Meaning of the New Age Fish Symbol

'New Age' is an interesting term. Rather than zapping about in the latest or even yet-to-be invented technology, the New Age Movement's practices and philosophies are based on very old traditions, adopted from various Eastern and Western religions and cultures.

The Rainbow for example, has been a religious symbol since the time of Noah. The Movement has adopted this as a symbol showing that light can only be pure white if it contains the full spectrum of colours, with the analogy that humankind can only achieve peaceful coexistence with nature by embracing nature. And by extension, humankind can only achieve peaceful coexistence with itself by recognizing that all peoples are necessary, irrespective of their colour, sexual orientation, political beliefs, and so on. (See also homophobia and racism.)

Rainbow trout?

Cosmology and astrology are of particular interest to the New Age Movement and used to help understand and interpret our lives. The New Age refers to the coming astrological Age of Aquarius. We are currently in the Age of Pisces, represented by the fish, and consequently the movement has adopted the fish symbol from Paganism, which happens to be the same as the Christian fish symbol.

Astrologers are often quick to point out that the Age of Pisces began at the time of Jesus' birth. This is surely more than a coincidence. Wasn't Jesus' birth signalled by a bright star, lending strong evidence of an astrological connection? Wasn't He born in a stable, surrounded by a zodiac-like circle of animals?

Well, Christians are happy to concede that Virgo the Virgin was there, and Scorpio the Scorpion was probably close by, too. But a Leo Lion? Astronomers largely agree that at about the time of Jesus' birth, Jupiter and Saturn were seen in the constellation Pisces, but their proximity was not close enough to be seen as a single1 bright star. In any case, Christians follow the Bible teachings2 and reject astrology, unable to accept that God would use astrology to herald the birth of His Son into the world. (See also It's all in the stars and the Zodiac Cross)