Scorpio is the 8th sign of the zodiac, ruled traditionally by Mars and modernly by Pluto. Like all co-ruled signs, Scorpio embodies the energy of both its ruling planets equally.
Scorpio is the internal expression of Mars, all intensity and passion, and Pluto, concerned with evolution, regeneration, and the underworld.
It is our fixed water sign, always subtly changing yet powerful like ice. Scorpio represents the stage of life when we are equipped to navigate the darker reaches of the psyche, turning inward, and accepting death as an inevitability, as well as the deep inner wells of our sensuality and sexuality.
Scorpio is associated with four spirit animals: the scorpion, the eagle, the snake, and the phoenix. In this article, we will talk about these Scorpio spirit animals and why they perfectly represent this unique water sign.
What is a Spirit Animal?
Spirit animals, in the zodiac, are the animals that embody the traits and attributes of a sign, whether by their real-life activities and personalities or their ancient symbolism and archetypal expressions.
All signs have multiple spirit animals, since there are multiple expressions of every sign. They can be looked to by those who are deficient in a certain sign in their chart, for clues on how to better manifest the energy of that sign.
What are the Scorpio Spirit Animals?
Scorpio is a unique sign. They’re all unique, of course, but Scorpio somehow stands apart from the rest, like the old witch healer who lives alone in the woods and is widely revered for their wisdom and healing.
It’s not that other signs don’t possess the same abilities or inclinations towards magical living, but Scorpio of all the signs is the one most likely to take the leap into living that way full time.
Scorpio is the only sign with only four animal associations, but that’s because each of the Scorpio spirit animals embodies the Scorpio energy so deeply that there is no need to spread them out any more.
Of all the signs, Scorpio might be the one most known for its association with signs outside of its traditional animal symbol.
Let’s take a look at the four magical animals who embody the spirit of Scorpio.
1. The Scorpion
The Scorpion is obviously the animal from which Scorpio gets its name. It is central to the story of Orion, a hunter so skilled that he vowed to kill every beast on the planet.
In one version of the story, Gaia, the goddess of the earth, dispatched Scorpio, the giant scorpion, to kill Orion before he could complete his quest.
In another, Apollo sent the scorpion to attack, because Orion had claimed to be a better hunter than his twin sister, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt.
Of all spirit animals, Scorpio’s symbolic animal might be the least like its zodiac sign, or at least better represented by other animals.
Not that scorpions don’t resonate with Scorpio energy at all, but as we will see, the other 3 have much stronger associations. But let’s look at how scorpions and Scorpio are alike.
One of the defining traits of scorpions are their instinct for survival. They’re always able to suss out an unsafe situation, and prepared to take everyone down with them if they’re attacked.
Both predator and prey, scorpions of course rely on their poison barbed tail to attack those they either wish to make a meal, or who wish to make a meal of them. Their reputations are daunting enough to make us extremely cautious around them.
The sting of a scorpion
Scorpios likewise have a reputation for intensity and self-preservation. They’re extremely sensitive to shifting energies around them, being one of the most intuitive and mystical signs.
Because of this sensitivity they have developed a shell that comes with a sting for those who they don’t trust. Trust is one of the most important things for any Scorpio; it is not easily given.
Scorpions are also rather magical creatures. They can glow under blacklights with their own natural alchemy. In some cultures, they are seen as the symbol of female sexuality, the opposite end of the spectrum from the male virility symbol, the snake (another Scorpio spirit animal!).
In medical astrology, Scorpio rules the reproductive organs and genitals, and is very often the sign most associated with sexuality, especially the darker, more intense aspects of it.
As such, it is very easy for people to be mesmerized by the Scorpio’s innate sensuality and become rather obsessed with them. If you can gain a Scorpio’s trust and wade into their cold waters, you’re surely in for an intense, sensual experience, whether your relationship be platonic or romantic.
2. The Eagle
The high-flying eagle is Scorpio’s next spirit animal. The eagle has long been associated with Scorpio. They represent an aspect of Scorpio that can only be accessed by those with placements who are committed to being the evolved form of this sign. Basically, the eagle represents one of the highest expressions of Scorpio.
And high they are, as we all know. Eagles do not operate from a place of fear, like the scorpion, though they attack with the same deadly accuracy.
They are skilled at assessing the bigger picture and making their move from lofty heights, with the reassurance that comes from observing every factor of their environment.
Their keen senses allow them even to exactly pinpoint a fish’s location in the water, despite the refraction of the water’s surface.
In the same way, an elevated and fearless Scorpio is perfectly in tune with their surroundings, and their sensitivity to energy shifts in their environment give them the confidence to make their move.
Sometimes, Scorpio’s disposition can be like a raw nerve, vibrating at the slightest stimulation, causing them to be cautious, guarding this sensitive place within them with ferocity.
An evolved Scorpio, like the eagle, has the elevated perception to note dangers while also making the moves they need to.
Fly like an eagle
Eagles are also incredibly loyal and nurturing birds of prey. They mate for life, and like the eagle, Scorpio takes their relationships very seriously. They are not necessarily monogamous, like eagles, but every connection they make is given the same amount of care and nurturing as any other.
It is very difficult to be just casual acquaintances with a Scorpio; you are either part of their inner circle, or you don’t know them at all. They can be rather closed off and cold to those they don’t trust, and if somebody they do trust has broken that bond, they might as well be dead to the Scorpio.
