We are a complicated bunch. Separate but equal. Connected but disconnected. A whole planet yet defined by borders. A planet swirling through a chaotic solar system yet in perfect balance. Pisces represents that great paradox we have inside and outside of us. It is meant to confuse us a bit, disarm our certainty. It is meant to take us to the edge of big questions. What does this all mean? What is this all about? Why am I here? What is even real?
Pisces revels in both the mystery and the form, the mystical and the palpable, opposing forces always striving to find balance.
The goal of Pisces is not to confuse us, though that can happen. It is meant to inspire us to wonder, to be bewildered in awe. It takes us to the edge of what we think we know, and it asks, “what if there is more?”. There is something both awesome and terrifying in that conundrum. There’s the Pisces paradox again.
Though complicated, we humans tend to prefer the simplicity of sameness. There is nothing wrong with that, of course. Clarity is comforting and necessary. Acceptance is important. When it becomes the prevailing underlying goal or expectation, though, the need for stasis can get us into trouble.
Uncertainty is the playground of Piscean realms and why it is the force most associated with the divine or mystical part of us. This elusive and maybe undefined right-brained part looks different for everyone. We all have it, though. And our inner mystic can be sourced via the best of us or the less than best. We see examples all around us. Hope and despair are two sides of the same coin, after all. Victor or victim. Selflessness or selfishness. Change or habit. Mystic or addict. We get to choose.
But how can we tell the difference between our highest and our lowest selves? How do we know which part is animating intention and making meaning? Those are the essential Piscean questions we are currently living, and the answers are everywhere (if we are open to actually seeing them).
To be sure, the ego loves nothing more than to appear spiritual. Thus, the shadow layers of Pisces are often found in hypocrisy, especially of the spiritual variety. It’s found in the conspirituality, bypassing, cognitive dissonance, addiction, and cultish tendencies that arise when our more selfish parts confuse themselves not as an extension of the divine but as the divine itself.
The light, of course, is found in hope and faith. It’s found in humble altruism and inspired intention. It’s found in synchronicity and intuitive grace that is without expectation or managing. It’s found in empathy, sacrifice, compassion, and the kind of listening that evokes refined understanding.
There is profound creativity within us. It is our responsibility to make sure which part is in charge of that creation.
This Full Moon in Pisces occurs close to the last degree of the sign and the last degree of the zodiac itself, ushering in all of these themes. Piscean times are ones of transition and the inevitability of change. Endings may be showing up in your life in the form of powerful beginnings and vice versa. The shifts are palpable. The waters compelling and profound. Piscean times are ripe with sensitivity, charged with feeling. No doubt we may want to run, hide, and breathe a bit. Soul tired is a real thing.
In truth, there are days we NEED that cave on the mountainside. So, if you need that, take it. There is value in the silence there. We are just not meant to live there for too long. We are needed topside. Pisces reminds us that the cave might be a great escape, but that’s not where the real work is. It reminds us that everything is spiritual (even the “real” world stuff), or nothing is. Authentic spirituality is not found by bypassing the hard times or vision boarding (ego praying) our way out of uncomfortable stuff. It also isn’t about slogging through continuous and unrelenting shadow material. There are no bad parts after all. There are just misguided or overemphasized ones. Authentic mysticism is about taking that wider perspective, evoking compassion, and curiosity to open the door to more questions.
The Sabian Symbol for this degree of the zodiac is LIGHT BREAKING INTO MANY COLORS AS IT PASSES THROUGH A PRISM.
Because mystical sight better understands the whole by studying the parts. It looks at the totality- both cause and effect. Where this Full Moon ignites in your chart will require some soul searching. Inner and outer, we are being called to task.
Maybe we need to look at our society and analyze the parts that are no longer working. Maybe we need to look at our inner parts and decide if the ones running the show are expressions of our most healed and whole selves. Maybe we need to redefine some words, messages, and ideas to align with our better angels. Maybe we need to ask if we are really living our ideals and values.
The sum of the parts defines the whole. When we break things down to their most simple components, when we get to the heart of the matter, often things not only get clearer but allow for actual improvement.
Though this image denotes separation, it also demonstrates interconnection. Before the prism divides into colors, it is simply light. This is a needed and necessary point as well.
Perhaps, this Full Moon is reminding us to clear our prism of any cloudy layers and misguided filters. Perhaps, it is reminding us of compassion and connection in both our inner and outer worlds. No doubt, there are plenty of opportunities to practice that right now. Perhaps, we are being asked to express our most brilliant color not to overshadow others but to add to the overall brilliance of the rainbow itself.
Because we are simply light interrupted. Let’s let our best selves shine.
“Shine your light and make a positive impact on the world; there is nothing so honorable as helping improve the lives of others.~ Roy T. Bennett
*This Full Moon occurs at 28° Pisces.
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Photo by Jordan McDonald on Unsplash