I got talking with a customer the other day about the delight of a walk by the water. Crooked Treehouse’s home in Eden, NC is referred to as the “Land of Two Rivers” (for the obvious reason – the Dan and Smith rivers run through the heart of our little city). At this time of year, when emotions can run high and family obligations leave us stressed, there is nothing quite like a walk by the water to calm emotions and cleanse the soul.

Water as a Symbol

The symbology of water spans many cultures and myths. It is commonly linked with the mind and emotions, its unknowable depths reflecting what is unknown about the self. It is constantly changing with the tides. Water is usually connected as a feminine element. It is also seen as the source of life, connected with beginnings and longevity. Flowing water can also represent the passage of time. In tarot, the suit of cups are associated with water and emotion.

Water in Magic

Water is used in particular in magic involving healing or cleansing. The use of water should also not be underestimated in scrying.

Think about where you get your water from as you clarify the intent of your magic. Perhaps you will draw from still waters when you want to call from a depth of emotion, work deep healing, or are scrying on the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. Moving waters might work particularly well for cleansing or releasing energies, as you imagine what you are removing traveling away from you with the waters. Let what the waters mean to you echo through your work.

A Cleansing by the River

With the end of the year, now is a good time to release that which no longer serves you and look to a fresh start for a new year. This is a peaceful letting go, allowing things to move on from your life.

What you will need:

• Pen or Pencil
• Paper (rice paper or other dissolving paper is best, so you don’t litter)
• Running water – a creek, stream, or river will work best.

Take some time to listen to the flow of the water. Hear it move towards you and away. Focus on that which no longer serves you, that which you want to let go of in the new year (or month, or whenever you do this).

Once you have this clearly in your mind, start writing down what you are letting go of. Small things or large, write them down each on a separate piece of paper.

When you are ready, breathe out and release these into the water one at a time. Say aloud:

As water flows

I let this go

Take a deep breath and thank the water for its assistance and its influence in your life, and leave these things behind.

Any additional influences of water you have experienced and want to share? Please do so in the comments!