Greetings beloveds,

We are firmly in the season of water, rebirth, and healing. To expand our concepts of how we relate to water let’s talk about the different versions of water and how we take on these characteristics.

Solid: When water is  a solid, the molecules are moving slower and spread out taking up more space. This makes them less dense so that ice weighs less than water as a liquid. Ice represents slowing down and taking our time. It is the energy of observation, being outside of time, and rumination. When we are dealing with heavy issues we need that density to feel closer to the earth and ground ourselves in the reality of what needs to be addressed.

Shadow: When it is too cold, there is a limitation in what is possible because everything SLOWS down. During the winter, in areas that experience ice and snow, this type of weather can bring death. Either from blocking access to resources, freezing temperatures, or other complications. In all forms water can give life and water can take life. When we slow down to the point where we are frozen in place no longer growing or living fully, we lose our most valuable resource: time.

Liquid: This is the form of water we are most familiar with. It is the water we drink, use to cook, bath, clean, play, and restore our souls. This is the energy of temperance-balance. Too cold and it begins to freeze. Too hot and it’s uncomfortable to work with. Yet water flows throughout our world providing life without discrimination.

Shadow: Anyone who has ever been in a thunderstorm, tropical storm, hurricane or other weather occurrence knows the power of water in it’s liquid form. On the other hand, not having enough water is just as catastrophic causing our bodies, the land, all living things to eventually shrivel up and die. Through the shadow of liquid water, we come to appreciate the importance of balance, compassion, and the fragility of life. We realize that in order to survive we must take care of ourselves and each other, otherwise we will perish.

Gas: Vapor as the form of water that is least visible is as a gaseous state. It is ALWAYS present around us. Vapor represents the lighter side of water energy that does more than flows, it flies. The same element that fuels our body and allows for us to create also calls us to throw off the baggage which keeps us captive. Vapor is free of restraints and cannot be contained. It is the spark of life that lifts us out of the doldrums into the freedom of infinite space.

Shadow: What could be the shadow of such a light and airy form of water? Lack of depth. When we move to far into our imaginations, lack connections to our physical realm, or avoid responsibilities because they feel like “too much” we eventually evaporate into air. We completely disconnect from who we are and where we came from. Although it is tempting to not have anything that holds you down or has negative energy, without doing the work we miss the opportunity to grow. Allow yourself to expand without forgetting that this is a process that will bring you back to this moment of weightlessness again and again.