Our Decan Walk journey has brought us into the Zodiac Sign of Pisces, where it is reaching its conclusion! Even as we explore the three Pisces Decans, I honestly cannot believe we’ve made it this far! Let’s explore what these Pisces Decans have to teach us, and dissolve within the waters of this Cosmic Ocean!

We began our Decan Walk journey about a year ago, with Mars in Aries, and now we are preparing to wrap up with Mars in Pisces (the 10 of Cups) in the final Pisces Decan. It is wild to think about the ground we’ve covered! While this is technically the final post of the “Decan Walk” itself, stay tuned—I have one more post coming up where I’ll share the fascinating patterns and insights I’ve observed throughout this series.

🌊 Water, Water, Everywhere!

Before we begin, I want to share an interesting incident. As I was preparing the slides for this presentation, I had to deal with a major water leak in my house. Many of you know I stay in the basement section of my house mostly because of the privacy and quiet it gives me. Well, the water heater tank cracked and leaked overnight. I woke up to discover a small pool of water under my table. I had to pack up my computer and a few of my things and move my entire setup to the upstairs guest room. 

Coincidentally, at the time, we had Mars, Mercury, and the North Node all transiting through Pisces, which is the Sign in my 8th House (the House of all the underground and hidden stuff).

This was absolutely bonkers, but also interesting. That water leak was totally uncalled for, but when Mars (the planet of action and sometimes “breaks”) entered Pisces, the hot water heater in the basement of my house literally cracked open, and we had water all over the floor. Nevertheless, I persisted!

The heater was replaced a few days ago, and I’m still waiting for the water to clear up. I suspect it should be gone by the time the Aries season begins! It is fascinating how life events coincide with these planetary movements!

Pisces Decans: Saturn in Pisces + Jupiter in Pisces + Mars in Pisces

Pisces is the 12th sign of the zodiac, mapping to the 12th House. If the 1st House is where we begin forming our individual identity, the 12th House is where that identity dissolves. It is about merging with the divine and letting go of the “self” we have built throughout the previous eleven signs.

As a Water sign, Pisces is pure fluidity. It flows, it bends to the shape of its container, and it lacks traditional solidity. 

• Traditional Ruler: Jupiter
• Modern Ruler: Neptune

In the card image from the StarCodes Astro Deck, the keyword for Pisces is Sensitize.

The symbol for Pisces typically depicts two fish swimming in a circular manner, chasing each other’s tails. Even the glyph for Pisces ( ♓︎ ) resembles two fish attached to one another but swimming in opposite directions. This perfectly captures the contrary energy often found in those with strong Piscean placements. They can be one way one day and the complete opposite the next—and both versions are authentically them.

Even with that contrariness, the energy of Pisces is often linked with dissolution and spirituality. Pisces often doesn’t place much value on traditional worldly metrics. They long to merge with the Divine and seek out Spiritual experiences. Piscean people often display the qualities of:

• Selflessness and Sacrifice: They are naturally sympathetic and deeply empathetic.
• Enchantment: Their fluid nature can make them incredibly enchanting, bewitching, and even seductive.
• Intuition: They are non-judgmental and possess powerful instincts, great insights, and a wild imagination. You will often find them in creative fields like fantasy, art, music, and poetry.

Along with these fine qualities, the Piscean fluidity also makes it difficult for them to maintain a solid sense of self. This creates several challenges within their personalities:

• The Victim Archetype: They may fall into a “helpless victim” role, feeling eternally tortured by circumstances.
• Escapism: Because they can be so sensitive, they may lean into escapism, delusions, or addictions.
• Codependency: Their boundaries can be quite porous, leading to manipulative or submissive behaviors and intense self-pity.
• Vagueness: Because they are so “flowing,” they can be unrealistic and find it difficult to be objective.

Ultimately, Pisces often views the physical body as a cage—reminding me of Peter Gabriel’s song “My Body is a Cage.”

This sign is about the soul’s desire to break away from structure, to let everything melt, and to finally just flow.

Pisces in the Tarot: The Moon

In the Tarot, the Major Arcana card associated with the sign of Pisces is The Moon.

I often get questions about this because it can feel a bit confusing: the card associated with the Moon in Astrology is actually The High Priestess, while The Moon card itself is linked to the Zodiac Sign of Pisces. I didn’t make the rules, guys! Someone else set this system in motion, so don’t look at me for the answers—we’re just here to decode it together.

When you look at versions of this card from the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS), Tarot de Marseille, Thoth, and the Telos Tarot, you’ll notice several striking commonalities:

• Two Towers: Standing on either side of the image.
• A Path: Sometimes direct, sometimes winding, but always leading between those towers.
• The Sentinels: Two dog or wolf-like creatures flanking the path.
• The Water: A pool or body of water at the bottom of the card image.
• The Creature: A crustacean (like a crab or crayfish) or a scarab beetle emerging from the depths.
• The Main Character: A large moon hanging in the sky, often depicted with an eclipsing face or specific phases.

