The Water Elementand its Signs

The coupling of the elements (earth, air, fire and water) into Zodiac signs has its roots in Greek philosophy; however, water has long been a symbol of emotional energy in several cultures. The Zodiac water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, represent the wide spectrum of this element’s influence in the astrological world.

From the rains that open the first flowers of spring to the irrigation provided by streams and rivers, water is a nurturing presence and a giver of life. The water sign Cancer is imbued with this energy as well. Represented by the crab, they are considered homebodies who'd rather retreat into their shell than strike out in search of adventure. Valuing safety and security they will nearly always protect and nurture their loved ones.

Another sign of the zodiac that one would naturally associate with the element of water is Pisces as its symbol is a pair of fish. However, like the element of water itself, the water sign Pisces and its symbol are deceptively simple. Closer inspection shows the fish are facing opposite directions revealing the dual nature of the Pisces. This is also a common quality of the water element with its shifting currents.

Pisces are often thought of as being comfortable "going with the flow" people, thus making them a good match for water's unpredictable and sometimes mysterious nature.

A quality that Pisces and Cancer share is their emotional sensitivity. Cancers have deep feelings that can often be perceived as moody. This is also consistent with water's shifting currents, cavernous deep oceans, and changing tides. Pisces, on the other hand, are considered emotionally sensitive. This makes them appear wispy, dreamy, or deceptively disconnected from the people around them when in fact Pisces are usually remarkably attuned to the feelings of those around them. This is not unlike the ethereal mists that pass fleetingly across the landscape leaving droplets on the grass as they go.

While the water signs are undeniably caring and tend to have a deeply emotional presence, water cannot be underestimated. The swift flowing rivers that feed rapids and continuous pounding of the seas against the shores are clear indicators of water's undeniable power. Enter the Scorpio, a relentless sign who does not see failure but simply continues on toward the next goal until success is reached. The sign is represented by the scorpion, a symbol with amazing healing and regenerative abilities and they are remarkably fierce in pursuit of their prey.

Emotional wellbeing is the key to the water signs existence. The water signs and the element itself compliment each other to achieve a remarkable balance of powerful and subtle feelings to encompass the human experience. The zodiac signs that fall under the water element are truly as versatile as the water that cover our earth.