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Introduction to the Medicine Wheel October2016

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Bear Standing Tall & Associates
Bear Standing Tall & Associates

The document provides an introduction to the Medicine Wheel concept used by many Indigenous peoples. It discusses some basic symbols and concepts represented in Medicine Wheels, including the four directions, seasons, stages of life, elements, colors of mankind, and more. Each aspect of the wheel is said to teach important life lessons and represent natural cycles and balances. The document serves to illustrate the interconnected beliefs and oral traditions conveyed through Medicine Wheel symbols.

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Introduction to the Medicine Wheel Concept Although there are hundreds of different Medicine Wheels, this article shows some of the basic concepts of their symbolism and interconnectedness. The main body of "The Medicine Wheel Concept" is a compilation of oral history passed on from various elders. Excerpts have also been taken from the book, The Sacred Tree, available from the Four Worlds Development Project's Resource Catalogue.
Introduction to the Medicine Wheel October2016
1.Traditional Welcome / Opening Ceremony 2.Symbols of The Sacred Circle a.The Medicine Wheel 3.The Concept of Self 4.The Concept of Connectedness 5.The 4 Aspects of Everyone's Nature 6.The 4 Stages of Life 7.The Concept of the 4 Seasons 8.The Concept of Vision 9.The Concept of 4 Elements 10.The Concept of Learning 11.The 4 Colors of the human family 12.The Concept of Balance 13.How to be an Ally to Indigenous Peoples
Traditional Welcome / Opening Ceremony Acknowledgement to the creator Purification process Cleanse our mind, body and spirit in order to set the tone for our feelings Paralleled to the burning of incense which is done by the priest In the spirit of equality and choice, no one is forced to participate--it is strictly voluntary The burning of sweetgrass is:
Symbols of The Sacred Circle WEST NORTH SOUTH EAST Symbols express and represent meaning. Meaning helps provide purpose and understanding in the lives of human beings. Indeed, to live without symbols is to experience existence far short of its full meaning. Ways of expressing and representing meanings include the symbol systems of mathematics, spoken and written language, and the arts. The Sacred Tree Four Worlds Development Project
The medicine wheel concept - 4 directions DARKNESS (NIGHTTIME) COLD (SNOW) WARMTH (SUNSHINE) NEW BEGINNINGS The Medicine Wheel (LIGHT)
Four directions emphasizing the concept of balance and equality Used by almost all the Indigenous People in all parts of Mother Earth Our purpose is to show the interconnectedness of nature and relationship, as Indigenous people, to all of creation Our first circle emphasizes the self as the centre and the outside circle as the universe and the four directions We always move in a clockwise direction as the sun does It is a never-ending cycle of beginning and ending When we come to an end it is merely a new beginning
The East is the direction of new beginnings as the light of a sun on a new day
THE MEDICINE WHEEL The South is the direction of warmth as the sun is at its peak at high noon
The West is the direction of night time, darkness, or unknown mysteries, as the night time approaches
The North is the direction of snow of the Arctic. It is also the direction of wisdom
The Concept of Self HINDSIGHT EXTROVERT INTROVERT FORESIGHT The concept of self - personalities
All the personalities in the world appear on the sacred circle The circle is you, the self All the personalities in the world are within the circle Each of us is born somewhere on this circle, with all the personalities We usually have one personality that distinguishes us from others, depending on where we were born on the circle The objective is to try to experience as many of the personalities as we can on our journey along the cycle of life Only in experiencing as many of these personalities can we lead balanced and fulfilled lives, much as the concept of self- actualization on Maslow's hierarchy of needs
The Concept of Connectedness Prayers & Meditation Behaviour (Honesty) Ceremonies Appreciation for things which exist The Great Mystery
Inner The inner circle is deep inside everyone of us These are the private thoughts, emotions, and spiritual things we share with the creator through prayer and meditation As we pray and meditate our energy force is strengthened, affecting our outer self
Outer circle represents - interaction we have with our personalities thus affecting our behaviour This is the area that must be affected by the inner circle to produce positive behaviour such as honesty Outer
