Recently, a friend of mine ended things with a Scorpio, which has led to a lot of talk about why Scorpios are so unpopular. Yep, I said “we”—I’m a Scorpio myself. If that makes you hesitate to read on, you might be one of the many Scorpio critics out there. While we might not be the most hated sign (I think Gemini takes that title), we definitely rank high in the misunderstood category. And yes, I know that sounds like a classic Scorpio thing to
But can you blame me? When I started asking people about their Scorpio experiences, even my closest friends had pretty strong opinions. One friend (a Sagittarius) who dated a Scorpio said we’re too guarded, expect others to read our minds, and hold grudges over minor issues. Another friend (a Gemini) claimed that Scorpios are self-centered, judgmental, and quick to call others out on perceived slights. My roommate (a Cancer) mentioned that we exemplify avoidant attachment styles, keeping others at a distance to our own detriment.
Of course, I had to ask the pros if the Scorpio haters have a point or if they’re just jealous. To sway the argument in my favor, I reached out only to fellow Scorpios. Drew Allen, founder of Angelite Astrology, told me that it’s all about whether the Scorpio in question has put in the inner work to become the best version of themselves—or as some astrologers put it, if they’re an “evolved” or “unevolved” Scorpio. “If you come across a Scorpio who is not living the life they’re meant to or feels misunderstood in their environment, the negative clichés will seep out,” she said:
“A more evolved Scorpio is going to love you unconditionally, give you great advice, protect you, and use their passionate energy to fight for worthy causes. Scorpios must learn to use their power for good.”
One thing I noticed is that the people who have the most to say about Scorpios’ negative traits, aside from their exes, are…Scorpios themselves. “My brother thinks I could commit murder just because I’m a Scorpio,” one shared. Another mentioned, “We put so much energy into hiding our feelings and keeping them private that it probably comes off as cold to others. The truth is, we feel so deeply that we can’t afford to share that with everyone.”
An old Hairpin article titled “Astrology Is Fake but Scorpios Are Extremely True” opens with, “It should be illegal to be a Scorpio. It should be a war crime. You should only be able to look at a Scorpio from a distance of 200 meters while wearing protective gear. If you’re a Scorpio reading this, stop. You’re smiling in a way I don’t appreciate.”
Hmm, you might be thinking this sounds a bit like… bragging? I have a theory: Scorpios actually thrive on Scorpio hate; it makes us stronger. “You think I’m a sex maniac who will cut you off with no notice? Sure, I can be that!” one Scorpio told me. Another added, “If being a Scorpio intimidates people, hey, I’ll take it—and lean into it.”
Many of the Scorpios I spoke to felt a bit uncomfortable with their Sun sign when they were younger. I did too—when I first picked up an astrology book in middle school, I identified more with Sagittarius because Scorpio’s dark, sexy vibe felt intimidating to my preteen self (and, fun fact, my Moon, Mercury, and Venus are all in Sagittarius). But as I matured, I embraced my Sun sign and now proudly identify as a Scorpio.
Astrologer Narayana Montúfar had a similar journey. “I love being a Scorpio! It wasn’t easy to learn to be myself, but once I recognized that my emotional depth is a strength, things changed for me,” she shared. “I’m not afraid of being intense, either.” The traits many dislike in Scorpios—like guardedness and intensity—can actually be positive when viewed differently. As Montúfar puts it, “We’re not for everyone, but do we even want to be? I say no!”
So, why do people hate Scorpios?
“Scorpios are manipulative and controlling.”
As fixed signs, we can be stubborn—we like to have our own way! But which other sign combines emotional intelligence with the determination to see things through? If a Scorpio wants control, maybe it’s best to let them lead.
“Scorpios are possessive and jealous.”
Okay, I admit we might notice who’s liking your Instagram posts more than a laid-back Taurus would. But it’s only because we care deeply! When we fall in love, we do so intensely, which can be overwhelming. Reassuring your Scorpio can ease those worries. (But yes, if jealousy goes too far, feel free to move on.)
“Scorpios are cold and aloof.”
Sure, we can seem intimidating, but that often comes from shyness! Underneath, we’re sensitive water signs, but our ruling planet, Mars (the planet of war), can make us appear a bit fierce—or even sexy. Once you earn a Scorpio’s trust, you’ll discover a much warmer side.
“Scorpios hold grudges.”
Yes, we do hold grudges—but why is that a bad thing? Scorpios can forgive, given time and effort, but we never forget. This quality actually makes us excellent judges of character. If you don’t want a Scorpio to hold a grudge, just don’t cross them in the first place!
