Born between the dates of October 23 and November 21, Scorpio is a deep and complex water sign. A mysterious allure is notable among Scorpio’s traits, making them notoriously hard to get to know, but once you earn their trust, you will find a passionate, devoted, and loyal partner in them. That said, not everyone will vibe well with the scorpion—and it’ll take a special type of someone to enter their world. So, who are Scorpios compatible with?

Passion, mystery, and protectiveness are just a couple of components of Scorpio’s personality. It’s probably not a shocker that Scorpio is symbolized by the scorpion. They have an exterior that can intimidate people at first (hello, pincers!), but underneath it all, they’re extremely sensitive and caring people. That said, “Scorpio people are most compatible with intense, committed, driven, and empathetic people,” Erin River Sunday, astrologer and co-host of the Kiss My Astral podcast explains.

“Scorpio people are most compatible with intense, committed, driven, and empathetic people.”—Erin River Sunday, astrologer

Scorpio doesn’t allow just anyone in their safe space, but if you’re one of the lucky ones, you can expect pure passion. Read on to find out who is compatible with Scorpio and who’s unlikely to last in a whirlwind romance.

Key Scorpio Traits

Passionate, loyal, and protective, with an all-or-nothing attitude, the myriad of Scorpio traits make them one of the most multifaceted signs of the zodiac. Scorpio’s characteristics are influenced by not one, but two ruling planets, mysterious Pluto, and in traditional astrology, energetic Mars. Pluto (which is still considered a planet in astrology, BTW) rules transformation while Mars is the planet of aggression.

As such, the stinging scorpion might be seen as intimidating because of their quiet intensity. “They have a reputation for being brutal,” says Emily Newman, psychic reader, spiritual healer, counselor, and astrologer at The Best of Psychic Reader. However, underneath their hard-shell exterior, Scorpio is deeply emotional and sensitive—even if they don’t always show it. They’ll need a partner who can be patient with the process of opening up as well as allowing the water sign to air out their emotions without fear of judgment or abandonment.

As a fixed sign, they are fiercely loyal to those who earn their trust. “They will go to the edge of the world for those they value,” Lumi Pelinku, an intuitive astrologer and transformation life coach, told Well+Good. Once Scorpio feels they can put their guard down, they can express a deep, meaningful relationship with their partner.

“They will go to the edge of the world for those they value.”—Lumi Pelinku, astrologer

What’s more, “Scorpios are self-sufficient, proactive, insightful, and excellent advisors,” says Newman. They are highly intuitive, so they can quickly get to the bottom of things—a gift that Stefanie Iris Weiss, astrologer and co-author of Surviving Saturn’s Return, referred to as “detective energy.”

Conversely, however, Scorpio has a dark side, with complex, twisted ways of thinking. As one of the water signs, they can take things too personally—and because being vulnerable is hard for Scorpio, they can easily become very possessive over their partner. They may also manipulate others to get their way, and if they feel slighted or wronged, they can become vindictive.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with Scorpio?

When it comes to the best matches for Scorpio, fellow water sign Cancer can relate to the scorpion’s intensity and emotional bandwidth. Per Sunday, Cancer and Scorpio think so similarly that they can practically read each other’s minds. “They’re both reflective personalities that have a way of exposing people’s deepest fears as well as intuitions,” adds Sunday. Water signs rely on their gut to make major decisions and process the world around them. “They both appreciate deep, forever bonds and will appreciate each other’s loyalty and commitment to the union.”

Generally, water signs aren’t the most compatible with fire signs, but hot-headed Aries are the exception, according to Sunday, thanks to their shared planetary influences. In traditional astrology, Scorpio is ruled by Mars, aka Aries’ modern-day ruler, “making them an especially driven pair that will stop at nothing to succeed,” says Sunday. They’re both intense in their respective way and “If they can unite their competitive natures and become a unit, rather than try to one-up each other, there’s nothing they can’t conquer together,” Sunday adds.

Romantic and patient Taurus makes a harmonious match for Scorpio, who craves intimacy and stability in relationships, which Taurus is happy to provide. On one hand, Sunday says these fixed signs can be stubborn, “but they appreciate the loyalty they both express. Taurus is drawn to Scorpio’s intensity and Scorpio likes Taurus’ sensual nature.” These two can lay down their guard and allow each other to divulge their deepest secrets without feeling like they’re over-compromising.

Which zodiac signs are least compatible with Scorpio?

It should be noted that being incompatible astrologically doesn’t mean a relationship is doomed—just like being compatible doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fated for true love. Your sun sign indicates your surface-level personality traits, but it’s not all that’s needed to determine astrological compatibility.

That’s because other elements of your birth chart, like your moon (aka your emotional temperament) and Venus (your romantic desires), should be taken into account, too. When it comes to sun signs, though, it can still predict the type of personalities you mesh (and don’t mesh) with. Below are the sun signs that are the least compatible with Scorpios.