The circle of creation or four directions is the stage where we act out our behaviours Our ceremonies which were given to us by the creator are our tools for the continued development as a person We constantly show our appreciation for all the things which exist Creation
All of the above circles create a ripple effect, where one affects the other somehow All of these connect me to the creator in my spiritual development Creator
The 4 Aspects of Everyone's Nature MENTAL (TEACHERS) EMOTIONAL (COUNSELLORS) PHYSICAL (DOCTORS) The 4 aspects of man - mental, physical, emotional, spiritual The idea is to try and keep these four aspects in balance so as to maintain a good rhythm and lead a balanced life. The greatest teacher anyone will ever have is her/his self. Each aspect is a teacher. SPIRITUAL (ENERGY)
The Physical lets you know when you must see a doctor PHYSICAL (DOCTORS)
EMOTIONAL (COUNSELLORS) The Emotional is the direction of feelings We must learn to experience our emotions in a healthy manner and not suppress them due to negative reactions or feedback we have received It is the direction of counsellors
The Spiritual is the direction of energy Unseen concept Alternate reality or mirror image of the physical When our energy levels are low it affects all the other aspects When we speak of someone being in good spirits, we think of them as being happy SPIRITUAL (ENERGY)
MENTAL (TEACHERS) The Mental is the direction of thinking Intellectual gifts we may acquire: to predict, to interpret hidden messages The mind can be trained until it becomes a highly developed instrument
The 4 Stages of Life ELDER (GUIDANCE) YOUTH (LEARNING) CHILD (INNOCENCE) The 4 stages of life - child, youth, adult, elder ADULT (PROTECTION)
The gift of the child is a time of play and innocence. The child is on the east, the place of new birth or rebirth.
The youth is a time of learning; the youth appears on the south.
The adult appears on the west and is a time for protection.
The elder appears on the north and provides guidance and direction. These are the prime responsibilities of each stage of life. Everyone reaches each stage at different times of their life. Some children may reach the age of youth earlier than others, and it is their nature.
The Concept of the 4 Seasons WINTER (REST) SUMMER (GROWTH) WORK / PLAY SPRING (NEW LIFE) The concept of the 4 seasons - spring, summer, fall, winter FALL (HARVEST)
The Concept of the 4 Seasons Spring is a time of new life and it appears in the East.
The Concept of the 4 Seasons Summer (Growth/Work/Play)
The Concept of the 4 Seasons Fall (Harvest)
The Concept of the 4 Seasons Winter (Rest)
The cycle of change is emphasized as it relates to nature Balance is also depicted as opposites appear to balance themselves on the medicine wheel Continuous cycle of change Each season change happens on solstice, as opposed to the idea of specific on the calendar for each season change
The Concept of Vision BUFFALO MOUSE EAGLE The concept of vision - the eagle, mouse, bear, buffalo The animal world is emphasized on this circle to relate the personality traits of each direction. BEAR
East Eagle who sees far and wide This gift teaches us that we must be able to see the outcome or end result of things. Illumination leadership Like the eagle a leader must often travel alone
South Mouse teaches us about the here and now. lives close to Mother Earth and is very focused in what it does Child observes a butterfly or some other aspect of nature Totally engrossed in the new discovery and is oblivious to everything else Many of us are too concerned about the future or the past, and as a result we neglect the present The mouse teaches us to focus on the activity we are doing This focus can be the creation of skilled hunters, accomplished musicians, or great artists
West Bear or turtle. Thunder beings represent power, which is the power to heal The Bear Underground to sleep during the winter Symbolizes the insight that we are able to gain through our ceremonies Turtle also teaches perseverance By going into the centre of one's being we experience our relationship to all of creation and the creator
North buffalo & white owl. White owl Teaches us that we must be able to see things from all aspects Buffalo Teaches us to utilize all and not waste any gift Food source, clothing and shelter (tipis) The sinew was used for thread, the bones for tools, and the skull was used for spiritual purposes
The Concept of 4 Elements AIR (MOVEMENT) FIRE / SUN (TIME / DISCIPLINE) EARTH (VISION) The concept of 4 elements - air, earth, fire/sun, water Each element in its respective position relates how Indigenous People perceive the world around them. The 4 basic elements of nature appear in their respective places. Humanity would perish if one of these elements were missing. WATER (REASON)
The gift of earth appears to the East, and one of the many teachings we learn is vision. We perceive the world around us and marvel at the beauty and the vision of the creator.
