Pisces Time: Thoughts on the Oscars, St. Patrick’s Day and the Luck of the Irish

Pi

On February 18 at 10:52 am EST the Sun ingressed (entered) into Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac. The Sun stays in the sign of Pisces until the first day of spring. It’s the end of winter, and we start looking forward to spring, especially this year when so many of us have endured an extra cold and snowy winter.

Pisces, by element, is a water sign sensitive and imaginative. We can begin to understand Pisces when we think of the vastness of the oceans into which our rivers flow. More than any other sign, Pisces relates deeply to others because it contains a little bit of every sign of the zodiac. It has also been referred to as the trashcan of the zodiac.  While every sign has its challenges in equal measure, let’s start with the high ground.

Because Pisces tends to dissolve the ego, it understands that we transcend the physical world and are part of a higher state of consciousness. Pisces sees itself as an integral part of the tapestry of the cosmos. For these reasons Pisces is associated with spirituality and psychic ability. It is the sign of the visionary. By looking inward, its power of intuition creates the dreams that spark the vision.

The blending of energies gives Pisces a strong sense of empathy. They easily put themselves in the shoes of another. If acting ability is otherwise indicated in the birth chart, these individuals can give an Oscar worthy performance. A really good movie touches us. We can escape from the routine and responsibilities of daily life and be carried away to another place and time. Movies can stir up any emotion; they make us laugh, cry, sit on the edge of our seats, applaud the hero – take your pick. That’s a face of Pisces, one that we need. Oscar season happens when the Sun is in Pisces.

Let’s dive a bit deeper. Pisces is ruled by two planets, Neptune the modern ruler and Jupiter the classical ruler. Neptune’s association with illusion, glamour, fantasy and creativity fits with the image of Hollywood. Stars walk the Red Carpet in all of their finery. Jupiter, the Roman King of the Gods has star power. He glitters and shines. I enjoy the spectacle, imagining myself in a breathtaking gown, dripping diamonds. But we begin to see the slippery slope if we get stuck in that fantasy. All that glitters is not gold – that’s Jupiter too. When we become beguiled with glamour, appearance and image we begin to lose our true identity. That’s the darker side of Pisces that can erode our ego. Not being able to see clearly, being in a fog, confusion – that’s Neptune too. When taken to extremes Pisces can go wrong just like any other sign.

If Pisces over identifies with the pain and suffering of other people the weight becomes too much to bear. It longs for an escape from reality. This is why a weak response to Pisces can lead to substance abuse, moving through life with no clear path, withdrawal, accomplishing nothing, being irresponsible.

Now let’s lighten up and talk about St. Patrick’s Day! The Irish people love folklore complete with Leprechauns (mischievous fairies), shamrocks, lucky four-leaf clovers, and a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. St. Patty’s Day is celebrated with much revelry; parades, festivals and green beer! We see the Piscean signature of fantasy and imagination. St. Patrick’s story becomes a whimsical tale where reality becomes a little blurry. Some of those who celebrate become a little blurry themselves!

Let’s keep in mind the Piscean theme of spirituality. St. Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland, meaning that Catholics are expected to attend Mass. It commemorates St. Patrick’s conversion of the pagan Irish to Christianity. However, most celebrations are secular and the Lenten restrictions on fasting and drinking alcohol are lifted on March 17^th. 

King Jupiter loves a party and Neptune (after piously attending the church service) brings the beer! You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning and in many Irish pubs the barstools are filled quite early in the morning! The custom of “drowning the shamrock” marks the end of the day’s celebrations by placing a shamrock at the bottom of a cup, filling it with whiskey or beer to drink a toast to St. Patrick.

With regard to empathy the haunting moving song “Danny Boy” comes to mind. My Dad loved this song so much he named one of my brothers Danny. The lyrics bring a tear to the eye as we relate to a father’s poignant farewell to his son going off to war. I’ll include the lyrics at the end of this post.   

King Jupiter is responsible for the “Luck of the Irish”. He optimistic, jolly and adventurous. His quest is to find the end of the rainbow, joyfully claiming his pot of gold.

In closing, when we think of the spirit of the Irish people the following phrases come to mind, infused with the qualities of Pisces, Jupiter and Neptune. 

• The influence of religion and faith in Irish culture 
• The folklore, weaving fanciful tales that combine fantasy, whimsy and imagination
• The juxtaposition of reality and fairy tale St. Patrick is credited with driving all of the snakes from Ireland.
• The emotionally powerful impact of the Irish music. Being swept away by its sad, haunting melodies and lyrics.
• Eat, drink and Be Merry AND cry in your beer!
• The mysticism of Ireland
• Foggy swirling mist of the ancient moors
• An optimistic faith in life, in oneself and in community
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I hope this post inspires you to embrace the magic of Pisces time!   

Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone and all the roses falling
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
And I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny Boy, oh, Danny Boy, I love you so.

But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow;
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so.