Scorpio as an Archetype of Human Nature Part I: Understanding Scorpio

Hi everyone, 

Happy November everybody!

While the sun still looms in last tiny bit of Scorpio, I wanted to wish a Happy Belated Birthday to all my Scorpios out there in the WHOLE BIG WIDE WORLD (as I put on an adorable kiddie smile). Yep, that means every last one of you. I honor you.

… and a Happy Belated Birthday to me too! Earlier this month, I too celebrated my birthday during the Sun’s annual transit through the house of Scorpio.

From time to time, I visit astrology websites and blogs, as I find astrology helps me better understand the energy of relationships and events in my life. During my travels, I’ve come across lots of talk about Scorpios – questions and even judgments about who we are, how we behave and why we do so.

From where I sit, despite representations and “demonizations” to the contrary, Scorpio is an extremely kind and loving sign. Whether or not we always show it, Scorpio is an intensely emotional sign. Since still waters run deep, I suspect that this can make Scorpios a bit harder for many to relate to or anticipate.

It should be noted that when I say ‘we’ or Scorpio, I’m generalizing; we know that no two people are the same. Who and how we know and represent ourselves to be in this physical human form is determined by more than our Sun signs. We’ve also got the Moon, Ascendant, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Chiron, Midheaven, North Node, South Node and all the aspects they all make with each other to take into account.

In addition, our own personal levels of soul evolution play a huge role in how we manifest the energies of our natal charts. When we rise up spiritually from within, then even our basest, most primitive, natural instinctive tendencies are transformed for the better. (This type of self-empowerment is a major theme of I Wanna Get Free – Heal Your Life.)

Scorpios are People Too

Scorpio, as a sign, often gets a really bad rap. I only know of two others who seem to get pretty bad raps, and one is hot and emotional like us, while the other seems so cold and aloof it’s not funny. Well that’s what happens when we don’t understand one another. But it is also important to get to understand ourselves. I am finding that astrology can be extremely helpful in getting insight into our instinctive behaviors, strengths, defense mechanisms, issues and vices.

As we go, I will probably post links to Scorpio-related blog posts that I’ve found interesting. Some of the commenters appear quite aware, insightful and introspective. Some ideas I agree with. Others I feel reflect a need to know ourselves and others better. Even those with major issues have very real reasons for having them. Perhaps if we all tried to understand people better, we’d stop trying to fit them into molds that were not made for them, without needing to make them the scum of the earth.

Although sometimes a person’s (and not just Scorpio’s) actions may be extreme, unconventional or even inappropriate, I’m finding more and more that it’s worth really examining all the pieces of the puzzle and finding our own involvement in the situation. It takes two to tango. Every relationship is a combination of two people’s energies feeding off of each other. Perhaps we should focus on our own issues, attitudes and propensity to be upset or attract these experiences, and improve “what little” we might be able to improve. (I say “what little” facetiously because others can often seem or even be sooo wrong that we can’t see our own stuff next to it.)

[Ok, end of rant.]

Greater Understanding is Needed

I don’t know what I sound like right now to some people.  If it sounds like I’m angry, I’m not.  I do however see a need for people (all people – not just other signs vs. Scorpio) to begin to understand and accept each other (and themselves better).  Sadly, it is human nature for people to be down on what they’re not up on.   Put differently, people tend to judge more harshly that which they do not understand.  That goes for all of us.  Only increased self-awareness and understanding others better can help bring a sense of empathy and acceptance through identification with the similarities we share.  That’s why I feel it’s great there are so many bloggers out there doing the world a service of opening up a dialogue among people.  Kudos to you.

So really, who is Scorpio? I don’t know that I can truly and completely define it, but I will at least give a shot. I say ‘it’ because more than being a him or a her, Scorpio is an energy.

Well, at the present time, here’s my take on the Scorpio experience. Maybe other Scorps out there wanna jump in and add their perspectives?

Maybe this will help people better understand, respect, empathize with, and sometimes even cope with the Scorpio in their lives. (We really are human, you know.)

Hopefully, but if not, I’m guessing this trilogy of posts will probably arouse quite a bit of opinion and sharing if not epiphany. That’s fine. Sometimes it’s good to stir things up a bit. (Then again, I could be wrong.  My Uranus is afflicted. Oh well; still trying to interpret how that plays out in my life.)

So here goes…

Who Is Scorpio?

Scorpio, dubbed the psychologist, the most powerful sign, and the phoenix of the zodiac, has a great deal of intuition and insight into human nature. Scorpio senses, feels, loves and hurts very deeply, in an almost sacred way.

Yet a Scorpio is also a survivor. Scorpio has a strong will. It uses this will to survive. Hence Scorpio also likes to win. I suspect that sometimes for Scorpio to win is to survive, and to survive and more so to, to thrive is to win. (It is worth noting here that for many Scorpios this does not usually have to be at the expense of others).