The gift of fire or sun appears to the South, and some of the teachings we learn are time, discipline, and patience Most nations of the world use the sun as a basis of keeping time We cannot make the sun go faster or slower--therefore, we learn patience True Indian time is based on responsibility and commitment When we think of fire, we think of it as a great gift Fire can also destroy if it is not controlled The fire that burns deep within us must be disciplined or it will run wild with anger. However we must not suppress our anger, but express it in a manner which will not be harmful to ourselves or others
The third element is water The giver of life West and teaches us reason Water will always find its own way and cannot be contained Overcome any barrier Our reason must be like water It must continue to develop and not allow problems to become obstacles, but rather a challenge for a new learning The power of reason must be tempered by our vision
The fourth element is air. Movement Air is all around us and moves anywhere--it even finds the tiniest opening Our development must also be like the air As we move in our journey around the circle, we learn new things and we broaden our knowledge, which gives us more strength
The Concept of Learning TREE (HONESTY) GRASS (KINDNESS) ANIMALS (SHARING) MOUNTAINS (STRENGHT)
The Concept of Learning ANIMALS SHARING The Indigenous people learn from observing nature Animals appear to the East and their teaching is sacrifice, sharing, affection, and companionship Animals constantly nurture and groom their young Ducks carry their young on their backs and also keep them warm with their feathers and body heat A mother bear will give up her life to save her young ones. Some animals will pretend to be wounded to lure predators away from their young When an animal has been killed the predator will eat its fill and then leave, thus allowing other animals to share in the feast
The Concept of Learning GRASS (Kindness) Grass appears to the South kindness A person can walk on grass and it will spring right back. It can also be cut and it will continue to grow Our kindness must be like the grass, always willing to extend our hand in kindness even if we have been trampled upon Our kindness must always be open if we are to continue to grow as balanced people
The Concept of Learning MOUTAINS (Strength) West are the mountains or rock Hardest substances that we know of in all creation Source of great strength: it has survived through many climatic changes ever since the beginning Jesus described his apostle Peter as the rock upon which he would build his church Even with this great strength the mountain yields to erosion or reason
The Concept of Learning TREE (Honesty) Tree which appears to the North of the sacred circle teaches us profoundness and honesty A tree which is deep-rooted and intertwined with the roots of other trees will withstand the harshest elements Our belief must be deep-rooted, so the people we interact with will recognize our profound conviction and will become a support system for us as a people The growth of a tree teaches us that in order to grow as a human being, we must strive for honesty
The 4 colors of the human family WHITE Nations YELLOW Nations RED Nations Red, Yellow, Black, and White: Each color of people has language, customs, culture and Nations. The methods and processes are different, but the ultimates are the same. BLACK Nations
The red nation Situated to the East of the sacred circle keepers of Mother Earth. The relationship Indigenous people have with Mother earth is one of respect. Nothing is ever taken without asking for permission and then giving something in return. (reciprocity)
Direction of the noonday sun The flag of Japan has the symbol of the sun Loyalty and noble passions are teachings which are in the south During the Second World War, kamikaze pilots flew suicide missions, displaying their loyalty to their cause Rather than live with shame, Japanese people committed hari-kari and ended their lives in a noble fashion SOUTH Yellow Nations
The black nation is to the West & the direction of reason Reasons out their problems Martin Luther King He reasoned that violence was not the answer, so he started a peace movement to address racial issues. Gandhi, an East Indian who promoted non-violence and civil disobedience. As water will erode the strongest mountain, so will the persistence of reason overcome all barriers.
