History of Astrology
Is Pisces More than a Weeping Water Sign?
On fish mythology and keeping Pisces on your good side
--
(February 19th to March 20)*
Pisces wanders by the tide pools, turning over rocks to uncover hidden sea life. They’re a lagoon creature, an anxious little ball of energy. They’d rather disappear into a fictional seascape than have to start tomorrow all over again.
True, Pisces can become a bit of a daydreamer. But Pisces are also incredibly intuitive. They pick up on other people’s emotions. After all, isn’t that what all water signs do?
I have to admit, I’ve never really understood Pisces. Most other zodiac signs are painted in bold hues: they’re glittery go-getters, neon Post-It Note workaholics, or just plum crazy. When I think of Pisces, I think muted blues.
Sad fishie.
Even astrology columnist Aliza Kelly writing for Allure doesn’t have much to say about Pisces.
“Those with this sun sign must be wary of mirages,” writes Kelly. “These impressionable fish prefer wearing rose-colored glasses to addressing problems, which can earn Pisces a reputation for being flaky or delusional. This water sign should remember that problems can’t be solved by swimming away.”
Sad, delusional fishie?
What gives? Why is there so little information about this sign, the last in the zodiac? Does Pisces have any positive qualities that are often overshadowed, and what can we learn from this water sign? What does history and mythology have to say about Pisces — and fish in general?
What is going on with the weeping water sign?
Pisces from space
There are lots of notable stars and galaxies located within the constellation Pisces, but there’s also a lot of shifting happening in this corner of space.
This constellation isn’t the only aquatic entity in its corner of the night sky. Pisces is located near a cluster of other water-related constellations including Cetus, Aquarius, and Delfinus. Another fish constellation, Piscis Austrinus, is located in the southern hemisphere.
Pisces in Greek mythology
In Greek mythology, Pisces represents Aphrodite and Eros’ escape from Typhon. When the angry water titan chased down the gods on Olympus, the nature god Pan turned into a fish (Capricorn) and these two love gods followed suit. Aphrodite and her son Eros escaped into the Euphrates river until things settled down on land.
Pisces is also the last sign in the Western Zodiac, which makes this fish sort of an ‘old soul.’ Water has a long memory, after all. And Pisces signs correspond to The Moon in the tarot deck, which means that they are especially good at shadow work. Pisces are acutely aware of their darkness.
Pisces might be a sad fish, but they’re not delusional. They work to uncover and understand their darker tendencies — that’s enough to make anyone a little glum. While Pisces might not be as flashy as some of the other signs, they probably offer a level head and actionable advice.
Other mythological and cultural fish
Fish provide food, employment, and recreation. From large fishing operations to sustenance fishing, fish provide about 17% of the world’s meat. Fish also provide upwards of 70% of the nutrition available in coastal communities. The United Nations estimates that 10-12% of the world’s population relies on fishing for regular income.
Fishing is a vital food source and an equally important cultural practice. It makes sense, then that fishing resurfaces throughout world mythology.
Jonah and the Big Fish
In the world’s three major monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) we learn about the prophet Jonah and the big fish. Yes, in all three versions task-avoidant Jonah gets eaten by a ‘big fish’ although many adaptations of this story interpret this to mean a large, man-swallowing whale.
This fable warns against prejudice and avoiding one’s true calling, but it might also allude to peacekeeping during a time of mounting military conflicts between the Jews and Assyria.
Never judge a fish by its scales
Different fish may demonstrate different qualities, depending on which culture you’re looking at. While fish might be considered a lower incarnation in Buddhism, golden fish are a symbol of wealth and escape from suffering. Carp are associated with dragons in other Chinese myths.
Salmon are incredibly goal-oriented. “This king of fish will sometimes travel 2000 miles inland to spawn… only death can prevent it from reaching its goal, and only death will be its reward when it has reached it, as most species of salmon die soon after spawning,” says one archived volume of the UNESCO Courier. Could this be a sign not to judge a fish by its cover?
Several stories from around the world recount honest fishermen who agree to release wish-granting fish. Sometimes these fish return the favor; other times these fish were clever enough to escape their bitter end.
So if Pisces is a fish, perhaps it’s a bit more complicated than you’ve been led to believe. Perhaps they are a dedicated koi fish or a prosperous halibut, or a goth-as-hell creature from the deep.
Fish gods and merfolk around the world
Some other fish-deities and merfolk around the world include:
- Africa: Mami Wata and Yemoja
- Australia: Yawk Yawks and Ji-Merdiwa
- Babylonia and Assyria: Dagon, Oannes and Atargatis
- Eastern Asia: Japanese Ningyo, Thailand’s Golden Mermaid, Philippines Engkantos and Siyokoy
- India: Matsya, one incarnation of Vishnu
- Indigenous American: Lots of fish myths and fish deities
- Mediterranean: Glaucus, Triton, Poseidon, the Nereids and others
- Northern Europe: Aegir and Ran, Merrows, Nixe
Many of these mythical fish display dual natures. Mermaids can be seductive and deadly, or they can offer solace during storms. Mermen might be wrathful, or they might merely be algae-covered drunks.
All Zodiac signs — Pisces included — have positive and negative traits. Pisces may be creative, empathetic, and generous, but they can also be overly emotional to the point of being closed off.
However, one thing remains clear: upsetting any creature of the deep is incredibly dangerous.
So no matter who you’re dealing with, keep Pisces on your good side!
*Astrology is fun to explore, but it is not a science and should not be taken literally. History of Astrology aims to explore zodiac signs and spread curiosity, not offer advice.