Scorpio keeps to its own standards and therefore can be critical of weakness in itself and others. At the same time Scorpio can be very tolerant of people’s flaws because it is deeply acquainted with human nature, and the nuances underlying much behavior. Scorpio therefore acknowledges its own frailties and those of others. It understands and recognizes the darker, more taboo things that some couldn’t fathom, much less believe could exist as potentials within themselves.

It has been said that Scorpio is manipulative and vindictive. Well, yes, this can be true at times, depending on the Scorpio and the situations. Nevertheless, it should also be acknowledged that having a strong Scorpionic energy in one’s chart has its distinct challenges. Because Scorpio sees, intuits and understands the depths of people and of human nature, it can take quite a bit of integrity, objectivity and optimism to live a positive Scorpio life.

Yet it is also because of Scorpio’s depth of feeling and empathy, that Scorpio can be most compassionate, kind, loyal, giving and faithfully supportive – your best unwavering friend – a rock you can depend on. A higher-thinking Scorpio can learn to use that same quick insight, shrewdness and ability to manipulate to “manage” situations gently and scrupulously for good and not evil.

A Deeply Challenging Experience

It should not seem too strange then if because of this depth, vulnerability, sensitivity to pain and awareness of the underlying motivations in human nature, we also may feel the need to remain strong, independent, guarded, focused and in control, and somewhat solitary/unattached (enough to roll with the punches and keep it moving in a forward fashion).

Because of this combination of will, insight and empathy, in order to survive and win in life, yet still honor others, Scorpio will often adopt a win-win philosophy. Scorpio will often do all within its power, often sacrificing or suffering much (and recovering), to strive for a win-win. Scorpio regenerates from wounds repeatedly and becomes stronger, wiser and more determined. Sometimes, this can also include becoming “fiercer”, more “cynical” and more “stubborn”. They are two sides of the same coin.

I’ve come across quite a few very degrading opinions scorning, judging and shunning Scorpio. And being scorned, judged and shunned has indeed been my experience in life – a very painful one at that. I know and have met some other Scorpios who would say the same thing.

It’s sad but people (even those in our lives) seem to have no idea sometimes about the Scorpio experience. At the risk of sounding like I’m trying to toot the Scorpio horn and saying we are some super-aware beings that no one can match or understand, I have to say that the truth of the matter is …

Scorpio often understands deeply, feels deeply, suffers deeply, and angers deeply, and what Scorpio feels able (or even “allowed”) to show and communicate of these isn’t even nearly commensurate with Scorpio’s intensity. Some people have no idea what the Scorp has been through with them, for them, and given even in spite of them. Scorpio has a very good and loyal heart, but from where I sit, we can get run over too much.

And perhaps a misunderstood, hurt sense of being unknown and not authentically loved – an underdog complex is a childhood issue that some of us need to work out and release in this lifetime; everyone has their own issues and vices. At the same time, I believe more self-understanding, self-accountability and tolerance is likely needed on the part of others who point the finger, yet who continually attract to themselves negative Scorpionic experiences.

Having a better idea of where people are coming from makes it easier to identify with each other instead of arming ourselves against each other. Overall, I think this would be good for everyone to aim for with all people in general.

When Enough is Enough

People too often mistake kindness for weakness. Scorpio is very understanding, dedicated, loyal, committed and full of good will. So in Scorpio’s case, this can have unfortunate , even disastrous effects – first sustained by Scorpio (usually for a longer time than is reasonable) and eventually on the relationship or on others. It is because the respect, kindness, compassion, loyalty and love that Scorpio extends feels sacred to Scorpio and ought not be trampled.

When Scorpio has given and tolerated and been pushed to its limits and wounded severely by another’s abuse, betrayal, insensitivity or unfair “win-lose philosophy”, the Scorpio may finally stand up and “win” in a strong way, which is often uncomfortable for others for the extreme emotional energy exhibited (or lack thereof). Sometimes this is not very nice. It may finally begin to reflect the depth of pain the Scorpio has sustained and held within for so long.

Other times, while the Scorpio may do very little or nothing truly detrimental to the person, the feeling transmitted is much more extreme, perhaps to the point of a complete about-face or removal of his supportive presence, and this may be what is so uncomfortable. Because having once known the depth of the Scorpio’s loyalty, integrity, tolerance, understanding, and undying support, to have been weighed in the balances and found wanting and to be completely released is something people don’t want to feel, believe or even look at.

Whose fault was that really? Perhaps folks just need to deal with their own issues, and Scorpio ruled by Pluto can definitely be said to be catalytic. Is being a catalyst a bad thing? No, it is needed. Sometimes things are all wrong and need to be mixed up so it can be set aright, yet all too often Scorpio bears the brunt of people’s blame and scorn. After all, people don’t want to hear it, but it is the nature of human beings to blame somebody.

I suppose if we really want to blame the Scorpio in the cases above, it should be for attaching too strongly and unyieldingly, being too devoted and too accommodating – accepting too much inequality and various forms of “abuse” (widely interpreted) and enabling until they just simply had nothing left, turned cold and had to get out before they ended up unloading on someone or losing it. It’s no wonder Scorpios feel a need to be in control. And as far as disengaging emotionally and “leaving you cold”, has anyone stopped to consider that maybe Scorpio was being much more loving and responsible than you could fathom?

