SCORPIO the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planet of Scorpio is Pluto, named after the god of the underworld. It was originally thought to be Mars, which exerts a certain influence, such as energy and instinctiveness, but not as significantly as Pluto. Scorpio is a fixed, feminine water sign whose positive traits indicate powerful emotional resources, a quick mind, intensity, a strong sense of purpose, determination, and persistence, while more challenging traits include jealousy, obstinacy, and secretiveness.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Scorpio is represented by the letter ‘m’ with a curving tail ending in an arrowhead symbolising the sting in the scorpion’s tail. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Scorpio and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include witch-hazel, used for drawing out bruises; basil for cleansing the brain and banishing headaches, as well as being an aid to digestion; the herb Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catmint. The mint family takes its name from Mentha, lover of the god Pluto, Scorpio’s ruling planet. Gemstones linked to Scorpio include the garnet, which can help create balance and harmony between the physical and mental sides to the Scorpio character; jasper that warns of trickery and opal, which is known as the ‘eye-stone’ and strengthens intuition. Animal connections include the snake, which represents healing, the wolf and the grey lizard. In ancient times Scorpio was also identified with the eagle, symbolising the soaring spirit of Scorpio that balances the desire to plumb the depths. The insect world also has many close associations with Scorpio.

THE SCORPIO NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Scorpio and include: the central scorpion with its seven bright stars, and the astrological symbol m below; the sun, the roman numeral VIII (for the eighth house) and a bee (representing the insect world) outside the inner circle; in the four corners, the herb catmint, the wave - from the many different aspects of water in the Scorpio character - soothing and calm when tranquil, powerful and relentless when roused; the two
symbols of the ruling planets, Pluto and Mars; and the gemstone, a dematoid of the garnet family.

KEY WORDS
Protective
Dynamic
Inventive
Tenacious
Emotional
Compassionate
To further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Scorpio characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.