As a cancer, water does hold a special place in my heart. I was actually born on a cusp (cancer/leo) which leads to a weird duality on an emotional level and sometimes a bit too much moodiness for my liking. That's something I have gotten better at keeping in check though. My cancer-heart, however, is very much in tune with the rise and fall of the ocean waves, my emotions changing between serenely flowing and crashing against each other.
Personally speaking...Water gives me life, much like air does. Our bodies are made up of mostly water -it is so important to us. I gulp it down, thirsty for its essence and wisdom. I soak in it and let it seep into my pores. I stand under it as it falls from the sky, letting it wet my hair and make my clothes stick to my skin.
Water purifies my soul and cleanses me from the inside out. It sweeps me up in its tide of life and deposits me wherever I am meant to be. It is a source of rejuvenation and endless mystery. When fought against it is a fierce adversary, but when embraced it is a protective mother, surrounding me like a womb.
Days at the beach are some of my favourites. The salty ocean spray on my legs as I walk along the shore, scoping out the sand for seashells gives me such a deep feeling of peace. Watching the waves crash against the rocks and listening to the gulls overhead, jumping over slimy patches of seaweed -I used to want to be a mermaid. The idea of being able to swim and twirl through the water, racing the fish and leaping with the dolphins was so incredibly appealing to me. Part of it still is. In the water, there is so much to explore.
Magickally speaking...
Water is a distinctly feminine element. It is the element of emotion and the subconscious. It is a life-giver and represents the constant ebb and flow of the Universe.
A few correspondences are...
Color: Blue
Direction: West
Planet(s): Venus, the Moon
Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Time of Day: Sunset
A bowl of goblet of water is, of course, the most obvious choice of representation for this element on your altar, but things like seashells works very well too. I use an abalone shell filled with shells I've found on the beaches of Rhode Island on mine. Deities associated with water are Poseidon, Sobek, Ganga, and Chalchiuhtlicue.
How do you connect with water? What does it provide for you?
Lady Unlaced