Let’s work our way from the bottom up to unpack this rich symbolism.

The Subconscious Depths: Water and the Crustacean

In Tarot, water almost always represents the subconscious. In The Moon, this water represents the reality of the inner world within that deep Unconscious.

Emerging from this water is a creature. In the Rider-Waite-Smith and the Tarot de Marseille, it’s a crayfish; in the Thoth and Telos, it’s a scarab. Interestingly, the Moon (the celestial body) rules Cancer, the sign of the Crab. Here, we see a crustacean emerging, creating ripples in the water.

Crayfish are bottom-dwellers; they survive on whatever sits at the absolute floor of a pond. Symbolically, this represents stuff coming up from the deepest, darkest parts of your subconscious. Because Pisces is about everything melting and dissolving, these deep insights—or deep fears—are finally surfacing. Whether “good” or “bad,” these truths are coming out, protected by their shells but determined to emerge.

The Primal Instinct: Dogs and Wolves

Next, we encounter the two dogs (or a dog and a wolf). I’ve always viewed them as the tame versus the wild—the primal instinct that has been domesticated but remains present.

When they look at the moon, they bark and howl. While researching the symbolism, I found a description stating that a dog barking at the moon is a “futile attempt to oppose something over which you have no influence.” I felt that! But it’s also about pure communication and instinct. They are responding to the lunar pull in a way that is ancient and undeniable.

Towers, Thresholds, and Gateways

The two towers represent a threshold or a gateway. The path between them suggests you are either walking toward the water or away from it. This is a “crossing over” point.

If you’re a fan of Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey, you’ll recognize the Threshold Guardians in the Thoth and Telos decks. Here, these guardians appear as jackal-headed figures. They are incorruptible; they only allow those who are “without blame” or “worthy” to pass.

This gateway is where you decide your direction:

1. You take the wisdom gathered from your subconscious and move forward into the light.
2. You dissolve back into the subconscious, diving deep into the waters of the soul.

Additionally, in the Thoth imagery, the positioning of these towers also resembles the knees of a woman giving birth. This ties back to the idea of new life—something that has been forming in the “womb” of the subconscious and is now finally being birthed into reality. This also connects with the Egyptian Goddess Nut, who rules over the Sky, the Heavens, and the Stars. Typically, she is shown as a woman arched over her husband/brother, Geb, the God of Earth. 

The Alchemy of Consciousness: The Scarab and the Sun

Looking closer at the Thoth and Telos decks, we see the scarab beetle emerging with the sun disk.

In Egyptian mythology, the Scarab beetle carries the sun through the sky, symbolizing resurrection and awakening. Goddess Nut swallows the Sun every evening, which travels through her body (the Underworld) during the night, only to be reborn every dawn. The Scarab beetle carries the Sun disk through the skies in the same manner in which it carries a ball of dung.

This is a powerful metaphor for the journey into the Moon card: you go deep into the unconscious, face what is hidden, and emerge with the “sun” of consciousness—the blazing light of realization.

The Telos deck adds a fascinating layer here: the scarab actually represents the human brain. We see the left and right hemispheres—the logical and the intuitive—working in tandem. While these functions feel very different, they both draw from the same deep well of the subconscious. It’s a beautiful reminder that clarity and “The Sun” are born from the dark, watery depths of the inner world.

Sacred Cycles and the Tree of Life

The Moon card is linked to Path 29 on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. This number is incredibly significant, as it aligns with the 29-day orbit of the moon and the 29-day human menstrual cycle.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see little drops known as Yods (the first letter of the Divine Name in Hebrew), representing falling spiritual energies. However, in the Marseille and Telos decks, these are depicted as drops of blood, directly linking the card to the cycles of menstruation and the 9 months of pregnancy. This also ties back to the 9th Sephiroth, Yesod, which is also associated with the Moon.

Layer upon layer, we see the themes of cycles and of birthing. In Egyptian myth, the goddess Nut (the heavens) is often shown arched over the earth; the two towers on the card can be seen as her thighs as she gives birth to the sun every morning. The Moon card isn’t just about a scary nighttime stroll; it’s about the labor required to bring hidden truths into the light.

The Face of the Moon: Madness and Mystery

The moon itself is the central character, but its expression changes depending on the deck:

• The Eclipsing Moon: Seen in the Rider-Waite-Smith and Tarot de Marseille , suggesting things are not as they seem.
• The Sinister Moon: In the Thoth deck, the downward-facing crescent can represent the darker forces—derangement, obsession, and madness.
• The Awaiting Moon: In the Telos deck, the moon looks almost upset, heading toward the “dark of the moon,” a phase of waiting and stillness.

