Elemental Enneagram – Water
Continuing the unfolding of images using the 4 Elements of the Ancient Western World and the Enneagram. Again, here are some initial ideas with minimal explanation. I want to expand on these in the near future
We continue with Water.
- Ones: I see pure and filtered water, well suited for cleansing purposes. When a One is Out of Essence, they either become very sensitive to pollution or they end up polluting with judgment.
- Twos: A couple images come to mind. One is the image of a lake. It is not too big to be overwhelming. A home for fish and a refuge for other wildlife. The other image is that of a Cup of Cold Water. It brings refreshment to others. When a lake becomes ingrown (like the self-focused Two) it becomes stagnant and is not healthy for life.
- Threes: One set of water images is that of a river or a canal. It is moving and ever changing. It makes canyons and can polish rocks. A related image is that of a dam or a levee as constructions that help to harness and direct the water. However, too much and the flow is blocked with excess control.
- Fours: I see a spring, an artesian well, or Jesus’ image of a well of living water. This links to the Holy Origin nature of the Four. The creative seeks to connect deep down with the source of creative life. Without this spring, we have wilderness, absence and longing.
- Fives: This one actually comes from Helen Palmer (and I lost the scrap of paper I wrote this on). The Five would be the undertow current in the sea. I would broaden that out to the deep ocean currents of which the undertow becomes a dangerous excess to those caught in its trap.
- Sixes: Rain. We need rain for life, just like we need faith, however too much of the fear/rain leads to dangerous storms and floods. Too little courage leads to drought.
- Sevens: The waterfall and the fountain. This is related to the spring of living water, but in a bubbly, effervescent way. You can’t help but be enlightened in the presence of a spraying fountain or a waterfall. However, too much can lead to an excess of chaos and life spins quickly out of control.
- Eights: If the Five is the undertow, the Eight is the Ocean Wave (again from Helen Palmer). I would expand this to the movement of the tides, powerful and broad movements in life. Too much? Tsunami.
- Nines: Here I imagined the mountain stream of the bubbling brook. Nothing over the top, but in the presence of the stream, I think peace and harmony. A brook without water is a dry creek bed. Nothing going on, but still holding potential. Waiting for the rain (the Six) and dreaming of being the river (the Three)
Next: Earth
Note: I Welcome your help! These are ideas and possibilities for images in understanding and exploring the Enneagram. These are all Tentative, and might/will need further development. You can help by commenting on what you think works and what you think will work better. Thank you, David