Eagles also nurture their young from egg to infant hatchling to eaglet. Though they leave the nest at around 12 weeks old, some eaglets have been observed staying around and learning how to fly and hunt for several months.
They mature very quickly, and while Scorpio certainly doesn’t have to be serious, they are not known for having a carefree, childlike nature, like forever-young Aries, Gemini, and Leo. Whatever they turn their attention to, they do so with purpose.
3. The Snake
Snakes are a strong contender for Most Appropriate Scorpio Animal, due to their associations with renewal, regeneration, and rebirth.
Snakes are one of the most misunderstood and feared animals out there, probably due to their mysteriousness and the utter strangeness of their body plan to us limbed creatures.
We innately tend to be mistrustful of creatures that are different, and snakes are about as different from us as anything can be.
While caution should absolutely be practiced around snakes, not all snakes are venomous or dangerous to humans. Scorpio is likewise a misunderstood sign, seen at face value for its dark, mysterious nature. They are the sign of Halloween, after all!
But Scorpios are deeply interesting people to know and make wonderful companions and friends. They are only mysterious if you haven’t taken the time to get to know them.
Snakes are also a creature strongly associated with magic. They are witch’s familiars, as well as potent magical ingredients.
This is most likely because snakes represent rebirth and regeneration, the energies that are the most paramount to Scorpio season, when all of the bounty of summer begins to die and decay.
From the sacrifice of the dead, the foundation is laid for new things to grow. Death energy is something that many people tend to shy away from, but it is necessary to life.
Scorpio understands this, which is why they have a reputation for being intrigued with all that is dark and related to death and death magic.
They do not shy away from the painful parts of life, and instead can sometimes revel in them, fascinated by the dichotomy between life and death.
Shedding their skin
Like the snake, Scorpio is able to constantly shed their skin and reveal a new self, as they continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.
Being the fixed water sign, their energy aligns with ice: though it is fixed and solid, it is nevertheless as powerful and transformative as other water sources.
Think of mighty mountains whose topography is carved out by ancient glaciers, moving slowly yet with truly awesome – in the real sense of the word – power. In the same way, Scorpio is able to shape their environment with slow, yet powerful change.
Scorpios work through subtlety, as snakes do. They aren’t flashy or loud, demanding attention, but hidden away in the darkest cracks waiting for an opportune moment.
Depending on their other placements, Scorpios tend to be introverted and stay out of the public eye. Even public figures who are Scorpios tend to be very guarded about their private lives.
It makes sense for the sensitive Scorpio to shy away from lots of stimulation; they feel it all so deeply that it can easily become overwhelming.
4. The Phoenix
The final Scorpio spirit animal represents the ultimate expression of the Scorpio spirit. It’s also one of the only mythical animals we have chosen as a sign’s spirit animal, despite others being symbolized by mythical creatures. This is because the myth of the phoenix aligns so perfectly with Scorpio energy that it can’t be left out.
The phoenix is a mythical bird that dies, only to be consumed in flame and reborn again from the ashes to a new life. Death, regeneration, and rebirth, again.
Scorpio’s true wheelhouse is in reinventing itself as it moves through life, as well as facilitating regeneration in the spaces they move through. They remind us of the impermanence of life, while still being committed to living it.
Scorpio can have a hard time moving into the light. They are comfortable in the darkest, dankest corners of thought and humanity, moving unseen. So how then, can the phoenix, associated with dawn and daybreak and beauty that demands to be taken in, be a Scorpio spirit animal?
The Phoenix represents all that Scorpio can aspire to as they make their way through life. When they challenge themselves to grow despite the pain of life, and face life’s intensity full on, with no fear, they can shine as brightly as the phoenix.
The phoenix perfectly represents both of Scorpio’s ruling planets in their highest expression. They are the internal embodiment of Mars, fighting despite the fear of death or repercussion, and Pluto, concerned with evolution, rebirth, and the underworld.
Phoenix down
A Scorpio who can embody the phoenix also contains deep wells of wisdom, due to their experience of passing through the world despite fears and vulnerabilities. Scorpio is true to the reputation of water signs for being the most mystical and magical, able to move through this world and the next with ease and be comfortable in both.
Though it may be the hardest thing they ever do, Scorpio embracing life undefended ultimately becomes the most powerful and evolved version of themselves.
Scorpios are also experts at facilitating renewal and regeneration in others, especially those who are just a few steps behind them in gaining wisdom and experience from what the world has to offer. When Scorpio comes out of the darkness into light, they can be an incredible healing force in the lives of those around them.
They make wonderful mentors and spiritual guides. Think of a monk who has gone without most of life’s pleasures in order to achieve enlightenment. The wisdom they have to share can be deeply transformative to others, because they have transformed themselves through the crucible of self-denial.
Of course, Scorpio’s path through life doesn’t necessarily have to be full of this type of transformation and meaning, but few of those with strong personal placements in Scorpio don’t experience some kind of deep transformation and regeneration in their lifetime.
In fact, even if you don’t have prominent Scorpio placements, you can look to what house Scorpio resides in your natal chart and expect to experience deep transformation in the area of life that house represents.
Which Scorpio Spirit Animal are you?
Now that we’ve covered these four powerful spirit animals, which one resonates with you the most? Are there any other animals that you think of when you think of Scorpio?
If you have Scorpio placements, do you think you’re living your scorpion and snake, or your eagle and phoenix life?
If you want to learn more about zodiac spirit animals, check out these articles: