Water (水, sui) in the five elements
Water flowing to the lowest place and taking any shape.
On this page
1.The nature of Water
Water stands for wisdom, flexibility and storage. Like life gathering strength underground in winter, it circulates quietly and deeply. Because it flows downward and moistens everything, the classics call it “soaking downward” (junka).
2.Correspondences of Water
- Season
- Winter
- Direction
- North
- Color
- Black (navy)
- Organs
- Kidneys and bladder
- Taste
- Salty
- Sense organ
- Ears
- Virtue
- Wisdom (chi)
- Planet
- Mercury
- Guardian beast
- Black Tortoise
- Musical note
- U (A)
- Emotion
- Fear
- Climate
- Cold
- Numbers
- 1 and 6
- Weekday
- Wednesday (水曜日)
- Stems
- 壬 Mizunoe, 癸 Mizunoto
- Branches
- 子 Rat, 亥 Pig
3.Water and the other elements
- Metal generates Water: Metal gives birth to Water (helps it)
- Water generates Wood: Water gives birth to Wood (lends it strength)
- Water controls Fire: Water restrains Fire
- Earth controls Water: Earth restrains Water
See the whole picture, with a diagram, in the generating and controlling cycles.
4.Personality of people strong in Water
People strong in Water think quickly and adapt to any environment. Perceptive, they can keep a secret. Others may see them as easily swayed or hard to read.
5.How to boost Water when it is lacking
When Water is lacking, your thinking becomes shallow and you forget how to rest. Bring it back by going near water, choosing black or navy and getting plenty of sleep.
Check the balance of your own five elements with the Four Pillars chart.
6.Stems, branches and stars of Water
Stems: Mizunoe (壬), Mizunoto (癸)
Nine Star Ki: 一白水星