Meaning of the Pagan Fish Symbol

The 'fish symbol' is today instantly recognised as a Christian symbol but this symbol was in use by Pagans for many generations before Christianity.

Ask any Neopagan and they will explain the most common interpretation is its derivation from a simplified image of a woman's womb or vagina. The fish symbol was often drawn by overlapping two thin crescent moons, signifying a woman's monthly cycle. (See also Lunate Cross.)

In Babylonian mythology, a fish pushed a giant egg out of the river Euphrates, and from this egg emerged the mermaid and fertility goddess of the seas, Atargatis. The son of Atargatis was named Ichthys; a name later used by Christians to refer to Jesus. (See the Ichthys Cross.)

There are a few other Pagan goddesses and gods that manifest themselves as dolphin, fish or other sea creature, and most seem to be connected with sexuality. The oval outline of a fish was compared to the shape of the womb, and both 'fish' and 'womb' homophonously shared the ancient Greek word delphos. (See also Dolphin Cross.)

Today's neopagans emphasize a connection to nature. Fish often represent the flow of life, emotions and spiritual energy. Water, the fish’s element, symbolizes the unconscious mind, intuition and emotional depths. Swimming fish are seen as guides or symbols of moving effortlessly through emotional or spiritual challenges.

There's also a connection to "Ancient Wisdom". Fish are linked to ancient spiritual traditions, such as Buddhist symbolism and Egyptian myths, reflecting timeless wisdom and continuity. New Age followers often view fish as bridges between worlds: the material and the spiritual, conscious and subconscious.

Fish are considered symbols of prosperity, fertility and healing energy. Consequently, the fish symbol may be used in meditation, crystal work or art, to attract abundance or emotional healing.

The of course there's the astrological significance. The zodiac sign Pisces, represented by two fish, is significant in New Age astrology. Pisces traits include compassion, creativity, psychic ability and spiritual sensitivity.

Some New Age beliefs hold that fish can be animal totems or spirit guides, offering messages about adaptability, going with the flow or embracing the unknown.

My older brother told me when I was a ten-year old boy, quite upset that a pretty girl at school had declined an invitation to my birthday party; "Don't be sad," he said, "there are many more fish in the sea." It sounds like he'd been reading Dr Irman's book explaining the fish as a symbol of female sexuality.

(See also Christian fish symbol)