The Medicine Wheel: Healing Through the Teachings of the Sacred Hoop and the Four Directions
The medicine wheel is an ancient spiritual tool that contains the wisdom of the universe. The teachings of the medicine wheel create a holistic foundation for human behavior and interaction. When you create a medicine wheel, it is a representation of the journey of your life. Each experience adds a new level of realization and an opportunity for growth.
We can think of the medicine wheel as a personal expression of our spirituality. It is a tool which can be used for our personal evolution. The wheel can guide ordinary reality into sacred awakening. It is a tool for reflection, prayer, ceremony and connection with All That Is.
Within the circle we experience a harmonious relationship with nature and all living things who are our relatives. It teaches us that all things are connected and equal, because in a circle there is no beginning and no end.
The medicine wheel is a mirror which reflects back to us the nature of the human condition. It requires courage to look into the mirror and really see what is being reflected back about our life, because much of it is quite painful. By facing the pain, we become stronger and wiser. The difficult experiences help us to learn and move forward in a manner that is pleasing to our ancestors. Within the mirror we also find joy and reflection. How you live your life within the great circle is the greatest challenge.
We walk the medicine wheel in a very specific order and direction. Each of the four directions is representative of specific principles, lessons, healing, power animals, plant spirits and elements. We are constantly traveling around the sacred hoop, attaining harmony and balance until we come full circle. Eventually, each of us returns to our starting place with new understanding, insight and inner strength.
Integrating medicine wheel consciousness into daily awareness can turn ordinary reality into true awakening of the spirit. Learning to engage the forces of nature and the gifts of the four directions helps us to discover the purpose of our being and experience healing on all levels.