While none of us understand the pre-life, the after-life, or whatever else is beyond our small moment in time on this Earth, one can't help but marvel at the way things line up in what some refer to the Circle of Life. So I did a little digging, trying to find words .....
"It is widely accepted that the Medicine Wheel is a symbol of life and specifically the Circle of Life. As well known the circle represents perfection as well as infinites since the circle has no beginning or end. There can many reasons behind the meaning of the circle itself among Nations. This can range from representing the Sun, Moon, Earth, and the Stars to representing concepts of life, continuity, consciousness, energy, and so much more. It should be stressed that this is not the same from Nation to Nation and there can be some representation that is very secret."
There are so many different things that could be represented by the four point in a Medicine Wheel:
- "The Four Directions: East, South, West, North
- The Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- The Four Stages of Life: Birth, Youth, Adult, Death
- The Four Times of Day: Sunrise, Noon, Sunset, Midnight
- The Four Elements of Life: Earth, Fire, Water, Wind
- The Four Races of Man: Red, Yellow, Black, White
- The Four Trials of Man: Success, Defeat, Peace, War
- The Heavenly Beings: Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars"
(Borrowed, read more here )
"Native American traditions were not based on a fixed set of beliefs or on an interpretation of sacred writings, but on the knowledge of the rhythm of life which they received through the observation of Nature. And what they observed is that there are no straight lines in Nature. All of Nature expresses itself in circular patterns. This can be seen in something as small and simple as a bird's nest as well as in things much greater such as the cycle of the seasons or the cycle of life (birth, death, rebirth). And therefore, to Native American peoples, the circle or wheel represents Wakan-Tanka ("the Great Everything" or Universe) and also one's own personal space or personal universe.
Native American "Medicine" is not the same as the modern medicine that we think of today. It is not a pill or a procedure or anything else that can be used to improve one's physical health. When Native Americans refer to "Medicine", they are referring to the vital power or force that is inherent in Nature itself, and to the personal power within oneself which can enable one to become more whole or complete.
Medicine = energy = power = knowledge
The most widely used version of the Medicine Wheel comes from the Lakota tradition. At its most basic, it consists of a large or special center stone to represent Wakan-Tanka, the Great Everything, and four smaller stones to represent the cardinal directions (N, S, E, W)."
(Borrowed, Read more here)
I've always been one to say that Knowledge is power -- someone more intelligent or famous than I probably said it first -- but it seems to be true. Having gained knowledge about these Circles of Life, I felt the need to create my own. They come in all sizes, you can even have a small one you arrange on a table or desk. I decided that my own backyard would be a good start. As I've been a rock collector for years, I have quite a few to choose from, and those I have "relocated" from my travels to my home were a good option. When I select a stone, it's usually based on shape, content and appeal. And sometimes just a little intuition that says "take me home", as well.
I walked my yard, picked several pieces, and began making my wheel, placing stones in the Four Directions. Then selecting stones, I decided on the number seven - seven stones between each larger stone, and seven stones for each spoke. I said small little prayers as I placed different stones, with whatever came to mind for change, peace, joy, love, etc.
Do I have any great expectations or miracles to come to me within a certain length of time? Of course not, this isn't like making a wish and blowing out candles. It's more like finding your way, finding your own peace within - sometimes that happens when we are doing simple things that focus our attention away from "outside world self" and refocus on the person we are on the inside.
Sometimes, we need to get outside our norms
in order to find that which we are seeking.
I think I achieved a little of that today.
No comments:
Post a Comment