The Medicine Wheel is a metaphor for our lives. Ancient Medicine Wheels have been found virtually all over the world. These are sacred spots of prayer and contemplation.

The way the Wheel is created varies from culture to culture, so I will address the Native American aspect in this forum. The Wheel generally consists of 36 stones, with the Creator stone in the center. Around this are stones representing the moon, the sun, the earth, etc. On the outside are four equally spaced stones representing the four directions and the four seasons. The Wheel is divided equally into four sections, each tied into the central stone, and one stone for each direction.

The colors of the Wheel may vary depending on the colors of the tribe or clan. Many Wheels are entered in the South, which in many cases represents the Summer, childhood, Fire, and passion.
The West represents Autumn, adolescence, Water, and dreams and visions. The North represents Winter, middle age, Earth, and wisdom and teaching. The East represents Spring, the elder, Air, and creativity.

All of us walk the Wheel, some for a longer time than others, but we can access the wisdom and guidance of each direction from standing and meditating with the guardians of that direction.

Medicine Wheels are amazing tools of insight and understanding.

Check out the Spirituality archives for the article on the Medicine Wheel if you would like further information.


Linda Paul
Tarot