Medicine Wheel

The medicine wheel is a symbol for the wheel of life which is
forever evolving and bringing new lessons and truths to the
walking of the path. The Earthwalk is based on the understanding
that each one of us must stand on every spoke, on the great wheel
of life many times, and that every direction is to be honored.
Until you have walked in others' moccasins, or stood on their
spokes of the wheel, you will never truly know their hearts.

The medicine wheel teaches us that all lessons are equal, as are
all talents and abilities. Every living creature will one day see
and experience each spoke of the wheel, and know those truths.
It is a pathway to truth, peace and harmony. The circle is never
ending, life without end.

In experiencing the Good Red Road, one learns the lessons of
physical life, or of being human. This road runs South to North
in the circle of the medicine wheel. After the graduation
experience of death, one enters the Blue or Black Road, that is
the world of the grandfathers and grandmothers. In spirit, one
will continue to learn by counseling those remaining on the Good
Red Road. The Blue Road of the spirit runs East to West. The
medicine wheel is life, afterlife, rebirth and the honoring of
each step along the way.

Medicine Cards, by Jamie Sams & David Carson

ANOTHER VERSION OF THIS MEANING

    In the ways of our ancestors, we are taught that everything in life is circular. We observe the changing of the seasons, the travelling direction of the sun and the moon, how we develop from birth to death and in the spirit realm. We are one within the circle of life. The "Medicine Wheel" teaches us balance, to discover ourselves, and our path.

EAST
(yellow)

    From the East, we begin to seek knowledge, the direction where everything is fresh and new. To greet the sun and appreciate the potential for new learning experiences. The new day that enables us to see the miracles and harmony of the Creators creations.
    The sacred plant of this direction is "tobacco". As we offer our prayers and thoughts to the spirit world of our Creator,we give thanks and offer this sacred plant. The smoke carries these visible thoughts to those honoured spirit beings.

SOUTH
(red)

    From the south we experience growth, the direction where everything in life is replenished and in full bloom. To taste the ripe fruit of appreciation and not t ake what we have for granted.
    The sacred plant of this direction is "cedar", the purifier for the body and the protector from evil.

WEST
(black)

    From the west we encounter reflection and spiritual insight, the direction where dreams and visions allow you to go within and appreciate yourself and your Creator.
    The sacred plant of this direction is "sage", the purifier for the body and to keep you in good health.

NORTH
(white)

    From the North we experience the purity, the direction where the secret to many cures are found for healing. Like the white snow that resembles the white hair of our elders we honour wisdom.
    The sacred plant being the "Sweet Grass", to keep you free from evil and make your travels safe.