Pisces is the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac, known for being compassionate, artistic, intuitive, and sensitive. But there has been some debate around whether Pisces should be considered a “light” or “dark” sign. Light and dark don’t necessarily mean “good” and “bad” – rather, they refer to how responsive a sign is to the light and dark halves of the year. Let’s take a closer look at the symbolism, modality, element, ruling planets, and traits of Pisces to get a better understanding of where this sign falls on the light/dark spectrum.
Symbolism
The symbol for Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions, often tied together. This represents the duality of Pisces and their yin/yang sensibility. The fish have long been associated with divinity, miracles, and fertility – but also with the subconscious, emotions, and the soul. Pisces are comfortable exploring the light and the dark within themselves.
Modality
There are three modalities in astrology: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Pisces is a mutable sign, meaning they are adaptable and go with the flow. Mutable signs are seen as more receptive, able to blend with the dominant seasonal energies. This adaptability gives Pisces a changeable, fluctuating nature that responds well to the shifts between light and dark halves of the year.
Element
The element associated with Pisces is water. Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) are considered more responsive and open to the mysterious, cyclical rhythms of nature and the universe. Water is fluid, emotional, and intuitive. Pisces’ water element allows them to soak up vibrations from their environment – both positive and negative. They have a permeability that makes them naturally inclined to flow between light and darkness.
Ruling Planets
Pisces is ruled by the planets Jupiter and Neptune. Jupiter is the planet of growth, spirituality, truth-seeking, and abundance. Neptune is the planet of illusions, dreams, creativity, and mysticism. Neptune’s misty influence in particular gives Pisces an affinity for the mystical, supernatural realms. Neptune rules the shadows of the unconscious and the hidden, secret worlds. Pisces is comfortable exploring this terrain.
Traits
Here are some key Pisces traits that point to this sign’s receptiveness to the shifting tides of light and dark:
| Compassionate | This empathy allows them to understand light & dark motivations |
| Intuitive | Their intuition helps them interpret all kinds of energies |
| Impressionable | They absorb what’s around them, for better or worse |
| Dreamy | Pisces has one foot in everyday reality, one in the dream world |
| Ethereal | They seem to float between dimensions and states of being |
| Spiritual | Seeking enlightenment means integrating light and shadow sides |
Conclusion
Based on its mutable modality, water element, ruling planets like Neptune, and traits like intuition and impressionability, Pisces seems best categorized as a responsive, receptive “dark” sign. However, its compassion, spirituality, and dreaminess also allow it to soak up the light. Overall, Pisces has a porous, yin/yang nature that readily blends light and darkness. This sign can’t be pegged as solely light or solely dark – Pisces inhabits the liminal space between the two poles and navigates fluidly between them. At its best, Pisces integrates light and shadow, consciousness and the unconscious, in a holistic way. Pisces teaches us that living with openness to all aspects of life is the path to true wisdom.