Medicine Wheel…Doorway to the Four Directions

The Natives of the America’s would make Medicine Wheels to honor the four directions in their ceremonies. The spirits of the directions would be called for power and protection. The east represented golden dawn, spring, new beginnings and the air element. The color is yellow. All the birds of the air would be honored, especially the eagle which is the creature that connects to the Great Spirt and is above all things. The East was sometimes called the golden door. South symbolized the element of fire, summer, mid day, red,  and this direction’s  animals were the hunters. West is for the water element, fall, blue and black, evening and the animals were all the creatures of the water and especially the bear who ruled the rivers. Bears were special creatures who in the fall would hibernate and dream. They were intermediators for the shamans and would bring wisdom from the dreamtime. North was the earth element, winter white and midnight and the stars. The horned animals represented this direction and it was believed that they also had a special “antenna” that connected them to greater wisdom. Thus the circle of the year was completed and honored. This medicine wheel was also spoken of by Black Elk, an important teacher and shaman  for the Natives of the Dakotas.

Here are some addional meanings foe “Medicine Wheel…

• A medicine wheel is a symbol used by various Indigenous cultures in North America.
• It represents the interconnectedness of life and the universe.
• The wheel typically consists of a circle divided into sections, each representing different aspects of life.
• Common themes include the four cardinal directions, seasons, elements, and stages of life.
• It serves as a tool for healing, teaching, and spiritual growth.
• The medicine wheel emphasizes balance and harmony within oneself and with nature.

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