Scorpio Compatibility: How the Water Sign Pairs with Each Zodiac

Of all the astrological signs, Scorpio is perhaps the most misunderstood. Symbolized by the scorpion, it’s no surprise that Scorpios are viewed as cold, secretive and vindictive. In reality, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Scorpio, which runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 21, is the eighth sign in the zodiac, sitting in between Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) and Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21). Since the eighth house represents sex and death in astrology, the stereotypical Scorpio is dark and brooding. On top of that, Scorpio is ruled by two planets, celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas tells PEOPLE: Mars, the planet of action, desire and aggression, and Pluto, which is often associated with the underworld.

But astrologically speaking, Pluto represents transformation, while the eighth house is associated with intimacy and rebirth. Thus, Scorpios strongly value spiritual growth. As a water sign, they’re heavily connected to their emotions and are typically highly sensitive, intuitive and sexual. According to Thomas, Scorpios “crave intimacy and psychological depth above all.”

When it comes to relationships, Scorpios are all-in. But not every star sign is a match made in heaven for the water sign. Read on to learn more about Scorpio’s compatibility with other zodiac signs.

What are the key traits of a Scorpio? 

Those born under the scorpion sun sign are emotional, sensitive, passionate and intense, according to Thomas. “Scorpios are ‘all or nothing’ kinds of people,” he explains.

Per astrology and podcaster Charly King, Scorpios can have a powerful, stoic presence on the surface. However, she tells PEOPLE this demeanor can intimidate others, although it’s rarely intentional. Like their celestial spirit animal, their tough exterior masks an inner vulnerability.

King says Scorpios are also incredibly charismatic, adding, “They ooze sensuality effortlessly.”

Because of that, there’s a misconception that Scorpios are driven by lust. However, it would be more accurate to say they’re driven by passion and romance, author and astrologer Bethany Nicole tells PEOPLE. “Scorpio values deep conversations and even deeper connections,” she notes, adding that they have “a true love for loyalty.”

Romantically, King also describes Scorpios as “a true ride or die partner.”

Which signs are Scorpios most compatible with?

Generally speaking, Scorpios will find their best match with fellow water signs (Cancer and Pisces) or earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Thomas tells PEOPLE.

“Earth signs can stabilize water signs, helping them to work in tandem and ground their emotions,” he explains, while water signs are known for their emotional depth and can provide a certain level of understanding.

Virgo

Symbolized by the virgin, Virgo may seem like an odd choice for the sensual Scorpio, but this is an extremely compatible match. As an earth sign, Virgo offers stability and a sense of balance.

Scorpio and Virgo’s locations on the natal chart also help their compatibility, King says. Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, is two signs away from Scorpio, an aspect known as a sextile in astrology. “This is seen as positive harmony,” King explains. “They have a lot in common and offer each other support in an upward growth direction.”

Virgos are also loyal and devoted, Nicole adds, making them ideal friends and partners for Scorpios. Just look at Scorpio Ryan Reynolds and Virgo Blake Lively. The two have been married since 2012 and share four children, making them an example of how well a Scorpio and Virgo love can work.

Capricorn

Capricorn is another earth sign — and sextile — that works well with Scorpio. Like Scorpios, those born under the 10th zodiac sign are ambitious, serious and goal-oriented, shares Thomas. Because of that, he explains, “They can work in tandem like a power couple. They also make remarkable friends, first and foremost.”

Romantically, Capricorns are loyal and committed partners who can easily handle moody Scorpios. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of responsibility and restrictions, Capricorns aren’t afraid to set boundaries or show tough love, offers Nicole. “They can create a grounded, strong container for Scorpio’s emotional depths and watery transformations,” she tells PEOPLE.

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom — who have been engaged since 2019 and share one daughter — are a Scorpio-Capricorn match.

Pisces

When it comes to love, Scorpios might find their best matches with fellow water signs. Pisces, in particular, is a good choice, says King. Although they’re both water signs, these two have a lot of differences, but that only furthers their compatibility.

Symbolized by the fish, Pisces are known as the dreamers of the zodiac. Although Pisces aren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, like Scorpios, they can sometimes be secretive. “There’s a shared love of wisdom and privacy,” King says.

