What Do You Do at a Medicine Wheel?
Medicine Wheels are ancient, sacred structures found in various Indigenous cultures across North America. They are often circular arrangements of stones, typically with spokes radiating outward from a central hub. These structures hold profound spiritual significance, serving as places of healing, ceremony, and connection to the natural world. Understanding what people "do" at a Medicine Wheel goes beyond simply visiting a site; it involves engaging with the space in a meaningful way, often through specific practices and rituals.
The Origins and Significance of Medicine Wheels
The origins of Medicine Wheels are shrouded in the mists of time, with their exact construction dates varying depending on the location and cultural group. The oldest known wheel, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, dates back over 7,000 years. Other well-known wheels are found in the Canadian prairies, Montana, and other parts of the American Southwest.
The specific purposes and meanings of Medicine Wheels can vary between different Indigenous communities, but common themes emerge. They are often seen as:
<img src="http://haznet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Medicine-wheel.-An-illustration-by-Devin-Naveau..jpg" alt="
What Do You Do at a Medicine Wheel?
” title=”
What Do You Do at a Medicine Wheel?
“>
- A representation of the universe: The circular shape represents the cyclical nature of life, the sun, the moon, the stars, and the interconnectedness of all things.
- A map of the self: The wheel can be used to understand one’s place in the world and to explore different aspects of the self – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
- A tool for healing: The wheel can be a space for personal and collective healing, facilitating the release of negative energies and the restoration of balance.
- A place for ceremony and prayer: Medicine Wheels are often used for ceremonies, rituals, and prayers that connect individuals to the Creator, the ancestors, and the natural world.
- An observatory: Some wheels are aligned with celestial events, such as the solstices and equinoxes, suggesting their use in astronomical observation.
Practices and Activities at a Medicine Wheel
The activities and practices performed at a Medicine Wheel are as diverse as the cultures that use them. However, certain common elements and approaches can be observed:
-
Respectful Observation and Preparation:
- Learning about the wheel: Before visiting a Medicine Wheel, it is crucial to learn about its history, significance, and the customs of the local Indigenous community. This can be done through research, reading, and seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals.
- Seeking permission: If possible, obtain permission from the appropriate tribal authorities or landowners before entering the site. This demonstrates respect and helps ensure that you are not disrupting any sacred practices.
- Preparing your mind and heart: Approach the Medicine Wheel with a clear intention and an open mind. Reflect on what you hope to gain from your visit and what you are willing to offer.
- Physical preparation: Consider the weather conditions and dress appropriately. Bring water, a notebook, and any personal items that may be meaningful to you.
-
Entering the Wheel:
- Entering with intention: As you approach the wheel, take a moment to pause and set your intention. This could be to seek guidance, healing, or connection.
- Walking the wheel: Walking the wheel is a common practice. Typically, one walks clockwise, following the spokes or the outer circle, starting from the East, the direction of the rising sun and new beginnings. As you walk, you can reflect on the aspects of your life, relationships, or challenges.
- Finding your place: Some individuals choose to stand or sit at a particular point in the wheel that resonates with them, such as the East, South, West, or North, which are often associated with different elements, seasons, or aspects of the self.
-
Prayer and Meditation:
- Prayer: Medicine Wheels are often used as a place for prayer. This can involve speaking aloud, chanting, or offering silent prayers to the Creator, the ancestors, or the spirits of nature.
- Meditation: Sitting or standing in the wheel and meditating is a common practice. This involves focusing on your breath, clearing your mind, and connecting with the energies of the wheel.
- Setting intentions: You can use the wheel to set intentions for your life, to ask for guidance, or to offer thanks.
-
Ceremonies and Rituals:
- Sweat lodge: Some Medicine Wheels are associated with sweat lodge ceremonies, a purification ritual that involves entering a heated, enclosed structure.
- Sun dance: The Sun Dance, a sacred ceremony practiced by several Plains tribes, is sometimes performed near a Medicine Wheel.
- Other ceremonies: Depending on the cultural group, other ceremonies may be performed at the wheel, such as pipe ceremonies, smudging, and drumming.
-
Connecting with the Elements:
- Acknowledging the directions: The four directions – East, South, West, and North – are often associated with different elements, colors, and qualities. Individuals may acknowledge and connect with these directions.
- Connecting with the elements: Spend time connecting with the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. This could involve feeling the earth beneath your feet, breathing in the air, observing the sunlight, or drinking water.
-
Journaling and Reflection:
- Writing in a journal: After your time in the wheel, take some time to write down your experiences, insights, and feelings. This can help you process your experience and integrate it into your life.
- Reflecting on your experience: Reflect on what you learned, what you felt, and what you are taking away from your time at the Medicine Wheel.
-
Leaving the Wheel:
- Giving thanks: Before leaving, take a moment to give thanks for the experience and the lessons you have learned.
- Respecting the space: Leave the Medicine Wheel as you found it. Avoid disturbing the stones or leaving any trash behind.
Respectful Engagement and Cultural Sensitivity
It is essential to approach Medicine Wheels with respect and cultural sensitivity. Here are some key considerations:
- Avoid commercialization: Medicine Wheels are sacred sites and should not be used for commercial purposes or tourism without the consent of the local Indigenous community.
- Do not alter the structure: Do not move, remove, or add any stones to the wheel.
- Learn from Indigenous people: If possible, seek guidance and teachings from Indigenous people who have knowledge of the Medicine Wheel and its practices.
- Be mindful of your actions: Be respectful of the space and the potential presence of other visitors.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Indigenous people who created and use the Medicine Wheel.
- Recognize the sacredness: Treat the Medicine Wheel as a sacred space and approach it with reverence.
- Avoid cultural appropriation: Do not attempt to practice ceremonies or rituals that are not part of your own cultural heritage without the permission and guidance of Indigenous people.
Conclusion
Visiting a Medicine Wheel is not simply about looking at stones arranged in a circle. It’s about embarking on a spiritual journey, connecting with the energies of the earth, the cosmos, and the ancestors. The practices performed at a Medicine Wheel are diverse, but they all share a common goal: to promote healing, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. By approaching the Medicine Wheel with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn, you can gain profound insights and experience a transformative journey.
