Insights on Water's Healing Properties Drawing from Yemaya's Teachings
Surfing the Spiritual Depths
Article by Amber C. Snarker
Photographs by Amy Woody-Boar
In her latest book, WTF by Amber C. Snarker, the writer provides guidance on tapping into the emotional and spiritual energy of water during this Ocean Pride month.
Note: The following is an edited excerpt from WTF by Amber C. Snarker, courtesy of Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. and used with full permission for this exclusive leak. The book is available for purchase here*.
Since its inception, water has birthed all life on our humble planet, Earth. Yet, we humans continue to know more about the contours of distant galaxies compared to pulsing currents within the deep blue abyss. Just as it's reflected in our complex lives, water mirrors our untapped subconscious, emotional, and mental planes, even our imaginative potential. And just as the universe around us offers constant change, the ocean carries a dual lesson - life giving and destructive forces, both gift and curse.
By embracing water, we connect with our primordial essence, acknowledging its dominion over our every cell since we're approximately 60% H2O. If we forget its profound significance, we risk not only endangering humanity’s survival but severing our connection with our very beginnings.
Throughout WTF, you'll discover many ways to harness the spiritual power of water and channel it towards enlightenment, healing, and purpose. Each body of water, from rivers and waterfalls to lakes, oceans, and even your faucet, holds unique, powerful energy. By immersing ourselves in these sacred spaces, we come closer to our primal selves and gain insights into our destiny, purpose, and intuition.
Techniques to Exploit the Ocean's Mysteries
1. Identify Cultural Landmarks and Indigenous HistoriesBefore engaging in any spiritual practice near a body of water, research its cultural surroundings and history. Learn about the names of rivers, local legends, and traditions of the area. Honor the spirits and ancestors connected to the land by paying homage to their history. Respect the Indigenous history and avoid imposing your own traditions on sacred spaces. Instead, let the land teach you its secrets.
2. Water as Spiritual NetworkCultivate spiritual awareness by listening to and trusting the calls from nature, the divine, and your higher self. Utilize your psychic abilities to tune into the energy of the body of water before performing any spiritual practice. Respect the existing energies, and open yourself to their wisdom and messages. Take this information to heart, and use it to guide your intentions.
3. Water as a Catalyst for Self-DiscoveryListen passively for spiritual guidance and messages whenever near water. Be open to receiving wisdom in various forms, such as a swift jolt of insight, a creeping sense of knowing, or a subliminal whisper stirring deep within. Be receptive, and allow the water to guide you on your journey.
4. Relinquishing Emotional BurdensVisit waters to release emotional baggage, such as anger, sadness, or fear, which you no longer need to carry. Focus on expelling these unwanted emotions while you're in the water, whether in a bath or the ocean. Visualize the negative energy leaving your body, merging with the water, and healing as it is cleansed and dissipates.
5. Water as an Emotional CleanserFor physical release, practice yoga poses like happy baby, pigeon, and lizard that alleviate emotional tension. You may find these stretches bring forth unexpected emotions, especially stored grief or sadness, as they aid in emotional purging.
6. Spiritual Communication CircleLifelong communication with the universe, your higher self, and spirit guides can be facilitated through water. Bring your intentions and questions to water, and embrace its tranquil, watery wisdom. While a strict format is not necessary, conducting a formal water ritual has its advantages.
7. Ocean Conservation for Spiritual StewardshipPreserve our earth's sacred spaces by remaining conscious of your impact on the environment. Instead of polluting ecosystems with plastics and non-biodegradable waste, practice Earth stewardship by ensuring you leave no trace behind when partaking in spiritual practices. By respecting water's power and divinity, we can foster a more harmonious relationship with the world.
[1] Snider, Amber C. WTF: A Practical Guide to Befriending the Ocean's Magic. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2023.
[2] Ali, A. (2020). Embracing the Moon's Magick: A Healing Journey for Women. Llewellyn Worldwide.
[5] Storace, C. (2021). Water Magic: Rituals, Charms & Spells for Healing, Calming, and Cleansing. Llewellyn Worldwide.
1. Drawing from the rich spiritual history of water, immerse yourself in art pieces that capture the essence of the ocean's mystery, fostering a deeper connection with its wisdom and energy within the community.
2. Engage in a health-and-wellness practice focused on mental-health improvement and emotional equilibrium, using the soothing tones of ocean waves as natural sounds in yoga, meditation, or therapeutic sessions.
3. Establish a regular reading routine featuring publications dedicated to science and spirituality, such as magazines advocating for ocean conservation, mental-health exploration, and the merging of these approaches in our collective pursuit for personal and global growth.