The white nation appears to the North Direction of movement and of the mental aspect movers of the world Gone to the bottom of the ocean moon and beyond. With their mental power, they have invented ways to harness electricity and many other benefits which make life easier to live. NORTH White
Four Medicines: Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar and Tobacco
Sacred tobacco is used to make smoke, is one of the most sacred of plants for Native people. It is said to be the main activator of all plants. It was given to us so that we can communicate with the Spirit world and when you use it, all things begin to happen. Tobacco is always offered before picking medicines. When you offer tobacco to a plant and explain your reasons for being there, the plant will let all the plants in the area know your intentions and why you are picking them, tobacco is used first as an offering for everything and in every ceremony. Going to ceremonies you would offer tobacco to the Elder leading those ceremonies along with an honoring gift. This announces your intention and the Elders may ask you of your intentions with this offering. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
SWEET GRASS Sweet grass is the sacred hair of Mother Earth; its sweet aroma reminds people of the gentleness, love and kindness she has for the people; this is why Native people pick it and braid it in 3 strands representing love, kindness and honesty. Sweet grass is used for smudging and purification of the spirit; when Sweet grass is used in a healing or talking circle it has a calming effect. It is said that it attracts the good Spirit, so use it to call in the Spirit. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
Sage is used in many different ways, it helps the people prepare for ceremonies and teachings. Because it is more medicinal and stronger than Sweet grass, it tends to be used more often in ceremonies, it also has physical healing properties, you can boil sage and drink it as a tea. Sage is for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy, it is used for cleansing homes and sacred items. There is male and female sage. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
Like Sage and Sweet grass, cedar is used to purify the home, it also has many restorative medicinal use. When mixed with sage for a tea, it cleans the body of all infections, cedar baths are also very healing. When cedar mixed with tobacco is put in the fire it crackles, this is said to call the attention of the Spirits to the offering that is being made. Cedar is used in sweat lodge and fasting ceremonies for protection, cedar branches cover the floor of many sweat lodges and some people make a circle of cedar when they are fasting. It is a guardian spirit and chases away the bad spirits. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
The Concept of Balance All the aspects of the sacred circle come together to form the self and contain the universe in its symbol. The significance of this concept shows that we as a people are one and the same as the universe. We cannot separate ourselves from creation. If we are out of balance, then the universe is out of balance in relation to ourselves.
Conclusion It must be remembered that everyone is different and each will get a different lesson from each encounter The sacred circle is a lifetime journey and will be travelled many times No race or person is any greater or any less than the other What one does affects the other, and it is to our advantage to work together to make life more pleasant. Remember, you are the centre of the sacred circle (universe), and you direct your development which affects the growth of everything around you All you need is the willingness to learn and to walk in harmony to be balanced and maintain a good rhythm in life
How to be An Ally To Indigenous Peoples Care for Mother Earth Give thanks frequently Respect and support Indigenous Sovereignty Learn about treaties Demand that our nation honor its treaty commitments Consider future generations in all your actions Question and resist stereotypes Learn about and reject the Doctorine of Discovery Reach out to your Indigenous neighbors Slow down and listen more than you talk Notice where you are Live with gratitude Live lightly on Mother Earth Work to end global warming Support renewable energy Stop hydro fracking, dirty coal and uranium mining Read Indigenous Authors, Support Indigenous artists, businesses and events Remember that all beings (Animals and plants) are your relatives not your resources Appreciate the diversity of nations, cultures and people
contact us (416) 806 - 4659 EMAIL: bearstandingtall@gmail.com www.medicinewheeltrainer.com Indigenousawarenesstraining.com NEW! Online courses

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Introduction to the Medicine Wheel October2016

  • 1. Introduction to the Medicine Wheel Concept Although there are hundreds of different Medicine Wheels, this article shows some of the basic concepts of their symbolism and interconnectedness. The main body of "The Medicine Wheel Concept" is a compilation of oral history passed on from various elders. Excerpts have also been taken from the book, The Sacred Tree, available from the Four Worlds Development Project's Resource Catalogue.
