In the sky when one looks for the constellation Scorpio, it is fairly easy to pick out its distinctive pattern.
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In Greek myth, Orion the Hunter offended Artemis, who sent after him a giant scorpion. In the larger pattern of the constellations one can see Scorpio is directly opposite Orion. Orion being below the plane of the stars of the 12 constellations of the zodiac; so the effect is seen of Orion effectively eluding the searching scorpion every time; i.e., just as Scorpio rises, Orion sets. .
Liz Greene, in her book, The Astrology of Fate (which I highly recommend for those who prefer a deeper study of astrology); equates Scorpio with the archetypical theme of the hero facing the dragon. Examples of this theme include the stories of Heracles battling the Hydra, Siegfried and the dragon Fafnir, and even Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa. The reptilian dragon represents instinctual side of human nature in its terrifying and destructive power.
Scorpio is ruled by the planet Mars, so the elements of strife and violence come into play with the sign. Scorpio is the most “misunderstood” sign; by nature its issues are “unpleasant”; it is associated with intensity, transformation; death and subsequent resurrection, compulsive and/or manipulative behavior, sexuality, and corruption and abuse of power. Scorpio demands of one great perseverance, courage, and a sort of ruthlessness; the qualities of which are also attributed to its ruler, Mars.
When we know of Scorpio’s higher qualities, the so-called bad things become somewhat more understandable. The higher manifestation of Scorpio is that of VISION (God Vision), the vision of light that carries one through the dark night of the soul.
The Bible says that without vision, the people perish. If people do not have the broader and more in-depth vision of things, they do not come out of the “harsher” experiences of life transformed, but worse off.
The planet Pluto has also been assigned to the rulership of Scorpio; due to its association with destruction, human corruption, crisis and transformation, sexuality, and the occult.
The Moon has its fall in Scorpio; due to its exaltation in the sign opposite: Taurus. Venus is in its detriment in Scorpio; due to its rulership of the sign opposite: Taurus.
