I’m definitely a water baby, although I’m not a great swimmer. However, I find a profound sense of peace whilst sitting by a bubbling stream or by the side of a lake. And playing with the waves as they rush to shore definitely brings out the child in me! There’s something magical about water that has captivated humanity for millennia. In this the next article in “The Way of .. ” series, I’m turning my attention to Water. It’s a work in progress, and I’d love to hear your comments and experiences too.
The Ancient Wisdom of Water
It’s not a new practice to revere water as a sacred element. From the holy rivers of India to the sacred wells of Glastonbury, connecting to water has been seen as a conduit between our world and the realm of spirits, gods, and ancestors. In fact I believe that ancient wisdom was written in the ice by our forefathers and that those codes are still found within our water today.
I’ll drop a link or two below to work by fascinating people you might want to follow if you decide to journey with water. They are truly inspirational, and eye opening (or perhaps that should be heart opening!)
So why Water?
Apart from the obvious link to Astrology and the 4 elements, Water’s unique properties make it a perfect tool for personal exploration. I’ve included a few ideas for you to try, Perhaps you might like to start connecting with water by creating a Water Altar by setting up a special space with a bowl of water, sea shells, and blue candles and use this area for meditation and prayers.
Fluidity: Water adapts to its surroundings, symbolizing flexibility and change.
If you’ve ever worked with bathroom products (which I did in my younger years) and the aim of the game is keeping a shower watertight, you’d be amazed at where water permeates it was almost impossible! The extent of the difference from steam to sea or from liquid to ice, clearly demonstrates the breadth and extent of water properties and adaptability. We often talk of flow as a state of being, one that I am hoping to attain, connecting to water in all it’s forms, watching and learning what each form is teaching, might (obviously) hold the key to understanding the way of water.
Natural Water Meditation – Visit a local body of water – be it a lake, stream, river, or sea. Spend time in quiet contemplation, allowing the water’s energy to wash over you as you watch the water dancing and moving before you.
Reflectivity: Like a mirror, water can reflect both the physical and spiritual worlds.
It amazes me when I compare our lives now, especially considering the selfie syndrome, to those of just a few hundred years ago. Imagine if you had never seen your reflection before! Water was our early mirror with rivers and lakes our only opportunity to look into our own eyes. The mirror of the soul.
Water Scrying – I love the self care exercise of mirror gazing, allowing loving thoughts to rise to the surface and letting the criticisms fall away, try this in a body of water perhaps in conjunction with the body of water meditation.
As a more advanced exercise, gaze into a dark bowl of still water. As you relax your focus, see what images or messages appear in the water’s surface.
Purification: Water cleanses not just the body, but the spirit too.
In nearly all the ancient traditions, cleansing with water was included in all of the rites of passage. Fast forward to today when we all habitually shower or bathe daily, connecting with water has never been easier, yet do we?
Spiritual Bathing – Transform your bath into a sacred ritual. Add herbs, salts, or essential oils to the water while setting intentions for healing and spiritual growth. Or if you’re more of a shower person, activate the water as it leaves the shower head with the energy you want to embody – for example, the energy of forgiveness, or joy.
Life-giving: As the source of all life, water connects us to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
As we look around the solar system, it’s hard to escape the notice that our survival depends on water, as (allegedly) the only planet with life, the major difference is our ability to access water. We have Jupiter to the thank for this (see the resources below). But of course, Jupiter is not the only cosmic influence on our water sources, the pull of the moon on the tides is well documented as is the impact that the moon cycles have on our own emotional and energetic responses.
Moon-Charged Water
During the full moon, leave a glass of water outside to absorb lunar energy. Use this water for rituals or drink it to internalize the moon’s power. (Try it on the new moon too, just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. The deep void encourages us to be open to newness and beginnings)
Let’s get physical
We all carry enough energy in our bodies to live without food for a minimum of 40 days, but we cannot survive without water beyond 3 days. As we work with water spiritually, it’s crucial to remember its importance in the physical world. Practice water conservation and support efforts to keep our water sources clean. By respecting water in all its forms, we deepen our connection to this powerful element.
Water offers us a beautiful and accessible way to connect to the depths of our inner selves. Whether you’re drawn to the crashing waves of the ocean or the stillness of a forest pool, there’s a water-based practice that can enhance your spiritual journey. So why not take the plunge? Your gateway to remembering might be just a drop away.
May your journey with water be as deep and transformative as the element itself!
Resources you might explore:
How Jupiter May Have Gifted Early Earth With Water
Masaru-emoto.net
The Living Language of Water
Mateo de Stefano – Gaia TV (on the wisdom written in the water)
