By Story Star correspondent Jane Haynes

The Planets and their elements can influence our own bodies and minds, without us even knowing! This Pisces piece marks the beginning of Story Star’s newest feature of ‘Reading for your Star Sign’.

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the Zodiac, its cycle running from 20th February to 20th March, preceded by Aquarius and followed by Aries. The sign falls under the category of the mutable star signs, along with Gemini, Sagittarius and Virgo, which traditionally indicates that anyone born under these signs is typically understanding, analysing and an extrovert. The Pisces symbol is the fish – two tethered together at the middle and swimming in opposite directions, the symbolism of which is said to represent the Piscean’s inner struggle of finding a balance between the daydreaming introvert and the gregarious extrovert, the heights of delirious happiness with the depths of melancholy and sadness. Sources link the Pisces symbol back to Greek mythology, with the two fish said to represent the gods Eros and Aphrodite, who transformed into fish to escape a sea monster, Typhon. Its ruling planet is Neptune, while the Piscean birthstone is aqua-marine.

When it comes to their typical traits, characteristics and qualities, this is where the fascinating levels of the Piscean are revealed. The overwhelmingly common Piscean trait is an intuition which is second to none; in fact, Pisces are typically so in tune with the world at large and the feelings and emotions of those around them that many class their intuitive senses as borderline telepathic. They have a strong sense of spirituality and mysticism; nothing is ever one-dimensional in the world or mind of a Pisces who can pick up on the slightest atmospheres, moods and gestures.

They are most famously known for their polarised personalities; while they are loved for being the life and soul of the party, it is impossible for a Pisces to survive without quiet ‘alone time’ in which to reflect and meditate. Equally, while the Pisces will embrace a happy-go-lucky attitude when things are going well, their mood can dramatically shift when things go wrong, often plunging them into a dark mood or state of mind. In this way, as they can be prone to pessimism, and due to their inherently obsessive nature it can often be difficult to pull Pisces out of a downward spiral.

While Pisces’ shortcomings are at times consuming (adopting this pessimistic attitude and appearing careless and indecisive at times) their positive attributes tend to cancel these out. Pisces is typically charitable, self-sacrificing and humble. While they will work hard to see their dreams made into a reality, they are often modest in their successes, and may not even undertake the task in the first place unless they are certain it will be of benefit to others. They also make for some of the best confidantes, as they are extremely empathic and compassionate, as well as recognising their own need for discretion and secrecy mirrored in another person.

Pisces are noted for their creative talents, particularly in the areas of music, literature and art. Their status as the stereotypical daydreamers, often substituting reality for the realms of their imaginations, coupled with their flair for creativity, their sensitivity and affinity for the natural world make them interesting and inspiring singers, poets, artists, actors and general entertainers. Two famous Pisceans whose work has always reflected the creative flair, unique insight and dream-like quality of their sign are fashion designer Alexander McQueen and Smashing Pumpkins singer and songwriter Billy Corgan. Their work contains frequent references to the mysticism and complex emotional struggle of the Pisces in a way which entertains and constantly inspires to this day.

Many of our most celebrated authors were born under the Pisces star sign, including Philip Roth, Jack Kerouac and even Dr Seuss. Poet W.H Auden captivated the minds of the readers of his most famous poems; true to the intricate workings of the Piscean mind many of his works contained his own private references (which were left open to the interpretation of his readers) and he mastered the rare ability to think and write in terms of symbolism and reality at the same time. Other famous Piscean writers range from playwrights such as Christopher Marlowe, to poets such as Howard Nemerov and philosophers such John Rawls, showcasing the broad spectrum of creative flair and talent of the Piscean mind.