The Water element is associated with receptivity, flow, abundance and renewal. The season corresponding to the Water element is Winter, because this is the time that nature goes within, it is when flowers die and prepare for a renewal in the spring. The Water element is primarily Yin because it flows and that is a feminine characteristic. Although it can also be Yang when we use it in more powerful ways like a strong water feature with rushing water. Water represents emotions, there are times where homes have water pipes bursting or toilets overflowing, and water spills happen due to the inhabitants suppressing emotion.
Homes that are dominant in Water element are dark and dim with water surrounding it. It may also contain mirrors and reflective surfaces. Water is reflective, so mirrors, windows and any reflective material represents the Water element. The Metal element is used in tandem with the Water element because metal nourishes water in the productive cycle of the elements.
In the destructive cycle, earth weakens water. This means if you have too much of a water element or the water energy is too strong in a space, you can weaken it by adding a few (not too many) elements of earth. If you add too much earth to a Water element corner, it can make the energy muddy. Likewise, if you have too much fire energy in a location, you can lessen its impact by adding elements of water.
WATER PROPERTIES & BENEFITS
Benefits:
The Water element purifies and refreshes the energy in a space. It increases the flow of abundance and intuition. Water feeds wood, and wood is associated with money (because it grows from trees), so water increases the flow of money.
How to Use:
You can incorporate the element of Water into your spaces by enhancing the Guas that are associated with the element or in the guas that are nourished by that element, refer to the image above for a quick guide. The Water element is best used in the Career & Wisdom corner of the home, as it is associated with the Water element. You can also incorporate it into the Family & Wealth corners of your home as they are associated with the Wood element which is nourished by water. Avoid reflective items in bedrooms, as they can disrupt sleep since it’s constantly reflecting energy at you. If you must have a mirror in your room, avoid using it directly in front of the bed.
Shape:
The shape of the Water element is represented by wavy and curved shapes that symbolize ocean waves. Tables with curvy tops or bases in wood or metal are a great blend of materials and shapes.
Color:
Colors associated with the Water element are black, shades of blue and dark purple.
Increasing the Element:
If you notice your areas are in need of the Water element’s characteristics, you can enhance the areas by adding color, wavy shaped objects, water features or reflective surfaces. To increase the Career & Wisdom corner you can also add metal objects and stone textures. Any of the items below can be used to enhance the Water element in your spaces.
Decreasing the Element:
Sometimes having too much of one element can affect your space as well. If you feel you have too much Water energy in your home, you may experience lethargy, sadness, depression, trouble getting out of bed, unexplained weight gain, loss of interest in hobbies and trouble accessing memories. If you feel you need to tame this element you can incorporate earth, but adding any of the Fire element colors, items and textures brings a balance of Yang energy into the space. This will move the stagnant energy and create vitality, passion and excitement again.
HOW TO USE THE WATER ELEMENT IN YOUR SPACE
Spaces in your home that are nourished by the Water element are the Career & Purpose and the Wisdom & Knowledge gua.
The Career & Life Purpose gua is the middle bottom section of your home, usually by the front door. You would energize this space if you are looking to improve clarity around your career and purpose, focus on your goals and job. The front door is the primary source of energy entering a space and therefore creates more energy and opportunity.Therefore, you want to make sure this space is open, welcoming and that energy meanders into your front step, blocked off or rushing energy are both too subtle or aggressive. A good flow will establish that your career opportunities also flow to you.
Color: Black, Dark Blue
Element: Water
Supporting Element: Metal
Destructive Element: Earth
Décor items used in the Career gua are anything reflective, glass or mirrors. Runners with wavy shapes and patterns paired with dark blues and black color palettes. You can also include metal elements, objects, art frames and stone, as these are all related to the metal element and metal nourishes water. This space is primarily associated with the future (goals) it’s best to keep anything that represents the past out of this space. If you do use artwork make sure it pertains to your career, goals or purpose. Keep anything that was inherited or ancestral for the Family gua.
Indoor water features are also a great way to introduce the energy or water into your Career gua. If Career or Wisdom & Knowledge gua, (because they are both governed by the water element) have too much water, and you feel you need to tame this element a bit, then you can add some Earth element items to tone it down. Make sure to keep this to a minimum so that you don’t create a muggy energy.
The Wisdom & Knowledge gua is related to self-actualization, spiritual growth, returning to school or learning something new. If you are looking to enhance your intuition, expand your mind and enhance or change your belief systems, then this is the space you want to focus on. Like the Career gua of the home, this gua is also represented by water. This would be a great space for a mediation area, office space, or even a study with a library of your favorite books.
Color: Blue
Element: Water
Supporting Element: Metal
Destructive Element: Earth
Decor items that you can use in your Wisdom gua are anything reflective, glass or mirrors like the Career gua. Rugs with wavy shapes and patterns paired with shades of blues. You can also include metal elements, objects, art frames and stone, as these are all related to the metal element and metal nourishes water. This space is primarily associated with the knowledge and wisdom, so keep books that resonate with new knowledge you’d like to learn, and make sure not to clutter or hold on to books that are no longer in alignment with your new belief systems.