The Medicine Wheel

The Medicine Wheel is used as a holistic teaching tool. It consists of four quadrants that relate to the cardinal directions: East, South, West, and North. Each direction is represented by specific teachings and emblems, such as four colours, four seasons, and the four stages of life. The circle symbolizes and resembles many cycles in the natural world and is a symbol of equity - All my relations.

Medicine Gardens are planted to honour the Medicine Wheel, and to grow Sacred Medicines associated with directional teachings. There are four Sacred Medicines: Tobacco, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass. These are traditional medicines that have physical qualities for medicinal purposes, and a spiritual aspect used in traditional healing and ceremonies. Care and attention should be given when harvesting Sacred Medicines. Leave roots and seeds and only harvest what is needed.

A tobacco gift should be placed in the garden, as nothing is taken without something given in return. Teachings vary from Nation to Nation. For example, the ground Medicine Wheel in some territories consist of 36 Grandfather rocks, each with a teaching for children and youth. It is good practice to consult with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper to learn more on the harvest and use of Sacred Medicines, the Medicine Wheel, and directional teachings.

East Animal teachings of sacrifice, sharing, and nurturing.

Teachings of the East

The East represents love and new beginnings. As winter ends, spring brings birth and rebirth. It is a connection to babies and children. The East melds the sense of spirit with the physical world. Connectedness and belief in the unseen and illumination are centered in the East, yet are grounded in responsibility for the Earth. Gifts of the East include guidance, leadership, and service, as well as joy, truthfulness, trust, and acceptance of others. Animals teach of a parent’s protection, their nurturing behaviours, and providing for others. Mothers may pretend to be wounded to lure away a predator, putting themselves at risk for their children. Predators, after eating their fill, still leave some of the kill behind. This allows them to share their bounty with others.

Emblems of the East Medicine: Tobacco Animal: Eagle Life Stage: Infant Season: Spring Element: Earth

South Grasses grow and willows bend.

Nature teaches kindness.

Teachings of the South The South represents learning, discipline, and expression of emotions. This sense of growth and development is linked to youthful energies. The South represents how you seek to shape yourself and the world you live in. Expressions of unconditional love, loyalty, balance, and control are a focus of this direction. There is also an emphasis on justice, a rejection of violence, and one’s ability to put others before themselves. Teachings of kindness are found in the resilience of plants. Grasses spring back when cut down or stepped on; willows survive harsh weather and wind but continue to bend and grow. Kindness, like the resilience of those plants, should be the response to great challenges and at the heart of personal growth.

Emblems of the South Medicine: Cedar Animal: Mouse or Wolf Life Stage: Youth Season: Summer Element: Fire

West Even the strongest stone will change over time.

Teachings of the West

The West represents depth of self, strength, and respect. Other aspects of this direction such as perseverance, patience, and will, are found within the adult phase of life. Spirituality is strongly linked to the West. Sacred fires, ceremonies, medicine pouches, old spirits, and the unknown are aligned with this direction. Reflection, mediation, and prayer are all a focus of the West. Mountains and rocks are called Grandmothers and Grandfathers. They are made of the oldest and strongest material, and have endured many changes since the beginning. Water can erode a Grandfather, but it needs to repeatedly hit the same area for thousands of years to change its shape. The Grandmothers and Grandfathers teach us strength and patience in this way.

Emblems of the West Medicine: Sage Animal: Bear Life Stage: Adult Season: Fall Element: Water

North Wisdom from the roots that unite us.

Teachings of the North

Teachings of the North are associated with a life long-lived, representing the Elder phase. Knowledge, wisdom, critical thought, and the use of experience in predicting the future are gifts of the North. The North expresses the Elder’s ability to assess what matters most. There is an emphasis on freedom from fear and hate, and a freedom to love and learn. They emanate the strengths of their Nation, including history, politics, and justice. Teachings of unity between Earth and life are found in the North. The tree that grows to the North of the sacred circle has deep roots that are intertwined with culture, personal connections and growth, and Mother Earth. Trees with shallow roots can be overturned.

Emblems of the North Medicine: Sweetgrass Animal: Bison Life Stage: Elder Season: Winter Element: Air

Reference From : www.legacy.winnipeg.ca