September 2011 Water: The Element of Healing, Creative Flow, Cycles and RhythmsWater is associated with emotions, the direction west, the color blue, the cup, cauldron, and chalice, the sacral (second) chakra, and the astrological signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. When the water energy within you is in balance, you are able to go with the flow and weather life’s ups and downs. You’ll have a healthy sense of who you are and what you deserve. Water, influencing the sacral chakra, helps you stay attuned to your body, make healthy choices, and protect your energy. Creativity flows. When water is out of balance, your energy and creativity may stagnate or become depleted. You can become bloated and puffy. Too much water, and your emotions rule your actions. Like a swollen stream, you move quickly, but lack direction. In contrast, a scarcity of water energy might prompt you to deprive yourself, act like a martyr, and deplete your energy in an effort to please others. Ocean Breath MeditationTry this exercise whenever life threatens to overwhelm you. Sit comfortably. Take a few long, relaxing breaths. Roll your shoulders and let your hands rest in you lap. With your eyes closed, envision the ocean. As you inhale, imagine the breath you draw in is a wave receding from shore. As you exhale, see your breath pushing a wave onshore. Try to make each breath longer than the one that preceded it. Pull the waves way back. Send them farther and farther up the beach. Observe the sea foam bubbling around small rocks and beached seaweed. Pull the wave back. Gently rock with the tide. Hear the gulls overhead. Push another long wave onshore. Salty sea spray mists your face. Your pulse slows. You become one with the tidal rhythms and cycles. The water cradles and supports you. Let anger, negativity, grief, and frustration roll off you and be cleansed and transformed by the water. Calmed and renewed, slowly bring yourself back to the present. Water Ritual for ReleasingI first experienced this ritual while staying at the Chalice Well in Glastonbury. If possible, perform it after the full moon and before the new moon. Fill a drinking glass, chalice, wine glass, mug, or whatever drinking vessel has meaning to you, with water. Think of all the things (or one particular thing) that you want to release from your life. As you pour out the water, say, “I hereby release…” (Name whatever you wish to let go of). Visualize the problem/issue going down the drain. When finished, pour fresh water into the glass. Say, “I welcome into my life…” (Name whatever you wish to bring into your life to replace what has been released.) Then drink the water. Next Month: Earth |