The Shadow Side In The Signs: Pisces

Every sign is capable of exhibiting self-destructive traits. Generally, they are exaggerated versions of the signs' attributes that result in the opposite of their primary goals. 

In the following analyses I won't look at the "why" just the "how." Note that these are very general descriptions and are not meant to be in-depth analyses of individuals.

PISCES

Goals: To transcend, To escape, To heal, To experience magic

The qualities that make this sign a supreme healer, magician and artist (porous boundaries, the awareness of what lies beyond reality, limitless compassion) can be distorted to create a victim or deceiver. Naïveté or the desire to deny reality makes them susceptible to people or substances that undermine them. 

Often, this happens because they deceive themselves, choosing to see only what they want to see. But in some cases, they can be master deceivers themselves as they use their ability to obscure the facts and create a convincing façade (smoke and mirrors). Either way, the end result is an erosion of identity, purpose and pride where they end up sacrificing themselves. The transcendence that they seek is false as they get caught up in their own illusions. 

Pisces is the archetype of sacrifice, and there can be a powerful urge to do just that. Usually this is not conscious, but if substance abuse or destructive relationships are habitual, the sacrifice of self is accomplished. It's a tricky energy, because Pisces sacrifice (in its highest form) should lift them up rather than destroying them. This would mean finding a healthy outlet: art, healing, spirituality. The "sacrifice" in this case is the acceptance that the power of creativity or healing does not reside within them. It moves through them (they are conduits) from a higher source. This is a sacrifice of the ego without becoming a victim- opening themselves up to what the universe offers while accepting that they are not the primary source of their magic. 

But too often, that sacrificial energy ends up destroying or severely weakening them as they seek an escape from unpalatable reality via drugs, alcohol, unhealthy relationships or deception. 

If the relationship or situation weakens them, it's false and unhealthy. If it strengthens their purpose and pride, they're on the right path.