The Medicine Wheel is a concept, an idea, a philosophy. It has been utilized in a variety of ways by many Native American groups but not all. It is represented by a set of symbols beginning with the circle which emphasizes the connection of all things and a natural cycle on which all things flow. From the movement of the planets, to the shape of our moon and it’s phases, to our home Mother Earth with its changing seasons, and ultimately to the developmental 
stages of our human existence, both collectively and individually, it is a model for understanding life’s mysteries. It represents the spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual nature of being human and emphasizes seeking to balance these during our life’s journey. A journey that never ends. The circle is divided into 4 quadrants, (and further divided into 8 in some traditions) representing the “Four Directions”, or the “Four Primary Forces” that fuel the existence of our universe and ourselves. It represents several layers of meaning and interpretation, however, it is important to understand that it is based on what is now called, the science of consciousness. Native cultures believe that behaviors and illnesses are linked to the spirit world. In most Native languages, “Medicine” means power, or vital energy force. It also means “knowledge”, because “knowing” gives the power to do, achieve and attain…in other words, to “be”. Further, it can mean”intelligence” that powers the mind and exercises the forces of nature.
Many cultures have similar models. The Chinese have the Five Element Theory and in India, Ayurveda. Right here, in North America, we have the well known but little understood Medicine Wheel. Many North American people have delved into the philosophies of Asia in their quest for “enlightenment”, overlooking what has been here all along, right in our own backyards…Mother Nature. The use of the Medicine Wheel does not require nor does it ask for one to become a Native American. You don’t need to participate in traditional Native American ceremonies or rituals to benefit from its lessons. You don’t have to wear moccassins, beads or feathers. It does not require many years of study to begin using it. It is inherently flexible. Its concepts will merge easily with most religious and spiritual views, since it is not, of itself, religious or political. It emphasizes the nature of “being” who you are, you have only to deepen your understanding and knowledge of yourself. The use of the Medicine Wheel does not encourage the use of herbs from foreign lands, we have all we need right here. It is as comprehensive in its use and practice as is Chinese Medicine in China and Ayurveda in India. It can blend well with modern medical practices, in fact, it can enhance it because it facilitates the use of Holistic Medicine.
Each direction on the Wheel has it’s own set of correspondences. Within Native cultures, these will vary, for example: some place the color red in the south and the element of air in the east. Some place a specific animal in each direction, others place several inside and outside. All are equally valid. The Medicine Wheel is so flexible that the color red, or where to place the buffalo, can make sense in many directions! If you are Native American and your Tribal beliefs put red in a certain place, then that’s the best place for you. Native Americans are a race of people with many different languages, religions, and cultures, there is not “one way” for all people. That is so for all the people of North America and the world over.
Here, we will focus on what the animals can teach us about ourselves since animals have specific behaviors and ways of self expression that we can easily identify in ourselves
Click on “Animal Medicine” to continue….
