Real Life Astrology: SCORPIO
October 23rd -November 21st
© Maria DeSimone

Scorpios used to unnerve me. And I was convinced that every Scorpio in the universe felt the same way around me. I know, I know, what strong words from the gentle astrologer – but hey, I’m an honest gal. So do you want to know what it was about this intense, magnetic, water sign that used to send me reeling? Are you sure? I’m warning you…this is deep.

Scorpio, more than any other sign in the zodiac, can see right through a person. Immediately, and without blinking, they seem to know your every motivation, secret and purpose. You can tell from their eyes – always penetrating and full of intense power. There’s a knowing of what we so desperately try to keep hidden. They don’t even have to try. So, quite honestly, it used to give me the creeps.

Over the years, I’ve learned that because of the natural polarity between Scorpio and my own Sun sign, Taurus, the reason I used to feel uncomfortable around Scorpio was because being around my opposite sign challenged me to deal with my own hidden nature. Through Scorpio, I’m forced to probe deep into my own soul and my own agenda.

Through Scorpio, I’m cornered into confronting my personal power. I am exposed. To some extent, this is true of anyone who encounters Scorpio. Does it scare you as well? As you can imagine, being young and confronted with such intensity could easily make someone fearful. And so, not yet understanding astrology, I “labeled” Scorpio as my least favorite sign. If I only knew then how much alike we really are…

The Scorpios that were in my life early on seemed to avoid me – they couldn’t even look me in the eyes. Now I realize the reason for this. While it’s true that Scorpio can see through every sign in the zodiac, Scorpio’s opposite sign, Taurus, can see right through Scorpio. And most of the time, Scorpio doesn’t like it one bit!

Ruled by Pluto, planet of the underworld, sex, death and transformative rebirth, and co-ruled by Mars, planet of energy and assertion, there is an interesting phenomenon that occurs. Tremendous energy, will and determination, no doubt, but it’s often under the surface. Still, this sign is capable of absolutely anything. He can use his tremendous power in one of two ways, and this is what separates the more evolved Scorpio from the less evolved.

The less evolved Scorpio will be jealous, sneaky, paranoid and underhanded. He can be the most deceitful, resentful, and unforgiving sign of the zodiac. Scorpio is the one who will cut you off from his life if you hurt him, and never look back. He is the one who will seek revenge. At his worst, a less evolved Scorpio can be a criminal, or he can simply live a life in self-destructive mode.

I’m happy to report however, that, while glimpses of these qualities might creep into Scorpios life, the vast majority seem to be much more evolved, living out their Scorpio lessons at a higher vibration. And it is these Scorpio types I think we are all most fascinated with. They have learned to use their astounding power and strategic intelligence for the good of humanity. These are the Scorpios that can take one look at us, and, instead of making us cringe, actually heal our soul.

Scorpio is a sign ruled by desire. This can be physical, sexual, personal or business. Scorpio has a jealous and obsessive streak as well so if you fall in love with a Scorpio, be prepared for nothing short of complete intensity!

My brother in law, Jason, born November 12th, is a great example of a Scorpio who loves with such passion. You can say that he has a bit of a jealous streak. For two years in a row, at a company Christmas party, he seemed to interpret another gentleman talking to my sister not as innocent conversation, but as this man trying to “pick up” his wife. Let’s just say things got a little ugly – okay a lot ugly. When a Scorpio feels threatened, that stinger can really hurt! My sister, thank goodness, is also a water sign, so she innately understands the intensity of Jason’s emotions. I’m not so sure the man on the receiving end of Jay’s fist had the same perspective.

I actually consider Jason to be a much evolved Scorpio despite his jealous streak. Scorpio often chooses very challenging life circumstances and my brother-in-law has risen from the ashes of a life filled with deeply personal and transforming lessons that I would never discuss. Scorpios are quite protective of their privacy.

Often, Scorpios talents encompass spiritual and mysterious realms. Take my dear friend Pam, born November 15th. This woman has single-handedly created a phenomenally popular spiritual website that has attracted thousand to view and become part of a community where likeminded spiritual people seek to learn about, and uncover their own hidden spiritual talents.

Pam is classic Scorpio in the way she helps others develop their own talents and abilities – specifically spiritual and metaphysical. I know for sure that Pam is one of the more evolved Scorpios. She too, has chosen a life of great challenge and power struggles, but she is also full of honest compassion and integrity. And, when she visited New York and spent a day with me at my home, we had no problem looking into each other’s eyes. She seemed comfortable and eager to explore everything hidden with me.

So, now that I’ve gotten a bit older, and confronted my Scorpio fears, this is a sign I embrace. Thank goodness, because Scorpio, once they confront their own lessons of power and transformation, have unparalleled ability to help transform all of us into better people. Just remember never to reveal their secrets!