  • 3. 1.Traditional Welcome / Opening Ceremony 2.Symbols of The Sacred Circle a.The Medicine Wheel 3.The Concept of Self 4.The Concept of Connectedness 5.The 4 Aspects of Everyone's Nature 6.The 4 Stages of Life 7.The Concept of the 4 Seasons 8.The Concept of Vision 9.The Concept of 4 Elements 10.The Concept of Learning 11.The 4 Colors of the human family 12.The Concept of Balance 13.How to be an Ally to Indigenous Peoples
  • 4. Traditional Welcome / Opening Ceremony Acknowledgement to the creator Purification process Cleanse our mind, body and spirit in order to set the tone for our feelings Paralleled to the burning of incense which is done by the priest In the spirit of equality and choice, no one is forced to participate--it is strictly voluntary The burning of sweetgrass is:
  • 5. Symbols of The Sacred Circle WEST NORTH SOUTH EAST Symbols express and represent meaning. Meaning helps provide purpose and understanding in the lives of human beings. Indeed, to live without symbols is to experience existence far short of its full meaning. Ways of expressing and representing meanings include the symbol systems of mathematics, spoken and written language, and the arts. The Sacred Tree Four Worlds Development Project
  • 6. The medicine wheel concept - 4 directions DARKNESS (NIGHTTIME) COLD (SNOW) WARMTH (SUNSHINE) NEW BEGINNINGS The Medicine Wheel (LIGHT)
  • 7. Four directions emphasizing the concept of balance and equality Used by almost all the Indigenous People in all parts of Mother Earth Our purpose is to show the interconnectedness of nature and relationship, as Indigenous people, to all of creation Our first circle emphasizes the self as the centre and the outside circle as the universe and the four directions We always move in a clockwise direction as the sun does It is a never-ending cycle of beginning and ending When we come to an end it is merely a new beginning
  • 8. The East is the direction of new beginnings as the light of a sun on a new day
  • 9. THE MEDICINE WHEEL The South is the direction of warmth as the sun is at its peak at high noon
  • 10. The West is the direction of night time, darkness, or unknown mysteries, as the night time approaches
  • 11. The North is the direction of snow of the Arctic. It is also the direction of wisdom
  • 12. The Concept of Self HINDSIGHT EXTROVERT INTROVERT FORESIGHT The concept of self - personalities
  • 13. All the personalities in the world appear on the sacred circle The circle is you, the self All the personalities in the world are within the circle Each of us is born somewhere on this circle, with all the personalities We usually have one personality that distinguishes us from others, depending on where we were born on the circle The objective is to try to experience as many of the personalities as we can on our journey along the cycle of life Only in experiencing as many of these personalities can we lead balanced and fulfilled lives, much as the concept of self- actualization on Maslow's hierarchy of needs
  • 14. The Concept of Connectedness Prayers & Meditation Behaviour (Honesty) Ceremonies Appreciation for things which exist The Great Mystery
  • 15. Inner The inner circle is deep inside everyone of us These are the private thoughts, emotions, and spiritual things we share with the creator through prayer and meditation As we pray and meditate our energy force is strengthened, affecting our outer self
  • 16. Outer circle represents - interaction we have with our personalities thus affecting our behaviour This is the area that must be affected by the inner circle to produce positive behaviour such as honesty Outer
  • 17. The circle of creation or four directions is the stage where we act out our behaviours Our ceremonies which were given to us by the creator are our tools for the continued development as a person We constantly show our appreciation for all the things which exist Creation
  • 18. All of the above circles create a ripple effect, where one affects the other somehow All of these connect me to the creator in my spiritual development Creator
  • 19. The 4 Aspects of Everyone's Nature MENTAL (TEACHERS) EMOTIONAL (COUNSELLORS) PHYSICAL (DOCTORS) The 4 aspects of man - mental, physical, emotional, spiritual The idea is to try and keep these four aspects in balance so as to maintain a good rhythm and lead a balanced life. The greatest teacher anyone will ever have is her/his self. Each aspect is a teacher. SPIRITUAL (ENERGY)
