Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, is ruled by Pluto and symbolized by the Scorpion. Do you know someone who is deep, secretive and reclusive yet open and honest, strangely aloof but at the same time intensely loyal, brooding and mysterious yet straightforward and unusually direct, vengeful yet forgiving, who, in short, seems to be a bundle of opposites all bound up in a deeply perplexing and intriguing personality? That person is probably a Scorpio, but before you start writing off all the Scorpio people you know as contradictory, inconsistent or some kind of absurd radicals, there are certain things you should know about their Plutonian personalities. All their seemingly conflicting qualities are but opposite sides of the same coin, and that coin glows beguilingly under Pluto's icy-hot intensity. Scorpio is a sign of extremes, and just as dry ice can feel hot to the touch because of its extreme coldness, Scorpios can portray an endless array of seeming opposites which, from a deeper perspective, aren't really opposite at all. The nature of their ruling planet, Pluto, is to seek out the underlying causes and unifying factors behind appearances. Natives of Scorpio know instinctively that appearances can be deceiving, and they are forever trying to look beneath the surface to discover the essential nature of things.
Theirs is a sign of extremes, and true to their zodiacal heritage, Scorpios may exemplify one of two extremes typified in their Sun sign: the soaring eagle or the avenging serpent. As the soaring eagle, Scorpios can aspire to the heights of human achievement, some even reaching greatness. Music or literature of enduring quality, outstanding achievements in the cultural or performing arts, masterpieces of architectural design, or significant contributions in any of the arts or sciences are testimonials to those individuals who utilized the Plutonian influence in its most exalted form. Some soaring eagles can envision a project of such grand proportions that it may not be realized in their lifetime. The Scorpio native of this type wishes to attain the ideals of truth and excellence as represented in some physical form no matter what the cost or sacrifice, and Pluto gives him the power of will to achieve it.
As avenging serpents, Scorpios exemplify the darker side of their Sun sign. Activities from the more unseemly side of life such as prostitution, pornography, gambling, drugs, loan sharking, and all illicit and underworld activities come under the domain of Pluto-influenced individuals who have given in to their lower natures. Scorpio natives of this type seem always to be flirting with death, as if living on the edge somehow satisfied their need for extremes and intensity of experience. No other sign in the zodiac is capable of greater extremes, having within it the potential for the highest pinnacles of human achievement, or the lowest depths of debauchery. The stereotype of a gangster who has studied classical violin is one example of a fallen eagle whose darker side got the best of him. Most Scorpios will fall somewhere in between these two extremes as the reclusive scorpion, but the potential for either is always there. With these natives it is basically a matter of choice. With their extreme powers of will and concentration, Scorpios can do anything they set their minds to.
Pluto's intensity is evidenced quite clearly in the physical appearance of Scorpios. The frame of the body can range from thickset to thin and wiry, and it will usually be somewhat compacted, firm and swarthy. Most of them will have powerful physiques, as if their musculature were made of sprung steel. Even the more wiry Scorpios, and there are quite a few, will have a sinewy appearance, suggesting an inner tension or defensiveness. Their air of self control, even superiority, as reflected in their calm, cool composure, belies an inner intensity, as that of a volcano about to erupt. The most noticeable facial feature is the Scorpio's piercing eyes. They'll become transfixed, devoid of emotion or weakness, seeming to penetrate to your very soul, bearing its innermost depths. Because of this, many people find it a little more than uncomfortable under a Scorpio's hypnotic gaze, and for good reason. Those reptilian eyes can be doing a pretty good job of appraising your personality and discovering your best-kept secrets without your uttering a word. As for the rest of the facial characteristics, the forehead and eyebrows are usually heavy, and there may be a hint of the sardonic in the expression. The hair is usually dark and coarse, tending to waviness or curls. The mouth is firm, sometimes suggesting a grimace, and the chin determined. The features in general reflect the qualities of the sign, combining inner strength, willful determination, and an inscrutability of expression.
Scorpios are more mystical then they would have you believe. These natives seem to have a distinct ability for perceiving the truth beyond what their physical senses tell them. you wouldn't necessarily call them psychic, although many of them are extremely gifted in this respect, but they'll see through your deception or pretenses every time. Your little white lies won't hold water in a Scorpio's company. Rather than call you on your foibles, he'll probably walk away, leaving your falsehood to the bafflement of less perceptive signs. A Scorpio can do that quite easily. He'll simply write you out of his circle of close associates, or out of his life permanently if you've irritated him enough, and never look back. November-born have a passion for the truth, and they won't stand to have it maligned by ulterior motives or ego, at least not in their presence. If you're lucky enough have a Scorpio as a friend, you can consider yourself in a special class of people. Though he may not have many friends, the ones he does have are true and loyal, like himself. He'll risk much for those he considers worthy of friendship, but cares little or nothing for those he considers lower than himself. Some call it selfishness, but in reality it's selectivity.
