Water (classical element)
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Chinese Hinduism |
Water is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. It is considered to be both cold and wet; according to Plato, it is associated with the icosahedron.
In Wiccan tradition, it is associated with the West, autumn, and the color blue on the physical plane. It is sometimes represented by a blue crescent, the chalice, the bell, shells, sapphires, lapis lazuli, tears, and the cauldron. Water represents emotions, wisdom, the soul, and femininity. In rituals, it is represented in the forms of pouring water over objects, brew making, healing spells, ritual bathing, and tossing objects into bodies of water.
In Chinese Taoist thought, water is representative of intelligence and wisdom; however, an overabundance of the element is said to cause difficulty in choosing something and sticking to it. The element of water overcomes fire, and in turn is overcome by earth. Water spawns wood, and is produced by metal.
The manifestations of the element of water are rivers, oceans, lakes, wells, fog, all drinks, and the rain. Animals, especially the dolphin, seal, turtle, frog, and all types of fish, are also thought to personify the element of water. Astral creatures of water (elementals) are the Undine/Mermaid, Oreade/Naiad, and Sea Serpent/Dragon. Water’s place on the pentagram is the upper right point. In China and Japan, water was represented by a black turtle, known as Genbu in Japanese; in the Aztec religion, by a cane; to the Hindus, a bowl of blood; to the Greeks, a cup; to the Scythians, a bowl; to the Celts, the cauldron of the Dagda, which was always full; and in Christian iconography by a serpent.