Pisces the Fishes Zodiac Sign

Pisces contains that point in the sky occupied by the Sun during Vernal Equinox, the day on which the hours of daylight and night are equal, which falls about March 21. Therefore, Pisces claims the number one position of importance among the twelve constellations of the Zodiac.

According to Greek myth, there was a monstrous god named Typhon, who was determined to overthrow Zeus and his entire group of gods. So terrifying and powerful was the evil god that he caused the immortal followers of Zeus to flee into Egypt in exile. Zeus alone remained behind to do battle and eventually conquer Typhon. We are told that one day Aphrodite and her son Eros were walking along a riverbank when they sensed the presence of the monstrous god Typhon. Quickly they plunged into the river where they took the form of fishes and escaped. To this day, we see them as the Northern Fish and the Western Fish of Pisces.

Pisces was known by the Babylonians as Nunu, by the Persians as Mahik, and the Turks as Balik, all meaning "Fish." The Arabs also knew Pisces as Al Samakatain, or "the Two Fishes." The Syrians regarded fish as holy animals and so refused to eat them. The Chinese called Pisces at various times the Dark Warrior, the Northern Emperor, and the Pig. However, after missionaries were established in that country, the constellation became known popularly as the Two Fishes.

A German story illustrates the wealth-giving power of fishes and points out a moral for greedy humans. This story describes how Antenteh and his wife lived in very poor circumstances in a cabin by the sea. Their only possessions were a crude cabin and a tub. They had filled the tub with down and feathers from swans and geese so that they might, at least, have a place to sit and rest.

One day Antenteh caught a fish, which pulled and tugged so vehemently at the net that he decided to let the fish go back to the sea again. To the amazement of Antenteh, the fish started to speak to him. The fish told Antenteh that he was an enchanted prince and, in return for his release, Antenteh could ask for anything he desired. However, Antenteh was a simple soul and felt so honoured at having rescued a person of such nobility that he would not accept anything. However, when his wife heard the story, she became extremely angry with him for letting such an opportunity pass.

She nagged Antenteh until he went back to the shore, where he called for the fish, which instantly came swimming towards him. Rather embarrassed, Antenteh told the fish of his wife's wish for a house with furniture in it. The fish told him to leave everything to him and to return to his cabin. Antenteh did so where, instead of his cabin, he found a splendid house. If Antenteh's wife had not been so greedy, all might have ended well, but after a while, she wanted more.

She wished to be a queen and have a palace. Her wish was granted. Still not satisfied, she demanded to become a goddess. And that was the end of it all. The fish was furious at the insatiable desires of this woman. With one flip of his mighty tail he made everything Antenteh had been given disappear, and in its place there stood again the tub with feathers in the little cabin by the sea. A warning for those who have plenty, not to dare the gods and be too greedy!