The Pisces–Virgo Axis
Reflections on the Pisces–Virgo Polarity within Christian Symbolism
Pisces sits across from Virgo on the zodiac wheel and its symbol likely alludes to this relationship. Virgo’s glyph is a modified M (♍) that houses a small fish which is appropriate considering Pisces represents its polarity.
In the Christian world, the Pisces-Virgo axis is seemingly preserved through the lore of Jesus and his mother. Mary, whose name starts with the familiar M-shape of the Virgo symbol, is clearly modeled after Virgo, the Stellar Virgin. She gives birth to Jesus who is often associated with Pisces and turns his disciples into “Fishers of Men”. It’s also worth noting that the Ichthys (aka the “Jesus Fish”) was an early symbol of Christianity.
Mary was also regarded as a guide and protector of seafarers and was once given the title Stella Maris, meaning “Star of the Sea.” Additionally, Virgo is often referred to as the Queen of Heaven, while the universe itself has been likened to a Celestial Ocean.
Symbolically, the womb is similar to an ocean which means its creatures, namely fish, could be considered her children. Similarly, an early Christian sermon referred to Jesus as "The little Fish which the Virgin caught from the fountain”.
The Pisces-Virgo polarity certainly goes deeper but these connections will have to do for now. As always, I’d love to know what you think.
The double tail mermaid, melusine or sheela na gig, comes to mind thinking about this axis. The head of a female, Virgo, with the bottom of two fish or tails, Pisces.
The axis between Virgo and Pisces can be read simply as a story about abundance. Virgo rules the wheat field: one seed planted in the earth returns as many grains in the ear. Pisces rules the sea: fish multiply in unseen depths, in overwhelming number. One gathers and prepares; the other overflows. The biblical miracle of the loaves and fishes (Gospel of Matthew 14:13–21) brings both symbols together. Bread and fish feed the multitude. Earth and water, labor and grace, unite to suggest that true multiplication arises from harmony within a larger cosmic order.