Pisces Zodiac Sign Guide

Pisces Season

Welcome to the season of daydreams, the antidote to winter's cold weather funk. This is a time when curling up under a blanket to wait out the last days of winter is perfectly acceptable, when you might feel a sudden urge to pick up a romance novel or trade Netflix for a Hallmark movie. Allow yourself to merge with the characters and experience the cleansing release of a good cry. There's no better time than now to journal about what you're looking to manifest in the coming spring. Watery Pisces will support you in going deep, feeling all your feelings of longing for a soul-satisfying career or finding true love. After Aquarius Season exerted its pull to the head, Pisces shoots back with a no-holds-barred pull to the heart, softly whispering, "When you follow your heart, where does it lead?"

Neptune beckons you to seek answers which may have eluded you, enabling you to get clear on your goals, the first step in manifestation. Everyone is more apt to pick up on signs, symbols, and messages from the Universe, so give credence to synchronicities as being more than coincidences, and get less caught up in the cold, hard facts. If you escape from "what is" long enough to really open your heart and mind, you might just find that what you thought were objective facts are limiting beliefs in disguise, and much more mutable than fixed. But beware that Neptune is also a master of the mists of illusion, so it's a helpful time to seek out spiritual guidance or speak to a psychic advisor to validate your intuitive hunches.

Everyone can benefit from Pisces Season, as a time of healing, mystical visioning, and tender romance. The gentle tolerance and imagination of this sign becomes more visible in everyone who feels the influence of Pisces Season. Use this season as time to cultivate compassion, reframe negative experiences as soul lessons, release grudges, and let yourself be vulnerable. You'll be rewarded with greater insight, passion, and depth in all your relationships.

Pisces Element

Like Scorpio and Cancer, Pisces Element is Water, with the force and depth of the ocean. It is the most emotionally fluid of the water signs because its mutable nature is not mitigated by Fixed or Cardinal tendencies. This amplifies water's tendency to flow freely, to blend, and to effortlessly shape-shift. It pushes Pisces to merge with others' emotions, to meld with others' identities, to intuitively grasp humanity's collective unconscious, and to change from moment to moment in order to adapt to their surroundings.

By its very nature, water resists boundaries and limits. Pisces are natural Empaths who feel others' emotions as if they were experiencing them directly. They're often unsure where the other person ends and where they begin, and so they can easily lose sight of their own needs and even identity.

Even when the ocean appears calm, there is always movement below the surface. This gives Pisces an emotional depth and range that few signs, other than water signs, know what to do with. Pisces prefers to explore the deepest waters -- emotionally, spiritually, artistically, and intellectually. Indeed, Pisces swims so deep, it easily finds itself pulled by the currents to Atlantis, lost in an undiscovered world of mystery and fantasy at the bottom of the sea.

Pisces Mode

Pisces Mode is Mutable, meaning that it comes at the end of a season or signifies the end of a cycle. Because Pisces is ruled by water, which by its very nature encourages emotional flow, Pisces' mutable mode is further amplified, sometimes to the extreme. Like romantic artists and poets who go mad with unbridled emotionality, or rock stars who find drugs and fame at a young age, Pisces need to learn how to navigate their naturally unrestrained tendencies so as not become engulfed in the choppy waters of Neptune.

The gift of a mutable sign is adaptability; its weakness is avoidance. Sensing conflict, the fish swims away rather than confront it. Pisces can easily generalize this response to everything, from reality to tough decisions to interpersonal relationships, striking others as flakey and impossible to pin down. For this fish, blending in to their surroundings and being impossible to predict are two important self-defense mechanisms they can learn to use to their advantage.

Pisces Personality

The Pisces personality is the Empath in empathy. All Water signs are emotionally intelligent and perceptive, but where Cancer will perceive other's feelings, and Scorpio will analyze their hidden emotions, Pisces feels others' feelings and experiences as their own. Finely attuned to the suffering of others, Pisces understands without words, not unlike the way a fish feels sound vibrations before seeing or hearing a disturbance in the ocean. Pisces are magnets for the mistreated and express their love of humanity through individual acts of kindness and charity, unlike the altruistic Aquarius, who wants to address human suffering by creating social change. Pisces sees the broader connections but chooses to respond as an individual, from the heart. Gentle, non-confrontative Pisces are sometimes mistaken for weak, but their Water Element is a powerful and purifying life force that can reach into places no other element can.