  • 20. The Physical lets you know when you must see a doctor PHYSICAL (DOCTORS)
  • 21. EMOTIONAL (COUNSELLORS) The Emotional is the direction of feelings We must learn to experience our emotions in a healthy manner and not suppress them due to negative reactions or feedback we have received It is the direction of counsellors
  • 22. The Spiritual is the direction of energy Unseen concept Alternate reality or mirror image of the physical When our energy levels are low it affects all the other aspects When we speak of someone being in good spirits, we think of them as being happy SPIRITUAL (ENERGY)
  • 23. MENTAL (TEACHERS) The Mental is the direction of thinking Intellectual gifts we may acquire: to predict, to interpret hidden messages The mind can be trained until it becomes a highly developed instrument
  • 24. The 4 Stages of Life ELDER (GUIDANCE) YOUTH (LEARNING) CHILD (INNOCENCE) The 4 stages of life - child, youth, adult, elder ADULT (PROTECTION)
  • 25. The gift of the child is a time of play and innocence. The child is on the east, the place of new birth or rebirth.
  • 26. The youth is a time of learning; the youth appears on the south.
  • 27. The adult appears on the west and is a time for protection.
  • 28. The elder appears on the north and provides guidance and direction. These are the prime responsibilities of each stage of life. Everyone reaches each stage at different times of their life. Some children may reach the age of youth earlier than others, and it is their nature.
  • 29. The Concept of the 4 Seasons WINTER (REST) SUMMER (GROWTH) WORK / PLAY SPRING (NEW LIFE) The concept of the 4 seasons - spring, summer, fall, winter FALL (HARVEST)
  • 30. The Concept of the 4 Seasons Spring is a time of new life and it appears in the East.
  • 31. The Concept of the 4 Seasons Summer (Growth/Work/Play)
  • 32. The Concept of the 4 Seasons Fall (Harvest)
  • 33. The Concept of the 4 Seasons Winter (Rest)
  • 34. The cycle of change is emphasized as it relates to nature Balance is also depicted as opposites appear to balance themselves on the medicine wheel Continuous cycle of change Each season change happens on solstice, as opposed to the idea of specific on the calendar for each season change
  • 35. The Concept of Vision BUFFALO MOUSE EAGLE The concept of vision - the eagle, mouse, bear, buffalo The animal world is emphasized on this circle to relate the personality traits of each direction. BEAR
  • 36. East Eagle who sees far and wide This gift teaches us that we must be able to see the outcome or end result of things. Illumination leadership Like the eagle a leader must often travel alone
  • 37. South Mouse teaches us about the here and now. lives close to Mother Earth and is very focused in what it does Child observes a butterfly or some other aspect of nature Totally engrossed in the new discovery and is oblivious to everything else Many of us are too concerned about the future or the past, and as a result we neglect the present The mouse teaches us to focus on the activity we are doing This focus can be the creation of skilled hunters, accomplished musicians, or great artists
  • 38. West Bear or turtle. Thunder beings represent power, which is the power to heal The Bear Underground to sleep during the winter Symbolizes the insight that we are able to gain through our ceremonies Turtle also teaches perseverance By going into the centre of one's being we experience our relationship to all of creation and the creator
  • 39. North buffalo & white owl. White owl Teaches us that we must be able to see things from all aspects Buffalo Teaches us to utilize all and not waste any gift Food source, clothing and shelter (tipis) The sinew was used for thread, the bones for tools, and the skull was used for spiritual purposes
  • 40. The Concept of 4 Elements AIR (MOVEMENT) FIRE / SUN (TIME / DISCIPLINE) EARTH (VISION) The concept of 4 elements - air, earth, fire/sun, water Each element in its respective position relates how Indigenous People perceive the world around them. The 4 basic elements of nature appear in their respective places. Humanity would perish if one of these elements were missing. WATER (REASON)
  • 41. The gift of earth appears to the East, and one of the many teachings we learn is vision. We perceive the world around us and marvel at the beauty and the vision of the creator.
