On the Cusp: What a Blend of Scorpio Intensity and Sagittarius Optimism Means for Your Personality

Each month with On the Cusp, we point our astrological magnifying glass on all the people born between two zodiac signs. Because when your birthday falls at either the tail end or the very beginning of your sun sign’s season, your personality may be influenced by your cosmic neighbor.

Now, as we begin to give gratitude and slip into the holidays, it’s the Scorpio Sagittarius cusp that’s taking the astrological spotlight. Below Stefanie Iris Weiss, astrologer and co-author of Surviving Saturn’s Return: Overcoming the Most Tumultuous Time of Your Life, explains what happens when deep and mysterious Scorpio (October 23 to November 22) merges with optimistic and cheerful Sagittarius (November 23 to December 21).

As we fall deeper down the rabbit hole of fall, closer to the holiday season, when everything gets more and more festive by the day, celebrations become top of mind, what with friendsgivings, Thanksgiving, and holiday parties. Because of this, it’s easy for those with a holiday-season birthday, including those on the Scorpio Sagittarius cusp, to feel cast aside. So, let’s make this clear from the outset: There’s no better combo of fire-and-ice energy than you, Scorpio Sagittarius cuspers. “It’s like going from a slow, sexy simmer to a full-on high boil that might set the whole kitchen on fire,” says Weiss. “This cusp is about the way that deep waters transform into fire.”

“This cusp like going from a slow, sexy simmer to a full-on high boil that might set the whole kitchen on fire.” —astrologer Stefanie Iris Weiss

It’s important to note that when you’re born on the cusp, you’re always one sign or the other. In this case, you’re either a Scorpio influenced by Sagittarius or a Sagittarius lured by Scorpio. So first, let’s  get clear on what that means.

Here’s a refresher on Scorpio traits:

Scorpios are dark, intense, deeply secretive, and yet have a desire to get to the core of situation. Weiss dubs it as “detective energy.”

Furthermore, Scorpios are known to seek out all forms of intimacy—including sexual intimacy, but not exclusively. A Scorpio’s stinger is being vindictive and possessive, but they’re still capable of passionately connecting with someone on a deep level.

And for good measure, here are Sagittarius traits:

Sagittarius folks are generally and genuinely pleasant to be around. They’re known for being idealistic and optimistic, and they have a wonderful sense of humor. They’re also known for being the sign most likely to solo travel. Sagittarians love freedom, which feeds into a desire to explore the world.

So, what does it mean to be born on the Scorpio Sagittarius cusp?

According to Weiss, someone who’s born in the late degrees of Scorpio likely possesses the “raw, quiet intensity and power of the sign, but with a bit of trouble hiding the uncontrollable enthusiasm of Sagittarius,” Weiss says. They’re drawn to the sizzle of politics and social justice, and the allure of power dynamics. Also, honestly, they’re just down to hang. “These late Scorpios are more fun-loving and feel less of a need to be the cool girl in the corner, watching everyone else play,” she adds. “They want to get in on the fun.”

An early-season Sagittarius, meanwhile, won’t feel the need to jump on their soapbox at all times. They’ll be confident in their infinite wisdom, but know that their best friend’s bachelorette party is just maybe just not the time to share. “An early Sag will keep her world-changing ideas a bit closer to the vest, and will perhaps only share them with her coveted circle of trust at first,” says Weiss. “She’s less apt to expect everyone to believe everything she says, and to accept it on faith.”

Ultimately, this combination depletes an element of downer darkness from Scorpio and adds some social graces from Sagittarius side.

“Sagittarius infused with Scorpio energy have a bit less of the unbridled enthusiasm this sign is known for, but it’s in there if you look for it,” Weiss says. “Remind them that their essence is laughter and optimism—they just need to hear a really good joke to be drawn out of a funk.”