Pisces (February 19 to March 21)

by: Alfred F. Seward

Those who enter the arena of life while this sign is in the ascendant are usually of pleasing appearance, with full faces, dreamy, peaceful eyes and a generally retiring demeanor. They are not inclined to erect carriages, being frequently stoop shouldered.

These people do not belie their personal appearance. They are thoughtful and peaceful by nature and they seem to have become bowed down under the weight of cares of the world which they take voluntarily upon themselves.

Deep and most kindly sympathy for the afflicted, distressed and suffering among their fellowmen is very characteristic of this sign.

They have an intense desire to acquire knowledge of all kinds, preferring, however, to acquaint themselves with scientific and philosophical subjects.

With all this, however, they are extremely modest and are never guilty of the bad taste of parading their knowledge or making a display of their learning.

Their modesty, which so often stands in the way of their best interests, is augmented by a lack of confidence in themselves, no matter how great their abilities and attainments.

The acquisitiveness and retentiveness of the Pisces mind, where knowledge and information is involved, make them sometimes veritable “walking encyclopedias,” yet even in such cases they betray a woeful lack of self-confidence.

They may devote much thought and study to a subject, and acquire the fullest knowledge of it from every possible source, becoming satisfied in their own minds that they have arrived at the truth concerning it—and still hesitate to present their views to the public.

The more honest and honorable they are the greater their hesitancy. They seem to fear that they may not be able to fulfill their promises, or that the world will exact more of them than they can fulfill.

Add to these traits a boundless generosity and absolute unselfishness, and the reason is plain why these Pisces people are so frequently found occupying stations in life far below their real deserts.

Pisces people are very sensible folk, careful, anxious and somewhat restless.

Especially are they concerned about money matters, and anxious to make such provision for the future as will assure them an independent living. They take commendable pride in the feeling that they are not indebted to anyone for whatever they may possess, and that they fairly earn all they may receive. This sentiment affords them double pleasure in the enjoyment of the fruits of their labors.

They instinctively shrink from placing themselves under obligations to others, and are extremely reluctant to ask favors or accommodations for themselves.

These people are absolutely trustworthy and honorable in all their relations with their fellowmen. With proper training they become ideal cashiers, bookkeepers and accountants.

Possessing so strict a sense of honor and fidelity, and being simple-hearted and unsuspicious, Pisces people usually believe other men to be equally honest and reliable. This makes them easy victims of shrewd and unscrupulous schemers, and their disappointment at such times is very great.

People who realize the kindness and self-effacement of these people often make use of them to advance their own fortunes, and, so far from feeling resentment, the patient, liberal-souled Pisces person rejoices in the success to which he has contributed. It does not occur to him that he may have practically robbed himself of splendid opportunities by his unselfishness and lack of self-seeking; nor would it make any difference if he knew such to be the case.

This whole-hearted generosity is at once one of the most lovable and the least commendable traits of the Pisces character. No man has a right to be generous before he is just; and justice demands that he shall not suffer by his openhandedness. Yet the people of this sign will often deprive themselves greatly in order to help others, and then bemoan their inability to give more.

This phase of character seems to contradict their concern as to financial matters, yet it is but an indication of their entire lack of self love. They think it would be unfair to let anyone else suffer if they could prevent it, and that they themselves are of so little account they need not be considered.

This feeling will account for their anxiety for the future. Holding themselves so cheaply they imagine that others place a low valuation on them and their accomplishments and fear the time may come when they will not be able successful to compete with others. They have a further tendency to gloomy foreboding, and imagine countless evils where none exist. They are heavy borrowers at the bank of trouble, and cross many a bridge they never reach.

Pisces people will find a limited amount of travel very beneficial and their natural inclinations in this direction should be gratified as far as possible.

They love beauty in art and nature, and are fond of wide expanses of sea or land. Spring scenes, particularly in early morning, fill them with quiet enjoyment, although they are almost equally happy in the peaceful twilight shading softly into dusk.

Placidity and calmness are parts of the Pisces nature, and these people should cultivate these characteristics, avoiding worry and anxiety, especially in business affairs.

Some of the most noted and successful financiers in the world have come out of this sign. They are attentive to details, accurate and absolutely upright—qualifications which are essential to success in finance.

Many people of this sign become musicians, artists, art critics, poets and writers. They have an unfailing instinct for the picturesque and their work in every line gives evidence of the noble, simple, humanity-loving nature which animates it.

Having once made choice of an occupation or vocation, Pisces people usually adhere to it, or to some line of activity related to it, throughout their lives. It will be seen then, that it is of the utmost importance that they should make a wise choice and enter a calling for which they are best fitted by nature.

They should choose a “field” where there are plenty of opportunities for advancement, and where their unquestionable capacity for work, their fidelity to trust, and their readiness to learn will be recognized and rewarded. In such a field their success is assured.

These people are particularly clean-minded, and have no place in their hearts for anything that savors of impurity, vulgarity or coarseness.

They are deeply religious, but become at times intolerant in the fervor of their attachment to some particular creed or church.

The women of this sign are exceedingly fond of home and its environment when they have overcome or satisfied their inborn restlessness and desire to travel. Then they become truly ideal wives and mothers, and display more excellent taste and skill in the adornment and conduct of their homes.

