The fish is universally recognized as the astrological symbol for the zodiac sign Pisces. But why is the fish the chosen mascot for Pisces? What is the history and meaning behind this zodiac symbol? In this article, we will explore the mythology and significance of the Pisces fish symbol.
The Story Behind the Pisces Fish Symbol
In Greek mythology, Pisces is associated with the ancient tale of Aphrodite and her son Eros escaping from the monster Typhon. To evade capture, the goddess and god transformed themselves into fish and dived into the Euphrates river. Their fish tails became eternally intertwined as they swam, linking them together. This iconic image of two fish swimming in opposite directions came to represent the twelfth sign of the zodiac.
There are several symbolic meanings behind the Pisces pair of fish:
- The duality of Pisces nature
- fluidity, changeability, and adaptability of water
- connection between the conscious and unconscious realms
- karmic lessons to be learned in the Pisces lifetime
The story also highlights Pisces’ association with water, creativity, and fantasy. As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces represents an ending of the cycle before it begins again with Aries. For this reason, Pisces is considered to be an old soul who is intuitive, artistic, and able to connect to other realms.
Detailed Meaning of the Pisces Fish Symbol
Let’s break down the intricate details contained within the Pisces fish symbol:
The Two Fish
The image of two fish swimming in opposite directions represents the dual nature of Pisces. This zodiac sign is symbolized by a pair of fish rather than a single one to depict its yin-and-yang sensibilities. Pisces natives are equally comfortable exploring their own inner contradictions as they are attuning to the natural rhythms of the universe. The dual fish illustrate the push and pull between Pisces’ conscious mind and their elusive, secretive unconscious.
Water
Water is the essential element of Pisces. As a mutable water sign, Pisces flows intuitively through life like a river, adjusting to outer circumstances while maintaining an inner calm. Water also signifies the depths of emotion, spirituality, and creativity associated with this zodiac sign. Pisces has access to profound wells of wisdom, imagination, and compassion within themselves and others.
Different Directions
The two fish swimming head to tail in opposite directions conveys Pisces’ ability to see both sides of any situation. Pisces intuitively understands diverse perspectives and integrates many paradoxes within their character. They are able to adapt to whatever changing circumstances come their way. The image of fish swimming also speaks to Pisces’ love of movement and adventure.
Being Tied Together
In the original Greek myth, Aphrodite and Eros’s fish tails become eternally knotted, binding them together. This represents Pisces’ karmic understanding of human connections. Pisces recognizes that their soul path is interdependent with loved ones and the collective unconscious. The tied fish convey Pisces’ empathy, compassion, and dedication to serving others however they can.
Pisces Fish Symbol in Astrology
In astrological contexts, the Pisces fish symbol informs us about the traits associated with those born under this sign. Let’s explore some of Pisces’ core qualities reflected by their zodiac glyph:
Emotional Depth
The fish live in the ocean’s deep, dark waters, representing Pisces’ profound emotions and intense psychic sensitivity. Pisces feel things intensely and are incredibly compassionate towards both human joy and suffering.
Spirituality
The ocean’s endless depths reflect Pisces’ concern with the spiritual unknowns. Pisces is the most mystical, philosophical sign of the zodiac, searching for deeper truths and meaning beyond material reality.
Creativity
Like their rolling, shifting waters, Pisces is extraordinarily creative and imaginative. Fantasy, art, dance, film, and music all speak to Pisces’ poetic soul.
Escapism
The image of fish diving into the water shows Pisces’ tendency to escape from life’s harsher realities into fantasy worlds. Their rich inner lives and dreams provide a refuge.
Illusion
The reflections on the water’s surface symbolize Pisces’ relationship with illusion and deceit. Pisces must guard against self-deception, vagueness, and evasiveness.
Intuition
As inhabitants of the subconscious ocean, the fish represent Pisces’ extraordinarily intuitive and even psychic nature. Pisces trusts their gut instincts.
Unboundedness
Fish can swim freely in all directions without restraint, conveying the boundless quality of Pisces. This mutable sign resists rigidity and closed mindedness.
In astrological charts, the Pisces glyph reveals much about the expression, strengths, and challenges of this compassionate, creative, and spiritually oriented sign.