Ultimately, these images reflect the pure Piscean energy of dissolution. Pisces is about merging with the divine and losing the self in the depths. The card shows us the threshold, the path through it, and the realizations we carry back with us. It’s a journey of both going in and coming out.

The Moon Card: A Mixed Bag of Meanings

Because this card covers the entire spectrum of the subconscious, its meanings in a reading are notoriously “mixed.” It is one of those cards that can stay confusing no matter how much you study it!

On one hand, we have the light or positive side, which is about Intuition, Sensitivity, Prophetic Dreams, Creativity, Imagination, the Female Principle, Transcendence, and Altered States of Consciousness. On the other hand, we have the shadow or dark side, which is about Confusion, Deception, Manipulation, Anxiety, Hidden Fears,  The Dark Night of the Soul, Escapism, Addictions, Delusions, and Those Secretly Working Against You.

The Moon card embodies the mystery of what is hidden or locked away—taboos, repressions, and scary memories. It is the feeling of insecurity when you don’t have a map. But remember, this is the Piscean vibe: letting the structures melt so that you can eventually find a higher truth. It is confusing and fluid, and absolutely powerful.

Now that we’ve thoroughly explored the symbolism of Pisces and The Moon card, let’s begin exploring the Pisces Decans.

Pisces Decans I: Saturn in Pisces: ♄ in ♓︎ : Sluggish Heaviness + Lethargic Inertia

The first of the Pisces Decans spans the first 10 degrees of Pisces from 19 February to 28 Feb.

In the ancient Picatrix, this decan is described as “a man with two bodies, pointing with his fingers.” 

The associated meanings are quite intense: attacking with violence, weakness, extensive traveling, suffering, and the grind of earning a living.

When we look at the Telos Tarot, we see this imagery brought to life. We see two men pointing their fingers at each other, even as their hands merge into each other. They are lounging on seats carved out of rocks. But look closer—this is Saturn in Pisces, so even that rock is melting!

The keyword used here is Indolence, which suggests a certain laziness or sluggishness. It’s an interesting contrast to the typical “hard-working” vibe of Saturn, but it makes sense when you submerge the planet of structure into the ocean of Pisces. The duality of the two bodies likely speaks to the two fish of the Piscean symbol, now being forced to deal with Saturn’s rigid influence.

Astrology: Saturn ♄

We’ve met Saturn before. As the ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius, Saturn is the planet of structure, wisdom, and maturity through adversity. It represents:

• Responsibility and Authority: Owning your path and your karma.
• Boundaries and Bones: The literal and metaphorical skeletons that hold things together.
• Discipline and Pragmatism: The “work” required to achieve longevity.

On the shadow side, Saturn brings restrictions, obstacles, and delays. It is your karma coming home to roost, putting you through trials to ensure you’ve actually learned your lessons. In Pisces, Saturn asks us to follow a structure without ego, attaining maturity through a difficult, often solitary journey.

Tarot: The World

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  21: The World

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  The World - Tarot de Marseilles

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In the Major Arcana, Saturn is associated with The World. On this card, we see the “world dancer” in tune with the universe. However, she is surrounded by a laurel wreath, which mirrors the rings of Saturn—representing the borders and limitations we must work within.

As card number 21, The World is the final stop on the Fool’s Journey. This isn’t an “easy” success; it is a victory achieved through hard work and the integration of every lesson learned along the way. Like Saturn, it represents the end, the limit, and the ultimate completion. It’s about being so centered and aligned that you become selfless.

Astrology: Saturn in Pisces: ♄ in ♓︎

In the Oracle of the Radian Sun, Saturn in Pisces is assigned the keyword Loss. The imagery is striking: the top half shows a grand house with a carefree couple, while the bottom half depicts a raven picking at the last scrap of flesh on a skull.

This highlights the ambitious side of Saturn meeting the sacrificial nature of Pisces. People with this placement often possess:

• High Self-Discipline: A strong sense of responsibility toward helping others.
• Hyper-Sensitivity: They are so attuned to the hardships of others that they often struggle to avoid getting involved.
• The “Fixer” Trap: They can lose their own identity by absorbing the sadness and sorrows of those around them.

Because the energy can become compulsive, there is often a desire to retreat into isolation or study the unconscious mind and psychology. The big lesson here is learning to discern: “Is this feeling mine, or am I just picking it up from someone else?”

The Number: 8

We also have to consider the energy of the number 8. This number is about accomplishment, consolidation, and material power, but it also signals a major shift in direction. It’s about transformation and doing what needs to be done—even if that means walking away from what you’ve built to find something deeper. It is a complex, sometimes self-destructive, but ultimately transformative vibration.

Pisces Decans I + Tarot: 8 of Cups: Saturn in Pisces: ♄ in ♓︎ : Sluggish Heaviness + Lethargic Inertia

When we bring all of these elements together in the 8 of Cups, we get a profound look at what happens when the planet of structure meets the sign of dissolution. Let’s dive into how different decks interpret this complex energy.

