The Medicine Wheel an Ancient Philosophy from Native Americans
The teachings from the wheel tell us that nothing stays the same, life is constantly changing, moving in a circle, like a wheel. As things change we can travel the Wheel, moving between each direction, north, south, east and west and finally moving into the Centre of the wheel. In each direction we consider and learn from the teachings:
EAST: The Spring, Eagle, Yellow, Fire, Dawn.
When in the East these are the things to consider: Think of the eagle spreading its’ wings, of the sunrise, lighting a fire or the flame of a candle. We think of new beginnings, sowing seeds of renewal, of our first memories of early childhood, of spontaneity, trust, hope and courage. In the East we need the ability to see clearly and to focus on the present. The East is for creative art forms and beautiful language and writing.
SOUTH: The Summer, Mouse, Red, Water Noon
Like the mouse we look at everything in detail, notice the red skies, think of the flow of the river or waterfall. In the south we focus on the enjoyment of music,
movement and dance. We consider loyalty, compassion and anger at injustice, and a passionate involvement of the world. We begin to develop emotionally as we do when we develop physically when growing from child to adult. We watch the seed that we have planted grown into flowers, trees, plants.
WEST: The Autumn, Bear, Black, Earth, Dusk
Here we reap what we have sown, pick the fruit and harvest the crops of our personal journey. We reflect on our journey, we consider our dreams and our visions, we look to the future. Here we respect others we enjoy stillness and silence, like bear we go into the cave to rest and go within. In the West we are grounded with the earth and feel strong like the bear.
NORTH: The Winter, Buffalo, White, Air, Night
Think of pure white snow, here we store our wisdom our learning as the buffalo stores food. A time for clear thought, for organising, categorising, calculating and planning. In the north we rely on our intuition and we are able to dwell in the centre of things with clear vision as we consider the future.