  • 42. The gift of fire or sun appears to the South, and some of the teachings we learn are time, discipline, and patience Most nations of the world use the sun as a basis of keeping time We cannot make the sun go faster or slower--therefore, we learn patience True Indian time is based on responsibility and commitment When we think of fire, we think of it as a great gift Fire can also destroy if it is not controlled The fire that burns deep within us must be disciplined or it will run wild with anger. However we must not suppress our anger, but express it in a manner which will not be harmful to ourselves or others
  • 43. The third element is water The giver of life West and teaches us reason Water will always find its own way and cannot be contained Overcome any barrier Our reason must be like water It must continue to develop and not allow problems to become obstacles, but rather a challenge for a new learning The power of reason must be tempered by our vision
  • 44. The fourth element is air. Movement Air is all around us and moves anywhere--it even finds the tiniest opening Our development must also be like the air As we move in our journey around the circle, we learn new things and we broaden our knowledge, which gives us more strength
  • 45. The Concept of Learning TREE (HONESTY) GRASS (KINDNESS) ANIMALS (SHARING) MOUNTAINS (STRENGHT)
  • 46. The Concept of Learning ANIMALS SHARING The Indigenous people learn from observing nature Animals appear to the East and their teaching is sacrifice, sharing, affection, and companionship Animals constantly nurture and groom their young Ducks carry their young on their backs and also keep them warm with their feathers and body heat A mother bear will give up her life to save her young ones. Some animals will pretend to be wounded to lure predators away from their young When an animal has been killed the predator will eat its fill and then leave, thus allowing other animals to share in the feast
  • 47. The Concept of Learning GRASS (Kindness) Grass appears to the South kindness A person can walk on grass and it will spring right back. It can also be cut and it will continue to grow Our kindness must be like the grass, always willing to extend our hand in kindness even if we have been trampled upon Our kindness must always be open if we are to continue to grow as balanced people
  • 48. The Concept of Learning MOUTAINS (Strength) West are the mountains or rock Hardest substances that we know of in all creation Source of great strength: it has survived through many climatic changes ever since the beginning Jesus described his apostle Peter as the rock upon which he would build his church Even with this great strength the mountain yields to erosion or reason
  • 49. The Concept of Learning TREE (Honesty) Tree which appears to the North of the sacred circle teaches us profoundness and honesty A tree which is deep-rooted and intertwined with the roots of other trees will withstand the harshest elements Our belief must be deep-rooted, so the people we interact with will recognize our profound conviction and will become a support system for us as a people The growth of a tree teaches us that in order to grow as a human being, we must strive for honesty
  • 50. The 4 colors of the human family WHITE Nations YELLOW Nations RED Nations Red, Yellow, Black, and White: Each color of people has language, customs, culture and Nations. The methods and processes are different, but the ultimates are the same. BLACK Nations
  • 51. The red nation Situated to the East of the sacred circle keepers of Mother Earth. The relationship Indigenous people have with Mother earth is one of respect. Nothing is ever taken without asking for permission and then giving something in return. (reciprocity)
  • 52. Direction of the noonday sun The flag of Japan has the symbol of the sun Loyalty and noble passions are teachings which are in the south During the Second World War, kamikaze pilots flew suicide missions, displaying their loyalty to their cause Rather than live with shame, Japanese people committed hari-kari and ended their lives in a noble fashion SOUTH Yellow Nations
  • 53. The black nation is to the West & the direction of reason Reasons out their problems Martin Luther King He reasoned that violence was not the answer, so he started a peace movement to address racial issues. Gandhi, an East Indian who promoted non-violence and civil disobedience. As water will erode the strongest mountain, so will the persistence of reason overcome all barriers.
