Pisces is the twelfth and final astrological sign in the Zodiac. It spans 330° to 360° of celestial longitude. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this area between February 19 and March 20. Pisces is associated with imagination, intuition, spirituality, creativity, and compassion. Its ruling planet is Neptune. The Pisces constellation is named after a story from Greek mythology.
The Myth Behind the Pisces Constellation
In Greek mythology, Pisces is associated with Aphrodite and her son Eros. According to the myth, Aphrodite and Eros were being pursued by the monster Typhon. To evade capture, they leapt into the Euphrates river and transformed themselves into fish. Their fish tails became intertwined as they swam, forming a shape reminiscent of two fish joined together.
To honor Aphrodite and Eros, the gods placed the likeness of two fish among the stars. This constellation became known as Pisces, the Latin word for “fish.” Although Pisces was named after this mythological story of shapeshifting gods, the constellation represents fishes, rather than the gods themselves.
Key Points About the Myth
- Pisces was named after the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Eros transforming into fish.
- They fled from the monster Typhon by leaping into a river.
- The gods memorialized this event in the night sky as the Pisces constellation.
- Although named for the gods, Pisces depicts two fish, not the gods themselves.
So in summary, the Pisces constellation is named after the Greek gods Aphrodite and Eros. But the constellation itself represents the form they took when escaping danger – that of two fishes with intertwined tails.
The History of Pisces in Mythology
Although Pisces is most strongly associated with the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Eros, fish imagery and astrology have figured prominently in myths worldwide. Here is a brief overview of the history of Pisces in myth and folklore:
Sumerian Mythology
The Ancient Sumerians associated Pisces with the goddess Inanna and her consort Dumuzid. Dumuzid was envisioned as a fish-man and considered a god of fertility.
Babylonian Mythology
The Babylonian fish-god Oannes was said to emerge from the Eritrean Sea to bring knowledge and civilization to people. He was an instructor to the Mesopotamians, teaching them arts, science, and agriculture.
Syrian Mythology
The Syrians worshipped a fish-god named Atargatis who watched over the fertility and safety of their people. Temples were erected in her honor.
Greek and Roman Mythology
As described earlier, Pisces was named after the Greek myth of Aphrodite and Eros shape-shifting into fish. The Romans later adopted this Pisces myth from the Greeks.
Christianity
Early Christians used the fish as a secret symbol to identify each other when their religion was outlawed. They viewed fish as symbolic of faith and Jesus’s role as a “fisher of men.”
Scandinavian Mythology
Scandinavian legend tells of a school of fish that assisted the goddess Idun in guarding the magical apples of immortality kept in Asgard.
Key Points on Pisces History
- Many ancient cultures recognized fish as mythical creatures and divine imagery.
- Pisces has symbolized fertility, wisdom, faith, and protection throughout history.
- The Greek myth of Pisces most directly influenced its naming as a constellation.
- But similarities appear in Babylonian, Syrian, Scandinavian, and other myths.
In summary, the Pisces constellation has its earliest roots in ancient Near East mythology, was formally named by the Greeks, and has continued relevance in religious history up to the modern day.
Pisces Symbolism and Meaning
What does Pisces symbolize? As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces has come to represent spirituality, creativity, imagination, compassion, sacrifice, and service to others. Here is a deeper look at Pisces symbolism:
Fish
The image of two fish swimming together symbolizes partnership, teamwork, and fluidity. Although the two fish head in different directions, they are united as one constellation. This duality suggests the yin and yang of existence.
Water
As a water sign, Pisces is associated with emotions, the subconscious, intuition, and extrasensory perception. Water can be refreshing, but also overwhelming. This suits the dual nature of Pisces.
Pairs
The two fish represent the dualistic nature of Pisces. Those with Sun in Pisces often feel torn between seemingly conflicting impulses. Pisces teaches the unity of opposites.
Mutable Quality
The mutable quality assigned to Pisces signifies adaptation, flexibility, and growth. Pisces flows well from one experience to the next, embracing change.
Neptune
Modern astrologers assign the planet Neptune as the ruler of Pisces. In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of the sea. His changeable nature echoes Pisces’ constant flux.
Jupiter
Traditional astrology gives Jupiter, a planet representing philosophy and expansion, as the ruler of Pisces. Jupiter’s benevolence complements Pisces’ compassion.
Key Ideas on Pisces Meaning
- Pisces symbolizes togetherness, spirituality, creativity, compassion, and emotional depth.
- The two fish represent partnerships and dualities we navigate in life.
- Water signifies emotions, intuition, and perception beyond the material world.
- The mutable quality points to adaptability and acceptance of change.
