The Most Compatible — and Most Problematic — Zodiac Signs for a Scorpio

Photo of a laughing couple playing in a field with graphic-designed star chart overlayed in the the background
Photo of a laughing couple playing in a field with graphic-designed star chart overlayed in the the background

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These days, no one is safe from being tagged or DMed on a meme that roasts your zodiac sign for an overgeneralized stereotype. For instance, according to social media, Aries are perpetually angry, Leos are megalomaniacs, and let's not even get started on Geminis.

To be fair, these broad-brush claims can be entertaining, but they fail to acknowledge that every sign has its strengths and weaknesses. Fixed water sign Scorpios, co-ruled by action-oriented Mars and transformative Pluto, are power-seeking, intense, exhibit a reverence for their elders and family, have no problem swimming in the deep end of their emotions, and are unflinchingly resolute when they're passionate about something — or someone.

RELATED: Everything to Know About the Magnetic Water Sign, Scorpio

As the ruler of the Eighth House in astrology — which oversees deep emotional connections, death (taken literally, as well as natural endings and losses in life), rebirth and transformation (think surgeries or psychotherapy), and joint resources (aka money involving others, like inheritances or investments) — they're comfortable getting up close and personal with the darker side of life. And symbolized by the pincer-possessing Scorpion, they're apt to cling to whatever it is they've decided is (or should be) theirs.

If you're similarly passionate, up for emotional intensity, and want to forge a long-lasting, intimate bond, you'll likely get along with a Scorpio. (It also bears noting that your sun sign is just one piece of a really complex, nuanced puzzle known as your natal, or birth, chart, which is worth glimpsing over to see which house Scorpio rules and if you have any planetary placements that connect with the fixed water sign.)

Here, Scorpio's compatibility with all 12 signs of the zodiac.

Scorpio and Aries Compatibility

Aries, the first sign of the zodiac and the cardinal fire sign, and Scorpio are quincunx, or five signs apart, which is one of the quirkier, more awkward angles in astrology. The main thing these two share is their ruler: fiery, action-oriented, dynamic Mars, which means both have no problem going after what they want but also losing their tempers (Scorpio usually in a terrifyingly cool, calculated way and Aries in a spontaneous, screamy way). If it's a love match, Aries is lighthearted, playful, childlike, and somewhat immature, while Scorpio is anything but, seeking intense intimacy, devotion, and transformation. That said, these two could spark quickly and then realize it'll take a good deal of work to stay in sync.

Scorpio and Taurus Compatibility

Taurus, the fixed earth sign, and Scorpio are opposite, or six signs apart. They'll either feel like they complete one another or are destined to go their own ways. While both are deeply sensual, Taurus is practical and grounded while Scorpio is often swept up in waves of emotion. And they're equally apt to dig their heels in, struggling to switch up a tried-and-true plan or perspective. The good news is that Taurus can offer Scorp a stabilizing vibe, while Scorp can help Taurus get comfier with spiritual growth. But ultimately, if neither is willing to adapt, they could find themselves at a dead end.

Scorpio and Gemini Compatibility

Scorpio, is quincunx, or five signs apart from Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, which is an awkward angle that can lead to, at best, confusion and, at worst, discord. Even when they're head over heels in love, Gemini wants to be free as a bird, while resolute Scorpio is wired to commit mind, body, and spirit in a relationship. Basically, it can be difficult for these two to find common ground in terms of how they identify with and express their emotions, so making it work will be all about loving just how different they are from one another.

RELATED: Why Does Everyone Hate Geminis So Much?

Scorpio and Cancer Compatibility — Ideal Match

Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac and the cardinal water sign, is trine, or four signs apart from Scorpio, which sets the stage for one of the most natural, pleasurable, well-matched pairings in the zodiac. Both are sensitive, intuitive, even slightly psychic water signs who put family first and have no problem swimming in the depths of all of their feelings. The Crab's loyal attachment style is perfectly suited to the Scorpion's natural possessiveness, and lovemaking is spiritual, transformative, and deeply sensual. Together, they can — and usually do — build the ultimate home life.

Scorpio and Leo Compatibility — Problematic Pair

Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac and the fixed fire sign, is square, or three signs apart from Scorpio, which makes for an intense, dramatic, and possibly challenging pairing. Both magnetic signs are wired to take charge and are extremely aware of their inner power, so this can result in clashing egos and willfulness. And Scorp's natural possessiveness could be a turnoff to independent Leo. Nonetheless, both tend to see sex as an empowering form of self-expression, so if nothing else, a lustful physical connection can make sparks fly.