8 of Cups

Rider-Waite-Smith: The Solitary Journey

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see a striking eclipsing moon—a direct nod to the Piscean influence. The figure in the card is walking away, embodying the Saturnian desire for isolation and introspection.

Notice how the cups are stacked. They are perfectly organized, which is a very Saturnian trait.

Interestingly, I often see the arrangement as a combination of the Three of Cups (celebration) and the Five of Cups (sorrow). The figure has “stacked up” both his happiness and his sadness and is now choosing to walk away from it all. T

his represents a major transition, a shift, and a move toward a new beginning. In a more mundane sense, this card can even signify literal travel or moving house.

Tarot de Marseille: The Web of Connections

The Tarot de Marseille offers a completely different flow. Here, we see three cups at each end and two in the center, which become the focal point. These center cups often represent a couple. They are connected by stems and leaves that link the cups together while keeping them separate.

In this tradition, the card often speaks to relationships—specifically the involvement of friends and relatives in a couple’s life. It represents an extended family where many people are interconnected.

We see the Saturnian influence in the card’s balanced, symmetrical structure, while the Piscean energy is found in the “melting” and connecting vines. It’s a positive picture of a structured community, provided you don’t mind a few meddling relatives!

Thoth: The Stagnant Pool of Indolence

In the Thoth deck, this card is titled Indolence. It represents laziness, lethargy, and the avoidance of activity. Imagine a person who loves systems and processes (Saturn) entering the free-flowing world of Pisces. The structures don’t just collapse; they melt.

The cups are arranged similarly to the Marseille deck, but here the sea is green, moldy, and dark. The water feels melancholy—a theme both Saturn and Pisces share deeply.

This is a card of disenchantment, broken hopes, and stagnation. It warns against clinging to “decaying situations,” whether in business or relationships. It is the heavy feeling of being disheartened and lacking the vitality to move forward.

Telos: Sand Castles and Dissolution

Finally, we come to the Telos Tarot. Here, two men sit on different rocks, perhaps representing the duality of Pisces or the connection to Mercury/Gemini (associated with the Sephirah of Hod). Their bodies represent Saturnian structure, but they share a single hand—a form of binding or restriction that keeps them together.

This card is a beautiful merger of The Moon (Pisces) and The World (Saturn). While Jupiter (the ruler of Pisces) wants to expand, Saturn wants to contract. In this deck, we see stone arches and rocks being worn away by water into sand.

The eight cups serve as molds for building a sand castle—the ultimate symbol of abandoned success. The sand is both Pisces and Saturn, and as we know, castles made of sand eventually fall into the sea. This imagery speaks to:

• Spiritual Self-Undoing: Being done with worldly striving.
• Resignation to Fate: Withdrawing effort due to a lack of vitality.
• Entering the Unknown: Moving into the liminal space of dreams to find new meaning.

Ultimately, the 8 of Cups shows us the struggle of Saturn. Saturn is rigid, boxed-in, and rule-bound. In the limitless, boundary-less sea of Pisces, Saturn often has to give up. This is where reality structures dissolve, and we are forced to enter the dream world to find a fresh perspective.

Pisces Decans II: Jupiter in Pisces: ♃ in ♓︎ : Overflowing Abundance + Spiritual Satisfaction

After the heavy, restrictive lessons of Saturn in the first decan, we move into the middle 10 degrees of Pisces. Take a moment. Breathe. We have arrived at the realm of Jupiter in Pisces.

The second of the Pisces Decans begins at 1 March and ends at 10 March.

In the ancient Picatrix, this decan is described as “an upside-down man holding food in his hand.” While the “upside-down” part is a bit mysterious, the food perfectly symbolizes Jupiter’s abundance.

This decans stands for dignity, inspiration, and the capability of dealing with matters of great importance.

Another description mentions a “grave man pointing to the sky,” which we see reflected in the Telos Tarot. This evokes the image of Zeus (a.k.a. Jupiter) with his lightning bolt, pointing toward the divine—the sky always representing the higher realms.

Astrology: Jupiter

Jupiter is a planet of pure expansion. It rules both Sagittarius and Pisces, meaning that in this decan, the planet is in its own sign—it is “at home” and very happy here!

• Abundance and Growth: Jupiter expands our world through education, law, philosophy, and travel.
• The Greater Benefic: It brings an optimistic, generous spirit and a deep trust in life.
• Higher Understanding: It is through Jupiter that we discover personal meaning and deep truths.

On the flip side, Jupiter can bring an “excess of everything.” Sometimes, even extra joy can be overwhelming, and its expansive nature can occasionally overshadow others. Moderation is key, though that’s a hard sell for Jupiter!

Tarot: The Wheel of Fortune

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  10 - The Wheel of Fortune

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The Major Arcana card associated with Jupiter is The Wheel of Fortune. Just like the planet itself, the Wheel represents the cyclical nature of abundance. It is about cause and effect—the rewards that come when you have “seeded” good things in your life.