In summary, Pisces meaning relates to unity between opposites, emotional sensitivity, creative imagination, and embracing evolution in life. Pisces teaches us meaningful lessons about partnership, empathy, inspiration, and growth.
Pisces Compatibility with Other Signs
When examining Pisces compatibility, astrologers look at how well Pisces pairs with each of the other zodiac signs. Since Pisces personality is complex, compatibility depends a lot on the pairing. Here is an overview of Pisces compatibility:
Pisces-Aries
Compatibility Rating: 3/10
Pisces and Aries are very different. Pisces is passive while Aries is aggressive. Aries can be impatient with dreamy Pisces. Conflicts may arise.
Pisces-Taurus
Compatibility Rating: 4/10
Pisces is emotionally driven while Taurus is practical. Taurus needs stability which Pisces may fail to provide. They have very different priorities.
Pisces-Gemini
Compatibility Rating: 6/10
There are some similarities between imaginative Pisces and intellectual Gemini. But Pisces seeks the mystical while Gemini prefers facts, potentially causing tensions.
Pisces-Cancer
Compatibility Rating: 9/10
Pisces and Cancer are both water signs. They connect well emotionally. Their shared interests in art and mysticism strengthen their bond.
Pisces-Leo
Compatibility Rating: 3/10
Pisces dislikes Leo’s need to be the center of attention. Leo may find Pisces too passive. Different priorities strain this relationship.
Pisces-Virgo
Compatibility Rating: 4/10
Analytical Virgo struggles to understand emotional Pisces. Virgo seeks logic while Pisces operates on intuition and empathy. Miscommunication results.
Pisces-Libra
Compatibility Rating: 5/10
There is some common ground here, as both Pisces and Libra dislike conflict. But indecisive Pisces frustrates decisive, logical Libra.
Pisces-Scorpio
Compatibility Rating: 7/10
Pisces and Scorpio are emotionally compatible. They connect on an intuitive level. But Scorpio’s jealousy may sometimes overwhelm Pisces.
Pisces-Sagittarius
Compatibility Rating: 5/10
These two signs share curiosity about spirituality. But Sagittarius is pragmatic and Pisces idealistic. Sagittarius speaks bluntly which offends sensitive Pisces.
Pisces-Capricorn
Compatibility Rating: 2/10
Pisces wants romance and magic while Capricorn seeks status and responsibility. Capricorn finds Pisces too dreamy and impractical. They see life differently.
Pisces-Aquarius
Compatibility Rating: 6/10
Pisces is intrigued by Aquarius’ innovative ideas. But Aquarius has difficulty coping with emotional Pisces. The relationship takes work to sustain.
Pisces-Pisces
Compatibility Rating: 8/10
A shared approach to life brings Pisces pairs together. They understand each other’s emotional nature. The downside is both can be passive and overly sacrificing.
Key Compatibility Factors
- Pisces gets along best with fellow water signs Cancer and Scorpio.
- Earth signs like Taurus are usually too practical for mystical Pisces.
- Fire signs like Aries may be too aggressive and impatient.
- Air signs like Gemini connect intellectually but not emotionally.
In summary, Pisces compatibility depends a lot on whether the other sign shares their emotional, spiritual approach to life. Water and fellow mutable signs get Pisces most, while earth and fire signs may conflict more.
Famous People with Pisces Sun Sign
Many celebrities, historical figures, and artists fall under the Pisces sun sign. Here are just a few of the most notable Pisces representatives:
| Name | Birthday | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Einstein | March 14, 1879 | Theoretical Physicist |
| Rihanna | February 20, 1988 | Singer |
| Steve Jobs | February 24, 1955 | Entrepreneur |
| Elizabeth Taylor | February 27, 1932 | Actress |
| George Harrison | February 25, 1943 | Musician |
There are many more famous Pisces still impacting the world today, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Adam Levine, Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Underwood, and Bruce Willis. Pisces are clearly drawn to creative self-expression through art, film, music, and writing. Their empathy and imaginative gifts contribute to human culture.
Conclusion
In summary, the constellation Pisces represents the Greek myth of the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros transforming into fish and joining tails to escape danger. Although Pisces depicts two fish, rather than gods, it was named after this divine pair. Beyond just the Greeks, fish have symbolized fertility, wisdom, and faith throughout Near East and European mythology.
The Pisces zodiac sign has come to represent the dual nature of life, emotional depth, intuition, creativity, spirituality, and growth. Pisces personality is complex, but tends to pair best with fellow water signs and some mutable signs who appreciate their compassionate nature. Many famous figures in the arts and humanities have been born under the Pisces sun sign, using its gifts of imagination and empathy.