Scorpio (astrology)

Scorpio, the Scorpion

Template:Zodiac sign Scorpio (♏) is the eighth astrological sign in the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Scorpius. Scorpio is considered a "feminine", negative (introverted) sign by most modern astrologers. It is also considered a water sign and one of the four fixed signs. Traditionally, the planet Mars has been considered to be the ruler of Scorpio. But since its discovery in modern times, Pluto has been considered the primary ruler, with Mars as co-ruler. As the eighth sign in the zodiac, Scorpio is associated with the astrological eighth house.

Individuals born when the Sun is in this sign are considered Scorpio individuals. Under the tropical zodiac, the Sun enters Scorpio on October 23 and exits on November 21. Under the sidereal zodiac, it is currently there roughly from November 16 through December 15. The Sanskrit name of Scorpio in Hindu astrology is Vṛścika. However, since Vedic Astrology employs the Sidereal Zodiac, rather than the Tropical Zodiac, their "Scorpio" actually corresponds to the sign of Sagittarius in the West; consequently, Scorpios born in the West would be considered "Libras" in the Vedic system.

Astrologically, Scorpio is sometimes represented by an eagle or a phoenix, though this depiction is rather esoteric.

Mythology

In Greek Mythology the myths associated with Scorpio almost invariably also contain a reference to Orion. According to one of these myths it is written that Orion boasted to goddess Artemis and her mother, Leto, that he would kill every animal on the earth. Although Artemis was known to be a hunter herself she offered protection to all creatures. Artemis and her mother Leto sent a scorpion to deal with Orion. The pair battled and the scorpion killed Orion. However, the contest was apparently a lively one that caught the attention of the king of the gods, Zeus, who later raised the scorpion to heaven and afterwards, at the request of Artemis, did the same for Orion to serve as a reminder for mortals to curb their excessive pride.

In another Greek story involving Scorpio without Orion, Phaeton (the mortal male offspring of Helios) went to his father, who had earlier sworn by the River Styx to give Phaeton anything he should ask for. Phaeton wanted to drive his father's Sun Chariot for a day. Although Helios tried to dissuade his son, Phaeton was adamant. However, when the day arrived, Phaeton panicked and lost control of the white horses that drew the chariot. First, the Earth grew chill as Phaeton flew too high and encountered the celestial scorpion, its deadly sting raised to strike. Alarmed, he dipped the chariot too close, causing the vegetation to burn. By accident, Phaeton turned most of Africa into desert and darkened the skin of the Ethiopian nation until it was black. Eventually, Zeus was forced to intervene by striking the runaway chariot and Phaeton with a lightning bolt to put an end to its rampage and Phaeton plunged into the River Eridanos.