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The Scorpio Personality: Everything You Need to Know

It's possibly the *most* misunderstood sign

Collage of Scorpio celebrities including Kris Jenner, Whoopie Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Drake, Diddy and Julia Roberts in a yellow tone. In the center it reads "Scorpio October 22 - November 21"
getty images; design by dasha burobina for purewow

Scorpio is possibly the most misunderstood zodiac sign. Tied with Gemini for the top sign everyone loves to hate, Scorpios—born October 23 through November 22—have a reputation for being extremely secretive and beyond intimidating—and let’s be real Scorpios, you low-key love this about yourselves! Your Scorpio friend keeps her Instagram private and her personal life on lock. And in a culture that is so obsessed with oversharing, the non-disclosure of it all only adds to Scorpio’s intrigue. But the real secret about our fixed water sign babes is that they’re not actually as hard to read as everyone seems to think they are. If you ask a Scorpio to open up, they won’t think twice before bearing their soul. It’s just that usually no one asks! So let’s dig deeper into the depths of the Scorpio personality.

What’s Scorpio’s Sun Sign?

Scorpio.

What’s Scorpio’s Element? 

Water. Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) are driven by their emotions. Focused on nurturing connections and honoring their authentic feelings, water signs follow their gut when they make a decision. That said, the three water signs sit with themselves in different ways. If Cancer is a flowing river and Pisces is the vast ocean, then Scorpio is the steady, deep lake. Scorpios are calm until a storm. 

What’s Scorpio’s Modality? 

Fixed. Fixed signs are slow (and difficult) to change. All born during the height of a season—whether it’s a spooky Scorpio fall, a cold Aquarius winter, a lush Taurus spring or a balmy Leo summer—fixed signs value stability and loyalty. You can always count on them to remember your birthday, just don’t switch around brunch plans with them at the last minute! These people have many admirable qualities, but going with the flow is not one of them!

What’s Scorpio’s Ruling Planet? 

Mars. Mars is the planet of action, power and movement. It describes our passions and desires. Mars is what we’re willing to fight for! Being ruled by Mars makes Scorpios determined, energetic and occasionally cutthroat in pursuit of their goals. Whether seducing a lover or winning an argument, Mars gets what it wants. In modern times, Scorpios have also become associated with Pluto—the planet of life-changing transformation. This speaks to their depth and willingness to join friends and loved ones on journeys to the dark place. There’s no patience for small talk when Scorpio’s around.

Your Weekly Horoscopes: January 28 - February 3


scorpio personality illustration of a scorpion on an orange background
CSA Images/getty images

What’s Scorpio’s Symbol?

The scorpion. (Occasionally also, the snake and the eagle). Scorpions are complex creatures that are primarily focused on survival. Though they can happily keep to themselves and are very protective, once provoked, they do not hesitate to strike. Their rage is intense and packs a punch. This quality really shows up in a Scorpio’s sense of humor which is usually dry and biting. Their comments cut right to the core and are not for the weak of heart!

Scorpio’s Key Phrase

“I desire.”

Scorpio’s One-Word Mantra 

“Release” (See: Zodiac mantras for every sign). Scorpios can hold onto a grudge forever. And especially if they don’t have a strong support network, they can leave that browser tab of stress or heartbreak open in the background forever without addressing it. It’s good for them to release their pain in constructive ways like journaling, exercise or just having a good, long cry.

scorpio personality photo of anne hathaway on a red carpet
CSA Images/getty images

Scorpio Celebs

Scorpios are known for having a certain je ne sais quoi, a dark and brooding mystery, which is why it might surprise you to learn that approachable sweetheart girl next door actresses Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Goldie Hawn, Lisa Bonet, Anne Hathaway, and Brittany Murphy (RIP) are all Scorpios! On the actor side, there’s Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke and Ryan Gosling, all known for the romantic intensity that they bring to their roles. Scorpios are of course also enigmatic pop stars: Bjork and Lorde; the always relevant Whoopi Goldberg; the idiosyncratic character actresses: Chloe Sevigny and Toni Collette; the strategic politicians: Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton; the resonant folk rockers Neil Young and Joni Mitchell; the inscrutable pop star Katy Perry; the persistently charming rapper Drake; and filmmakers of epic proportions: Peter Jackson and Martin Scorcese. 

