In astrology, the zodiac signs receive a lot of attention. The planets, however, are equally significant since they stand in for many aspects of both society and ourselves. Each zodiac sign has a planetary “ruler” that coincides with its energy, and as planets move through certain signs, they are often better equipped to show their cosmic features. Although the planet that rules Scorpio, a mysterious and ominous sign, is the tiniest and furthest away in our solar system, we shouldn’t undervalue its influence.

If you didn’t already know, Pluto is the planet that rules Scorpio in contemporary astrology. (Traditional astrological procedures differ; we’ll discuss those later.) This distant celestial object still counts as a planet in the astrological sense even though it was demoted to the rank of a dwarf planet in 2006 and no longer qualifies as an astronomical planet. Pluto is the astrological symbol for regeneration, profundity, and strength. Pluto is little yet formidable. Scorpio is also linked to similarly sombre themes, just like its contemporary planetary ruler. This intensely emotional water sign is associated with all things forbidden, including the occult, powerful emotions, and sex. Instead than engaging in high-level fabrication, Scorpio would much prefer follow in the footsteps of its planetary namesake and delve into the covert underside of any circumstance.

Whether or not you are a Scorpio, knowing the characteristics of this sign’s ruling planets will help you better understand your horoscope and develop a deeper relationship with the scorpion of the zodiac. Continue reading to find out more about the planets that rule Scorpio in both traditional and contemporary astrology.

Pluto, the planet that rules Scorpio, in Detail

Pluto is the astrological symbol for change, power struggles, and all that lies under the surface. The impacts of one of the “outer planets,” or the three planets that are farthest from the sun, are frequently felt on a more collective and social level because of this (although it can still have a big influence on our personal lives, too). This planet’s name refers to the Roman deity of the underworld, hence it is linked to darker ideas like death and rebirth as well as more underground aspects of existence.

Pluto was transiting through Scorpio from November 1983 to November 1995, which is important since it means that the majority of millennials were born with Pluto in the sign that it naturally controls. Pluto is particularly strong and conspicuous in Scorpio, its native sign, and we may see this impact in the recent changes in public discourse on formerly taboo subjects like mental health, sexuality, trauma, and social power systems. Pluto won’t enter Scorpio for approximately 250 years, so having an entire generation with this alignment in their birth charts is both unusual and important.

What’s that you say? Mars isn’t also one of Scorpio’s ruling planets.

Prior to Pluto’s discovery in 1930 and subsequent astrological integration, Mars, Scorpio’s traditional governing planet, was ambitious and aggressive. Most contemporary astrologers still see Mars as one among Scorpio’s co-rulers, while traditional astrologers still regard this as the sign’s genuine planetary ruler. Mars, the planet of passion, activity, and sexuality, is appropriately named after the god of battle.

Scorpio and Aries are the two signs that Mars traditionally reigned over, and this is still the case in contemporary astrology. Scorpio reflects the more slow-burning and strategic part of the Red Planet, while Aries represents the more impulsive and feistier aspects of Mars’ cosmic character. Mars in Scorpio is cunning, competitive, and power-hungry. It is out to acquire what it wants and crush its rivals, and it won’t hesitate to use its poisonous scorpion stinger to do it.