Water — 水
Shuǐ
Key Facts
- Element
- Water (水, Shuǐ)
- Direction
- North
- Season
- Winter
- Colour
- Black / Dark Blue
- Yin Organ
- Kidneys (腎)
- Generates
- Wood
- Zodiac Animals
- Rat, Pig
Water represents wisdom, fluidity, and the storage of potential energy. The Shangshu Hongfan states Water moistens and descends. Laozi’s Daodejing celebrates Water as the supreme metaphor for the Dao — soft yet irresistible. Water generates Wood (nourishing roots) and overcomes Fire (extinguishing flames).
Classical Correspondences
| Attribute | Correspondence |
|---|---|
| Yin Organ | Kidneys (腎) |
| Yang Organ | Bladder (膀胱) |
| Taste | Salty |
| Emotion | Fear (恐) |
| Planet | Mercury (辰星) |
Generating & Overcoming Cycles
Associated Zodiac Animals
The following zodiac animals have Water as their fixed element:
Frequently Asked Questions
In classical five-element cosmology, Water (水) is associated with the North direction and the Winter season.
The zodiac animals with Water as their fixed element are: Rat, Pig. These animals share Water's core qualities in their fundamental nature.
Water generates Wood in the sheng (生) or generating cycle. Water is itself generated by Metal.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Water governs the Kidneys (腎) (yin organ) and the Bladder (膀胱) (yang organ). The associated emotion is Fear (恐) and the taste is Salty.
Discussion
Sign in with GitHub to join the conversation.