Mars in Scorpio Exposes What’s Been Hidden and 4 Zodiac Signs Won’t See It Coming

Intensity is brewing, and the undercurrents of desire are impossible to ignore!

On Sept. 22, Mars will enter the penetrating sign of Scorpio for the first time since October 2023.

Unlike Mars in Libra — willing to compromise and see both sides of every situation— this smoldering transit demands passion and depth, as it peels back facades to reveal what is actually hidden beneath the surface.

Here, the red planet pushes us to pursue our desires with an impenetrable drive and focus — it doesn’t just want something, it needs to possess it. This Water sign is part of the Fixed family; hence, it’s notorious for fixating and obsessing with its raw emotions that are often palpable.

Mars is the cosmic warrior; it represents everything from our actions and levels of assertion to our carnality and primal instincts. In mythology, Mars is the god of war, known for its fierce and combative nature, and this is no exception in astrology. 

The red planet — the zodiac sign, including element and modality, it was transiting at your time of birth — can determine your approach to getting what you want. Mars has everything to do with your ambition, sexual libido and hunger to be victorious.

The zodiac sign it journeys through has a lot to do with our collective desire and motivation, which can bring conflict or breakthroughs.

When Mars slips into the darkest depths of Scorpio — its sign of rulership — the energy is just as passionate and magnetic as it is suspicious and strategic.

But don’t get it twisted: Mars in Scorpio doesn’t go to war in a loud and rambunctious way. On the contrary, it slithers and sneaks up on you, plotting carefully before striking with precision. 

Mars in Scorpio should never be underestimated; the polarizing spectrum of Scorpio — where the highs are too high and lows are too low — is essentially set on fire during this Mars transit, making it unpologetically ravishing and intense. 

Governed by Mars and Pluto, Scorpio thrives on secrets, taboo, intimacy and transformation. It’s also known for its alchemical nature, transforming pain into power and lemons into lemonade.

The archetype of Mars in Scorpio is a combination of the fearless investigator and the phoenix rising from the ashes.

So if you’re suddenly craving more intimacy in your connections or being pulled to confront power dynamics you’ve been avoiding, harness the energy of Mars in Scorpio.

There is no room for small talk and half-hearted pursuits — Mars in Scorpio completely immerses itself in a situation or is simply not interested.

In the meantime, read on for what Mars in Scorpio has in store for your zodiac sign.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Feeling the chemistry, Aries? Your cosmic ruler, Mars, is setting your eighth house of intimacy and joint ventures ablaze, so you’re craving depth in all things. Expect to turn up the heat in your connections or maybe meet up with someone from your past for some much-needed closure. Finances could also be under the spotlight, specifically taxes, debts or shared finances demanding your attention.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You want it all, or nothing at all, Taurus. It’s that simple, but with Mars heating things up in your relationship sector, passion can quickly turn into tension or worse, evoke repressed feelings of anger you’d much rather avoid. Single? Sparks could fly with someone who challenges you in all of the right ways, but if you’re already coupled, don’t let pride hold you back from hashing things out.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Tend to your tedious to-do list, and harness this supercharged transit as productively as possible, Gemini. If you’re suddenly obsessed with maximizing your day, this is no coincidence — your health and daily rituals are also of greater importance. In any event, the red planet pushes you to get serious about your lifestyle, but it’s important to still watch out for burnout. After all, your inner workaholic may try and take over.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

To say your passions are running high would be an understatement, Cancer. Not only is Mars back in your Water element, it’s also cruising through an area of your chart that has everything to do with your authenticity, love life and heart’s desires. Spicy and ravishing, everything from your charisma to your creative spark will be impossible to deny. Romantic affairs could also get dramatic in a fun, cinematic way, even if you decide to keep it a secret for the time being. Otherwise, if you’re not interested in dating, you may want to pour this feverous passion into an art project.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your feelings are especially intense these days, so be sure to find an outlet for expression, Leo. Hovering over your fourth house of home and family, while still unapologetically in its determination, the dynamics within your living space take precedence over everything else. You may finally decide to tackle that big DIY project or feel called to set boundaries as tensions rise with a close relationship or relative. The bottom line is you’re being encouraged to pour energy into creating a sanctuary and living space that feels safe.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Your mind is supercharged and hyper-focused on a specific goal, Virgo. Your words are also especially powerful, whether you’re strategizing a business pitch or debating with someone in your immediate environment. Use this Mars transit wisely, and remember, you don’t need to be on guard or ready to fight upon every exchange. It’s a psychic antenna you can explore for your highest good.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You’re a money magnet, Libra. Whether it’s budgeting your funds or exploring new streams of income, you’re savvy enough to strategize and come up with a solid plan of action. Given that this transit energizes your stability-seeking second house of money and self-worth, you’re also hyper-aware of your investments and core values. The same goes for impulsive spending, so be mindful of what you may regret later.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Are you ready, Scorpio? If you’ve been wondering whether the cosmos was ever going to cut you some slack, consider this your big break. On top of feeling powerful and energized, you’re as passionate and assertive as ever, to the point where you may come across as intimidating. You’re so magnetic during this time, too, and people can’t help but notice your presence. That rush of motivation? Use it to pursue your goals. This is your glow-up before your birthday season.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Take a second to spend time with yourself, Sagittarius. With Mars stirring up your 12th house of secrets and subconscious patterns, you’re not only having vivid dreams and intuitive downloads, but also experiencing things on a whole new level. Whether it’s a secret fixation or a project you’re passionate about but keeping to yourself, consider meditation or perhaps therapy to help you channel this energy constructively. 

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You’ve always been competitive by nature, but your pragmatism allows you to steer away from the toxicity that can come with it, Capricorn. Keep this in mind as Mars will be entering Scorpio and your 11th house of community, associations and visions for the future. Whether at work or within a friend group, things could get heated all of a sudden, where you’re either rallying people around a cause or simply getting into a debate in the group chat. You’re also realizing which connections are worth fighting for, so stay present.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Take a stand, but don’t lose sight of your integrity, Aquarius. You’re especially powerful and demanding at this time, which can work to your advantage or simply become a detriment to your reputation. Mars is basically firing things up in your career sector, so naturally, your goals are top of mind. While there’s nothing wrong with keeping your eyes on the prize, it’s important to be mindful of your approach and relationship with authority, as you could easily come across as defiant. Truth is, your polarizing presence is impossible to ignore at this time.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re craving freedom in ways you can’t explain, Pisces. This is all thanks to Mars in Scorpio supercharging your expansive ninth house of adventure and self-discovery. Whether it be a spontaneous trip or immersing yourself in a new field of study, one thing’s for sure: everything from your wanderlust to your innate curiosity is on fire. Don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly leading the group chat with links to travel packages, or whisking your lover away on a sexy weekend getaway.