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HOW TO USE A NATIVE AMERICAN MEDICINE WHEEL

Native Americans viewed the human journey through life as a series of cycles and circles, interwoven and connected to all living things inhabiting the Earth, the sky and the spiritual realm.

The Native American Medicine Wheel was a working model of how to gain an understanding of the delicate structure and balance of life, the relatedness of actions and reactions in the Universe and, how our individual lives played a role in the Creator's grand scheme. It is a circular symbol of truth, power and knowledge.

Each Medicine Wheel was unique to the specific geographic area and Native American tribe that used it. Though the shape or formation, and the Elements and Powers found within the wheel, may differ in size and directional representation, the basic meanings and purposes possess commonalities.

Before anyone can attempt to use a Medicine Wheel, the basic concepts, structure and meanings must be learned in order to achieve personal and spiritual growth.

A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE WHEEL'S BASIC COMPONENTS

Each wheel works with the number 7, which is the Dream of the Creator's number. The wheel has 4 cardinal directions: East, South, West and North, the center circle makes 5, and the Above and Below, makes 7.

As we journey through life, we will encounter each of these stages in our physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

The associated powers of the 4 cardinal directions:

THE EAST

* This direction's power lies with the rising sun. It represents vision, inspiration, beginnings and endings, where matter and spirit touch, and the springtime planting and sprouting of seeds. It is considered the "high place" where life and all its workings can be contemplated and allows a bigger picture to come into view.

THE SOUTH

* This is the direction that deals with the heart, emotions, innocence, trust and childhood. It is where we are able to see the world through a child's eyes and marvel at the beauty and magic of the world. It is like a mirror, where we are able to undergo self-reflection, viewing our past and how it is affecting our present.

THE WEST

* This is the direction of the setting sun. It represents the need for us to draw inwards and do some introspective work. This power is associated with women and the womb, where new life is created. It honors Grandmother Earth, who is responsible for sustaining all life, as well as providing the need for change, death, decay and rebirth, completing the circle of life. The west is the physical world,

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