The Great Medicine Wheel of Wyoming: A Sacred Site of the Bighorn Mountains
Nestled high in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, the Great Medicine Wheel stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual practices of Native American cultures. This enigmatic structure, with its intricate patterns and celestial alignments, has captivated researchers, historians, and spiritual seekers for centuries. Its significance extends far beyond its physical form, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of knowledge, cosmology, and beliefs of the people who built and revered it.
Discovery and Description
The Great Medicine Wheel, also known as the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, is an archeological site located on the summit of Medicine Mountain, at an elevation of 9,642 feet (2,940 meters). It was first recorded by European Americans in the late 19th century, although its origins are far older, predating the arrival of Europeans in North America.
The wheel itself is a circular arrangement of stones, measuring approximately 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter. It is composed of a central stone cairn, radiating spokes that extend outward like the spokes of a wagon wheel, and an outer ring of stones. Within the outer ring, smaller cairns are strategically positioned, creating a complex and symbolic pattern.
Cultural Significance and Interpretations
The precise purpose of the Great Medicine Wheel remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. However, it is widely believed to have served as a sacred site, a place of ceremony, prayer, and astronomical observation. The construction of the wheel and its alignment with celestial events suggest that the builders possessed sophisticated knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and spiritual practices.
Several Native American tribes have connections to the Great Medicine Wheel, including the Crow, Cheyenne, and Shoshone. Each tribe has its own unique traditions, stories, and interpretations of the wheel’s meaning. However, a common thread runs through many of these beliefs: the wheel represents the interconnectedness of all things – the cosmos, the earth, and the human spirit.
The spokes of the wheel are often associated with the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), as well as the solstices and equinoxes. The cairns may represent specific stars or celestial events, such as the rising and setting of certain stars at specific times of the year. These alignments suggest that the wheel was used as a calendar, a way to track the seasons, and to mark significant moments in the celestial cycle.
The central cairn is believed to represent the center of the universe, the point of connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. The outer ring symbolizes the boundary of the world, the circle of life, and the interconnectedness of all things.
The Medicine Wheel is a powerful symbol of healing, balance, and harmony. It embodies the principles of living in accordance with the natural world, honoring the ancestors, and cultivating a deep sense of spiritual connection.
Astronomy and Alignments
The most intriguing aspect of the Great Medicine Wheel is its relationship to the celestial bodies. Researchers have discovered that the wheel’s structure is precisely aligned with several astronomical events, including the rising and setting of certain stars and the solstices and equinoxes.
For example, the spokes of the wheel align with the rising and setting points of the sun during the summer solstice (June 21st) and the winter solstice (December 21st). These alignments would have allowed the builders to accurately track the seasons and to celebrate these significant moments in the solar cycle.
The cairns within the outer ring also align with the rising and setting of certain stars, such as Sirius, Aldebaran, and Rigel. These alignments suggest that the builders were knowledgeable astronomers who used the wheel to observe and understand the movement of the stars.
The astronomical alignments of the Great Medicine Wheel demonstrate the builders’ deep understanding of the cosmos and their ability to integrate this knowledge into their spiritual practices.
Research and Preservation
The Great Medicine Wheel has been the subject of extensive research over the years. Archeologists, astronomers, and Native American scholars have collaborated to study the wheel’s structure, alignments, and cultural significance.
The site has been protected as a National Historic Landmark since 1970. The National Forest Service manages the site, and it is accessible to the public during the summer months. Visitors can hike to the wheel and experience its beauty and power firsthand.
Preserving the Great Medicine Wheel is of paramount importance. The site is vulnerable to erosion, vandalism, and the effects of weather. Efforts are underway to protect the wheel from these threats and to educate the public about its significance.
Visiting the Great Medicine Wheel
If you plan to visit the Great Medicine Wheel, it is important to be respectful of the site’s sacredness. The wheel is a place of prayer and ceremony, and visitors should approach it with reverence and a sense of awe.
Here are some tips for visiting the Great Medicine Wheel:
- Plan ahead: The site is only accessible during the summer months (typically from late June to early September). Check the National Forest Service website for opening and closing dates.
- Be prepared: The hike to the wheel is moderately strenuous, and the weather can be unpredictable. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate clothing.
- Respect the site: Do not touch or remove any stones or artifacts. Stay on the designated trails and avoid disturbing the vegetation.
- Be mindful: The Great Medicine Wheel is a place of spiritual significance. Approach it with reverence and respect for the traditions of the Native American people.
- Learn about the history: Before your visit, take some time to learn about the history and cultural significance of the Great Medicine Wheel. This will enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation for the site.
The Legacy of the Great Medicine Wheel
The Great Medicine Wheel of Wyoming is more than just a collection of stones; it is a testament to the ingenuity, spirituality, and enduring legacy of the Native American people. It is a place of wonder, mystery, and spiritual power, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of knowledge, cosmology, and beliefs of the people who built and revered it.
The wheel’s enduring presence serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the natural world, honoring the ancestors, and cultivating a deep sense of connection to the cosmos. It is a place where visitors can connect with the past, contemplate the present, and look toward the future.
The Great Medicine Wheel is a treasure that we must preserve for future generations. By respecting its sacredness and learning from its history, we can ensure that its wisdom and beauty continue to inspire and enlighten us for centuries to come.
