Known as the dreamers of the zodiac, Pisceans are deeply emotional, creative and intuitive, and their relationships reflect that.

Pisces is the twelfth and final sign in the astrological calendar. As such, they represent the completion of the zodiac cycle and have absorbed the characteristics and life lessons from all the other signs. “They’re often old souls,” says celebrity astrologer, Kyle Thomas. “They have an innate connection to the mystical and spiritual world.”

Being a water sign, Pisceans are naturally sensitive, nurturing and deep, but they’re also a mutable sign, meaning they’re flexible and go with the flow. Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, which can represent the way they effortlessly move through the world, author and astrologer Bethany Nicole tells PEOPLE. It’s also symbolic of yin and yang, she says. There’s a duality to Pisces, and they’re often pulled between their imagination and reality.

This is especially true when it comes to love. Pisceans are highly romantic and idealistic, but they can also be unrealistic. “They can sometimes fall in love with the idea of love,” says Thomas. This means not every partner will be a good fit for the water sign.

Ahead of Pisces season, which normally runs from Feb. 19 to March 20 but starts on Feb. 18 through March 19 in 2024, read on to learn more about Pisces’ compatibility with other zodiac signs.

What are the key traits of a Pisces? 

Pisces is ruled by two planets — Neptune in modern astrology and Jupiter in traditional astrology. Neptune is the planet of dreams, creativity, intuition and compassion, while Jupiter is the planet of growth, healing and good fortune, and both have a strong influence on Pisces.

According to Nicole, Pisceans have a “mystical, magical and ethereal” air about them. Dreamy and idealistic, they can sometimes struggle with the practicalities of reality and may appear to have their head in the clouds.

“They are often drawn to deeply romantic, creative or transformative experiences,” says Thomas. They tend to be highly imaginative, too, and many Pisces pursue artistic or creative careers, becoming actors, musicians or writers.

One of their biggest traits, though, is their empathy. Pisces are incredibly compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. They’re highly intuitive empaths who “can tune into energy that most other people ignore,” Thomas says. Because of that, they can become overwhelmed and experience emotional burnout.

However, it also helps them develop strong and lasting bonds in friendship and romance. “They have powerful, emotional connections with others,” says Nicole. Pisceans aren’t interested in superficial, surface-level relationships, though, preferring to connect on a “deeper, spiritual level.” 

Which signs are Pisceans most compatible with?

Pisces will get along swimmingly with fellow water signs (Cancer and Scorpio) since they share a similar desire for emotional depth. However, they may find their best match in earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn).

Having such an escapist nature, Pisces tends to struggle with more practical matters of day-to-day life. “So, a well-paired earth sign can actually create a more loving, grounded balance for them,” says Nicole.

Virgo

Emotional, idealistic Pisces can find a great match in the practical, grounded Virgo. The earth sign — known for its hardworking, perfectionist nature — sits opposite Pisces on the zodiac wheel. As such, they can provide a strong, complementary partner.

Pisceans often battle with the minutiae of everyday life, and they can have a hard time upholding their day-to-day responsibilities. Virgos, on the other hand, are incredibly reliable, pragmatic and organized. “They can help draw Pisces into the physical reality,” says Nicole, whereas Pisces can help Virgo get in touch with their creative, emotional side.

“These two can balance each other well,” Thomas says, noting that they can bring out the best in one another. “When it’s good, it’s great, but only if they are able to work as a team,” he adds.

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz are a good example of how well a Pisces-Virgo pairing can be. The singer and actress have been married since 2015, and over the years, Diaz has opened up about how their relationship has helped her personal growth.

Taurus

Speaking of teamwork, Pisces and Taurus make an excellent match because of how well they can collaborate and encourage one another.

As an earth sign, Taurus has an even, grounded energy. “They generally have calm, even demeanors,” says Nicole, which can be especially helpful for the highly sensitive Pisces. But Taurus is also ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, and with that, comes a “sense of coziness, care, and nurturing.”

Both Pisces and Taurus have a nurturing, maternal streak. They’re also hopeless romantics who strive for “deep intimacy and trust,” says Thomas. Because of their shared values, these two easily understand and inspire each other.

Take Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. The couple — who have been married for over 10 years and share two children — are proof of how strong a Pisces-Taurus partnership can be.

Cancer

As a fellow water sign, Cancer is highly compatible with Pisces.