Pisces is on a similar journey as Cancer, to understand boundaries between the self and other, the subjective and objective experience. In merging with others, they risk losing themselves and are prone to take on the role of martyr or victim. If learning these lessons isn't enough, Pisces also has a unique karmic lesson to learn in balancing the extreme tendencies of their nature. To have a fulfilling life, they need to learn to navigate out of the world of fantasy and imagination to which they escape. While it's necessary for Pisces to get lost in imagination, sometimes they can get so caught up in believing their own fantasies, they'll lie to themselves and others, stay in toxic relationships, and stubbornly refuse to see the truth that stares them in the face. By learning to balance this tendency Pisces are better able to maintain healthy and satisfying relationships with the people they care about, whether they're friends, family, or the homeless person they pass on the street.

Like other Water signs, they often expect others to intuit what they need rather than express their needs directly. They give more than they take, and they seldom ask for what they need. They need love and affection. They crave passion, romance, and deep conversations. They fear the loss of love. They can be highly impractical and spend a lot of time zoning out. Without a pragmatic partner (or some pragmatic planets in their birth chart), they can be blinded by their emotions.

If there's a Pisces in your life, you know there's an alluring, child-like playfulness about them. All that fantasy and escapism is a manifestation of the imaginative inner child present within the adult Pisces. As the friend, partner, or parent of a Pisces, it's helpful to see that inner child as the source of Pisces creativity and emotional sensitivity. Respect, nurture, and protect this innocent inner spark of light, and Pisces will reward you with extraordinary creativity, loyalty, and support, sprinkled with stardust.

Pisces Man

It is said that the Pisces man has "the heart of a poet and the soul of a mystic." His tenderness and caring reflects the unity of the masculine and feminine duality of his nature. Along his life journey, he has experienced the depths of pain and ecstasies of love many times over, convinced every time he has fallen in love, that he has found "The One." Like the romantic and chivalrous Don Quixote, he falls in love with Love. When he realizes that the real person is not the imagined beloved, the tragedy breaks his heart, as evidenced by his sleeve. The quest continues and the cycle repeats till he at last 'comes home' to his true soul mate.

The Pisces man needs to create, and the process of creating is deeply spiritual. To create, he needs freedom from rules and structure, giving him the space to lose himself in the process. He may be up for hours, skip meals, and lose track of time. When he finally emerges with his song, poem, or artistic creation, expect him to be sensitive and protective of it; he does not respond well to criticism.

Considered the chameleons of the zodiac, the Pisces man adapts himself to his surroundings and to others' expectations of him. He's exceptionally good at playing whatever role is asked of him, but he does it so well that the boundaries blur and he can convince himself and others that the mirage is real. This may lead him to stay in a job or relationship that doesn't suit him, and he may lie about it because he simply doesn't know the truth anymore. If he senses he's not meeting expectations, he'll distract himself with irrelevant details to avoid the self-torture that comes with letting people down. Yet his inclination to take alone time is critical, not only because it allows him to tap into his creativity, but also because it offers a window to his soul which may have become clouded by illusion. The Pisces man is on a constant quest for identity. Time alone allows him to remind himself of who he is.

You can read more about the rewards and challenges of Loving a Pisces Man in this article by Psychic Iris which further describes Pisces characteristics.

Pisces Woman

Like her male counterpart, the Pisces woman personality is dreamy, romantic, and otherworldly. She appears as a Goddess or High Priestess, softness and femininity personified, yet there is an inner strength about her too: possessing the wisdom of an Old Soul and an emotional depth that eschews small talk and casual connections. She possesses the insight of a psychic, the magic of an alchemist, and the voice of a Siren. She naturally draws people to her.

On a less ethereal note, she sentimental and kind. She loves animals and fights for the underdog. She favors a Bohemian style of dress and décor, and she's likely to have at least one alter set up in her home or studio with candles, crystals, sacred objects, and a yoga mat or meditation cushion. She's surrounded by the tools and instruments of the artist, writer, musician, or craft of her choosing. Her surroundings tend to be beautiful yet cluttered, just as her attention can be scattered; her focus shifts from one idea to the next, forgetting the thought that preceded it. Yet she can speak at great length (write, compose, sing, create art) about unrequited love, tragic love stories, and missed connections, directly from experience.

The Pisces woman is very likely to be influenced by other's opinions and feedback. She can be hard on herself. She'll do her best to fit in; she does not want to let anyone down. Even when she senses insincerity, there's a good chance that she will tolerate it or explain it away because she intuitively sees a big picture of strengths and weaknesses, wrapped up with good intentions. She is easily consumed by other people's problems and often attracts emotionally unstable people. A bit of an enabler, she gives people lots of chances, but when she's reached her limit, she won't end it with a dramatic closing scene. She will simply disappear into the water and swim away.