Generally speaking, air signs like Gemini don’t form the most harmonious relationships with Scorpios. Gemini is an open book and loves to poke and prod at things (and people) to get a better understanding of them, while Scorpio can be a tough shell to crack, especially at first. Plus, “Gemini is a sign that loves a good joke and Scorpio can be a bit too sensitive to handle their cutting words even if it’s all in good fun,” explains Sunday. “Scorpio also likes predictability within relationships and Gemini can be anything but reliable!”

Aquarius and Scorpio are double-fixed signs that can struggle to compromise, but it’s also a matter of emotional incompatibility. Aquarius is far from emotional, which contradicts Scorpio’s need for emotional intimacy in relationships. As a result, this may be a point of contention in the relationship. “Aquarius and Scorpio are both very stubborn and tend to step on each other’s toes,” Sunday previously told Well+Good. Scorpio’s needs may be too intense for Aquarius, who is prone to neglecting them due to their need for alone time.

Put simply, Libra’s flirtiness and openness may disturb Scorpio, who is prone to being fully enmeshed with their partner. Sunday says Libras often keep things light, “Scorpio, on the other hand, will put people through the wringer to get the pleasure of even scraping the surface of their deep waters.” Ultimately, this will be an incompatible match due to their conflicting personalities. “Scorpio wants to know someone’s darkest soul and Libra can’t be bothered to show their ugly side,” says Sunday.

How does Scorpio compatibility vary with different signs?

Scorpio and Aries Compatibility

Aries and Scorpio share the ruling planet, Mars, so both signs are passionate, which is an important quality for Scorpio in relationships. Scorpio is a water sign and Aries is a fire sign, and their conflicting astrological elements may be typically prone to friction, but the magnetic spark between the two is undeniable. As astrologer Alexandria Lettman previously told Well+Good: “I could see instances where [an Aries-Scorpio relationship] could really work, but then also where it completely wouldn’t.”

True to their watery nature, Scorpio feels things deeply and wants to talk through their feelings with their partner, while Aries doesn’t spend much time thinking about how they feel. This could lead to trouble, but when Aries and Scorpio can learn to meet in the middle, they can conquer obstacles to keep the fire between them going.

Scorpio and Taurus Compatibility

On paper, Taurus and Scorpio are total opposites. Fixed earth sign Taurus is practical, reliable, and grounded, while Scorpio is emotional, and, at times, intense, which might seem like too much for Taurus to handle. However, Taurus is incredibly patient—and so long as Scorpio is honest, reliable, and loyal, the bull will happily stick around.

Both are fixed signs that can be stubborn and set in their ways, but if they learn how to appreciate each other’s differences, they can value what the other brings to the table. “Taurus may provide a calming influence, while Scorpio can assist Taurus in spiritual growth,” says Newman. She underscores, however, “they must understand each other.”

Scorpio and Gemini Compatibility

Gemini, the mutable air sign, and Scorpio make a tough pairing. The social butterfly of the zodiac, Gemini is as fun-loving as they are prone to changing their mind, which might be problematic for Scorpio who needs consistency to feel fully secure in a relationship. “As a result, Gemini may perceive Scorpio as domineering, while Scorpio may perceive Gemini as being uninterested in them,” says Newman.

In addition, Gemini craves novelty and connection with others and if they have a Scorpio partner who tends to be possessive, it can make the twin sign feel stifled in the relationship. The signs may also struggle to understand each other on an emotional level. Airy Gemini is cerebral and Scorpio is a deep feeler, and if they can’t find common ground, misunderstandings are bound to ensue.

Scorpio and Cancer Compatibility

Cancer is a cardinal water sign that is emotional, nurturing, and sensitive, and they can offer Scorpio the special care they need to feel secure in their relationship. Likewise, Scorpio helps Cancer feel validated in their feelings. “They provide a sense of protection and security to the Cancerian,” says Newman. Cancer also values loyalty, which resonates with Scorpio, who needs assurance they can trust their partner to have their back.

Their innate understanding of the other’s needs can allow them to reach new levels of intimacy and form a deep bond of companionship. What’s more, “Scorpio is a super executor, and Cancer is a wonderful planner,” says Newman, so it’s easy to see how they can build a life together. Overall, Scorpio and Cancer make for a highly compatible match.

Scorpio and Leo Compatibility

Both Leo and Scorpio are fixed signs that are passionate and fiercely loyal to those they love, but they can also be set in their ways. The two like to be in control, but conflict may arise if no one wants to back down. “The true challenge occurs when both partners begin to compete for power rather than working together, and both partners in a relationship must be on the same page for it to work,” says Newman.

Unless Leo and Scorpio learn how to meet in the middle they won’t see eye-to-eye—and, unfortunately, compromise doesn’t come easy to either sign. “Both will be unable to comprehend one another, as they tend to believe they are correct in their thinking and actions, and haven’t done harm, and are generally resistant towards accepting the views of others,” says Newman.

