PISCES

Pisces is a notable constellation within the zodiac, primarily situated in the Northern celestial hemisphere. Its primary configuration, recognized in various European cultures since Greco-Roman antiquity, resembles a distant pair of fish connected by a single cord that converges at a central point. The constellation is represented by the old astronomical symbol ♓︎ and derives its name from the Latin word for “fishes.”

Positioned between Aquarius to the southwest, of comparable size, and the smaller Aries to the east, Pisces marks the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator. This unique celestial alignment occurs within Pisces and extends into Virgo. As a result, the sun, on average, traverses the sky directly overhead the equator at approximately this specific point during the March equinox.

History and mythology

The constellation Pisces finds its origins in a combination of Babylonian constellations. It incorporates elements from Šinunutu4, often referred to as “the great swallow,” situated in the western part of what is now considered Pisces, and Anunitum, associated with the “Lady of the Heaven,” potentially representing Inanna, in the location of the northern fish. Within the first-millennium BC texts known as the Astronomical Diaries, a segment of this constellation was also identified as DU.NU.NU, sometimes called Rikis-nu.mi, which translates to “the fish cord or ribbon.”

Greco-Roman period

Pisces is linked to the Greek myth featuring Aphrodite and her son Eros, who either transformed into fish to escape a threat or were saved by two fish. According to one Greek version, as recounted by Hyginus, Aphrodite and Eros were visiting Syria when they fled from the monstrous Typhon. To evade danger, they leaped into the Euphrates River and assumed the forms of fishes (Poeticon astronomicon 2.30, citing Diognetus Erythraeus). In the Roman version of the tale, Venus and Cupid (the Roman counterparts of Aphrodite and Eros) were carried away from the same peril on the backs of two fish (Ovid Fasti 2.457ff).

Another origin story, preserved by Hyginus in a different work, tells of an egg that rolled into the Euphrates. Some fish gently nudged the egg to the shore, where doves then incubated it until Aphrodite (later known as the Syrian Goddess) hatched from it. As a reward, the fish were placed in the heavens as a constellation (Fabulae 197). This narrative is also documented by the Third Vatican Mythographer.

Modern period

In 1690, the astronomer Johannes Hevelius, in his work “Firmamentum Sobiescianum,” divided the Pisces constellation into four subdivisions:[33]

• Piscis Boreus (the North Fish): Comprising stars σ, 68, 65, 67, ψ1, ψ2, ψ3, χ, φ, υ, 91, τ, 82, 78 Psc.
• Linum Boreum (the North Cord): Including stars χ, ρ, 94, VX (97), η, π, ο, and α Psc.
• Linum Austrinum (the South Cord): Encompassing stars α, ξ, ν, μ, ζ, ε, δ, 41, 35, and ω Psc.
• Piscis Austrinus (the South Fish): Consisting of stars ω, ι, θ, 7, β, 5, κ, 9, λ, and TX (19) Psc.

It’s worth noting that “Piscis Austrinus” more commonly refers to a separate constellation of its own.

In 1754, the botanist and author John Hill proposed the creation of a southern zone within Pisces, naming it Testudo (the Turtle). This zone included stars 24, 27, YY (30), 33, and 29 Psc, with the star 20 Psc representing the head of the turtle. Although Admiral Smyth mentioned this proposal, it received little attention from other astronomers and is now considered obsolete.

Western folklore

In German folklore, there’s a tale of Antenteh, a humble individual who possessed only a tub and a simple cabin. His life took a magical turn when he encountered two enchanted fish. These mystical fish offered him a wish, which he initially declined. However, at the insistence of his wife, he returned to the fish and wished for a splendidly furnished home. The wish was granted, but her desires continued to grow. She then wished to become a queen and to have a palace. However, when she dared to aspire to become a goddess, the fish became angered and reclaimed the palace and home, leaving the couple with just the tub and cabin once more. Interestingly, the tub is sometimes associated with the Great Square of Pegasus.

In non-Western astronomy

In Chinese astronomy, the stars of Pisces played a role in the formation of various constellations. Wai-ping, symbolizing the “Outer Enclosure,” was akin to a fence, preventing a pig farmer from venturing into the marshes and ensuring the pigs stayed within their confines. This constellation was represented by stars such as Alpha, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Mu, Nu, and Xi Piscium. The marshy terrain was symbolized by the four stars known as Phi Ceti. Additionally, the northern fish of Pisces contributed to the formation of the House of the Sandal constellation, known as Koui-siou.