East (air, male) is where stamina, logic, strength, physical protection thrive; and thoughtful decisions and selfless acts are made.
South (earth, female) is where all life is reborn and infused with new and positive energy for health, wellness and living in a good way.
West (fire, female) is where the history, songs and teachings are carried on; and spiritual, emotional, mental and physical life is regenerated.
North (water, male) is where wisdom, experience and strength are sitting; and knowledge is living.
Life above the Earth is where the wisdom of the ages is kept by the sun, moon and stars in the sky.
Life below the Earth is where balance, cohesion, connections and rootedness are provided.
Life on the Earth is where ever-changing and transforming inner self keeps moving on beyond time and beyond seasons.
THE SEVEN DIRECTIONS
by Shannon Thunderbird
FEMALE & MALE ORIGINAL ELDERS BRING TEACHINGS TO YOU FROM BEYOND THE WHITE VEIL
http://www.shannonthunderbird.com/medicine_wheel_teachings.htm
EAST (Element: Air) Male Elder Speaks: “Ay-ee, this is where all Physical life begins, where Grandfather Sun begins his leisurely walk across the breast of Mother Earth’s mate, Father Sky amidst the clouds borne by Air. Eagle flies in the East to assist Great Mystery in bringing messages to me. East is MALE, and Men sit in this direction where stamina, logic, strength, physical protection thrive; where Warriors for peaceful purposes emerge in the fullness of their leadership skills. It is the place where thoughtful decisions and selfless acts are made for the greater good of all. It is a time of action and positive accomplishment. I awaken to Spring which starts a new cycle of life and a new beginning. I scatter Tobacco upon the sacred earth give thanks for my health, for family, friends, and peaceful relations. It is also the direction of the beautiful Yellow People (Asian) for they originated in the eastern direction. The origination of humans is logical geography.”
SOUTH (Element: Earth) Female Elder Speaks: “Ay-ee this is where all life is reborn and infused with new and positive energy for health, wellness and living in a good way. Great Mystery planted a sacred tree – which represented the ‘Givers’: Four Elements, Animals, Plants, Trees and their sharing/caring ways. They give themselves to me as food, medicine, shelter and clothing. I let my spirit soar on the breath of warm winds and azure waters. The South is FEMALE YOUTH sit here for they represent new life and the wonder of learning new things as they look toward their endless horizons. I glory in the Summer for it takes me into the magic of growing things. This is the place of the Healer and the Spiritual realm within me. I give thanks everyday for the confidence I feel within myself.” I light Sage and breathe in the scent and remember always that I am Well, I will be Better, I am here. It is also the direction of the Proud Black People for they originated in the Southern direction. The origination of humans is logical geography”
WEST (Element: Fire) Female Elder Speaks: “Ay-yee I speak for the Fire and the Sacred rocks (Grandfathers). I stand here for all humanity. I carry the history, songs and teachings of the everlasting great circle of life; In my sweatlodge I pour life-giving, life-sustaining water onto the grandfathers; spiritual, emotional, mental and physical life regenerate through prayers that follow me through the mists of endless time. The West is FEMALE, the Emotional Realm. Women sit in the West., By balancing my emotions, I am able to stand solidly in the truth of who I am without embellishment. Keeping my emotions level helps me to stay calm, remain in the moment where I can be non-judgemental towards myself and others. The West is also the direction of creativity, the joy of spontaneity and artistic expression. Hear the teachings from the Ancestors. West is the direction of the Visionary, I acknowledge the power of my visions/dreams, prayers and I am humble in the knowledge and application of them. I revel in the Autumn months for the falling leaves take me to a place of quiet reflection. I light Sweetgrass and breathe in its gentle, sweet scent and feel a sense of well-being. The West is also the direction of the Noble Red People (First Nations People) for they originated in the Western direction. The origination of humans is logical geography”
NORTH (Element: Water) Male Elder Speaks: “Ay-yee, through the Wisdom of the Element of Water, I hear Great Mystery. The North is the direction of the wisdom and strength of the “Mindful Mind”. This is the direction of the Teacher in all of us. I am wise in dispensing what I know to be true. Elders (Wise Ones) sit in the North for they represent the full circle of life and all the wisdom and experiences they acquired during their long journey. I listen to them, for their knowledge lives on and sings with the Ancestors, their stories echo on the waves of the water and out of their dreamtimes. Listen to the songs of white bears and know that the wisdom of the ages courses through them, they need the north and the cold just as I need it so I can rest and revitalize. The season of Winter is upon me and finishes the thirteen full-moon cycle. I reflect on all that I have learned and experienced during this time. I light Cedar, or drink Cedar Tea or have a Cedar Bath and float in the strong healing water of my own reflections. It is also the direction of the Memorable White People for they originated in the Northern direction. Remember, the origination of humans is logical geography.
LIFE ABOVE THE EARTH:
Father Sky the protector of the Universe and Mother Earth’s Mate. The healing warmth of Grandfather Sun, the regulation of the tides and women’s cycles with Grandmother Moon, Star Nation, the keepers of the wisdom of the ages.
LIFE BELOW THE EARTH:
Provides balance, cohesion, connections and rootedness with Mother Earth. I stand proud and secure in who I am. I give thanks to the four great winds that first found their origins in the lower world.
ON THE EARTH:
I honour myself and all life, for it is the mainstay of my personal journey. It is my essential INNER self which is ever-changing and transforming, that moves me beyond time and beyond seasons. I am not afraid and I welcome the changes and challenges for help forge who I am as a strong, sensible, intelligent human being.
Medicine wheel
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Medicine wheel
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