THE FOUR DIRECTIONS![]()
When a Native American
prays to the four directions,
it is a prayer to the spirits of the world,
to life and the
Great Spirit that encompasses
the four directions and
everything that is.
The Medicine Wheel is a symbol that
incorporates the four directions.
Its spokes point east, south,
west, and north. The four quarters are colored red,
yellow,
black, and white representing the races of man,
the seasons,
and the stages of life from childhood to old age.
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The circle is the earth, the moon and the planets.
It is the circle of life and
all creation.
The simplicity of the symbol is profound.
It is four directions.
One could divide the world into 8 points of a compass,
360 degrees,
or an infinite number of directions,
but four is perfect.
We humans KNOW four directions.
We see forward, but not back,
and facing forward we have two sides.
Four directions are part
of our biology and our psychology.
They are archetypes of the highest order.
As such they are powerful carriers of symbolic
meaning.
Native American traditions may vary somewhat in the
terms
they use to describe the meaning of the four directions,
but the sources of the meaning are the same.
East is where the sun rises. The eastern spirit of
sun or
fire brings warmth and light. It is the place of
beginnings.
Its light brings wisdom. It is the power of knowledge.
South is the sun at its highest point. It is the direction
from where warm winds blow. South is the spirit of
earth,
the power of life. It represents peace and renewal.
West is the spirit of water. It is the direction
from which
darkness comes.
It is the power of change,
the place of
dreams, introspection and the unknown.
The west signifies purity
and strength.
North is the spirit of wind. The cold wind blows from
the north.
It is the power of wisdom. Here we take time to reflect
on
what we began in the east, in the morning, in our
youth.
Take time to make the world your sacred place.
Stand in
the middle of the circle of life and give thanks to
the four
directions.
Take your time and attune to the spirit and power
of each
direction.
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Look at the gifts each direction gives you. Learn and appreciate the symbols for each direction,
but then move out of the abstraction of the symbols
and make it personal. Deepen your relationship with the
four directions and with the whole of life they form
together.
First thing each day, face east and say "I am glad and
full of joy for this new day you have given us.
Thank you for the warmth of the sun, for enlightenment
and the power of knowledge."
Face south and say "Thank you for the gift of life on
this moist earth, for the power to grow, and for peace
in the world today."
Face west and say "Thank you for the water of life,
for purity, strength, and self understanding."
Face north and say "Thank you for the great white
cleansing wind, and for the wisdom and discernment
that come from experience."
Aho!
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The Four Directions
Among our Native people today, the symbol that has been popularized to represent the 4 Directions is a cross within a circle. This universal symbol originated with our Southeastern tribes. The circle represented the world and the cross brought the 4 Directions into a common union. Each segment was identified by its own color which reflected physical and spiritual significance.Just like today, our Southeastern tribes lived in a world in which opposites were constantly at odds. They sought to find a path of balance between the opposing conditions or behaviors. The following 4 Statements of Truth will help you find a path that will bring balance to your way, your truth, and your life.
The Four Directions is available in a booklet from its publisher Red Road Resources, 1610 1/2 Elizabeth St., Pasadena, CA 91104, 1-800-311-1481