The most advantageous arrangement that can be made by people in this sign is to associate themselves either socially or in business life with someone who possesses more originality than themselves, because while Pisces people are capable of carrying out the plans and suggestions of others brilliantly and carefully, they do not possess the initiative to plan or invent new projects and improvements. Great mutual benefits should arise from association with Capricorn (Dec. 21 to Jan. 20), whether the connection be marital, commercial or merely friendly.

By some irony of fate, however, Pisces people almost invariably offer their devotion at the shrine of those from Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 23) and their affection is heartily reciprocated. Fortunately they are seldom permitted to unite with Libra, those born in Capricorn (Dec. 21 to January 20) are by far the most desirable and will endure to eternity. Also attracted to Cancer, Virgo and Scorpio.

Men of this sign are fitted to adorn the legal profession. This strict sense of justice, their capacity for accumulating knowledge, and their magnetic personalities, inspiring others with a sense of their fairness and honesty, should fit them to win those cases in which they are ranged upon the side of truth and right.

The faults associated with this sign are not of a vicious nature; in fact, their untoward tendencies are practically the same as diseases, which may be removed by proper self treatment.

Fretfulness, impatience, over-anxiety and worrying are the faults which cause more trouble in this sign.

It is by no means rare that Pisces people age themselves prematurely by the loss of vitality caused by their diseased imaginations. They are in constant dread of accidents and calamities of all kinds, while as a matter of fact the greater part of their fears are groundless.

These people need the aid of a kind, firm and loving hand to lend them reassurance and self-confidence, and to guide them to the road that leads to fame and fortune. They are naturally inclined to self-censure, but are susceptible to earnest and disinterest advice from those in whom they believe.

They must learn to press forward with confidence in themselves and in the right, overcoming obstacles and resisting temptations, and in time will surely learn that often a seeming misfortune may prove to be a great blessing instead, opening the way to their highest triumphs.

Their nervous apprehension makes them morbid, restless, uncertain and sometimes drives them to the extremity of self-destruction.

Carelessness in habits, in dress, and in most of life’s affairs is another result of their abnormal mental condition due to excessive worry and anxiety.

Sometimes these people suddenly seize the courage of desperation, throw off the shackles of timidity and fear, and rebel violently against their lot. In such cases they lose all sense of propriety, propose and attempt the most absurd things and stoutly resist all attempts to placate them.

They are deaf to reason at such times, as well as to persuasion or advice, becoming more obstinate and stubborn the more one endeavors to bring them to their senses.

Undeveloped people of this sign frequently make themselves disagreeable by interrupting conversations without excuse, by asking silly or irrelevant questions, and by talking too freely.

These undeveloped people are not gifted with much judgment. They worry themselves sick over things they cannot help, and they impoverish themselves by giving way to their generous but misguided impulses.

All these defects in the Pisces character will yield to the influence of true wisdom. With their capacity and thirst for knowledge, these people surely can learn to be sensible. Meditation and the study of philosophy will help them greatly. They should frequently seek out some peaceful, quiet retreat, where they can commune with nature and search their beings for the cause of their distress.

Courage, confidence and perseverance—these three things are the greatest needs of the Pisces character. With these virtues developed as they can be, and backed by the truly sterling worth of those in this sign, there are no accomplishments beyond their powers, no heights to which they may not climb, no more helpful, successful and beneficent people in the world than they.

They have practically boundless possibilities for good, which they can attain by compelling the less worthy parts of their nature to acknowledge the supremacy of the higher; and in this task they will be aided by the powerful forces for good that radiate through them, in moments of calm receptivity, from the planets of the universe.

When their spiritual natures are developed, they are very agreeable and lovable persons, breathing purity and sweetness and spreading peace and contentment all about them.

With their faults drive out forever, the innate strength of their natures will enable them to command and achieve the highest measure of success in any walk of life.

Children born in this sign are unusually precocious and brilliant, exceedingly sensitive, and likely to early display their loving tendencies and generous impulses.

Parents and guardians should not fall into the error of believing that these traits of generosity and tendency to give away all they possess are desirable or praiseworthy in these children. Unless wisely restrained, these traits will grow to inordinate dimensions, to gratify which the children will sometimes get into the habit of taking things that do not belong to them that they may give to others.

These loving little ones should know nothing but constant love and uniform kindness. They must be taught habits of order and neatness, and their will power judiciously strengthened. One might better break the neck of Pisces child than attempt to break his will.

These people suffer from heart trouble, gout, dropsy, tumorous affections and disorders arising from impurities of the blood. People of this sign are also susceptible to infectious and contagious diseases, thus it is necessary to be careful, when epidemics are prevalent, to keep the blood and system in good order.

The occupations to which Pisces people are best suited are along the manufacturing sphere of life. They also make fine teachers, instructors, superintendents and pattern makers. Being naturally inventive they are particularly fitted for working out mechanical devices, as they are thoughtful, industrious, sensible and persevering and in their opinions they are logical and positive. They are also gifted along agricultural lines and are usually very successful in farming and stock-raising. They are fond of travel and should live near the sea.

Their minds naturally lean toward scientific and intellectual pursuits, although many renowned artists and actors as well as doctors, writes, designers and illustrators were born under this influence. They have an unfailing instinct for the picturesque and their work usually gives evidence of the noble, simple, humanity-loving nature which animates it. They are deeply emotional with a confining love-nature which is often imposed upon.

About the Author

Alfred F. Seward