♏ Scorpio

The scorpion of Scorpio is tied to the myth of Orion the hunter. When Orion boasted that he would hunt down every beast on Earth, the earth goddess sent a scorpion to stop him. The two were placed on opposite sides of the sky, so as Scorpius rises, Orion sets. The red star at the scorpion's heart, Antares, means 'rival of Mars.'

Scorpio season falls in late autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, as leaves drop and nights grow noticeably longer. Because of precession, the Sun now passes in front of Virgo and Libra on these dates. In the real sky, the Sun also only grazes Scorpius for about a week before crossing Ophiuchus, but the twelve astrological signs divide the seasons evenly, so Ophiuchus isn't counted.

Scorpio is traditionally described as intense, deep, and remarkably focused. It's said to keep its feelings private, stay loyal to the end once it trusts someone, and want to get to the heart of things. As a Water sign ruled by Pluto (traditionally Mars), it is pictured as full of passion and insight.

The ability to dive deep into one thing is rarer than it seems. Today might be a good day to settle into something that's been on your mind for a while and give it your full attention.

At its best

Focused, loyal, and perceptive. Scorpio is said to see what lies beneath the surface.

Worth watching

Letting people in a little more can make relationships feel easier. Practicing letting go of the past can lighten things, too.