What Are Scorpio’s Best Traits?

As mentioned, Scorpios are loyal AF and the most amazing friends. Because they value authenticity above everything, they always have a roster of fascinating people surrounding them and are the best at curating guest lists for parties. Because they value their friends and loved ones just for being who they are, they create spaces where everyone can relax and be themselves. Known for being ambitious, Scorpios always get what they want—even if it takes a long time. They always fight for what they believe in and are also the biggest cheerleaders of their inner circle and always fight for what they believe. Even if it takes a long time, Scorpios always get what they want.

What Are Scorpio’s Worst Traits? 

Scorpios really hate change. And though this works in their favor when it comes to building solid relationships and job stability, they can be paralyzed when something doesn’t go their way. Scorpios want to be the best kind of control freaks (who are always in the right and never stepping too hard on anyone else’s toes) but sometimes can come off as brooding or sore losers when they dont’ get what they want. Scorpios hate to admit defeat.

What Are the Best Careers for Scorpio? 

Despite their mysterious air—or perhaps because of it—Scorpios are natural leaders. They appreciate workplaces where they’re valued for their almost masochistic work ethic and given plenty of opportunities to shine. Even though they might seem like they like staying in their protective shell, do not put Scorpio in a corner! Whether it’s working in the arts, technology or even finance, Scorpios like to explore uncharted territory and tend to have jobs that aren’t easy to summarize over happy hour drinks. Scorpios are extremely driven innovators and they want their contributions to have a lasting impact.

How Is Scorpio as a Friend?

Scorpios are everyone’s BFF. They don’t do superficial relationships so if you’re friends with a Scorpio, it’s not a casual thing; they’re your emergency contact. Scorpios are definitely planners and are always thinking ahead about birthdays and milestone events, sending out invites for concerts and figuring out the tab at brunch. They also like to be friends with all kinds of people so that they can expand their own world view and have new experiences. 

How Is Scorpio as a Parent?

Though Scorpios can be control freaks, they’re extremely open-minded as parents and don’t like to raise their kids with hard and fast rules. They want their children to be as genuine and open minded as they are! Scorpios take parenting very seriously and even though they want their kids to thrive and have freedom, this comes at the expense of their kids really getting to know them well. Scorpio parents often don’t open up their whole world of life stories and interests to their kids until later in life. 

How Is Scorpio as a Partner? 

Relationships are Scorpio’s comfort zone. Though they can be ice queens on the streets, they’re true softies when they’re with their boo. Not the type to give just anyone attention, if you’re with a Scorpio, they have fully chosen you and are constantly going the extra mile to make you happy. Phone calls to check in, gifts just because and careful attention to your every need are all part of the deal. Relationships are also how Scorpios tap into their more domestic side and they love nothing more than cooking elaborate meals followed by getting cozy on the couch with their love. Scorpios are committed to a fault. Once you’re together, it takes a lot for them to give up on the relationship, even if it’s clear that things are never going to resolve. They’re willing to go to the ends of the earth—and years of couple’s therapy—to work things out.

What Are Scorpio’s Hidden Traits? 

Known for their bite, people often forget that Scorpios have exquisite taste. Whether it’s music, fine dining or home decor, Scorpios are always on top of the latest trends and always have recommendations about where to go, what to listen to and where to buy a chic yet affordable couch. Again, the reason not everyone knows about Scorpio’s major artistic and cultural knowledge is that no one asks! But you will never be disappointed with their expert suggestion for your next Netflix binge.

Scorpio at a Glance in 2024

It’s Your Year For: Finding love and finding angel donors
It’s a Challenging Year For: “Just for fun” romance and creativity.
Main Character Months: April and May

2024 Mantras:

  • Love: Innovate
  • Money: Net
  • Home & Family: Transform


jwright

Astrologer

Jaime Wright is an astrologer and writer based in NYC. She has been writing PureWow’s weekly and monthly horoscope columns since 2019, and also authors the cult favorite...