Either you'll love Pluto people or you'll hate them, and these natives wouldn't have it any other way. They can't abide those who only want to commit themselves halfheartedly, or who ride the fence as opportunists, hypocritically embracing affiliations which give them the greatest personal advantage. These will be effectively removed from the Scorpio's social sphere, and the Pluto native himself may add a few well-chosen derisive remarks in the process to permanently sever the tie. If you've ever been on the receiving end of a Scorpio's scorn, you know how effectively and in so few words he can cut you to the quick. A Scorpio who's been wronged can be a worse-than-vicious adversary. Trample on his petunias, and he'll throw weed killer on your whole crop of tulips and maybe even your chrysanthemums as well. Embarrass him at a party, and he'll take out an ad in the local newspaper intimating your darkest secrets. In vengeance, he'll not be content in merely settling the score, but in devastating you so completely that there will be no possibility of future reprisals.
The Scorpio passion is legendary, and you won't find many Pluto people who don't bear out this aspect of their personality in more ways than one. They'll pursue everything with an all-consuming passion-- their religion, politics, philosophy, work, good food, hobbies, recreation, not to mention love and romance. The very mention of this Sun sign can conjure up in people's minds visions of steamy boudoirs, clandestine rendezvous, and sex-filled weekends in the mountains, and they might not be far from the truth. Scorpios have been known to outdo other signs in the love department, at least in its physical aspects; it is their love of extremes which drives them to the very depths of human passion. An account of the typical male Scorpio's escapades can read like something out of a James Bond movie. The females will show no less prowess, instinctively knowing the subtle secrets of male seduction embodied in their sex. Both sexes will have their share of experiences, but once they've committed themselves to a partner and finally settle down, they can be quite faithful. They're loyal, remember, and this aspect of their personality doesn't stop short of marriage.
The average Scorpio isn't long on conversation. If you happen to catch him on the telephone, it's not likely he'll be doing most of the talking. His fragmented phone rhetoric might go something like "yea...yea...nope... okay...bye," and you'll have no idea what the conversation was about. He's not likely to tell you either. It isn't that natives of this sign are particularly unsociable (though you will find one or two who tend to stay by themselves); it's just that they don't see the need to indulge in idle conversation, even for social reasons. Unless a Scorpio feels that what he's saying is truly important, his end of the conversation may amount to little more than monosyllables politely interjected among your many comments. This trait of Scorpios can get pretty frustrating, especially to the more talkative signs, and pulling teeth can seem like an easy task compared to getting these natives to talk. Before you think about actually using that tooth extractor, however, try changing the drift of the conversation to religion, philosophy, sex, reincarnation or the ancient mysteries of life, and you may be surprised at the transformation that takes place. The Scorpio will go on talking for hours if he thinks you're interested, and you'll discover what deep minds November-born can possess, capable of probing the unfathomable depths of consciousness and discovering the great truths therein.
If a Scorpio comes down with the flu, chances are he won't stay sick too long. November-born have almost mystical powers of healing, and they'll seem to get over illnesses in a much shorter time than other signs. Their recuperative powers, however, are not without price, and violent fevers, boils or blisters, involuntary tremors, or profuse sweating may precipitate the cure. If they stay sick longer than a short time, it is usually serious, and probably of some degenerative illness brought on by excesses or bitterness. Even then, if the Pluto native can learn the lessons of forgiveness, repentance, and Divine Love, he can almost literally bring himself back from the dead. Scorpio is often symbolized by the phoenix rising triumphantly from its own ashes, to begin a new life cycle. The recuperative powers of these natives can be that strong. Scorpios may also extend their healing ability to others, and many of them are active in one of the healing arts. Medical men, especially surgeons, holistic healers, spiritual healers, acupuncturists and psychic healers all have the ability of tapping into the regenerative power of Pluto to work their healing miracles. Ultimately, Scorpios realize that all healing comes from a divine source, which is why this Sun sign is often associated with the priest or priestess. Through their directive power of will, November-born can be effective channels of healing, not only of body but of mind and spirit also.