Scorpio
October 23 to November 21 · Fixed Water · Ruled by Pluto (traditionally Mars)
- Dates
- October 23 to November 21
- Element
- Water
- Modality
- Fixed
- Ruling planet
- Pluto (traditionally Mars)
- Birthstone
- Topaz
- Lucky colors
- Deep red, Black
About Scorpio
Scorpio is a fixed water sign, ruled by Pluto in modern astrology and by Mars in the older tradition. It is associated with intensity, depth and transformation. The scorpion is its emblem. Scorpio season sits in mid-autumn.
Scorpio traits
As a fixed water sign, Scorpio is often described with these strengths and challenges. Astrology is a tradition, not a science, so read this as a character sketch rather than a prediction.
Strengths
- Passionate
- Determined
- Loyal
- Resourceful
Challenges
- Jealous
- Secretive
- Controlling
Scorpio dates and cusps
Scorpio runs from October 23 to November 21. Because the sun does not cross the sign boundaries at exactly the same clock time each year, the first and last dates can shift by a day. If your birthday sits right on the edge, the birth profile tool will show the sign for your exact date. Scorpio falls in October and November.
Scorpio birthstone and colors
The traditional Scorpio birthstone is Topaz, and the sign's lucky colors are Deep red and Black. These pair naturally with Scorpio in jewelry or a birth profile card.
Scorpio compatibility
Scorpio tends to match most easily with Cancer, Pisces, Virgo and Capricorn. These are the classic element-based matches. See how Scorpio pairs with any sign on the compatibility pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Scorpio dates?
Scorpio covers October 23 to November 21. Boundary dates can shift by a day between years, so if you were born right at the edge, check your exact birthday.
What element is Scorpio?
Scorpio is a water sign, and specifically a fixed water sign ruled by Pluto (traditionally Mars).
What is the Scorpio birthstone?
The traditional Scorpio birthstone is Topaz.
Who is Scorpio most compatible with?
Scorpio is traditionally most compatible with Cancer, Pisces, Virgo, Capricorn. Those ratings come from a published formula, not a reading, and you can check the arithmetic on the method page.
Is Scorpio a water sign?
Yes. Scorpio is a fixed water sign. The symbol is often misread: the scorpion is a desert creature, yet Scorpio is a water sign. The imagery and the element come from different parts of the tradition.
Why is Scorpio ruled by Pluto (traditionally Mars)?
Scorpio has two rulers because modern astrology reassigned some signs to planets discovered after the classical system was set. Both attributions are in use, which is why you see Pluto (traditionally Mars) written out in full.
Other zodiac signs
Related guides
Last reviewed . Method: how we work this out.