Pisces Strengths

Pisces are compassionate and forgiving. Inspired and intuitive, they see the possibilities in people and situations. They'll give their last dollar to help someone out, and they will always put their relationship first.

They're adaptable and can go with the flow, so people see them as good-natured, fun, and easy to be around. They can be very accommodating because they hate saying no, and they're always optimistically unrealistic that they can get everything done. They have a charming, playful spirit and an extraordinary imagination.

Pisces are creative visionaries. They process information visually, and their dominant right brain is always at work. While they readily engage others and can appear social, they tend to personally hold back, rarely sharing the fullness of their inner lives with other people. Instead, they channel these worlds into their art, with a level of creativity that can change the world.

Pisces Weaknesses

Pisces personality weaknesses may include naiveté, moodiness, fearfulness, and a tendency to play the victim. Pisces is a sign of inner obsessions and creative intensity, prone to excess and abusing drugs or alcohol to escape from the disappointment they feel when their creative expression doesn't live up to the images they carry inside them. Fearing that their own imaginative powers may not be sufficient, drugs and alcohol can drive them to push past the boundaries they perceive within themselves, forgetting that the power to break through any creative block is already a part of who they are. Because they merge so naturally with other people, their work, and things outside themselves, the loss of self-identity is always a risk.

Because they care so deeply and struggle with codependency, they often get pulled into dramas and overly involved in people's lives. Their love for others can be smothering or enabling, and they can be easily manipulated or taken advantage of. They worry about others a lot. While they're supremely adaptable to external situations, they need to learn how to let go of their own internal demons.

Other personality weaknesses of the Pisces zodiac sign are a tendency to approach life with lots of ideas, but no follow-through, especially in matters which are more practical or mundane. They are idea people but may need others to bring their ideas to fruition.

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Dating a Pisces

Pisces' ruling planet, Neptune, expresses a feminine energy that is more of a receiver than an initiator. Pisces are open and receptive to overtures, and they have a knack for encouraging others to talk about themselves. A less sensitive person may not notice till the end of the evening that Pisces had actually shared very little about themselves, although they most certainly will walk away with the impression of a sensitive and introspective person.

To pique a Pisces' interest, the conversation needs to have emotional depth and a bit of an intellectual bent. Superficial chatter will bore them, but any display of emotional vulnerability or insight will spark their interest. If you're lucky enough to land a second date, you'll be struck by how sensitive, romantic, and spontaneous a Pisces can be. Don't expect this sign to date casually or hook up quickly. Pisces knows they fall in love quickly and fall hard, so they shyly guard their sensitive hearts. Too many times, they've fallen in love with potential and not reality.

The perfect date for a Pisces is a walk on the beach enjoying stimulating conversation as you listen to the sounds of the ocean waves and watch the sunset together. This sign enjoys public displays of affection that demonstrate how much they care about their partner. Dining out at a quiet romantic restaurant is great, and dining in with wine, candles and a romantic fire is even better.

Pisces Expectations in Relationship

Pisces expects their relationship to be the great romance of poetry and fairy tales. Pisces will fall deeply in love, and their genuine warmth will carry you with them. If you are even a bit blunt, resistant to spontaneity, or don't like a more laid-back lifestyle, a Pisces may not be right for you. Gentle, caring, and extremely loyal, Pisces values faithfulness in all aspects of a relationship. They don't need much more than little, everyday romantic signs of affection to keep the feelings flowing. Post-it notes with sweet messages, candlelight at the dinner table, a dandelion plucked from the yard before entering the house, the casual offer of a back massage are all ways that support their naturally happy-go-lucky demeanor.

The challenge in maintaining a relationship with a Pisces is that even with constant reassurance, you still need to pry them open for them to express their contradictory, difficult feelings. As much as they intuitively understand and accept messy truths and inconsistencies when other people express themselves, emotionally fragile Pisces want to downplay and deflect their own. When their feelings finally do come out, it's often in a jumble; they're scattered and hard to follow. This only exasperates them further and makes them regret saying anything at all. They may project their frustration onto you, saying they don't feel heard or validated, that it's not what you said but how you said it. Suddenly they're feeling like a victim, and you're feeling like you've been baited by a fish. Secretly, they wished you could have simply intuited what they were feeling without them having to explain it, which is what started the whole mess. Fortunately, Pisces is able to let go and move on.