While Saturn represents the hard karma of restriction, the Wheel represents the self-understanding of these cycles. It brings opportunities, changing seasons, and the realization that everything flows in a great, divine circle. Here we learn that “luck” is both something we can create through our actions and the reward for our previous good deeds.

Astrology: Jupiter in Pisces: ♃ in ♓︎

In the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Jupiter in Pisces is given the keyword Seduction. The imagery depicts Eve plucking the apple from the Tree of Knowledge, with the constellation Cassiopeia (often linked to The High Priestess) in the sky.

This placement speaks to improving life by championing the underdog. It represents:

• Emotional Satisfaction: A deep fulfillment derived from helping others, often working behind the scenes.
• Psychic Sensitivity: A strong inner spiritual path involving mysticism or meditation.
• The Vulnerability of Compassion: Because these individuals are so caring and sensitive, they can be vulnerable to “hard luck stories.” Their desire to please can sometimes lead them to be “seduced” by exploiters or those with ulterior motives.

If you have this placement, your generosity is your strength, but you must develop a sharp “radar” to ensure your kindness isn’t being taken advantage of!

The Number: 9

The number 9 represents culmination and completion. It is a humanitarian vibration associated with social reform, spiritual creativity, and divine love. It brings rewards and consequences, marking a point where we see the final results of our ambitions.

In the 9 of Cups, all of this energy merges to create a sense of profound emotional fulfillment—what many call the “Wish Card.”

Pisces Decans II + Tarot: 9 of Cups: Jupiter in Pisces: ♃ in ♓︎ : Overflowing Abundance + Spiritual Satisfaction

When we look at the 9 of Cups, the energy shifts dramatically from the previous decan. We move from the solitary walk of the 8 of Cups to the overflowing abundance of the 9 of Cups.

9 of Cups

Often called the “Wish Card,” this is where Jupiter’s expansion meets the Piscean ocean of feeling. Let’s see how our four decks illustrate this peak of emotional satisfaction.

Rider-Waite-Smith: The Smug Satisfaction

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we find a healthy, well-dressed man sitting on a bench with his arms folded. He has the vibe of a successful merchant, wearing a very distinctive hat. Behind him, nine cups are arranged as if they were a prize collection or trophies on display.

He looks incredibly contented, satisfied, and—let’s be honest—a little bit smug! He’s showing off his “haul” with a look that says, “Look at all I’ve gathered.”

Beyond just being the “Wish Fulfillment” card, this version also speaks to general good health, material abundance, and a deep sense of personal happiness.

Tarot de Marseille: The Harmony of the Collective

The Tarot de Marseille presents a more structured, symmetrical arrangement of three groups of three cups. Here, vines and stems sprout from the central bottom cups, creating a web that connects every cup on the card while still maintaining clear boundaries between them.

This imagery talks about coordination and different parts working together in harmony. It embodies the idea of “everything in its proper place.” In a group dynamic, it suggests that everyone accepts their role and plays it well, leading to a sense of collective contentment. Everyone feels like a vital part of the whole, finding happiness through their connections to others.

Thoth: The Overflow of Bliss

In the Thoth deck, the keyword is simply Happiness. The cups are arranged in a stable 3×3 grid, a rectangle representing solid foundations.

We see lotus blossoms pouring water into each cup, and that water is overflowing—a beautiful symbol of Jupiter’s abundance in a Water sign.The blue sky behind the cups represents confidence and peace, while the calm sea at the bottom signifies stable feelings and balance.

This card is pure bliss and optimism. Because of the Jupiter-Pisces connection, there is a strong “Trust in God” vibe, expressing complete devotion and surrender to the Divine.

It represents deep affection, physical and emotional fulfillment, and the genuine enjoyment of life’s meaningful experiences.

Telos: Heaven on Earth

The Telos Tarot features the man pointing to the sky, reminding us that the source of all true happiness is the Divine. By following our “True Will” and connecting with what is above, we find fulfillment below.

This card incorporates a water wheel—a nod to the Wheel of Fortune—which turns and spreads joy everywhere. In the center of the wheel is a triangle (the symbol of water) representing the stillness at the center of the cycle. The wheel collects water from a divine lotus and fills the cups, which then fill each other. It is a beautiful image of shared contentment.

The Telos version emphasizes:

• The Utopian Ideal: Achieving “heaven on earth.”
• Higher Purpose: Seeking fulfillment through spiritual connection.
• Material and Spiritual Harmony: A portent of good fortune and prosperity that feels earned and aligned.

In short, Jupiter in Pisces is where the dream finally becomes a reality. It’s the joy that comes from being perfectly in sync with the universe.

