Water Symbolism
Here are a few notes about the symbolism of water across cultures throughout time.
As water is essential to our very existence, it is no wonder the symbolism of water is so far-reaching and profoundly deep. The suggestions above are merely the tip of the iceberg.
The symbolism of water has a universal undertone of purity and fertility. Symbolically, it is often viewed as the source of life itself as we see evidence in countless creation myths in which life emerges from primordial waters.
Interestingly, we are all made of water, and so we can liken many of these myths and allegories to our own existence (the macrocosm mirroring the microcosm and vice versa). Further, we can incorporate symbolism of circulation, life, cohesion and birth by associating the creative waters of the earth with the fluids found in our own body (i.e., blood).
In Taoist tradition, water is considered an aspect of wisdom. The concept here is that water takes on the form in which it is held and moves in the path of least resistance. Here the symbolic meaning of water speaks of a higher wisdom we may all aspire to mimic.
The ever-observant ancient Greeks understood the power of transition water holds. From liquid, to solid, to vapor - water is the epitomal symbol for metamorphosis and philosophical recycling.
Among the first peoples of North America, water was considered a valuable commodity (particularly in the more arid plains and western regions) and the Native Americansconsidered water to be a symbol of life (further solidifying the symbol affixed in many creation myths).
So it is also with the ancient Egyptians as we learn their beloved (and heavily relied upon) Nile river is akin to the birth canal of their existence.
A quick list of symbolic meanings for water include (but are not limited to):
Astrologically, we can find symbolism of water through the zodiac signs.
In the Tarot we find water is symbolized by the entire suit of cups (copas). Here water is symbolic of emotion, intuition and the interconnected flow of energy between all things alive. Other than the suit of cups, other Tarot cards such as:
all speak of symbolic water themes and deserve a bit of investigation if you are of an inquiring mind.
Here in the symbolic language of trees, we see symbolism of cycles, revitalization, generosity as well as dreaming and visions.
(abridged from Symbolism of Water, in http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolism-of-water.html)
Interestingly, we are all made of water, and so we can liken many of these myths and allegories to our own existence (the macrocosm mirroring the microcosm and vice versa). Further, we can incorporate symbolism of circulation, life, cohesion and birth by associating the creative waters of the earth with the fluids found in our own body (i.e., blood).
In Taoist tradition, water is considered an aspect of wisdom. The concept here is that water takes on the form in which it is held and moves in the path of least resistance. Here the symbolic meaning of water speaks of a higher wisdom we may all aspire to mimic.
The ever-observant ancient Greeks understood the power of transition water holds. From liquid, to solid, to vapor - water is the epitomal symbol for metamorphosis and philosophical recycling.
Among the first peoples of North America, water was considered a valuable commodity (particularly in the more arid plains and western regions) and the Native Americansconsidered water to be a symbol of life (further solidifying the symbol affixed in many creation myths).
So it is also with the ancient Egyptians as we learn their beloved (and heavily relied upon) Nile river is akin to the birth canal of their existence.
A quick list of symbolic meanings for water include (but are not limited to):
- Transformation
- Subconscious
- Fertilization
- Purification
- Reflection
- Intuition
- Renewal
- Blessing
- Motion
- Life
Water in Astrology
For more in-depth perspectives, we can turn to the more esoteric sources for water symbolism's.Astrologically, we can find symbolism of water through the zodiac signs.
Water Signs
- Cardinal water sign of Cancer (the crab) indicates purity, clarity and refreshment
- Fixed water sign of Scorpio (the scorpion) speaks of mystery, stillness and reflection
- Mutable water sign of Pisces (the fish) indicates depth, motion and life.
In the Tarot we find water is symbolized by the entire suit of cups (copas). Here water is symbolic of emotion, intuition and the interconnected flow of energy between all things alive. Other than the suit of cups, other Tarot cards such as:
- Moon (subconscious)
- Star (intuition)
- Temperance (harmony with cycles)
all speak of symbolic water themes and deserve a bit of investigation if you are of an inquiring mind.Celtic tradition
In the Celtic realm of the Ogham, the following trees are associated with water:
- Reed - junco
- Alder - amieiro
- Willow (salgueiro; weeping willow - chorão)
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Here in the symbolic language of trees, we see symbolism of cycles, revitalization, generosity as well as dreaming and visions.
Water creatures
We can't forget the animal realm when considering the symbolism of water. .(abridged from Symbolism of Water, in http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolism-of-water.html)
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