Origins of the Zodiac: Scorpio

ORIGINS OF THE ZODIAC

THE MYTHOLOGY OF SCORPIO

Latin Name: Scorpio meaning 'Scorpion'
Constellation: Scorpio
Archetype: The Scorpion
Associations: Aqrabuamelu, Scorpius
Planetary Ruler: Pluto

The scorpion has been symbolically linked to death and rebirth for thousands of years. Its venomous stinger can be lethal or induce paralysis, and its ability to moult its exoskeleton evokes modern-day ideas of transmutation. Throughout history and art, the scorpion has been condemned as evil or revered as a creature of protection. Its existence polarizes, and few zodiac signs are as polarizing as its namesake, Scorpio.

CONNECTION TO SCORPIO

SCORPIO: THE SCOPRION

The Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh features Aqrabuamelu; Scorpion men who guard the gate to the underworld, where the sun god, Shamash, nightly returns. Darkness and concealment are Scorpionic themes, perhaps due to the scorpion’s penchant for obscuring itself in caves, under sand or between rocks. However, darkness and obscurity exist in relationship to what is visible, and Scorpions also glow in the dark: revealed as green or teal when exposed to ultraviolet light.

The Greek mythology of Scorpio concerns Orion, the legendary Greek hunter. Orion’s skills were unequalled, to such a degree that he bragged to Artemis, the goddess of the wilderness, that he could kill every animal on the planet. In response to his arrogance, Gaia, the personification of the earth itself, sent a scorpion, Scorpius, to fight him. Scorpius defeated Orion in combat with a jab from his poisonous stinger, but the battle attracted the attention of Zeus, who immortalized the opponents as constellations on opposite ends of the heavens. When the constellation Scorpius rises, Orion sets. When Orion rises, Scorpius sets. To the stargazer, they appear locked in conflict, chasing one another across the sky.

THE TRANSFORMATION OF SCORPIO

Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, is concerned with transformation. It is the second water sign and the third Fixed sign, giving these natives an air of emotional intensity, passion and mystery.

The relationships that we form during Libra season have an unexpected side effect: they will change us. It is impossible to develop intimate connections with others and remain the same person. During Scorpio season, we shed old skin in order to grow. This cathartic process can be scary. It may involve facing fears or confronting shadow aspects of our personalities or psyches that we’d prefer to ignore. However, it can also be empowering, granting us greater access to our hidden potential. The sun’s transit through Scorpio rewards us for our inquisitiveness and willingness to explore what lies beneath. After all, as seen in the tale of Scorpius and Orion, death is just the beginning of a new story.

MYTHS AS MAPS

In the quiet pull of the stars, there lies a map - spiralling back to our origins where myths and mysteries once intertwined with breath and bone. Reconnecting with these ancient stories in the realm of astrology is like stepping into an old song, whose melody we somehow remember yet cannot fully place. Each constellation a whisper, each planet a pulse, guiding us through a universe that knows us deeper than we know ourselves.

Here, myths are not merely tales but ancestral truths, woven into the fabric of our being, inviting us to reclaim fragments of ourselves lost in the modern rush. In the language of the heavens, we find our names written across epochs, asking us to listen, to remember, to understand that the vastness above is mirrored within. To know the stars is, in a profound way, to know ourselves.

Working with Scorpio mythology

Working with Scorpio mythology leads you on a journey of transformation, power and emotional depth. Here are three paths to weave this profound wisdom into your story:

1. Dive into the Scorpion’s shadows

Scorpio, symbolized by the scorpion, embodies the intensity of survival, protection and transformation. Let this image guide you to explore your depths with courage. Reflect on what lies hidden in your shadows: are there wounds to heal, truths to claim or power to embrace within?

2. Rise with Pluto’s phoenix flame

Ruled by Pluto, Scorpio carries the essence of death and rebirth, the cycle of endings that give rise to new beginnings. Look to myths of the underworld and resurrection as maps to navigate moments of transformation. Chart where you can release what no longer serves, creating space for renewal and empowerment.

3. Follow the Sorcerer’s path

Scorpio connects to myths of magicians, healers and seekers of hidden wisdom, like Hecate or Orpheus descending into the unknown. These tales call you to harness your inner alchemy. Reflect on how you wield your emotional and spiritual power: do you transform challenges into strength, weaving your experiences into a life of deep meaning?

SCORPIO JOURNALING PROMPTS

In your journal, let myth guide you to explore the below prompts during Scorpio Season.

1. What skin have you shed in order to grow?

We are fresh out of eclipse season, where release was a requisite for renewal. How has letting go of a past version of yourself deepened your awareness of your latent power and potential?

2. Where is your arrogance getting you into trouble?

Besting a rival could be a matter of playing the long game, but is the fight worth your energy? Reflect upon whether your intent is to serve your ego or defend the greater good.

3. What parts of yourself are you afraid to reveal to others?

There can be no intimacy with others until there is intimacy with the self. You contain both light and shadow. Hold space for the aspects of the concealed self that you fear others will reject.

We all embody each of the twelve signs within us, share this with others in your life.

Written by Nyssa Grazda & Magic of I.