Pisces Decans III: Mars in Pisces: ♂ in ♓︎ : Satisfied but Wanting More + An End Leads to A Beginning

We have finally reached the finish line! The third and final Pisces Decan is ruled by none other than Mars. This brings us back to where we started. If you remember our very first Decan Walk decan, we began with Mars in Aries. Now, we close the entire zodiac wheel with Mars in Pisces. It feels like a massive, energetic circle coming to completion.

The third of the Pisces Decans begins on 11 March and ends on 20 March.

The Picatrix describes this final decan as “an evil man, with a woman in front of him who has a donkey above her head and a bird in her hand.” Honestly, don’t ask me to make sense of that specific visual—it is way above my pay grade!

However, the meanings associated with this decan are much more relatable: marital relations, intimacy, lust, sensuous desire, and a strong tendency toward leisure and relaxation.

We see the “fire” of Mars manifesting as sexual energy and desire, while the Piscean influence brings the need to melt, merge, and “chill” with one another.

In the Telos deck, we see a man with a grave and thoughtful face holding a bird, with a woman and an “ass” (donkey) before him. There is a lot of dense symbolism to unpack here, which we will explore in a bit, when we look at the specific card imagery.

Astrology: Mars

Mars is a fire planet, the ruler of Aries and Scorpio. As the God of War, it represents:

• Physical Drive: Aggression, sexuality, and raw energy.
• Dynamism: Bravery, impulse, and the competitive risk-taking spirit.
• Action: The confidence to move forward and make things happen.

Tarot: The Tower

In the Tarot, Mars is associated with The Tower. The Tower is about the total annihilation and breaking apart of structures that no longer serve us. It’s a sudden, shocking, and destructive energy, but it is also profoundly revelatory.

Think of the “Eye of Shiva” or the lightning bolt hitting the tower—it’s part of a necessary cycle. Sometimes a structure becomes so restricted and dark inside that the Universe has to step in and break it down. While it feels like a crisis or calamity, it leads to a breakthrough. It dispels illusions and brings a sudden, sharp enlightenment. You need that Martian force to break the cage so the spirit can finally be free.

Astrology: Mars in Pisces: ♂ in ♓︎

When we look at Mars in Pisces in the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, the keyword is Escape. The imagery shows a woman in a chariot pulled by tigers, glancing back to ensure she isn’t being followed. Above her, we see a coin depicting a boy riding a dolphin, which is linked with the Piscean energy. We also have the figure of the Buddha, depicting the Piscean ideal of detachment from the material world.

In this placement, every action of Mars is dedicated to the Piscean ideals of sympathy and sacrifice.

• Creative Scope: This placement uses the Martian drive to fuel a powerful Piscean imagination, creating unlimited room for artistic expression.
• The Supportive Role: Unlike typical Mars energy, in Pisces, it often takes a supportive, background role.
• Vulnerability: There is a danger of being too selfless. The desire to please others can lead to uncomfortable or exploitative situations. Like the previous two decans, this one requires a bit of caution regarding boundaries!

The Number: 10

Finally, we have the energy of the number 10. This combines the energies of the numbers 1 and 0. 

• 1 (The Seed): Primal energy and beginnings.
• 0 (The Void): Limitless potential, both nothing and everything.

When these combine, we get a transition. The number 10 represents the culmination of the cycle from 0 to 9. It is the “rebirth of the One.” Where 1 is self-seeking, 10 is self-aware. It has formed a partnership with the world.

In the Tens, we see energy pushed to its absolute extreme—whether that is total success or total dissolution. It is the peak of the mountain before the cycle begins anew.

Pisces Decans III + Tarot: 10 of Cups: Mars in Pisces: ♂ in ♓︎ : Satisfied but Wanting More + An End Leads to A Beginning

We have reached the extreme edge of the zodiac. Here, the raw, pushing energy of Mars meets the limitless ocean of Pisces in the 10 of Cups. This is where we see the “fire” of drive and desire attempting to find fulfillment in the most watery of signs.

In these final 10 degrees of the Zodiac, we see the culmination of the cycle. In the Tens, the energy of the Ace (the One) is paired with the potential of the Zero, stretching the energy to its absolute limit. In Pisces, this takes the form of reaching for a utopian ideal—but as we know with Mars, “enough” is rarely enough.

10 of Cups

Rider-Waite-Smith: The “Happily Ever After?”

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see the classic “happy family” scene: a couple with their backs to us, hands raised to the sky and showing off their world – their home. Next to them, we see two children playing. A radiant rainbow of ten cups dominates the sky. It looks like the ultimate dream of emotional connection and domestic bliss.

However, a very insightful observation from one of my students unearthed an interesting layer: because their backs are turned, we don’t see their true expressions. They could simply be showing us what we want to see, while concealing their true feelings.

Similar to the image in the 5 of Cups, where we have Mars in Pisces, there can be a desire to show off a perfect facade while hiding the reality of the situation. This “showing off” is a classic Martian trait, and it reminds us that what looks like a happy ending might just be a carefully curated moment.

