Introduction
Pisces, a constellation found in the northern sky, derives its name from the Latin word for “fishes.” Its main stars, Alpha and Beta Pisces, represent two fish connected by a cord—an image steeped in mythology.
The Story of the Two Fishes
In ancient Greek mythology, the constellation Pisces is linked to the story of Aphrodite and her son Eros. Chased by the monster Typhon, they turned into fish and leaped into the Euphrates River. Learn more about Pisces here.
A different version of the myth depicts the goddess Venus and her son Cupid caught in a fishing net while swimming. They escaped by transforming into fish and swimming away.
The Fish in Other Cultures
The Pisces constellation’s two fish hold significance in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, they were called the “Great Fish” and linked to the goddess Isis. The Babylonians connected the fish with the god Ea, who ruled over freshwater, the sea, and wisdom.
In Christianity, the fish symbol has been a secret sign since the early days. It represents the apostles, who were “fishers of men,” and Christ, who performed miracles with fish.