Bighorn Medicine Wheel: A Sacred Site in Wyoming
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, also known as the Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, is a remarkable and enigmatic archaeological site located in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming. This stone structure, consisting of a central stone cairn surrounded by a circle of stones with radiating lines, has captivated the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers for decades. Its precise purpose remains a mystery, but its significance as a sacred site and astronomical observatory is widely acknowledged.
Location and Description
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is situated on Medicine Mountain, at an elevation of approximately 9,642 feet (2,940 meters) above sea level. The site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bighorn Basin and the Absaroka Mountains. The wheel itself is a circular arrangement of stones, approximately 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter. It is constructed of stones gathered from the local area, and its design includes a central cairn, 28 spokes radiating outwards from the center, and six outer cairns arranged along the circumference.
The construction of the wheel required a significant amount of labor and planning. The stones are carefully placed and aligned, and the overall design is remarkably precise. The wheel’s location and construction suggest that it was created with a deep understanding of astronomy and the celestial bodies.
History and Origins
The exact origins of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel are shrouded in mystery. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site was constructed by Indigenous peoples, likely ancestors of the Crow, Cheyenne, and Shoshone tribes. Radiocarbon dating of artifacts found at the site indicates that the wheel was likely built between 300 and 800 years ago, with some estimates suggesting a construction date as early as the 12th century.
The purpose of the wheel remains a subject of ongoing debate among researchers. However, several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that the wheel served as an astronomical observatory, allowing its users to track the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. The alignment of certain stones with specific celestial events, such as the summer solstice sunrise and the rising of certain stars, supports this theory.
Another theory suggests that the wheel was used for ceremonial or religious purposes. The wheel’s design may have symbolized the interconnectedness of the universe and the relationship between humans and the spiritual world. The central cairn may have served as a focal point for rituals and ceremonies, while the spokes and outer cairns may have been used to mark important dates or events.
Astronomical Significance
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel’s alignment with celestial events has made it a fascinating subject for astronomers and archaeoastronomers. Studies have shown that the wheel’s spokes and cairns align with the rising and setting of the sun, moon, and several prominent stars.
For example, the alignment of one of the cairns with the summer solstice sunrise suggests that the wheel was used to track the changing seasons. The alignment of other cairns with the rising of certain stars, such as Aldebaran and Rigel, may have been used to mark important times for hunting, planting, or other activities.
These astronomical alignments suggest that the wheel’s builders possessed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and the ability to track the movements of celestial bodies. The wheel’s construction reflects a deep connection between the Indigenous peoples and the natural world.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Indigenous peoples who constructed and used it. The wheel is considered a sacred site, and its design reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the universe and the relationship between humans and the spiritual world.
For the Crow people, the wheel is associated with their creation stories and beliefs. The wheel’s central cairn may represent the center of the universe, while the spokes may symbolize the paths that connect humans to the spiritual world. The outer cairns may represent the different aspects of the natural world, such as the mountains, the rivers, and the animals.
For other tribes, such as the Cheyenne and Shoshone, the wheel is also associated with their cultural and spiritual beliefs. The wheel may have been used for ceremonies, rituals, and other spiritual practices. It is a place where people could connect with the spirits of their ancestors and the forces of nature.
Preservation and Protection
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a National Historic Landmark, and its preservation and protection are of paramount importance. The site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which works to protect the wheel from vandalism, erosion, and other threats.
Visitors to the site are encouraged to treat the wheel with respect and to follow all posted regulations. It is important to remember that the wheel is a sacred site, and it should be treated with the same reverence that would be shown for any other place of worship.
In recent years, efforts have been made to raise awareness about the cultural and spiritual significance of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. The U.S. Forest Service works with tribal communities to develop educational programs and interpretive materials that help visitors understand the site’s importance.
Visiting the Bighorn Medicine Wheel
Visiting the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a unique and rewarding experience. The site is accessible via a moderately strenuous hike or drive along a gravel road. Visitors should be prepared for high altitude conditions, which can include cold temperatures, strong winds, and intense sunlight.
Before visiting the site, it is important to check the weather forecast and to be prepared for changing conditions. Visitors should also bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.
When visiting the wheel, visitors should walk respectfully and refrain from touching or removing any of the stones. It is important to remember that the wheel is a sacred site, and it should be treated with the same reverence that would be shown for any other place of worship.
Conclusion
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a remarkable and enigmatic archaeological site that continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world. Its precise purpose remains a mystery, but its significance as a sacred site and astronomical observatory is widely acknowledged. The wheel’s construction reflects a deep connection between the Indigenous peoples and the natural world, and its preservation and protection are of paramount importance. Visiting the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a unique and rewarding experience, and it is an opportunity to connect with the history, culture, and spirituality of the Indigenous peoples who created this remarkable site.