“Cancer rules Pisces house of true love and passion on the zodiac wheel,” Thomas explains. Both signs are sensitive, nurturing and compassionate, which means they can provide each other with the emotional security and depth needed in a relationship.

“This connection is absolutely magical,” he says. “They can build quite a home together.”

Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife, Sophie Hunter, are a Cancer-Pisces match. The pair have been married since 2015 and share three children.

Scorpio

According to Thomas, Scorpio is another water sign that can make a good match for Pisces. “Scorpio will be more dominant and take the lead, which Pisces will adore,” he says.

Although Scorpio is highly sensitive and emotional as a water sign, they’re also determined and ambitious. In this way, they “can help Pisces with a sense of direction,” says Nicole.

On top of that, Scorpios are known for being devoted, loving and protective. “Their loyalty is unmatched and they are excellent defenders of their partners, especially when paired with a Pisces,” she says.

Ryan Gosling, a Scorpio, and Eva Mendes, a Pisces, exemplify this compatibility well. The two have been together for over a decade and share two daughters.

Capricorn

At first glance, Pisces and Capricorn may not seem like an obvious pairing. Pisces is gentle and dreamy, while Capricorn is strong and down-to-earth. However, according to Thomas, these two can actually make a great couple.

“Pisces will admire Capricorn’s work ethic and ambition,” he says, while Capricorn will appreciate the compassion and creativity Pisces brings to the table. As opposites, they can help balance each other out really well.

Ron Howard, a Pisces, and his wife, Cheryl Howard, a Capricorn, were high school sweethearts and have been married for almost 50 years. The director and author share four children, including actress Bryce Dallas Howard.

Which signs are Pisceans least compatible with?

Bold, energetic and impulsive fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) aren’t the best match for Pisces. Fire signs can be lively and spontaneous, but they can also be aggressive and domineering.

“Combative energy can make a Pisces feel emotionally unsafe,” Thomas explains, so these relationships can be filled with conflict.

Additionally, Pisceans can struggle to form meaningful relationships with cerebral, unemotional air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius).

Sagittarius

Like Pisces, Sagittarius is a mutable sign that’s ruled by Jupiter. However, that doesn’t translate to compatibility.

“Sagittarius is a bit too chaotic and aggressive for Pisces,” says Thomas. Additionally, Sagittarius craves freedom and spontaneity, while Pisces wants commitment and connection, so this can cause a lot of tension between the two.

Gemini

Airy Gemini is another mutable sign that Pisces doesn’t always mesh well with.

Known as the social butterfly of the zodiac, Gemini is a bit too restless and fast-paced for dreamy Pisces. On the other hand, Pisceans are gentler, softer and more reflective, typically preferring to float through life at a slower pace. “Their energy levels are off,” Nicole says.

However, she adds that since they’re both highly creative and artistic, they can be drawn together for a fun fling. But that will typically only last for a short time. “There’s not much for a relationship to take root in,” she explains.

Geminis thrive in a state of constant movement and stimulation, which can leave Pisces feeling emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted.

Leo

Pisces can find it hard to connect with the dramatic and charismatic Leo.

Fire and water signs share a similar sense of emotionality, but they express it differently. Water signs are usually introspective, deep and sensitive whereas fire signs are passionate and temperamental, so they often clash.

“Leo can be especially dominant and impose their will onto others,” Nicole says, which can be harmful to Pisces, who may easily give in or “be overcome and exhausted by their intensity.”

What is Pisces’ compatibility with other signs?

Libra

Although putting air signs together might be challenging, Pisces and Libra can form “a charming pair,” says Thomas, particularly since they both have strong ties to Venus.

Venus, the planet of love and beauty, rules Libra and is exalted in Pisces. Because of that, these two signs share a love of art, music, beauty and romance.

According to Nicole, Libras have a peaceful, well-balanced demeanor, which Pisceans are often attracted to. “Libra is the sign of partnership,” she says, and they tend to be calm, gentle and harmonious in nature.

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are a good example of the type of harmony a Pisces-Libra pairing can bring. The couple, who have been married since 2010 and share two daughters, are always supportive of one another.

Pisces

According to Nicole, two Pisces together can be hit or miss. While they share the same key traits and desires, they don’t push each other to grow, thus they can become stagnant and complacent.

However, they “can generate a deep, emotional connection and live a life of creative pursuits,” she says, and when it works, it works very well.

Just look at Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz. The two Pisces have been married for over a decade.