Pisces is one of the 12 zodiac signs and its glyph or symbol resembles two fish swimming in opposite directions. This sign is associated with the planet Neptune and is considered a mutable water sign in astrology. But is Pisces actually a god or goddess from mythology? Let’s take a closer look.
Quick Answer
No, Pisces is not a specific god or goddess from mythology. The name and symbolism of the Pisces zodiac sign come from the constellation of the same name, which represents a pair of fish. Although the fish in the Pisces constellation are not tied to one particular god or goddess, the constellation and astrological sign have been associated with various water deities in different mythologies.
Constellation Origins
The Pisces constellation is among the oldest known constellations, dating back to ancient Babylonian astronomers around 2000 BC. It was one of the original constellations charted by the Babylonians and was known as the Great Fish. The Pisces constellation is located between Aquarius to the west and Aries to the east.
In Greek mythology, the Pisces constellation was sometimes associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and her son Eros. According to one myth, Aphrodite and Eros transformed themselves into fish and tied themselves together with rope to evade the monster Typhon. This myth led to the depiction of two fish bound together, as we see in the Pisces constellation pattern and astrological symbol.
Pisces Symbolism
The astrological symbol for Pisces, featuring two fish swimming in opposite directions, is based on theconstellation. The fish represent duality and working in harmony, drawing on Pisces’ mutable quality. They are typically shown tied together with string, representing unity between dualities.
Though the two fish are not specifically named, they have been called different names depending on the source. In Greek mythology, the West fish is sometimes called Aphrodite and the East fish called Eros. In Roman mythology, the West and East fish are dubbed Venus and Cupid after the Roman names for Aphrodite and Eros.
Possible Water Deity Connections
While there is no definitive god or goddess named Pisces in mythology, the Pisces zodiac sign has been associated with various water deities over the centuries. Some potential connections include:
Aphrodite
The Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility was linked to the constellation myth of two fish representing her and her son Eros. Her Roman counterpart is Venus.
Poseidon
The Greek god of the sea was associated with ocean creatures like fish. His Roman counterpart is Neptune.
Ea
An ancient Babylonian god of water and wisdom who was sometimes depicted with the tail of a fish.
Oannes
A fish-like deity from ancient Sumerian mythology who taught mankind wisdom.
Matsya
The fish avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu who warned Manu of an impending great flood.
Pisces in Astrology
In astrology, Pisces is the 12th and final sign of the zodiac. It spans 330°–360° of the zodiac, falling between February 19 and March 20 in the tropical zodiac. Pisces is associated with intuition, creativity, spirituality, empathy, and sacrifice. Its ruling planet is Neptune.
Here are some key astrological associations for the sign of Pisces:
| Zodiac Element | Water |
|---|---|
| Zodiac Modality | Mutable |
| Zodiac Ruler | Planet Neptune |
| Associated House | 12th House of Spirituality |
People born under the Pisces sign are thought to be empathetic, spiritual, compassionate, and artistically gifted. However, they can also struggle with indecision, escapism, and victimhood mentality. The Pisces personality is complex and multifaceted.
Pisces in Mythology
While Pisces does not refer to a specific deity, the constellation and zodiac sign have appeared in a variety of mythological traditions and folklore:
Greek Mythology
The Pisces constellation is mentioned in the story of Aphrodite and Eros disguising themselves as fish to escape Typhon. Pisces was also said to be associated with the Greek monster Scylla, who had a fish tail.
Australian Aboriginal Mythology
Some Aboriginal groups saw the Pisces constellation as a shark or whale, important creatures in their culture.
Hindu Mythology
The Lunar Mansions linked to Pisces refer to a female demon named Revati associated with prosperity.
Polynesian Mythology
The Polynesians viewed Pisces as a porpoise, which they considered a messenger of the sea gods.
Ancient Sumerian Mythology
The ancient Sumerians saw Pisces as representing two zappu, or small fish, which were sacred to the goddess Nanshe.
Conclusion
In summary, Pisces is not the name of a specific deity in mythology, but the constellation and zodiac sign have taken on rich mythological and folkloric significance across many cultures. The imagery of its twin fish has connected it to various water gods and goddesses, creation stories, and underworld figures. While Pisces lacks a definite origin story, its astrological associations with creativity, empathy, spirituality, and the unconscious continue to intrigue us.