Water (Kan) is the element representing our career and journey through life – where we are going and where we have been. Water is associated with the colors black and dark blue, midnight, midwinter and the north. The yin to Fire’s yang, water relates to communication, resourcefulness and the fluidity of our path. Water energy is forever-shifting and reminds us to expect change and movement on our journey – to go with the flow. Water’s emotion is fear and all the unknown diversions that could potentially carry us off course.
Water is yin/feminine in character, its energy is downward and its motion is stillness and conserving.
In Chinese Taoist thought, water is representative of intelligence and wisdom, flexibility, softness and pliancy; however, an over-abundance of the element is said to cause difficulty in choosing something and sticking to it. In the same way, Water can be fluid and weak, but can also wield great power when it floods and overwhelms the land.
When your Water Element is in balance, you use your resources of energy, time, contacts, and money wisely, neither hoarding nor squandering that which gives you life. Water is also the element of stillness and rest, taking time to rest and rejuvenate yourself. It is in the Water element that all great innovations and ideas are birthed.
Water type people appear a bit reserved, yet are often very creative, sometimes even eccentric. They can appear cool and stoic, yet have the capacities to be still and deeply reflect. The negative emotion associated with water is fear, while the positive emotion is calmness.