The Origin Story of Pisces

Written By Eugene Wilson

Dates: February 19 – March 20
Element: Water
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planets: Jupiter (traditional), Neptune (modern)
Symbol: The Fishes

1. Historical Background

  • Babylonian Origins: In Babylonian astronomy, Pisces was associated with the goddess Anunitum and later with two fish connected by a cord, representing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

  • Greek Influence: The Greeks linked Pisces to the myth of Aphrodite (Venus) and Eros (Cupid) escaping the monster Typhon.

  • Roman Adoption: The Romans continued the Aphrodite and Eros story, preserving the symbolism of two bound fish as a sign of unity and mutual support.

2. The Myth of Aphrodite and Eros

  • The Threat: The monstrous Typhon, feared by both gods and mortals, emerged to challenge Olympus.

  • The Escape: To avoid capture, Aphrodite and her son Eros transformed into fish and leapt into the Euphrates River.

  • The Connection: To avoid losing each other in the current, they tied themselves together with a cord.

  • Divine Honor: Zeus placed their image in the sky as Pisces, honoring their cleverness and bond.

3. Astronomical Significance

  • Position in the Sky: Pisces is a faint constellation, marked by the “Circlet” asterism in the Western Fish and a line of stars forming the Eastern Fish.

  • Seasonal Marker: In ancient times, the Sun’s passage through Pisces coincided with the lead-up to the spring equinox, a period associated with renewal and change.

4. Symbolism and Modern Meaning

  • Unity: The tied fish represent deep emotional and spiritual bonds.

  • Adaptability: Water element and mutable modality reflect flexibility and empathy.

  • Neptune’s Influence: Adds creativity, intuition, and a dreamlike quality.

References:

  • Astrodienst (astro.com)

  • Cafe Astrology (cafeastrology.com)

  • Wikipedia – Pisces (astrology) & Pisces (constellation)

  • NASA Star Lore – Pisces

Eugene Wilson
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Pisces Traits & Personality