Scorpio and Virgo Compatibility

Virgo is a mutable earth sign who is organized and detail-oriented, while Scorpio is focused, and once they put their mind to something, they are all in. As such, the earth and water combo can make a productive pair. “Both signs are bright and intellectual and enjoy a well-structured life,” says Newman. If they commit to one another, they’re usually in it for the long run and will work to strategize, plan, and execute shared life goals.

Despite Virgo and Scorpio’s high compatibility, they can run into their fair share of challenges. As the zodiac’s perfectionist, Virgo can come off as overly critical. They have to be careful that their commentary isn’t being perceived as hurtful by their Scorpio partner, who tends to take things to heart. Both signs can also be controlling, which, if left unchecked, could lead to power struggles within their relationship.

Scorpio and Libra Compatibility

Libra and Scorpio are on the cusp of and next to each other on the zodiac calendar. As the romantic of the zodiac, Libra may be drawn to Scorpio, who is passionate, if intensely emotional, while Libra can provide Scorpio with comfort and security in a relationship. However, things can take a turn for the worse if Scorpio becomes possessive, which can be off-putting for their partner.

Libra tends to have a rich social life and their friendliness can easily be taken as flirting, which could trigger Scorpio’s insecurity and controlling tendencies. “Scorpios feel passionate and are prone to covert planning, with a need to gain the upper hand in situations,” says Newman, and while Libra will often put their partner’s needs before their own, they also don’t like to be controlled.

Scorpio and Scorpio Compatibility

When you bring two Scorpios together, there will be a lot of passion. What’s more, “they have a tendency to go very deep, so they’re probably going to spend a lot of time deep in the relationship,” says astrologer Tenae Stewart, author of The Modern Witch’s Guide to Magickal Self-Care. As they’ll both be loyal to the core, they can forge a strong emotional bond that withstands the test of time.

On the flip side, Scorpio’s innate sensitivity can be a drawback to the relationship—and if a conflict occurs, they have to be careful not to get swept away with their emotions. “They have a tendency to focus on these negative moments when they’re deep in emotion, so they also need to give as much commitment to the pleasurable moments with their partner,” says Stewart.

Scorpio and Sagittarius Compatibility

Scorpio and Sagittarius are on the cusp of and next to each other on the zodiac calendar—and, on the surface, they don’t seem to have a lot in common. Watery Scorpio is emotional, sensitive, and can be possessive of their partner, while fiery and free-spirited Sagittarius doesn’t like to dwell on their feelings and needs their autonomy in a relationship, which can be off-putting to the scorpion.

Differences aside, “they’re both passionate signs,” Stewart told Well+Good. “As long as they understand how the other expresses their passion, they can learn to value each other.” If they find a middle ground, these elemental opposites can learn a lot from each other, too. “Scorpio can inspire Sagittarius to bring out their emotional side, while Sagittarius can inspire Scorpio to take action,” she says.

Scorpio and Capricorn Compatibility

When Capricorn meets Scorpio, they might both be slow to express their feelings to one another. “They’re probably two of the most private signs in the zodiac,” says Stewart. While it will take time for them to open up, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When the other realizes the other is loyal and trustworthy, they can experience what Stewart calls a “natural unfolding” in their relationship.

Once they commit to one another, Capricorn and Scorpio can make a compatible match. They not only share the value of honesty, but their complementary elements create the potential for a secure relationship, too. “Capricorn will bring a grounded energy to the relationship, which will make Scorpio feel safe opening up to them,” says Stewart.

Scorpio and Aquarius Compatibility

An Aquarius and Scorpio relationship can go one of two ways: it could either be incredibly passionate, or an emotional rollercoaster ride. Regardless, when they initially meet, “passion and sparks will definitely be flying between the two,” astrologer Maria Sofia Marmanides previously told Well+Good. “They will naturally feed each other’s innate curiosity and fascination with other people.”

However, their differences can lead to tension in their relationship. For one, Aquarius tends to have a rich social life, which can make a Scorpio with possessive tendencies jealous. As a result, “what can happen is a battle of wills and trust issues can surface as Aquarius’ need for socializing will often conflict with Scorpio’s desire to keep their circle small,” says Marmanides. Scorpio is also highly emotional, which can be tough for logical Aquarius.

Scorpio and Pisces Compatibility

Pisces is a water sign that is similar to Scorpio in many ways. They are both emotional and long to be “one” with their partner. Plus, “Pisces and Scorpio are both highly intuitive and able to see through others with ease,” Stewart told Well+Good. With much in common about how they operate in relationships, it’s easy to see how the two can forge a deep bond with one another.

Although Pisces and Scorpio are highly compatible, they can experience issues when it comes to boundaries. While they both long to merge with their partner, Scorpio tends to be more reserved about their emotions than the fish, who can become frustrated if their partner can’t let their guard down. However, they can quickly overcome this challenge if they both “allow the relationship to be a safe space,” says Stewart.