Water Element: Astrology Cheat Sheet

The Water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are often recognized as the emotional wellspring of the zodiac. Guided by the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter, respectively – the planets associated with emotion, transformation, and expansion – individuals born under Water signs radiate an aura of depth, empathy, and mystery that’s irresistibly captivating.

This is hardly surprising, given Water is the only astrological element that is both within us and around us in physical form. Just like how water covers the Earth’s surface and makes up a significant portion of our bodies, the Water element in astrology underscores an innate capacity for emotional understanding and intuitive perception. This pervasive presence mirrors the empathetic, profound, and universal nature of Water signs.

Here’s a fun fact: Water signs are uniquely credited with having a sixth sense or heightened intuition. Their ability to deeply understand not just their own emotions but those of others as well is like a river, flowing through the landscape of human experience, absorbing the feelings and moods around them. So, when you meet someone who is particularly understanding, empathetic, or insightful, chances are, you’re interacting with a Water sign!

Would you like to dive deep and learn about the Water element? This guide will help you explore the depths of this astrological element. Dive in and let the knowledge flow!

The Water Element: A Quick Reference Guide

Check out my Astrology Cheat Sheet if you are learning astrology. This concise, 7-page printable guide covers the essentials and serves as an ideal quick reference.

The Water Element in Astrology: An Expanded Guide

The Water element urges us to delve deep into our emotional depths and reflect upon them. It encourages us to remain empathetic, intuitive, and connected to our feelings.

Water Element: Basic Overview

In astrology, the Water element symbolizes emotion, intuition, and depth. The Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—exhibit an emotional depth that is both profound and enigmatic. These signs are ruled by the Moon, Pluto, and Neptune respectively, infusing a powerful and dreamy force that fuels their emotional intensity and intuitive abilities.

Key Characteristics

The defining characteristic of Water signs is their profound emotional intelligence. They are empathetic, sensitive, intuitive, and possess a deep understanding of the human emotional landscape. This emotional acuity isn’t limited to their personal feelings—it’s a deep well that allows them to understand and feel for others, often driving them to be compassionate caregivers and friends.

Associated Zodiac Signs

Each Water sign has unique qualities:

• Cancer is nurturing, intuitive, and highly protective of their loved ones.
• Scorpio is passionate, assertive, and known for their emotional depth and intensity.
• Pisces is compassionate, artistic, and attuned to emotional undercurrents.

Planets and Energy

Each Water sign is ruled by different planets, bestowing them with distinct energies:

• Cancer is ruled by the Moon, the planet of emotions, instincts, and the subconscious.
• Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation, rebirth, and depth.
• Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams, intuition, and spirituality.

In terms of energy and gender, the Water element is often associated with Yin, or feminine energy, symbolizing introspection, receptivity, and inward focus.

Modalities and Temperament

Each Water sign belongs to a different modality:

• Cancer is a Cardinal sign, initiating and leading.
• Scorpio is a Fixed sign, stable and consistent.
• Pisces is a Mutable sign, adaptable and changeable.

Water signs are generally considered phlegmatic in temperament, characterized by their deep emotions, intuition, and calmness. Their temperament leans toward the cold and wet, mirroring the fluidity and depth of water.

Elemental Phases of Life and Spiritual Aspects

The Water element corresponds to elderhood and the phase of life where wisdom, compassion, and understanding are paramount. Spiritually, Water symbolizes the subconscious, the soul, and the realm of dreams, reflecting the mysterious and profound nature of our emotional world.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Compatibility

Water signs are intuitive, compassionate, artistic, and emotionally intelligent. They often have a healing presence, providing comfort and understanding to those around them. However, they can also be overly emotional, sensitive, and prone to mood swings.

In relationships, Water signs are caring and understanding, but can also be overly sensitive or too private. They are most compatible with Earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—that can provide stability and understanding to their emotional world.

However, Water signs often find it challenging to connect with Fire and Air signs. Fire can overwhelm their emotional sensibilities, while Air may not fully understand their emotional depth.

Career Paths and Health Considerations

Water signs often excel in careers that require empathy, intuition, and understanding. They thrive in roles such as counseling, healthcare, arts, and professions requiring emotional intelligence.

In terms of health, Water signs may be susceptible to conditions related to the lymphatic system or hormonal balance. In medical astrology, Cancer rules the chest and stomach, Scorpio governs the reproductive system, while Pisces oversees the feet and lymphatic system.

Balance and Growth

Water signs can achieve balance by incorporating more Air qualities for objectivity and clear communication, or Fire qualities for enthusiasm and motivation. Cultivating assertiveness, resilience, and emotional regulation can also aid their personal growth.

Symbols and Associations

Associated Tarot Cards

In tarot, the Water element aligns with the suit of Cups, representing emotions, relationships, and the emotional world—traits deeply embedded in every Water sign.

Color

Water is typically associated with blue and other cool colors symbolizing its calm, tranquil energy. Water signs are often represented by shades of blue, silver, and sea green.

Crystals

Certain crystals like Moonstone, Amethyst, and Aquamarine are often associated with the Water element, believed to enhance its positive qualities.

Number

In numerology, the Water signs are linked to the numbers 2 (Cancer), 4 (Scorpio), and 7 (Pisces), signifying partnership, structure, and introspection, respectively. Furthermore, the number 2 holds a special association with Water, reflecting the emotional and partnership-oriented influence of the Moon in numerology, which is also the ruling planet of Cancer, the first Water sign.

Always remember, while this guide provides a general overview of the Water element, each individual’s natal chart provides a comprehensive, unique astrological fingerprint that can give more detailed insights.

For a comprehensive overview of all four astrological elements, be sure to check out “The Ultimate Guide to Astrology Elements“.

If you would like to learn about other elements, visit their corresponding guides:

• Fire Element
• Earth Element
• Air Element