5 Animal Play: About the Deer

The Five Animals Qigong (wuqinxi) is based on the Five Phase theory which is also a foundational theory for Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Five Phases describe the cyclical tranformations of Yin and Yang using the icons of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
The Deer corresponds to the Water phase which is maybe best summarized by it's association with Winter. In the Winter, Yang recedes deep into Yin as trees go dormant, their energies withdrawn into their roots.
In Chinese Medicine, this Phase corresponds to the Kidney network. It is the deepest of the organ network, manifests in the bones & marrow and extends to the low back. It is the holding place for reserves of Yin and Yang inherited from our parents and governs our reproductive system and the creation of the next generation. Because of this, the movements of the Deer originate from the back and travel through the bones. There is a focus on alignment and finding solidity within the movements. If we use the image of a river, the strength of the river lies in it's depth.
The emotions associated with the Water phase is fear, while the kidneys are said to house intention or will (Zhi). When this phase is imbalanced, either fearfulness or a lack of fear is experienced. Where there is a lack of fear, the will is expressed in a reckless manner, while in fearful states, the will is unable to act. So the movements of the Deer should be done in a deliberate but careful manner to cultivate an emotional state that allows intention to move clearly and freely.