The Water Element
Finding Humility in Winter’s Depth
Winter’s Call to Humility
Winter offers us a stripped-back version of ourselves that enables us to review and rewrite in its dark as its invitation ‘in’ erodes the veil of the inner eye. While it may not sit as pretty as Summer or Spring, Winte’s discomfort and vulnerable edge prompt us deeper, untangling where we are too full, and emboldening us in the places where we are unsteady. All in all, it wants us to tread carefully, to advance cautiously, and to ensure that we are humble, respectful and in alignment with the highest good. Sagarmatha, the Great Mother Goddess of the World, (Mount Everest) rises almost 9 kilometres into the sky, yet cradles the stones of the ancient ocean floor she rose from. May we too summon Winters moderation and modesty that we may return to the centre of ourselves.
Water as the Center of Life
The Water Element bridges full and empty, death and life, as much in mythology as in the cities and towns of today. Water remains the centre of the world, as much for our ancestors as for ourselves, the medium through which all energy is exchanged be it sunlight and the process of photosynthesis in plants, the sacred fluids in which we are conceived, grown and birthed, and the state to which death will take us, back into the ocean of the divine. It is worshipped, known to hold a myriad of magic and elemental qualities, and from bathing, fishing, travelling and drinking, to its mystery and power. It will carve a valley from a mountain as easily as it creates a mountain from a valley, levelling as it goes and returning all to harmony. No matter where you look in nature, you will find Water balancing out extremes to ensure the well-being of the entire tapestry.
Winter's Wisdom in Stillness
Winter’s pulse in the belly of Water takes away the sun and demands our slowed-down attention. The narrowing of the outer world continues until we see its outline through half-closed eyes, or miss the point entirely. It is vast and limitless and opens us to new levels of intelligence and wisdom that will merge us with our futures. Winter says step back and slow down, empty yourself where you are full, connect with what has real meaning, and trust that the rest is unfolding exactly as it should. To be neutral as the long nights help you take stock of your life, ensuring that one area has not become so important that other areas are deficient, is Winter. Pride generates enthusiasm and inspired freedom, but humility keeps you focused on how you move forward so you don’t become disconnected from what is right for you.
Finding Stability in Water’s Calm
This long upward climb - with periods of falling.
Balance ensures a stable footing.
- I Ching
Winters wisdom helps us refine the line between taking and giving so that we can act in a role without limelight and so strike the balance between the productive and fiery Yang, and the replenishing or earthy Yin. Like a reservoir overflowing, in the winter there is relief as what is full is reduced, and what is low is built up.
May your ship right in the calm sea of Water this winter.
