MEDICINE WHEEL

Nature moves in circles.

The Medicine World is a symbol of balance, perfection, completeness and wholeness.

The wheel is a philosophical system.

It is a map to help us find our way.

It offers protection through it`s metaphorical power.

The Medicine wheel shows separate forces in complete balance.

The Medicine Wheel excists in us all.

We can use the Wheel to understand life and spirit.

The Wheel is a centering device for our consciousness.

The Medicine Wheel is very similar to the Circle of Power.

THE LAKOTA WHEEL :

This version of the Wheel comes from the Lakota region and there are many variations.

The Wheel is divided into four quarters which correspond to the four cardinal directions.

The East quarter is the direction of sunrise.

Element : Fire.

Colour : Yellow.

Totem Animal : Eagle.

After East we go clockwise to the South quarter.

Colour : Red.

Element : Water.

Totem Animal : Mouse.

West is the direction of the element Earth, evening and autumn.

Colour : Black.

Totem Animal : Grizzly Bear.

North is the midnight and the heavenly body of the stars.

Colour : White.

Element : Air.

Totem Animal : Buffalo.

SETTING OUT THE MEDICINE WHEEL :

The Wheel should be set out physically as an aid to meditation and journeying.

Go with your feelings in representing the Wheel.

Use a circular mat.

In the East try a bundle yellow candles tied in yellow ribbon.

In West try artefacts in black.

In South try water in a red bowl.

In North try anything white representing animals or snow.

In the centre light a candle to acknowledge the spirit.

Find your own way of calling up the directions.