Pisces and Sex

Thanks to Neptune and their Water Element, Pisces sex is steamy, passionate, soulful, and erotic. They love fantasizing about sex. They're partial to a little pillow talk and love foreplay. Kinky fetishes are not off the table. Though they tend to be submissive, they intuitively understand their partner's needs and will do their best to fulfill them. Sex for Pisces is a spiritual union, preceded and followed by lots of kissing and cuddling.

Best Compatibility with Pisces

Due to their deep emotionality, the most compatible signs with Pisces are other Water Signs -- specifically Scorpio and Cancer, where there is an intuitive understanding without words. Other potentially compatible matches are Earth signs Taurus and Capricorn, if they can handle Pisces' deep, roiling currents.

Fire and Air Signs are least compatible with Pisces. Of these, a fatal attraction between Pisces and Gemini, sparked by amazing conversation and a sense of playfulness can quickly fizzle when Gemini's need for space is triggered by Pisces need for depth.

Keep in mind that compatibility is driven by more than your Sun Sign and its associated Element and Mode. Knowing where the Ascendant, Moon and Venus appear in your chart and that of your partner or person of interest can help you understand zodiac combability at a deeper level as these positions can mitigate or overcome incompatibility at the Sun Sign level.

Pisces and Cancer

What a wonderful match this would be! Both signs are highly intuitive, loving and cherish communication. Given their natural ability to connect with a higher sense of knowing, this match shows great confidence in their ability to understand the wants and needs of their partner. They complement one another's strengths beautifully. For example, Cancer is likely to take control of some of the more practical aspects of the relationship, particularly around home and finances, while Pisces leans towards providing more of the emotional support for the family. Beware that this relationship can devolve into a pity party if both partners are feeling down.

Pisces and Scorpio

Loyalty and possessiveness are prominent characteristics in a Pisces/Scorpio relationship. While many may view this as a negative, with these signs, it works. Scorpio's strength feels protective to sensitive Pisces, and Scorpio's tendency to take initiative and manage the finances relieves Pisces of that pressure. Pisces provides a healing, spiritual balm for Scorpio's intensity and inspires Scorpio's innate creativity. Both signs value privacy and both view sex in similar ways, valuing the spiritual union of lovemaking. Pisces adapts to Scorpio's stubbornness but needs to take a stand on things that are most important lest Scorpio railroad over their preferences. When committed, this relationship has a strong bond of security which is of high importance to this loyal couple.

Pisces and Taurus

This is a complimentary partnership where each brings to the relationship a strength that the other admires and lacks, while still sharing similar traits and values. Pisces and Taurus are passionate, romantic signs, sentimental and caring. These signs place a high value on commitment and trust in their relationship, as well as sex, though sexually they express themselves in different ways. Taurus needs a strong physical connection and Pisces needs a strong emotional connection. Pisces is a bit naïve and emotional, and the practical and pragmatic Taurus is protective of their sensitive Pisces while providing a strong foundation for the relationship. Beware that Taurus' directness can feel hurtful, and Pisces' flakiness can frustrate Taurus' desire for predictability.

Pisces and Capricorn

Another complementary pairing for Pisces is Capricorn, as both signs seek harmony over disagreements and a long term, loyal partnership. Capricorn grounds the relationship by providing stability and practicality, while Pisces brings a sense of idealism, romance, and sensitivity. Pisces insecurities tend to be more visible and Capricorn's more hidden, but both partners will feel compelled to offer reassurance and support to one another. The potential hot spot in the relationship is around finances, with ambitious Capricorn appearing to spiritual Pisces as highly materialistic, and Pisces as generous to a fault. With compromise in this regard, this can be a fulfilling long term match.

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The Pisces Mother

Positive qualities that a Pisces mother possesses are an intuitive nature, a sweet disposition, and a carefree tolerance. Pisces mothers enjoy embellishing storytime with fantastic digressions, singing songs, and doing arts and crafts. Challenges for the Pisces mother are a tendency to be very overly protective and manipulative; she doesn't model healthy boundaries. She can guilt-trip her children into decisions, especially as they come to experience her emotional fragility.

The Pisces Father

Positive qualities of the Pisces father are that he is dreamy, artistic, and sensitive to his children's needs. Challenges for the Pisces father are a tendency to be a daydreamer, zoning out when the children need structure or discipline. This Dad loves to see his children's creativity and talents but can be oblivious to their kids acting out of control.