Pisces Fish Symbol Through the Ages
The image of two fish has been used to represent Pisces dating all the way back to ancient Babylonian times. Here is a brief history of the Pisces symbol through the millennia:
Ancient Babylon
The Babylonian astrologers established the practice of associating Pisces with fish imagery over 3000 years ago. Their astrological texts describe the fish-god Oannes, considered an early incarnation of the Pisces archetype.
Ancient Greece & Rome
The Greek and Roman myth of Aphrodite and Eros disguised as fish established the Pisces symbol in Western culture. Their interlocked fish tails adorned astrological mosaics. Greeks called the constellation Ichthyes, meaning “the fishes.”
Ancient Egypt
Egyptians saw Pisces as two dolphins, considering them happy fish bringing joy and luck. They connected dolphins with music and creativity, core Pisces traits.
Christianity
Early Christians used the fish symbol to secretly identify themselves to each other when persecuted. Jesus became associated with fish imagery, from loaves and fishes to calling his disciples “fishers of men.”
Medieval Era
In medieval medical astrology, different body parts were linked to different zodiac signs. The feet were assigned to Pisces. Fish shapes can be seen on old manuscripts depicting foot bones and muscles.
Modern Astrology
Today the Pisces glyph is instantly recognizable, representing compassion, dreams, and mysticism. Its meanings have become more psychological in focus, although always linked to the mythic fish.
Across millennia, the fish remain the perfect visualization of Pisces’ oceanic consciousness.
Pisces Fish in Mythology and Culture
Beyond astrology, fish have symbolized many concepts across cultures, relating to Pisces’ traits. Here are just a few of the symbolic fish appearing in legend and folklore:
| Culture | Fish Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Greek | Aphrodite and Eros as fish |
| Roman | Fish sacred to Venus |
| Norse | Goldfish who pulls up the earth |
| Christian | Ichthys Jesus fish |
| Buddhist | Fish rescue the drowning man |
| Chinese | Carp represent perseverance |
| Native American | Salmon as givers of wisdom |
From koi ponds to mermaids, fish populate mythic cultural waters as symbols of fertility, femininity, miracles, and the mysteries of the deep. They reflect core Pisces values of patience, luck, spirituality, and fantasy.
The Pisces Fish in Modern Culture
The Pisces fish continue to make ripples through pop culture today. Here are some ways the twelfth zodiac sign’s iconic symbol appears in today’s media:
Fashion
The Pisces fish glyph features on jewelry, tattoos, t-shirts, and more, proudly worn by those born under this sign. Stylish Pisces gravitate towards oceanic color palettes and shimmery, flowing designs evoking fish scales and water.
Art
Paintings, photography, and sculpture showcasing fish and other aquatic life attract artistic Pisces’ sensibilities. They enjoy creating fantasy underwater scenes and marine animals. Salvador Dali captured Pisces surrealism in his melting fish paintings.
Movies & TV
Films featuring water, the ocean, and aquatic creatures appeal to Pisces’ affinity for the deep. Movies like The Shape of Water, Finding Nemo, and Titanic showcase Pisces themes. Merpeople of myth also fascinate Pisces, from Disney’s Ariel to aquatic X-Men heroine Storm.
Books
The fantastical adventures within books let Pisces’ imagination run free, especially magical water worlds. Fantasy novels like Harry Potter ride this wave, with its heroic character Luna Lovegood epitomizing Pisces whimsy.
Video Games
The mystical, watery world of games like BioShock and Abzu fully immerse Pisces. Following fish characters on their epic journeys through praised indie games like Owlboy and Night in the Woods also speaks to Pisces’ adventurous spirit.
In youth culture today, the Pisces fish continue making waves across fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. Their influence keeping flowing in popular culture!
Conclusion
The image of two fish swimming in tandem yet opposite directions perfectly encapsulates the essence of the sign of Pisces. This ancient astrological symbol speaks to Pisces’ deep emotions, spirituality, creativity, intuition, and connection to the mystical soul. The Pisces fish reflect core values of empathy, universality, and living attuned to larger cycles. Across cultures and millennia, the fish remain an apt representation of this zodiac sign’s compassionate, philosophical, and artistic nature.
So the next time you see a Pisces sporting the fish symbol, you can appreciate the rich mythic history and astrological significance behind this iconic zodiac glyph!