The zodiac sign Scorpio, 23rd October - 21st November, is ruled by the planet Pluto and naturally rules the 8th House. The Scorpio symbol is the Scorpion. Scorpio Archetypes are the Detective, the Sorcerer and the Hypnotist.

Scorpio has the Element of Water, and the polarity Yin, being more inward facing and feminine in energy. Scorpio thrives on clarity about what is really important, often by delving within to find that life is meaningless outside the present moment. They are happiest when living with single minded intensity, fearlessness and focus. Picasso and Monet were both Scorpios, both said to have had unwavering focus, to be obsessive, highly emotional and reclusive at times.

Strengths and Challenges
Scorpio uses every experience as an opportunity to focus on what they really want via gut instinct and feelings, rather than thinking and reasoning. Although often highly intelligent, the purpose of the cerebral mind for them, is but a stepping stone. Once thinking has put the mind in order, the Scorpio travels further down, past the heart and onto the gut. This is where the Scorpion find his real purpose. He then acts on it with a clarity and focus like no other sign.

The Scorpio is all about expression of their true needs, which is why Scorpios can make great lovers. They understand why they want sex, (for them it's more about feelings, not fluffy crushes, but unrepressed, pure sexuality) and they are not willing to suppress their needs for any societal niceties.

Scorpio and Astrology
Scorpios are also notorious for taking and not giving when it comes to sharing verbally. You may find you have spilled your innermost thoughts and feelings over coffee, yet still know very little about them. In this, they can be difficult partners in any sense, lovers, work colleagues, friends. Their introspection drives them to evaluate and give advice on your issues, yet keep their own truths and feelings very close to their hearts.

And here in lies the challenge. Scorpios must come up for air every now and again, and interact fully with others. Suppression of those thoughts and feelings they have discovered, must be shared, challenged and worked through in the open. Just being aware of them can drive a Scorpio mad, as that awareness is deep down and suffocating. It needs to be brought into the light. Scorpios can be so concerned with what need fixing within, that they never actually do anything about it. They dig deeper and deeper, without taking any other action. They can fall victim to depression and hopelessness which is what they are trying to avoid.

Remember no two Scorpios are exactly the same. And whilst some of the key words used in pop astrology may indeed be ascribed correctly, best not to rely on generalisations. Your Natal Chart will show where your Scorpio sign is placed specifically, as well as the corresponding House. Other aspects (planets and signs that are geometrically aligned), and many other considerations make up the total sum of a Natal Chart.

Powerful personalities with strong convictions. Change is difficult for them yet their counselling, caring nature makes them supportive friends. Scorpios are deep, they have the ability to drag all your secrets out, without disclosing any of their own. When a Scorpio is upset with, you will know it. They can hold onto their anger for a lifetime. Grudges go deep and are rarely resolved. They know what they want and will go out there and get it no matter what. It can be difficult to truly and deeply know a Scorpio.

Scorpio and Health
The Scorpio body part is the genitalia, and this makes them prone to recurrent infections in that area including cystitis, STDs and other infections. Kidneys rule the skin so they may also suffer from skin conditions. Scorpio folks love their food and can over indulge very easily. Too much of a good thing can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.

It would help them to have restrictions and careful diet planning. Full of boundless energy, the energetic Scorpio will need to use their gusto carefully. Having all that energy may lead to over exercising or over working resulting in problems with muscles and the back. Scorpios are a fixed, water sign, yet they are often forced to face major changes in their lives. This makes them deep thinkers and rather serious at times. They make great counsellors as they have ways of bringing out all your deepest of secrets.

They themselves are very secretive, can be extremely jealous types and like to control others. Positive traits are they can be very passionate, intuitive and determined. Of course all this head stuff will and does cause headaches, therefore there may be migraine sufferers amongst them.