The Influence of Retrogrades: What You Need to Know
Few astrological events spark as much dread—or curiosity—as planetary retrogrades. From Mercury’s infamous communication snafus to Pluto’s deep psychological excavations, retrogrades are often blamed for chaos, delays, and existential meltdowns. But what exactly are retrogrades, and do they deserve their bad reputation? Let’s demystify these cosmic U-turns and uncover how to harness their transformative power.
Retrogrades 101: Why Planets Appear to Move Backward
A retrograde occurs when a planet appears to reverse its orbit from Earth’s perspective—an optical illusion caused by differences in planetary speeds. While all planets except the Sun and Moon retrograde, their effects vary based on their astrological roles:
- Personal Planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars): Impact daily life (communication, love, energy).
- Social/Outer Planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto): Influence generational trends and long-term growth.
Retrogrades aren’t inherently “bad”—they’re invitations to review, revise, and reflect in the areas each planet governs.
The Big Players: How Each Retrograde Affects You
1. Mercury Retrograde
- Frequency: 3–4 times/year, lasting ~3 weeks.
- Themes: Communication, technology, travel, contracts.
- Classic Chaos: Misunderstandings, gadget glitches, delayed flights.
- Hidden Gift: Reconnecting with old friends, editing creative projects, fixing past mistakes.
- Survival Tip: Back up data, read fine print, and avoid signing major deals.
2. Venus Retrograde
- Frequency: Every 18 months, lasting ~6 weeks.
- Themes: Love, beauty, finances, values.
- Classic Chaos: Exes resurfacing, buyer’s remorse, relationship doubts.
- Hidden Gift: Reevaluating self-worth, repairing partnerships, redefining beauty standards.
- Survival Tip: No drastic makeovers or impulsive proposals—reflect on what you truly value.
3. Mars Retrograde
- Frequency: Every 2 years, lasting ~2 months.
- Themes: Energy, ambition, conflict, sex drive.
- Classic Chaos: Projects stalling, arguments escalating, motivation nosediving.
- Hidden Gift: Strategizing vs. rushing, healing anger patterns, recharging stamina.
- Survival Tip: Redirect frustration into exercise or planning—avoid starting wars.
4. Jupiter to Pluto Retrogrades
- Jupiter Retrograde: Annual ~4-month pause on growth—reassess beliefs, travel plans, or financial risks.
- Saturn Retrograde: Annual ~4.5-month reality check—face responsibilities, adjust long-term goals.
- Uranus/Neptune/Pluto Retrogrades: Yearly 5–6-month periods to process societal shifts, subconscious patterns, or power dynamics.
The Retrograde Mindset: How to Thrive (Not Just Survive)
- Slow Down: Retrogrades favor patience. Rushed decisions often backfire.
- Revisit & Repair: Finish old projects, mend fences, or restart abandoned hobbies.
- Journal Progress: Track patterns. Do tech issues spike during Mercury RX? Do exes pop up under Venus RX?
- Work With the Planet:
- Mercury RX: Edit, research, meditate.
- Venus RX: Budget, self-love rituals, relationship therapy.
- Mars RX: Rest, strategize, heal anger.
Myth-Busting Retrogrades
- Myth: “All retrogrades are cursed.”
Truth: They highlight existing cracks—like a spotlight on wobbly foundations. - Myth: “You can’t start anything new.”
Truth: Launching intentional projects aligned with retro themes (e.g., starting therapy during Pluto RX) can succeed. - Myth: “Retrogrades affect everyone the same.”
Truth: Check which house and sign the retrograde occupies in your birth chart for personalized impact.
Retrograde Dates to Watch in 2024–2025
- Mercury: April 1–25, August 5–28, November 25–December 15 (2024); April 2025.
- Venus: December 19, 2024–January 29, 2025.
- Mars: December 6, 2024–February 23, 2025.
- Jupiter: October 9, 2024–February 4, 2025.
- Saturn: June 29–November 15, 2024.
The Cosmic Takeaway: Retrogrades Are Your Allies
Retrogrades aren’t planetary punishments—they’re cosmic course corrections. By leaning into their reflective energy, you can:
- Fix communication breakdowns before they explode (Mercury).
- Strengthen relationships instead of repeating mistakes (Venus).
- Channel anger constructively rather than destructively (Mars).
Your Retrograde Mantra: “I embrace the pause. Clarity comes through revision.”
TL;DR: Retrogrades aren’t about chaos—they’re about awareness. When a planet goes retrograde, it’s time to look inward, clean up messes, and realign with your true path. The universe has your back—even when it feels like it’s hitting rewind. 🌌
Which retrograde trips you up the most? Share your stories and survival hacks below!