What Is a Pisces? The Dates, Personality Traits and Compatibilities of the Zodiac Sign

Pisces season, from mid-February to mid-March, marks the end of the zodiac calendar and an important time for those who fall under the sign.

For those born during Pisces season, this moment presents a fresh start and an invitation to make new habits. “It is a time of celebration,” astrologer Alberto Toribio tells PEOPLE. “It is a time to be reflective, a time to wish and dream about the year ahead of you. A chance to start over and cast a spell for the year ahead. It also marks a moment of change, rewriting where you want to be and go in the year ahead.”

The 12th and final sign of the zodiac, Pisces falls after Aquarius and before Aries. It is one of three water signs, the others being Cancer and Scorpio, which imbues the sign with a sense of emotionality.

Pisces are symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions which represents “the conflict between fantasy and reality that all Pisces experience,” astrologer and best-selling author Lisa Stardust tells PEOPLE.

Because of their emotional depth, Pisces are often left vulnerable. “It’s important for Pisces to understand how to fortify their emotions and thoughts,” Toribio says. “They are fishes, so they are very exposed. Sometimes people take advantage of it. Knowing how to mask and wield the sea of your emotions tactfully will suit Pisces well in the long run.”

From personality traits to compatibility, here is everything to know about the Pisces zodiac sign.

What are the Pisces dates?

Pisces season can run anywhere from February 18 to March 20, Toribio shares.

In 2024, it begins on February 18 and ends on March 19.

What are the key personality traits of a Pisces?

Stardust says that the Pisces zodiac sign is “known for its exceptional creativity, imagination and tenderness.”

“They are sea dwellers, viewing the world through their unique lens and appreciating the beauty around them,” she adds. “Pisces are renowned for their empathy and energetic sensitivity, making them exceptionally compassionate towards others.”

Toribio notes that Pisces have an ability to see and understand more than meets the eye.

“Pisces are blessed with a fertile heart to appreciate the world beyond its surface, to imagine a world beyond what we can see and sink into the heart and mind of everything they set their minds into,” he says.

Why is Pisces a mutable sign?

Unlike fixed zodiac signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius), which serve as a stabilizing force, Pisces is one of the mutable signs (along with Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius).

Mutable signs, Toribio says, are “fluid and adaptable with their energy.”

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with Pisces?

Stardust and Toribio agree that Pisces get along best with their fellow water signs, Cancer and Scorpio.

“Pisces understand how personal feelings can be, and ride the waves of their own emotions like Cancers,” says Toribio. “Pisces also understand being grounded by emotions and sitting with emotions for long periods like Scorpios.”

Stardust notes that Pisces also often form deep connections with each other and can “help each other attain their innermost visions.”

She adds that Taurus, who “shares their creative senses,” and Capricorn, who “appreciates their imagination and sensitivity,” can also be great matches for Pisces.

In relationships, Pisces tend to see the best in others, Stardust says.

“They are romantic at heart and desire a happy, fairytale-like relationship,” she explains. “However, if things don't work out as planned, they tend to swim away without looking back, protecting themselves from harm, as they are quite sensitive beings. If you forge a friendship or relationship, they are unconditional and the best cheerleaders.”

Which zodiac signs are least compatible with Pisces?

Toribio says that while Pisces' fluidity and adaptability make them easy for most signs to get along with, some may “have a harder time appreciating their doe-eyed, dreamy and indecisive nature.”

Virgo, he notes, is the opposite of Pisces. Because of Virgo’s logical and detail-oriented nature, Pisces’ carefree, bohemian ways may not align with the earth sign.

Gemini may also be incompatible with Pisces. “Gemini loves to talk, asking questions to fill their inquisitive nature and trying to find meaning or fun in their conversations,” says Toribio. “Emotions sometimes aren't based on something real, and Geminis might get frustrated by someone who goes from one wave of emotion to another.”

Fiery and truth-seeking Sagittarius also often clashes with Pisces.

“Pisces is a sign okay living in a liminal space where their thoughts and words are residing in the abstract,” Toribio explains. “Sagittarius may get flustered by not being able to connect with Pisces so easily based on the world of emotions.”

How does Pisces season affect Pisces?

Stardust says that Pisces season is an opportunity for the zodiac sign to embrace their creative side or take up a hobby that has always interested them.

She also warns that Pisces may be vulnerable to deception during this time, so it is crucial for them to “rely on their intuition.”

“To ensure successful outcomes, it's important for Pisces to take a realistic approach towards matters,” Stardust says. “Rather than relying on optimistic views, it's crucial that they are practical and objective in decision-making.

Which celebrities are Pisces?

According to Stardust, Cindy Crawford, Drew Barrymore and Rihanna are among the most notable Pisces celebrities.

“These individuals have proven themselves as innovators, using their intuition and creativity to build successful businesses outside of their primary fields,” she says.

Their multihyphenate careers seem to align with their sign. In addition to her decades-long acting career, Barrymore launched her cosmetics line Flower Beauty in 2013, and in 2020, her talk show The Drew Barrymore Show debuted. Similarly, since retiring from modeling in 2000, Crawford has explored several business ventures such as a furniture line and a beauty brand.

Other celebrity Pisces include Steve Jobs, Justin Bieber, Trevor Noah, Sophie Turner, Elliot Page, Camila Cabello, Olivia Rodrigo, Eva Mendes and Queen Latifah.

In his 2022 song “I Feel Funny,” Bieber called out his zodiac sign, singing, “I’m just a Pisces, please don’t spite me.”

Rodrigo, who refers to herself as a “spicy Pisces” in her Instagram bio told Vogue in 2023, “I’m a Pisces to a T. I’m super emotional, I’m musical and I love a swim."