The symbol for Scorpio is The Scorpion. The Scorpio as a symbol represents the male sexual organs, with an upturned tail striving for a higher calling to action. It signifies a passionate attitude to life, and is well suited to the life attitude of those born under Scorpio. The Scorpion, like many Scorpios, reflects intensity, inspiration, assertiveness, and purpose!

Another symbol for Scorpio has been considered an Eagle, which represents clarity of vision, power, freedom, and a higher intelligence! It was also considered that the destiny of those born under Scorpio, depended upon where they positioned their minds, either to that of a Scorpion and its attributes, or at the highest level of the visionary Eagle.

The Scorpion symbol is believed to have originated from the ancient known as Scorpius, the killer of the legend God, Orion. Most legends of how the constellation Scorpius came about refer to the Greek giant named Orion, who was considered as a great hunter and the most handsome man on Earth. Orion was said to possess many charms and loved many women. One tale tells of Eos, the Goddess of Dawn, who enjoyed the company of handsome fine men. She asked Orion to spend a night with her, to which he warmly obliged. Soon after however, he was heard to boast about his latest conquest, and went on to proclaim he would set about becoming an even greater hunter, by killing all the wild beasts on Earth. Upon hearing of such behavior, Apollo, the God of the Sun, was able to sway Gaia, the Goddess of Earth, to send a giant scorpion with an indestructible shell, to sting and kill Orion.

According to another legend, Orion considered himself a brilliant and unbeatable warrior and did not mind telling the other Gods just how great he was. Naturally, the other Gods became sick and tired of his self importance, and his incessant boasting! They decided he should be punished, so they sent a Scorpion to kill him. Orion considered such a small creature to be a weak and worthless opponent. It was not until after he had been stung, did he realize just what a deadly opponent the Scorpion proved to be. This greatest and most powerful warrior God, was killed by one of the least threatening looking creatures of all. The combination of the Scorpios deadly and swift sting was all it took!

In another legend of Orion's death, Ancients believed that Orion tried to flee the attacking Scorpion by swimming away in the sea. Artemis, the Goddess of the Moon, and Apollo's sister, was attracted to Orion, and in an attempt to shoot an arrow into the Scorpion swimming after Orion, she struck him by accident, killing him instantly. Artemis was so distraught by the incident that she placed the constellation Orion amongst the stars. It was decided best to place the constellations of Orion and Scorpius far apart from each other, to prevent them clashing again in battle.

Yet another legendary story portrays Phaeton, the mortal son of Helios the Sun. He was another boastful type who went to his father to claim a gift of his choice. He chose to ride in The Sun's chariot for a day, and after much arguing with his father, Helios gave in to his son's forceful and nagging wishes. Upon receiving the chariot, Phaeton lost all control over the group of majestic white horses who drew it. He flew way too high from Earth, and ran into a celestial scorpion who was preparing to strike with its tail. This action caused the Earth to grow cold. When Phaeton swerved away in a panic to avoid being stung, he flew too close to Earth and started many fires, burning all the vegetation in his path. It was understood that he caused the skin of the Etheopians to turn black, as well as turning most of Africa into desert. Zeus had had enough of his reckless and destructive joy ride, and simply sent a lightning bolt to strike the chariot, and end the carnage being caused to Earth.

Ancient Romans referred to Scorpius as the Roaming One, whilst the ancient Asians believed in Antares, who was the Grave Digger of the Caravans. The Chinese understood Antares to be The Fire Star, to be worshipped as a safeguard against fire.  The Central American Mayans considered Scorpius as a sign of the Death God, whilst New Zealanders viewed the constellation Scorpius as a celestial fish hook.