Water + Earth: A Mystic's Guide to the Edge of Two Elements
Channeling power and potential at the intersection of Earth + Water through The Edge Oracle
Context: The Edge Oracle
The Edge Oracle is a collection of original symbols, each representing a specific ‘edge’ or in-between place. The intention of The Edge Oracle is to provide tools and frameworks that integrate the wisdom and power held by the (often overlooked) liminal spaces of our world, into our everyday lives.
The first set of symbols within The Edge Oracle represents the 6 Edges that connect the 4 traditional Elements of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. For more background, check out my Introduction to The Edge Oracle post.
Symbol of Earth + Water: The River
Born at the mountain’s peak, the river snakes its way through hills and valleys. The river acts as a living channel between the aquatic and terrestrial realms. Minerals and nutrients from the Earth nourish the Water dwellers of the river, while the Water of the river hydrates life on Earth. Eventually, the river returns back to the sea, where it reintegrates with Water from each corner of the Earth.
Overview: Triangulating the Edge of Water + Earth
In this post, I approach The Water + Earth Edge as a source of power and possibility by exploring three topics:
1) Examples of the Earth + Water Edge in culture and ecology
2) Qualities that emerge at the Earth + Water Edge across the range of Examples
3) Prompts to connect the Edge of Earth + Water to your personal life
This framework — Edge Triangulation — is designed to provide ways to access, understand, and reflect the wisdom of any Edge. This is a foundational aspect of The Edge Oracle, and subscribers to DEEPER will receive first access to future posts where I’ll be sharing more tools and methods like this for engaging with wisdom from the Edges.
Accessing the Edge: Examples of Earth + Water
Below, I’ve collaged and listed some of my favorite Examples of the Water + Earth Edge in nature and culture. I chose these Examples because (to me) they represent a diverse and inspiring range of how the Edge of Water + Earth can manifest in physical and conceptual forms. As you view/read them, I encourage you to notice which ones spark the most curiosity or interest for you, and to take note of any Examples that come to mind which are not on this list.
Collage Examples of Water + Earth Edge: Mangrove; Snail; Wonderland; Bridge; Womb; Boat; Cenotes & Caves; Tide
Additional Examples of Water + Earth Edge: Rivers; Ancestors; Swamp; Mud; Dams; Watermills; Submarines; Atlantis; Pearls; Beavers; Lilly pads; Coral reef; Crabs; Alligators; Ducks; Turtles; Hippos; Otters
Understanding the Edge: Qualities of Earth + Water
Reflecting on these Examples of where the Elements of Earth and Water meet in our world, we may start to notice some recurring conceptual Qualities that exist at this Edge. Based on my own observation, research, and reflection, here are three key Qualities that emerge consistently at the Edge of Water + Earth. I’d also encourage you to personally engage with the Examples of this Edge that resonate strongest with you, and see what other Qualities might emerge from them.
1) Differentiation
Earth and Water are the Elements that give form to all living bodies on our planet, and highlight the Edge between “self” and “other”. Through Differentiation, we become aware of the physical and conceptual boundaries that can both divide and unite. Differentiation brings attention to our context, an ‘outside → in’ approach for understanding the web of relationships and realms into which we are uniquely interwoven. Here, we find the paradox of being both individually embodied, yet inseparably part of everything else. Through Differentiation, we can build a sense of home, belonging, and connection at the Edge of Earth + Water.
2) Interdependence
As the Edge of Earth + Water highlights our differences, it also reminds us of our Interdependence with that which we consider ‘other’. Through an empathetic curiosity about both our individual needs/desires, as well as those of the life forms and systems around us, we can become more aware of what it takes to thrive collectively in harmonious and symbiotic relationships. ‘Empathy’ is a key word here, because it requires us to decenter ourselves in order to respect and understand the needs of others — even (and perhaps especially) when those needs seem to be at odds with our own. By leaning into the Quality of Interdependence in this way, we gain a wider perspective of how serving our ecosystem as a whole can also nourish us in return. Utopia is a verb and a process, not a destination.
3) Inspiration
Every discovery leads us to a greater mystery. As much as we observe and learn about the edges of Earth + Water within and around us, there is always more to be revealed. Through active curiosity and exploration of the unknown, both within our own bodies and beyond them, we can encounter and conceive of new ways of being and relating. But rather than chasing after the mysteries of life like a problem to be solved — the Edge of Water + Earth invites us to be as inspired by our awe and humility in the face of the unknown, as we are by our glimmers of understanding. This Edge inspires us to trust the deep, dark womb of Earth + Water from which all seeds of life sprout, and to be open to receive unexpected truths from its sublime nature. The best answers often bring us to new questions.
Other Qualities at the Edge of Earth + Water:
Curiosity; Exploration; Portals; Discovery; Mystery; Admiration; Awe; Empathy; Receptivity; Responsiveness; Home; Ancestral Connection; (Re)Birthing; Nourishment; Cleansing; Boundaries; Slowness; Restfulness; Melting; Depth; Reshaping; Reflecting; Source
Reflecting the Edge: Prompts for Personal Connection to Earth + Water
After reviewing the Examples of this Edge and some of their overarching Qualities, you may already be sensing some ways that the Edge of Earth + Water is reflected in your own life. To help us further access the power of this Edge, here are some Prompts to identify and strengthen your personal connection with the Edge of Earth + Water.
When you see [Quality] and [Example] — insert any of the aforementioned Edge Qualities / Examples that most interest you. I recommend using a journal to write, reflect, and see where it leads.
Edge “Example” Prompts:
What do I find beautiful, admirable, or unique about [Example]?
What don’t I understand about [Example]? Through research or having a direct experience with [Example], what becomes revealed to me?
After noticing what inspires and/or intrigues me about [Example] from the previous two questions — what do these attributes of [Example] reflect back to me about myself, my desires, or my current situation?
Edge “Quality” Prompts:
Where does [Quality] feel most present or most absent in my life right now? How do I feel about that, and what can I learn about myself or my situation based on the presence or absence of [Quality]?
What are my biggest priorities right now? For each of those priorities, what is my relationship to / the role of [Quality]? How could I try shifting my relationship to [Quality] as a way to better support this priority?
What are some things I have learned about [Quality] through personal experience and/or from observing it elsewhere? How might I apply these learnings to support me now?
What’s Next:
Through The Edge Oracle, my intention is to create more awareness, understanding, and collaboration with the possibility and power that exists at the Edges of our world. With DEEPER, I will continue to expand upon this with upcoming posts about:
-Each of the 5 other Elemental Edges, and their unique Examples & Qualities
-How to work with the Edges in a Question/Answer format (and combine it with other practices like Tarot & Astrology)
-A collection of handcrafted talismans and oracle cards to go deeper with each Edge
-The Edge Temple: How the 4 Elements and 6 Edges work together
…. and lots more!
Thanks for being here. With love,
Dante Deeper