Water
There are some things which are essential for life on Earth and I don’t mean chocolate, no, I’m thinking of air, sunlight, gravity and of course water. Water covers much of the Earth but that hasn’t stopped folks from even the dampest climates acknowledging a special relationship between life and those magical molecules of hydrogen and oxygen.
Water in religions
Water plays an important role in a number of contemporary religions including Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. In modern times many rites still involve water including; baptism, ritual cleansing, and blessings.
In both the Church of England and Catholicism Holy Water is used in removing unruly spirits. Water can become Holy Water in one of two ways; it can either be perfectly normal water which becomes ‘holy’ once it has been blessed by an important religious figure, or it may come from a special source, such as a church well or holy shrine.
Feng Shui
In Feng Shui moving water is used to get positive energies flowing, although paradoxically the sound of water is frequently found on relaxation CDs. Historically, water has been prized for its medicinal value with the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all using water based treatments particularly spas for some ailments.
Water zodiac signs
Fans of astrology (and especially of me – joke) will also know that the zodiac contains three water signs; Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. These signs tend to be psychic, sensitive, and emotional. Funnily enough the Water Carrier, Aquarius, IS NOT a water sign but ruled by the air element. However, this sign is linked with the propagation of high ideals, the carrier of knowledge, and is said to be linked to baptism!
The Cups in Tarot
Indeed, water is the element most associated with the emotions and in The Tarot the water element is allied with ‘cups’ the suite which is usually indicative of the questioner’s emotional state.
Scientific research
As we have seen water is used as metaphor for our emotions but it may also be affected by emotions itself – if Dr. Masaru Emoto research is correct. Emoto claims that when water is put in vessels with words like ‘love’ and ‘blessing’ written on them the crystals that make up the liquid form into pleasing shapes, in contrast, when exposed to words like; ‘hate’ and ‘anger’ the crystals degenerate. Emoto argues that water stores and transfers information in some way and that drinking water that has been blessed is beneficial to us.
So, next time you need to water your houseplants why not think some positive thoughts over the water, who knows you might be rewarded with some brilliant blooms or verdant veg.
Now then, where’s my chilled beer!!!
