an enhanced sting in the tail. Scorpio is a sign that gets a bad press. Its mythology has lead to a mixture of awe, fascination, respect and perhaps fear among those of a less intense persuasion. Well-known traits include deviousness, jealousy, passion, the desire for dominance and control, strong sexual urges and - when crossed - the overriding drive towards revenge. The brooding, reserved, complicated and covert nature of most Scorpio subjects does little to ease this situation. Nonetheless, Scorpio is a water sign. It is thus sensitive, intuitive and psychic. The emotional life of a Scorpio is profound, but its basis is deeply personal and is kept hidden well. Others can sense these turbulent inner machinations and may feel uneasy though. In truth a Scorpio's thoughts are so complex and are felt so deeply that explaining them can seem an impossibility. However, their inner vulnerability is protected by their immediate attack response when this feels endangered. It can be hard for others faced with such behaviour to provide the required soothing reassurance. Scorpios are capable of great loyalty, but will not hesitate to wreak revenge on those who for whatever reason have angered or upset them. Their feelings are enormously deep and exert such a powerful influence, that any threat will provoke an extreme response. In all relationships they are either fully involved or not at all. Sexual activity can be pronounced, but so may be sexual abstinence. These people are not familiar with moderation and favour extremes. They are magnetic and charismatic and their whole life is lived with a passionate intensity, alarming to less ardent souls. In relationships they feel especially insecure, hence their reputation for jealousy and possessiveness. Swinging from crisis to crisis is preferred - perhaps subconsciously - to bland stability and some deep, dark feelings will need to surface and be explored along the way. Scorpios are famous for seeking the truth and are said to make great researchers and detectives. Their perception is excellent and their insight is both accurate and penetrating. The scorpion - symbol of this sign - is an ancient creature that has remained largely unchanged since before the time of the dinosaurs. It lives in a variety of habitats, but thrives in conditions too harsh for most to consider. It is robust, resilient, tough, long-lived and capable of remarkable endurance. It inhabits hidden, secluded places and emerges at night to hunt. It is carnivorous and predatory, a scorpion’s favourite food is another scorpion! Thus the Scorpio character is also fixed, determined, persistent, tenacious and is capable of great privations in the pursuit of long-term objectives. These individuals have stamina and strength of character - they are subtle, secretive, private, self-repressive and carry out their activities away from the prying eyes of others. They make steadfast friends and formidable enemies. Obviously this is a sign that has great potential for both good and ill. Scorpio is probably the most clearly defined zodiac constellation in the sky. In many ways it is the ‘strongest’ sign in terms of the power of its expression. Excessive introspection and the desire for control and manipulation should not be allowed to dominate their lives. Spiritual awareness, together with concern for others, are the keys to the transformation and regeneration of their enigmatic and primal natures. Their vast potential must never be misused. © Paul Wade 1999

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