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This is the final article in a series exploring the astrological signs. In Western Astrology, the sky is divided into 12 equal sections, beginning with Aries at the Vernal Equinox and continuing through the rest of the zodiac. Exact dates for the beginning and ending of each sign vary from year to year. Please consult a qualified astrologer to verify your sun sign, and to get a more complete picture of your entire astrological chart. Although the following description applies especially to Pisces natives, it also applies in varying degrees for everyone, as we all have Pisces represented in our charts. A natal astrology chart drawn for those born between February 18 and March 20 shows the sun in the sign of Pisces (see note above regarding dates). Pisces is the final sign of the zodiac year, completing a developmental journey that begins with Aries and encompasses all the primary growth steps required of a soul learning about the human experience. Your role as a Pisces is to embrace and perfect the phase of transcendence. In your heart, you know that the human perspective is not the entire picture; this is both your blessing and your potential downfall. You walk with one foot in the physical reality and one foot in an alternate dimension, perhaps not sure which is to be favored at any one time. When you are in balance, you are able to be “in the world but not of it.” You know that many perceived realities are just illusions, and one of your gifts is your ability to rise above personal reactions and find spiritual solutions. Sometimes, however, it is a fine line between rising above difficult issues and merely avoiding them. The animals representing your sign are the Fishes. Artistic renderings show two fish swimming in opposite directions — one rising up out of the water and the other diving down into the waves. This is symbolic of the dual perspective required of you, Pisces, and also shows the confusion that can be involved in meeting that requirement. The fish rising out of the water is exposed to the air (mind) and is fulfilling physical needs (body) as it eats the insects flying above the surface. But it cannot survive out of its natural environment long, and must dive back down into the water (spirit). In the same way, your chosen path requires you to balance body, mind, and spirit, and yet you must always keep a spiritual perspective as your ultimate guide. Archetypes associated with Pisces show those who master the balance between realities. These are the Mystic, the Poet and the Visionary. The difficulty for Pisces is in learning to keep that one foot on the earth plane. Because of the yearning for mystical union, you may be tempted to spend as much time as possible in alternate realities. It is very fulfilling for you to lose track of time through meditation, prayer, and artistic/creative activities; it is also true that if you disappear completely into another world, you are negating part of your life purpose. You have chosen this physical life, indicating you also must learn from the interaction with and enjoyment of this reality. The less positive characteristics associated with Pisces emerge when the desire for a transcendent experience is not tempered by an understanding of the higher purpose involved. The archetypes that characterize this side of Pisces are the Drifter, the Victim, the Martyr/Rescuer and the Escapist. These personality types may be experiencing alternate realities, but at the expense of making a positive contribution to their own and others’ growth. This is your “divine choice,” Pisces: whether to focus your spiritual intent and idealism in creative activities that make a difference, or to dissipate your insights and energy through avoidance of reality. As a water sign, Pisces is guided primarily by heart-level vibrations. The emotions with which you feel most in tune are compassion, understanding, and universal love. Again, these must be balanced with a good dose of reality in order to be effective. It is easy to misuse compassion and become the Martyr/Rescuer if you do not acknowledge that each human being is ultimately responsible for his or her own welfare. It is also a short step from being a conduit for divine love to playing the Victim. Pisces is a “mutable” sign, indicating that you are flexible and adaptable to change. You may not be the one that others rely on for initiating projects, or for doing the practical work that allows an idea to come into form. Instead, your gifts are intuition, vision, and a sensitivity to the needs of others. Each sign is associated with a planet that carries similar energies; for Pisces, that planet is Neptune. Named for the god of the sea, Neptune is one of the “transpersonal” planets, meaning that its intent is to take us beyond personal or societal concerns, and into the realm of spiritual truth. The oceans that are Neptune’s realm are vast and mystical, representing both the yearning for reunion with the divine that is at the heart of Pisces’ motivation and the potential for losing oneself in the depths. The novel Moby Dick contains an appropriate metaphor for the Piscean experience, showing both the gift and the curse offered by the oceans. In describing the scene in which the character called Pip nearly drowns, Melville writes: “The sea had leeringly kept his finite body up, but drowned the infinite of his soul.” This symbolizes the danger of losing oneself through the less positive manifestations of Pisces — through addiction, escapism, excessive fantasy, or drug-induced altered states. The same paragraph also offers clues to the higher potential of Pisces. Melville writes that after his experience, Pip “went about the deck an idiot; such, at least, they said he was. He saw God’s foot upon the treadle of the loom, and spoke it; and therefore his shipmates called him mad.” As a Pisces, you have the potential for seeing divine truth in your everyday experience. Your challenge, however, is not to lose your self to that alternate reality, but to use your awareness to gain the self, and to help others find themselves as well. Pisces rules the feet, the ultimate support for your physical journey, and the parts that “stand under” the rest of you. In the Bible, Daniel interpreted a dream for King Nebuchadnezzar, wherein “feet of clay” indicated a lack of strength. If you have problems with your feet, see if your personal message relates to how well you are using your gift of spiritual “under-standing” in some area of your life. To maintain your balance between realities, it will help you to develop some of the positive qualities of Virgo, the sign directly opposite Pisces. The Virgoan traits of practicality and discrimination can help to anchor you in this reality and bring form to your vision. Pisces, you have a heightened sensitivity that enhances your awareness of other realities and other dimensions, through both spiritual and artistic outlets. When you remain grounded in this reality, you provide the connection between heaven and earth, offering others the benefits of your insights and your understanding. Pam Younghans is an astrologer and teacher, offering in-person consultations, phone readings, and classes in the Seattle area. For a consultation, to receive Pam’s complimentary weekly forecast by email, or if you have questions: call (425) 445-3775, email <astrologerpam@aol.com>, or see Pam’s website at <www.pamsastrology.freeservers.com/>. |