Scorpio and Virgo Compatibility — Ideal Match

Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac and the mutable earth sign, is sextile, or two signs apart, from Virgo, which can make for calm waters. Both tend to be pretty reserved, loyal deep thinkers, although Scorpio's more in their feelings — and more interested in stepping into a position of power — than heady, serviceable Virgo. But this difference can actually make them a duo to be reckoned with, as they'll work in a diligent, calculated way together toward their shared, ideal endgame.

Scorpio and Libra Compatibility

Scorpio is semisextile, or one sign apart, from Libra, which can set up a bit of discomfort and misunderstanding. Scorpios take life seriously, feel incredibly intensely, and are often consumed by stealthy plotting often related to getting the upper hand in a given situation. Meanwhile, effervescent Libras would prefer to be in the moment and care more about making an impression on their social circles than taking charge. But both value intimacy, closeness, and charm, so they absolutely can find common ground.

Scorpio and Scorpio Compatibility

Two Scorpios together will create a bond that's, in a word, passionate — for better or worse. Both are wired to let their partner in emotionally and get attached in an otherworldly, incredibly intense way, which can make for an unbreakable commitment. If it's a romantic pairing, two Scorps will likely create a cozy home and build a family life they're both proud of and attached to. (See: Scorp duo Nick and Vanessa Lachey.) But Scorpio also has a tendency to play power games and attempt to exert control over everything in their orbit, so too much of that energy could cause this otherwise fireworks-inducing match to combust.

Scorpio and Sagittarius Compatibility

Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac and the mutable fire sign, is semisextile, or one sign apart, from Scorpio, which generally makes for an awkward connection. Sag loves being around people, and Scorp is more of a homebody. Sag needs freedom, space, believes that, in most cases, bigger is better, and has no problem blurting out their fiery opinions in a wholly unfiltered way which can just leave a super-private Scorp cringing. And Scorp's possessive and stubborn vibe can be a turnoff for Sag. Still, both love to explore, so if they can prioritize their shared passion for adventure, they can get along just fine.

Scorpio and Capricorn Compatibility

Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac and the cardinal earth sign, is sextile, or two signs apart from Scorpio, making for a friendly, easygoing bond. Both are determined to be recognized, to achieve, and to obtain power and influence. They have what it takes to put in hard work and be quite the power couple. The only hitch is that Cap wants to appear cool, collected, and in control while Scorpio's fiery, Mars-influenced feelings can be all-encompassing, so they might each need to bend a bit to get on the same page emotionally.

Scorpio and Aquarius Compatibility — Problematic Pair

Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac and the fixed air sign, is square, or three signs apart from Scorpio, which is thought of as a tense, at worst, and activating, at best, connection. Water Bearers are notoriously friendly but aloof, future-minded but stubborn, and idealistic but contrarian. They're wired to engage with the world in a very intellectual way, while Scorpio can't help but be feeling, intuiting, and even psychically tapping into the shadow side of life. And as two fixed signs, both might refuse to pivot from their go-to game plan, resulting in a stalemate. But they can also teach one another a lot about a foreign perspective (science vs. spirituality, logic vs. emotional transformation).

Scorpio and Pisces Compatibility

Pisces, the twelfth sign of the zodiac and mutable water sign, is trine, or four signs apart from Scorpio, which is thought of as the most harmonious bond that can be forged between two signs. Both are deeply feeling, in touch with their spirituality, somewhat — or, OK, possibly very — psychic, and up for an otherworldly, jaw-droppingly romantic relationship. Scorp might be frustrated by Pisces' passive vibe, and Pisces can be overwhelmed by Scorpio's intensity, but in general, the Scorpion can help the Fish turn their vivid dreams into action, while the Fish can show the Scorpion the beauty of going with the flow.

RELATED: If You're Nothing Like Your Zodiac Sign, You Need to Unpack the Rest Of Your Birth Chart

Whether you're currently feeling pumped or like the IRL version of the grimacing emoji, remember that regardless of how compatible — or not — your sign appears to be with Scorpio, sun sign compatibility is just one piece of a huge puzzle that's worth exploring. You can get the most accurate idea of how you match with a partner by looking at your whole natal charts. (Running a synastry report on a site like CafeAstrology.com or doing a reading with a professional astrologer can offer the most accurate, individualized insight.) And if you're ever tempted to roast Scorpios as terrifying control freaks, be sure to take a closer look at your own birth chart, which you'll see is divided up into 12 houses, each ruled by one of the 12 signs. Everyone — even you — has some dynamic Scorpio vibes in them — and taking note of where it expresses itself can actually empower you to make the most of it.