  • 54. The white nation appears to the North Direction of movement and of the mental aspect movers of the world Gone to the bottom of the ocean moon and beyond. With their mental power, they have invented ways to harness electricity and many other benefits which make life easier to live. NORTH White
  • 55. Four Medicines: Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar and Tobacco
  • 56. Sacred tobacco is used to make smoke, is one of the most sacred of plants for Native people. It is said to be the main activator of all plants. It was given to us so that we can communicate with the Spirit world and when you use it, all things begin to happen. Tobacco is always offered before picking medicines. When you offer tobacco to a plant and explain your reasons for being there, the plant will let all the plants in the area know your intentions and why you are picking them, tobacco is used first as an offering for everything and in every ceremony. Going to ceremonies you would offer tobacco to the Elder leading those ceremonies along with an honoring gift. This announces your intention and the Elders may ask you of your intentions with this offering. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
  • 57. SWEET GRASS Sweet grass is the sacred hair of Mother Earth; its sweet aroma reminds people of the gentleness, love and kindness she has for the people; this is why Native people pick it and braid it in 3 strands representing love, kindness and honesty. Sweet grass is used for smudging and purification of the spirit; when Sweet grass is used in a healing or talking circle it has a calming effect. It is said that it attracts the good Spirit, so use it to call in the Spirit. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
  • 58. Sage is used in many different ways, it helps the people prepare for ceremonies and teachings. Because it is more medicinal and stronger than Sweet grass, it tends to be used more often in ceremonies, it also has physical healing properties, you can boil sage and drink it as a tea. Sage is for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy, it is used for cleansing homes and sacred items. There is male and female sage. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
  • 59. Like Sage and Sweet grass, cedar is used to purify the home, it also has many restorative medicinal use. When mixed with sage for a tea, it cleans the body of all infections, cedar baths are also very healing. When cedar mixed with tobacco is put in the fire it crackles, this is said to call the attention of the Spirits to the offering that is being made. Cedar is used in sweat lodge and fasting ceremonies for protection, cedar branches cover the floor of many sweat lodges and some people make a circle of cedar when they are fasting. It is a guardian spirit and chases away the bad spirits. Dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org
  • 60. The Concept of Balance All the aspects of the sacred circle come together to form the self and contain the universe in its symbol. The significance of this concept shows that we as a people are one and the same as the universe. We cannot separate ourselves from creation. If we are out of balance, then the universe is out of balance in relation to ourselves.
  • 61. Conclusion It must be remembered that everyone is different and each will get a different lesson from each encounter The sacred circle is a lifetime journey and will be travelled many times No race or person is any greater or any less than the other What one does affects the other, and it is to our advantage to work together to make life more pleasant. Remember, you are the centre of the sacred circle (universe), and you direct your development which affects the growth of everything around you All you need is the willingness to learn and to walk in harmony to be balanced and maintain a good rhythm in life
  • 62. How to be An Ally To Indigenous Peoples Care for Mother Earth Give thanks frequently Respect and support Indigenous Sovereignty Learn about treaties Demand that our nation honor its treaty commitments Consider future generations in all your actions Question and resist stereotypes Learn about and reject the Doctorine of Discovery Reach out to your Indigenous neighbors Slow down and listen more than you talk Notice where you are Live with gratitude Live lightly on Mother Earth Work to end global warming Support renewable energy Stop hydro fracking, dirty coal and uranium mining Read Indigenous Authors, Support Indigenous artists, businesses and events Remember that all beings (Animals and plants) are your relatives not your resources Appreciate the diversity of nations, cultures and people
  • 63. contact us (416) 806 - 4659 EMAIL: bearstandingtall@gmail.com www.medicinewheeltrainer.com Indigenousawarenesstraining.com NEW! Online courses