Because it’s also very possible when under extreme pressure that a Scorpio (or any person) will truly “snap” (and Scorpios and heavily Plutonic people are very aware of the darker side of human nature). And that could be a really calm, calculated and icy snap (since Scorpio is so adept at keeping deep emotions down).

Undying Devotion Suffers Long and Dies a Hard Death

Because as we established, one way or another, Scorpio won’t give up; Scorpio will win. The mantra for Scorpio is “I Will”, “I Want” or “I Desire”. I can do it. It is worth it. I will make it. We can do it. No mountain is too high. You’ll see honey, we can do it; I’ve got you.

A Scorpio can accept you in all your flaws and keep on trucking through hell and high water loyally with undying dedication in pursuit of a worthy cause.  What happens when this effort, loyalty, this steady determined investment is demeaned, abused, cast aside or betrayed?

That is the ultimate in insult and disrespect. And when it’s not intended to hurt – it just is what it is – that is just unbelievable and hurts so much.  It negates everything. What did it all mean? What was it all worth? Nothing. A stronger, more positive Scorpio will simply have nothing real left for you and leave you to your selfishness, abuse or negligence.

Yeah, ouch, sometimes you don’t like that. But what more can a person expect?

Because what happens when a person – any person (especially a Scorpio who is intensely devoted and long suffering) comes to the end of a very long rope? What happens when even the well-meaning, fully-invested Scorpio feels beaten down, impotent and jaded?

After giving his ALL for a “win-win”, and feeling abused, sometimes the Scorpio will “win” in the wrong way. If they don’t sever from someone who executes a win-lose philosophy against them, they might finally turn your “win-lose” philosophy back against you.

Sometimes self-preservation, surviving, healing and using the experiences to grow into a stronger, better person is a “win” for Scorpio (if it’s the only win we can get out of situations, and that’s a tough way to go). At least we’d better hope so.

Because if not, then it’s like, “There, are you happy now? You couldn’t let us both win together or let well enough alone. You just had to keep pushing and bring me down. Well now you can lose too; don’t think you’re gonna just sit up there all happy like it’s all hunky dory. You’ve taken all it from me – now you can be miserable too.” Sometimes when Scorpio finally “wins”, everyone loses.

Delivery vs. Principle

Oh, but OMG, then they’re so wrong. Well, it’s very true that two wrongs don’t make it right, and how far a Scorpio (or anyone) goes is clearly worth noting. But do we make allowances that sometimes the Scorpio is not wrong?  …and particularly if he didn’t do anything truly bad back.  Yet people are too busy listening to their own emotions that they don’t even stop to suppose how the Scorp feels.  (And this idea is transferable to others as well.)

Ah, and even if he did do something bad in retaliation, can we acknowledge that there was probably something very wrong with the underlying logic and undercurrents of the original situation that brought things to the point where the fixed and determined Scorpio finally gave in and lashed out to sting?  Just because the delivery is incorrect, it does not mean the underlying message ought not be heeded.  As people, we are all too often are guilty of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

So What Does It All Mean?

So what’s the deal?  Am I suggesting that other people are always to blame?  What is Scorpio’s part in all of this?  Isn’t she an active participant too?  Well, the purpose of these posts is not to place blame on either side, but rather to point out a trend and to bring understanding to begin to dissolve what appear to be extreme differences.

But the answer is that it takes two to tango.  Scorpio is not infallible in her sensitivity.  We’ll talk a little bit about some of Scorpio’s vices and the effects even our innocent ways can have on others towards the end of the next Scorpio post.  Then you can add your perspectives and suggestions (because I’m not as versed in that, lol). I just felt that from some of what I read, Scorpio could use a bit of representation.  I also wanted to point out some posts where I think other Scorpios have explained it well.  The entire posts are actually worth glancing over.

In the end, one of the goals of this whole treatise is to show how people are similar and help them relate to one another.  It aims to show that ‘if x, then it should not be so strange that y happens’, whether it be with Scorpios or across the board.  I look at Scorpio as a cross-section of all of humanity reflecting the deeper, heavier, more vulnerable and therefore more in touch and passionate side of human nature.  It’s just that Scorpio is more aware of it, and therefore harder for many to handle, understand and accept.  I write this as a point of awareness.

Just try to trust and have some faith that many Scorpios (and other Martian and Plutonic people) are probably doing a pretty good job carrying their own experiences, perceptions and energy, probably as good or perhaps better than others would in similar situations.

We’ve kind of segued into it, already, but stay tuned for Part II – Scorpio as an Archetype of Human Nature Part II: That Awful “Scorpio Freeze”.

If you are a Scorpio (or Scorpionic), who and how are you as a Scorpio?

What would you like to share about your nature that might help people understand you better?