Tarot de Marseille: Leadership and Status

The Tarot de Marseille uses a 3×3 grid with a tenth, larger cup lying across the top.

The mouth of this leading cup resembles a coin or pentacle, suggesting that this card is about leadership and high status.

The person represented here assumes responsibility for the group, pouring nourishment and resources back into the collective. It is a state of receiving appreciation and maintaining a higher order of unity.

Thoth: Satiety and the Ram’s Horns

In the Thoth deck, the keyword is Satiety. The ten cups are arranged on the points of the Tree of Life, representing deep emotional harmony. But there is a hidden tension here; some of the cups are swaying, suggesting that this stability is fleeting.

Behind the cups is a large red lotus, representing all-encompassing love, while the red background screams Mars. Interestingly, the handles of the cups look like the horns of the Aries Ram. This is a brilliant nod to the fact that once we finish this decan, the cycle resets right back into Mars in Aries.

Telos: Fire Buckets and Double Rainbows

The Telos Tarot imagery is incredibly dense. In the foreground, we see a red fire triangle containing ten buckets. The buckets are colored in four colors, representing the four elements.

Historically, these buckets were kept outside buildings far from a water source. These buckets would be full of sand or water, and would be used to fight sudden fires—an apt metaphor for the reactive energy of Mars.

We also see a woman pouring water back into an already full pool, symbolizing the Mars-in-Pisces craving for “more” even after reaching satisfaction. Above it all is a double rainbow, a phenomenon that combines fire (light) and water. It represents a “dream within a dream” and the descent of heavenly energy onto the earth.

The 10 of Cups represents a successful and satisfying conclusion, but there is a fine line between fulfillment and excess.

Many fairy tales or stories often end with a “happily ever after,” where the hero and heroine of the story get married to each other. In real life, though, that happy ending is actually the beginning of a new story. What happens after they get married? No one really talks about that much. The reality is that another cycle, another story begins at this point. Here, we see the completion of one cycle before a new one begins.

This is the threshold between the last sign of the zodiac and the first. We have pursued an ideal and arrived at the destination, but the Mars energy ensures we don’t stay still for long. Just like a traveler who finishes a great journey only to immediately look for the next mountain to climb, Mars in Pisces is satisfied—but already wanting more. This is the energy that pushes us forward, ensuring that the wheel of life never stops turning. This reminds me of the song, “The World is Not Enough” by the band Garbage.

The Supporting Cards: Ace of Swords + Page of Swords + King of Cups + Queen of Wands

While we’ve walked through the three decans of Pisces, we cannot forget the supporting cards that help us navigate these deep, misty waters.

Pisces, along with the other final signs of the zodiac (Aquarius and Capricorn), is supported by the Ace of Swords. This card brings the clarity of air—a sharp, truthful energy that pierces right through the “bullshit.” In the realm of Pisces, where things can get a bit murky or delusional, we need this pure logic to find our way.

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  Ace of Swords

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Accompanying the Ace is the Page of Swords.

This is the young, restless energy of ideation and creativity. While the Ace is the pure thought, the Page is the one learning to wield it. In a positive light, this Page is incredibly knowledgeable and quick-witted; however, that same energy can become manipulative if not grounded. It reminds us that our ideas are tools that must be used with intention.

The King of Cups acts as the ruler of the first and second decans (the 8 and 9 of Cups). In the Thoth and Telos traditions, he is the “Fire of Water.” If you look at his imagery, he sits upon a throne floating in the water, or in some decks, he is on horseback holding a cup with a crab. Because he combines fire and water—two elements that don’t exactly play nice together—the King of Cups is a man of moods. He can be the big-hearted, generous, and wild spirit of the Nine of Cups, or he can slip into the despondent, indolent, and unmoving energy of the Eight. He is a master of the emotional spectrum, helping us handle both the bliss and the blues.

Supporting the final decan of Mars in Pisces (the 10 of Cups) is the charismatic Queen of Wands. She is the “Water of Fire.” I absolutely love her energy! She is warm, creative, and passionate. While the Tower energy of Mars is breaking things down, and the Pisces energy is making everything melt, the Queen of Wands helps us navigate the chaos. She provides the intuitive and creative spark needed to handle the intensity of the 10 of Cups.

Interestingly, the King of Cups and the Queen of Wands here are mirror images—one is Fire of Water, the other is Water of Fire. They represent the same elemental mix but expressed in beautifully different ways. ✨

Pisces Decans: Dissolving Delusions and Detachment

Our journey through the Pisces Decans, the last three decans of the Zodiac bring the story of the Decan Walk to a satisfying close, albeit wanting more.

Pisces is where everything dissolves. This watery realm of the Subconscious is the doorway to the Divine. Here, we break down all that we’ve brought with us on our journey through the Zodiac. All our wisdom and experiences merge into the Piscen waters. We detach and disconnect from reality itself. All of our delusions of reality dissolve in the Piscean waters.

