The Medicine Wheel

Sacred Hoop, sacred space
Four directions of ancient spirit
Interconnected to all my relations
All are equal in the cycle of life

The sacred circle is an ancient form and symbol that is found in most spiritual traditions on Earth.  In general, the circle symbolizes wholeness, unity, the cycle of life, and continuity.  The Medicine Wheel is an ancient form of this symbol found in North America.  The Native American Medicine Wheel can be a mental construct, made into artwork, or symbolic tools, or it can be formed into the landscape.  The Medicine Wheels built into the land are generally created with rocks and maintained by the people who use them.

Some of the oldest Medicine Wheels in North America date to before 4000 BC.  While we can not be absolutely certain of how these circles were originally used, by tradition, they are sacred spaces of prayer, connection, and healing.  Most Medicine Wheels in the landscape consist of a central stone, four stones representing the four cardinal directions, more stones around the perimeter, and spokes connecting the center and the circle.  There are variations on this theme, but those are the basics.  My Medicine Wheel is 12 points around the perimeter and the 13th point is in the center.

The specific meaning of the Medicine Wheel, or Sacred Hoop, varies from tradition to tradition, so I'm going to give a general picture of what the Native American Medicine Wheel represents.  Any specifics in this article are my own takes on the Medicine Wheel.

The landscape Medicine Wheel creates a sacred space that represents the circle of life, the interconnectedness of all life and energy, and the paths of growth and learning.  It is a way of thinking and being in the world that recognizes that every living being and energy is related, sacred, and to be honored. It is a sacred framework that gives an overall view of life's lesson and how life and energy flow in a circular fashion.  The artistic and mental representations of the Medicine Wheel are tools that help create sacred space and connections in life.

Besides the circle itself, there are five basic key points to understand.  The four cardinal directions are the main points on the circle.  The last point is the center.  The spokes of the wheel represent the paths that you take to learn the lessons around the circle.  According to Native American philosophy, all paths, all directions, all life is equal.  According to most traditions, the entry into the circle is in the east.

The East is the place of the sunrise.  This is represented by yellow and fire.  This is the place of the Eagle and the Condor.  The East is spring, enlightenment, and beginnings.  It is the Place of vision and strength.  I honor the East with Tobacco.

The South is the place of summer and the child.  Some traditions hold this to be represented by white. I represent this by red.  This is nourishment, growth, faith, trust.  It is happiness and generosity.  This is the place of the Coyote or sometimes the Hawk.  Some honor the South with Cedar.  I honor the South with Sweetgrass.

The West is the place of the sunset.  It is the place of all tomorrows. The West is introspection and where the past meets the future.  It is Earth, autumn, and solitude.  This is the place of courage, respect, and honoring culture.  The West is the place of the Bear.  I honor the West with White Sage or Prairie Sage.

The North is the place of winter.  It is the end of life, the end of the cycle, and the preparation for the renewed cycle.  The North is the place of wisdom and the elder.  The North is represented by the Bison and the home of The White Buffalo Calf Woman.  This is the place of ceremony and gratitude.  This is the point that I remember that life is a celebration.  Some honor the North with Sweetgrass.  I honor the North with Cedar.

The Center is the place of integration.  It represents the heart and the person.  This is the point of prayer and connection.  The center is that from which all begins and all returns.  To me, this is the fire of the heart and the understanding that none are greater and none are less.  I honor the center with fire.

To me, this is a tool for creating and entering sacred, energetic space.  Sometimes, I enter this space through a circle drawn in the landscape.  Sometimes, I enter this space through my artwork.  Sometimes,I enter this space through a space that I draw in my mind.  No matter how I enter this space, it is a place for connection and guidance.

Sources for this article:
ictinc.ca
oktalakota.sto.org
uwsuper.edu
nlm.nih.gov
sciencedirect.com
Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams
13 Indigenous Grandmothers by Jamie Sams