Medicine Wheel

 Medicine Wheel

The Medicine Wheel, or Circle of Life, is found in many tribes and in many parts of the world, but there are beliefs common to them all. The compass points North, South, East and West give four directions. Mother Earth is below and Father Sky is above, giving six directions. These six directions are also symbolized by animal fetish carvings.

The circle shape represents life. We change like the seasons as we pass through life, traveling through the part of the circle. The center of the circle is the Spirit, from which everything extends and everything returns.

Below are some general beliefs about the colors, animal totems and uses of the medicine wheel. Every tribe and every person has their own beliefs and you should use what best represents what you believe.

Words from Apache artist Cynthia Whitehawk:

MEDICINE WHEEL - Symbolizes the individual journey we each must take to find our own path. Within the Medicine Wheel are the Four Directions and the Four Sacred Colors. The Circle represents the Circle of Life.

Medicine Wheel teaches us that all lessons are equal, as are all talents and abilities. Every living creature will one day see and experience each spoke of the wheel, and know those truths. It is a pathway to truth, healing, peace and harmony. The circle is never ending, life without end.

MEDICINE WHEEL - The Medicine Wheel is an integral part of American Indian Spirituality. It is based on the four cardinal directions and the four sacred colors. The circle represents life and the four colors symbolize the four directions, the four races, the four seasons and the four Lakota virtues of generosity, bravery, fortitude, and wisdom. At the center of the circle is the eternal fire from which everything originates and everything returns.. 

looks like dream catcher 

Black is the West, the place where the rain originates, place of power, strength, the ending of one which is the beginning of another. 

White is the North, cleansing, purifying and strengthening power. Teaches courage, endurance and wisdom that comes with the trials of life. 

Red is the East, a place where peace, light and new life rise up each day. Birth is from the East, renewal of Spirit, awakenings. 

Yellow is the South, sees a sun that is strongest when facing this direction. The yellow South represents the peak of life, warmth, understanding and ability.