In the first Pisces Decan, we saw the structures and restrictions of Saturn break down into grains of sand. In the image of the 8 of Cups, we see interesting interactions between Saturn and Pisces. Even though Saturn’s rigidity made the waters of Pisces murky and swampy, that water also turned the disciplined Saturn into a lazy and indolent mass. Here, we also saw Saturn embracing detachment by walking away. In another image, we also saw Pisces take over, creating connections among the interlinked aspects of Saturnine spaces.

In the second Pisces Decan, we could experience the abundance of Jupiter spread through the waters of Pisces. Jupiter’s lordship of Pisces also ensured that this was a joyful and positive enterprise. In the image of the 9 of Cups, we saw this translate into the smug satisfaction of having accomplished one’s goals. Bliss and joy overflowed, spreading to the masses. Everyone in the collective could have access to this abundance. Here, Divine Will created satisfaction through positive and aligned actions.

Finally, in the third Pisces Decan, Mars brought the active and willful energies of passion and drive into this watery realm. All the insights and understanding gained finally had the necessary energy to translate into tangible actions. In the imagery of the 10 of Cups, we could see how the contentment of the previous Decan spread beyond the individual; we could experience the feeling of “wanting more even though one is full.” Mars’ passionate actions ensured that when the energy was pushed forward, we felt the changes unfold. Even though we encounter the “happy ending,” we also want to know what happened afterward. We want more.

While these three Pisces Decans showed us how structure detached and dissolved while abundance and satisfaction spread through the waters of Pisces, only to ultimately want more, and to go beyond this detached dissolution. In this manner, the final Pisces Decan set the stage for the beginning of the new cycle, where you are eager to carry forward the insights and experiences of the journey through all the previous Decans.

📸 The Infographic + ⬇️ The Download

Pisces Decans I: Saturn in Pisces: ♄ in ♓︎ : Sluggish Heaviness + Lethargic Inertia

Pisces Decans II: Jupiter in Pisces: ♃ in ♓︎ : Overflowing Abundance + Spiritual Satisfaction

Pisces Decans III: Mars in Pisces: ♂ in ♓︎ : Satisfied but Wanting More + An End Leads to A Beginning

🎞️ The Video

Watch the video about the three Pisces Decans, as I explore the connections between the Tarot and Astrology.

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📣 Shoutout

As always, here are the links to the beautiful posts about the Pisces Decans written by Valerie:

• Eight of Cups / Pisces I: The First Departure
• Trumping the Happiness
• Pisces 3 Decan – Ten of Cups – Lord of Satiety

📚 Homework

📓 Things to Think (or Journal) about the Pisces Decans

To help you integrate the soulful, complex energies of the Pisces Decans, let’s dive into some journaling. Grab your favorite pen and a cup of tea (or a glass of water—very Piscean!) and reflect on these:

Pisces Decans I – 8 of Cups – Saturn in Pisces:

• What “sand castle” in your life is currently dissolving or no longer serving you?
• Is there a situation you are clinging to out of habit rather than fulfillment? What would it feel like to simply walk away?
• How can you tell the difference between a feeling that is yours and one you’ve picked up from someone else?

Pisces Decans II – 9 of Cups – Jupiter in Pisces:

• What does “True Fulfillment” look like to you right now, beyond just material success?
• When you feel most contented, how can you share that “overflow” with others without being exploited?
• If you could make one “wish” for your spiritual growth this year, what would it be?

Pisces Decans III – 10 of Cups – Mars in Pisces:

• Think about your “happily ever afters.” What usually happens the day after the big success? How do you handle the urge to “want more”?
• Where in your life are you currently seeing a “Double Rainbow”—a moment where your spiritual ideals and physical reality are perfectly aligned?
• As this cycle ends, what new adventure is your inner “Mars” already starting to crave?

A Heartfelt ♥️ Thank You 🙏

I am in such an interesting spot right now. As I was making these videos and writing these posts, I noticed so many fascinating patterns emerging. I have one more post brewing in my mind where I’ll talk about those observations. Quite apropos the Mars in Pisces – 10 of Cups – We’re Done, But Not Quite energy, isn’t it? 

For now, though, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has accompanied me on this Decan Walk. This journey from the Aries Decans to the Pisces Decans has been so powerful, and honestly, it leaves me wanting even more! I can’t believe I’ve made it through all 36 decans, and it is truly thanks to your support—your likes, your comments, and your emails. This process has helped me hone my own Tarot and Astrology studies in ways I never expected. Thank you for being my creative partners. 🙏 I really appreciate it! ♥️✨

Tell Me…

Which of these three Pisces Decans resonates with you most right now? Are you walking away, sitting in satisfaction, or looking for the next mountain to climb? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! ✨🌊✨