Scorpio Personality Traits & Characteristics

Scorpio is a deeply emotional water sign whose life path is all about transformation. These are Scorpio's essential qualities.

Updated November 21, 2023
Scorpio woman

Everyone knows that person who feels all the feels, tending towards brooding and even being a little angsty. Chances are, that person is a Scorpio. Scorpio just feels things more deeply than other signs of the zodiac, but it's balanced with keen intelligence, wit, and an almost magical ability to transform. Scorpio's traits include being loyal, caring, and extremely intense. These qualities all combine to make Scorpio the magician of the zodiac. 

Scorpio Overview

Here's what you need to know about Scorpio:

Scorpio dates: 10/23-11/21

Element: Water

Aspect: Fixed

Planetary ruler: Pluto 

Symbol: The Scorpion ♏

Color(s): Dark red, black

Most compatible signs: Virgo, Capricorn

Love language: Physical touch

Scorpio's Traits

Scorpios can appear deep and mysterious to others. They are intense, emotional people with a wicked sense of humor and powerful physical drives. They are also highly intuitive, intelligent, and analytical. It's a heady mix that makes Scorpios uniquely fascinating, and it can manifest in both positive and challenging ways. 

Scorpio Personality Traits

Scorpio's Positive Traits

When they're at their best, Scorpio displays a number of highly positive traits.

  • Loyal
  • Caring
  • Protective
  • Dedicated
  • Disciplined
  • Intelligent
  • Intuitive
  • Self-reliant
  • Emotional
  • Wise
  • Purposeful
  • Brave

Scorpio's Negative Traits

Because they feel so deeply, Scorpios can also have darker traits that can present challenges.

  • Obstinate
  • Suspicious
  • Aggressive
  • Compulsive
  • Domineering
  • Obsessive
  • Brooding
  • Cunning
  • Jealous
  • Shrewd 
  • Possessive
  • Competitive

8 Key Scorpio Characteristics

Scorpio's propensity to think and feel deeply is the source of many of their essential characteristics. If you're a Scorpio, chances are you'll display some of these traits.

They Are Deeply Emotional

Scorpio's deep emotion comes from the influence of water in their sign and the planetary influence of Pluto. While much of Scorpio's emotion is theirs alone, Pluto also imparts a deep empathy that causes intuitive Scorpio to feel others' emotions just as strongly as their own. Unfortunately, Scorpio doesn't always discern where the emotions are coming from — their own feelings or somebody else — which can make their emotional state look like brooding to an outsider. 

They're Physically Active

This is a competitive sign that enjoys pushing themselves to the extreme. It may sound like an undesirable characteristic, but in fact, it's very healthy for Scorpio to do just that. Scorpios have so much emotion that they need to push themselves to the brink to feel healthy. If they don't, psychological blockages can occur.

They're Too Hot to Handle

Scorpios are sexy and intense. Even when they are not trying to be sexy, they have a magnetic pull that just oozes sexuality. The other key factor is that they often appear dangerous in some way and are quite attracted to danger in general.

They Are Investigative and Inquisitive

You can always spot a Scorpio because they will either be staring at something, intensely researching a new topic, or writing or painting furiously. Many of these natives work in law enforcement or the emergency management services because they are pretty comfortable with the darker side of life.

They Have a Great Sense of Humor

Woman laughing with co-workers

Are Scorpios funny? Scorpio humor is usually conversational, but some Scorpios are acerbic and witty, while others are acerbic and dark, raunchy, and sarcastic. Whether a Scorpio is witty or raunchy, there's always a prickly barb of truth or mockery in Scorpio humor.

They Can Be Jealous and Possessive

Scorpio's passion taken too far can result in jealousy and possessiveness about anything or anyone they consider theirs. Of course, the flip side of this is their loyalty to those they love. Once you earn a Scorpio's trust, you will have it forever (or until you toss it aside). 

They're a Study in Contrasts

It can be hard to read a Scorpio because they're such a study in contrasts, which only lends to their mysterious air. They love their independence but can suffocate others with their possessiveness. They keep their real motivations, agendas, and feelings hidden, yet delve into others' secrets. They won't be controlled or dominated, yet they want control and domination. They love to tease others but are often offended when the tables are turned.

They Are Deeply Intuitive

Scorpios just seem to know things. They are probably the most psychic sign of the zodiac, and their intuition can come to play in all sorts of ways. So when a Scorpio seems to see into the depths of your soul, they might very well be doing just that.

Physical Characteristics of a Scorpio

Scorpios tend to come in two body types. If they have a small frame, their features will be quite small, even a bit dainty. If large, the features will be equally prominent. To begin, the Scorpio nose is often a standout feature. On the females, it's usually quite straight but does not have the "ski-jump" or upturn at the end. Instead, it will gently taper down to its finish. They often have compelling and distinct eyes that stand out in their faces. 

Because they are so active, Scorpios are often fit, particularly if one of their passions is fitness. They tend to be well-muscled and lean.

Scorpio Relationship Traits

Scorpio's best-known relationship trait is their deep sensuality, but they have many other qualities in relationships as well. 

  • They are extremely faithful to their partners.
  • They can be distrustful and possessive in relationships.
  • They expect deep intimacy in partnerships, even though they can be somewhat of a mystery themselves.
  • While they are deeply emotional, they may struggle to share their emotions with their partners.
  • They're protective of their partners.
  • They aren't game players, and they don't like their partners to play games with them.

Scorpio Career Traits

Scorpios tend to be bright, logical, competitive, and inquisitive, which are all qualities they bring to the workforce. With these qualities, Scorpios can do well in different careers and fields, including:

  • Psychology
  • Emergency services
  • Finance
  • Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Science & research
  • Investion & law enforcement
  • Archeology
  • Funeral services

Eminent Scorpios

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Whoopi Goldberg attends FGI Night of Stars 39th Annual Gala at The Plaza on October 17, 2023 in New York City.

There are many Scorpios that are famous. 

  • Leonardo DiCaprio (11/11/74)
  • Whoopi Goldberg (11/13/55)
  • Jodie Foster (11/19/62)
  • Pablo Picasso (10/25/1881)
  • Tonya Harding (11/12/70)
  • Vlad the Impaler (11/14/1431)
  • Charles Bronson (11/3/21)
  • Bill Gates (10/28/55)

Getting to Know Scorpio

If you are a Scorpio (or know one) and want to know what makes them unique, their very best trait is their ability to transform their lives radically and to deeply and profoundly change the lives of others. Remember that transformation is a process that completely changes the nature of a thing, but does it so that its very essence remains. Transformation is a Scorpio's special gift.

Scorpio - discover what the week has in store for you with your weekly horoscope.

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Scorpio Personality Traits & Characteristics