Favourable; Metal & Wood
Unfavourable; Earth & Fire

The Water Element encompasses liquids in all its manifestations. Water symbolizes communication first and foremost. It is represented by wavy lines and irregular shapes. It's colour is navy blue or black. The Kidney organ system is governed by the Water Element in the human body, and its related emotion is Fear/Fright. Water is associated with Winter.

Symptoms of Water disharmony include low back pain, pain or weakness in the knees, and hearing problems including Tinnitus and deafness, and phobias.

Water is nourished by Metal and in turn it nourishes Wood. In the former, not only does condensation form readily on a metallic surface, but through fire Metal can be made to run like a liquid. In the latter case, nothing on the planet survives for long without water.

In the Controlling Cycle, Earth can be used to damn up Water, and in turn can be used to quench Fire. In relationships, a Water person with either a Fire person or an Earth person is not considered particularly auspicious.

Even so, that does not necessarily mean these relationships cannot work, but some effort is necessary to maintain a delicate balance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Heart (Fire) and the Kidneys (Water) have a unique relationship that is necessary for good health. Heart/Fire is said to warm Kidney/Water, while Kidney/Water is said to restrain Heart/Fire. If at any time this balance is upset illness is the result.

Water people are good communicators, writers, and intermediaries. They are pretty much always in learning mode, and love to travel. They tend to move with a fluid motion and are likely very good dancers.

The Yang Water type is likely to be self-directed, expressive, and travel extensively. They are likely to be smooth talkers.

Yin Water types tend to be psychically gifted with deep feelings. Their natural communicative ability is often directed to the Metaphysical or Spirit world.

While Water types like to travel, they are not necessarily the ones who take the Adventure tours. They prefer the well traveled routes.

Fountains, pools, fish tanks, and fish ponds all are used extensively to add the Water Element to any environment. As well, mirrors, stones, and rocks and pictures of water which simulate a water environment can also be used. The sound of tinkling bells also simulates the Water element.

The Pig and the Rat are governed by the Water Element.

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