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are a good example: The A-list pair have been together for over a decade but remain one of Hollywood’s most private couples.

“They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders in life and love,” King adds of Scorpio-Pisces pairings.

Which signs are Scorpios least compatible with?

Scorpios tend to be least compatible with fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).

According to Thomas, fire and air signs are typically more action-oriented and focused on the external realm. Water signs, on the other hand, are more introspective and internally focused. Since Scorpios are driven by feelings, they seek intimacy and depth rather than adventure and excitement.

Leo

Fiery Leo, perhaps one of Scorpio’s worst matches, is proof that sometimes opposites don’t attract.

Symbolized by the lion, Leos are proud, glamorous and social creatures who enjoy being in the spotlight. “Leo is represented by the Sun and is used to being the shining star,” says King.

Scorpios, however, don’t strive to get noticed. Instead, they have a “natural magnetism” that draws people in. “They get attention without even trying,” she tells PEOPLE, which, for a Leo, can feel threatening.

Gemini

Gemini is another social butterfly sign that might not be the best match for a Scorpio.

“Gemini is a fast-paced and fast-moving air sign that is prone to flit from one thing to the next,” says Nicole. “They can often change viewpoints, interests and directions quickly.” This can be overwhelming and upsetting for Scorpios, who tend to crave commitment.

Thomas agrees, saying the pairing can “create chaos” rather than deep connections. “Scorpio and Gemini can feel like fatal attraction,” he shares, “but they often end up in a mess of revenge and drama.”

Aquarius

Aquarius and Scorpio are similarly incompatible. “Most air signs are going to struggle with the Scorpio intensity and commitment needs,” Nicole explains.

Symbolized by the water-bearer, Aquarius is often mistaken for a water sign. According to King and Thomas, Aquarians are thinkers and rather than expressing their feelings, they deal with their emotions by intellectualizing them. Scorpios crave deep, emotional connection, which can be hard to get with an Aquarius lover.

“Scorpio and Aquarius may respect one another, but often find each other very repellant,” Thomas adds.

What is Scorpio’s compatibility with other signs?

Scorpio shares the same element as Pisces — water — which explains why Pisces is one of the sign’s best matches. Likewise, Scorpios mesh well with another water sign: Cancer. For proof, look no further than Scorpio starlet Emma Stone and her Cancer husband Dave McCary.

According to Thomas, Cancers make a good choice since they can provide Scorpios with “deep levels of sensuality, emotional safety, and companionship.” Nicole agrees, explaining that both signs are sensitive, intuitive types that value loyalty and emotional depth. However, there’s a reason Pisces makes a better fit. “If not careful, the two can form a match made in codependency,” she cautions.

Cancers tend to be conflict-averse creatures, whereas one of Scorpio’s defining traits is their strong willpower. They’re not afraid of confrontation, while Cancers more often run from it, which can create some turbulence.

Still, if they can learn to work on this, they can do well together, Nicole adds. Scorpios and Cancers crave deep connections, commitment and stability in relationships, so they can easily meet each other’s needs.

Taurus is another sign Scorpio is likely to do well with. “There is a shared affinity for security and building foundations and resources,” King tells PEOPLE, adding that Scorpio and Taurus couples will likely have a “hot and lively intimate connection.”

Scorpio and Taurus are polarities, meaning they sit opposite one another on the astrology wheel. Opposing signs tend to be strongly attracted to one another, so these two often have explosive chemistry.

However, Nicole notes that certain differences can create conflict between this pairing. Scorpios value personal growth and transformation, whereas Taurus folks long for comfort and routine. “If the two can achieve balance, though, they can make good long-term partners,” she says.

On the other hand, a partnership between Scorpio and Aries may be filled with strife, as water signs and fire signs generally don’t mix well. “These two often butt heads and go to war,” says Nicole. “Neither is especially willing to back down and both are highly reactive.” When hurt, they can each be quick to retaliate, which doesn’t always bode well for romance.

However, Nicole shares, “The initial phases of their relationship may be intense, hot and heavy.” But, with two fiery signs, there are often power struggles. “Long-term compatibility with this volatile combination can be tough.”