More than a life symbol: The deep meanings behind water
More than half the human body is made up of water. Apart from flowing through our veins, this mystical fluid has long transcended time as a symbol of life, connection, and emotions.
The deep meanings hiding behind its transparent mass extend far and wide into different aspects of life. Breaking water marks the start of birth, running water symbolizes letting go, restless waters are linked to emotional turmoil. But when water is calm, its reflection shows reality clearly and without filters.
With such diverse meanings, this element deserves more than a simple mention in our tarot and oracle readings. So, let’s go through some applications of water symbology that people usually overlook.
Basic understanding of water as a symbol
We don’t need a solid background in tarot reading and esoteric symbols to be acquainted with the usual meanings of water:
- Water is associated with cleansing and renewal. It wipes out negative energies and leaves burdens in the past, allowing for a fresh start.
- Water is deeply associated with the emotional world and intuition. It is the element behind the Suit of Cups in tarot and symbolizes relationships, emotional states, and psychic awareness.
- When water energies are skillfully directed, they promote emotional restoration. It is a symbol of gentle healing as opposed to aggressive or forceful attempts to correct flaws and defects.
- When water is calm, it serves as a reflection or mirror. It helps us see deeper truths, offering clarity and insight into both our inner and outer worlds.
Diving deeper into its applications
Water meanings listed above are elementary but equally powerful. However, there are more profound meanings once we understand the basics:
- Water as transformation and alchemy: This element plays a fundamental role in ancient magic. In the alchemical process, water breaks down rigid structures allowing for change and transformation. It promotes refinement and enlightenment to materials and our own ego.
- Water as an eternal cycle: Water continuously moves through evaporating, condensing, falling, and flowing. This fact has a deep meaning to it. It symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It is also a reminder of impermanence and gives us the strength to let go.
- Water as a boundary or crossing point: When depicted as a mass of water, as in a lake or ocean, it also marks a boundary for continents, people, and civilizations. Moreover, it’s a crossing point to our inner self, the subconscious mind, and everything that lies deep within.
We could endlessly explore the meanings of water, adding layer after layer of new depths. Entire books can be published to cover the topic, which is why Rebecca Campbell has recently devoted her most recent oracle to delve into the topic.
Her “Healing Waters Oracle: A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook” can be a good start if you want to explore the deep meanings of water applied to your inner self and growth. The guidebook offers not only a list of meanings but also insights into the esoteric applications of water, a basic element linked to life itself.