The Bighorn Medicine Wheel: A Sacred Landscape and Celestial Calendar
Perched high in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, at an elevation of 9,642 feet (2,940 meters), lies the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. This enigmatic stone structure, a circular arrangement of rocks with radiating spokes, is one of the most significant and well-preserved medicine wheels in North America. Its precise origins and purpose remain a subject of scholarly debate, but its enduring presence and alignment with celestial bodies suggest a deep connection to the spiritual and astronomical practices of the Plains Native American tribes.
Discovery and Dating
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel first gained recognition from the outside world in the late 19th century. European-American settlers, explorers, and anthropologists documented its existence, piquing interest in its unique design and potential significance. Archaeological investigations, carried out primarily in the 20th century, have contributed to our understanding of its age and purpose.
Radiocarbon dating of artifacts found at the site indicates that the wheel was constructed and used over an extended period, starting around 700 years ago. The dating results suggest it was built during the late Prehistoric period, possibly between 1200 and 1700 CE. Some theories even suggest the wheel may have been in use for centuries prior to the 18th century. The precise construction date and the identity of the builders remain uncertain. However, it is widely believed to have been created by tribes such as the Crow, Cheyenne, and Arapaho, who inhabited the surrounding areas.
The Physical Structure: A Circular Design
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a relatively simple structure but is remarkably effective in its design. The wheel consists of a central stone cairn (a pile of rocks) surrounded by a circular outer ring of stones, approximately 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter. From the center, 28 spokes extend outwards to the perimeter ring, creating a pattern that somewhat resembles a bicycle wheel. These spokes, along with the outer ring and the central cairn, are constructed from local stones, carefully placed and arranged.
Several rock cairns are also located outside the main ring, along the spokes, which are believed to have served as markers or observation points. The overall arrangement of the wheel reflects a meticulous understanding of geometry and a deep appreciation for the natural landscape.
Astronomical Alignment: Celestial Connections
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is its alignment with significant celestial events. The cairns and spokes appear to be purposefully arranged to align with the rising and setting positions of the sun, certain stars, and the moon at specific times of the year.
- Summer Solstice: One of the key alignments is with the rising sun on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The sunrise aligns with a specific cairn or point on the wheel, highlighting its importance as a seasonal marker.
- Other Celestial Events: The Medicine Wheel is also aligned with the rising and setting positions of certain prominent stars, such as Aldebaran, Rigel, and Sirius. These stars would have been important for tracking the passage of time, marking seasonal changes, and predicting agricultural cycles. Some scholars also suggest possible alignments with the moon, linking it to lunar cycles and the lunar calendar.
The precise astronomical alignments of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel indicate that the builders possessed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and the movements of celestial bodies. They used this knowledge to create a structure that served as a calendar, a celestial observatory, and a means of tracking the changing seasons.
Purpose and Significance: A Multifaceted Role
The exact purpose of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is open to interpretation. However, based on the evidence available, it appears to have served multiple roles in the lives of the people who built and used it:
- Calendar and Timekeeping: The astronomical alignments of the wheel suggest that it functioned as a calendar, helping the people to track the passage of time, mark seasonal changes, and plan their activities accordingly. This was particularly important for agricultural communities, who needed to know when to plant and harvest crops.
- Ceremonial and Ritual Site: The Medicine Wheel was likely a place for ceremonial activities and rituals. It may have been used for prayers, offerings, and other religious observances, connecting the people with the spiritual world. The central cairn and the surrounding spokes and cairns might have served as points of focus for these activities.
- Educational Tool: The Medicine Wheel may have served as an educational tool, teaching the next generation about astronomy, mathematics, and the cycles of nature. The spokes and cairns could have been used to demonstrate celestial movements and the changing seasons.
- Symbol of Unity and Community: The construction and use of the Medicine Wheel may have fostered a sense of unity and community among the tribes who built it. It would have brought people together for ceremonial events and provided a shared cultural identity.
- Connection to the Natural World: The Medicine Wheel demonstrates a profound connection to the natural world and a deep appreciation for the forces of nature. It served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with the environment.
The Importance of Preservation and Respect
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a sacred site for many Native American tribes, who view it as a place of great spiritual significance. It is important to approach the site with respect and to follow any guidelines or restrictions put in place by the managing authorities.
The Medicine Wheel is protected as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, avoid disturbing the rocks, and refrain from removing any artifacts. It is essential to preserve this important cultural and historical site for future generations.
Contemporary Relevance
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel continues to inspire and fascinate people from all backgrounds. It reminds us of the wisdom and knowledge of the ancient peoples and the importance of connecting with the natural world. The wheel’s astronomical alignments offer a unique perspective on the relationship between humanity and the cosmos.
Today, the Medicine Wheel serves as a symbol of cultural heritage, historical significance, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and profound understanding of the people who created it. It is a place to contemplate the mysteries of the universe, the passage of time, and the interconnectedness of all things. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel continues to be a place of learning, reflection, and reverence. Its legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
