“I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.”
Anais Nin
Scorpio season falls as the nights become longer and darker in the Northern Hemisphere and we hunker down for the colder months ahead. After a period of outward connection and being ‘in relationship’ in Libra season, Scorpio heralds the power of personal transformation; a journey to embrace the shadowy parts of ourselves. Instead of looking outwards, we turn inwards to deeply trust that we have all of the answers in the murky depths within.
Where the air element lifted us up into a freeing, idealistic mode in Libra season, Scorpio is a powerful whirlpool which sweeps us into an intense torrent to release and transform.
It is time to deep dive into Scorpio season, the next chapter in the Astro Interiors series – an exploration of the zodiac expressed through the eyes of architecture, interiors and most importantly, ideas to harness the sign’s energy at home.
Watery depths.
Despite assumptions that Scorpio is a fire sign (due to its reputation for passion and intensity), it is ruled by the water element – in particular, the powerful, turbulent and stormy qualities of water, representing the swirling imagination and emotional depths of the sign. Whereas other water signs (Pisces and Cancer) have a soft, fluid feel, Scorpio’s healing power is in the strength of water to cleanse, shapeshift and transform.
A key design element of Scorpio is layering of contrasting textures that represent its inner depths. Textures vary from raw to rich, hard to soft – think heavily grained, untreated wood to buttery leather, aged with the patina of time.
With water at the heart of the season, a deeply relaxing bathroom is an important part of a Scorpio scheme. A sanctuary of nocturnal dark tones and tactility from mixed materials, paired with ingredients for ritual bathing including candles, salts and oils crafted from potent ingredients such as tuberose, frankincense and oud.
This is the astrological season to strip back and reveal your unchanging essence, despite inevitable tumultuous times. Scorpio represents the journey within in order to shed, release and transform our shadowy layers into wholeness.
Taking refuge.
The enigma of the zodiac, Scorpio is extremely private and feels most at home in places with hidden corners, cosy nooks and intimate sacred spaces. A basement bar, boudoir bedroom or snug den would make the perfect cavern for Scorpio to relax, recharge and shelter from the outside world. Layers of curtains made from weighty fabrics like velvet, or wooden shutters and blinds allow Scorpio to feel comfortable whether alone or in the company of their close, trusted friends and allies.
Sunken gardens lined with robust hedgerows or draped in vines and ivy create additional concealing, shady sanctuary, elevating the Scorpion’s air of mystery and curiosity to the outsider.
Hidden realms & purification.
As well as the water element, Scorpio is ruled by two planets; Pluto (God of the underworld) and Mars (God of war). As such, the sign represents life cycles, regeneration and rebirth. Interestingly, Scorpio season coincides with the festivals of Samhain, Halloween and Dia de los Muertos – all of which celebrate the beauty of darkness, when the veils are thinnest and we have enhanced access to the unseen realms.
Ritual and symbol are important to Scorpio – use clearing techniques to bless and cleanse the energy in a space. Tools such as sustainably sourced sage, Palo Santo and crystals bring clarity and meaning to a space. For more details, see Leila Sadeghee’s post about creating a sacred space through ritual here.
Symbols help Scorpio to build a fortress in the home – the all-seeing evil eye is particularly apt as the talisman is thought to protect the wearer by warding off evil. Read more about how to bring this ancient power into modern life here.
Light and shade.
Using the power of water, Scorpio journeys inwards in order to cleanse and turn shadow into light. As such, a Scorpio palette contrasts from deep, boudoir tones of oxblood, burgundy and black to pared back neutrals, highlighted with oxidised metallics like scorched gold and burnished brass.
Despite the power and intensity of the sign, Scorpio is a concealed observer meaning that subtlety and simplicity is at the heart of the season. Scorpio likes to blend effortlessly, with a commitment to both dark and light tones and avoids statement pieces, stand-out patterns or bright prints.
A secret charm.
Despite the intensity of Scorpio season, there is a magnetic charm that draws us in and makes us want to stay. Scorpio is fiercely loyal, creating a protective forcefield of delicious depth around those it trusts. So whilst we can be challenged by the changing currents of Scorpio, there is nothing better than being enveloped in the profundity of the sign where we are shown a mirror to our own insight, value and self-worth.
Scorpio season moodboard:
