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Most creation myths were
part of the oral tradition and feature a Master Spirit who assumes many diverse
forms, including both the masculine and feminine. There are also many spirits
who control the weather and act as guides and caretakers of humanity. Besides
the oral tradition, some tribes preserved their spiritual beliefs in sacred
texts. Their primary sacred text; however, is the wind whispering through cedar boughs, the sandy
shores, the cry of an eagle, and the ripple of sparkling streams.
To Native Americans the
Sacred Hoop symbolizes the Circle of Life and the power of the circle matrix
that is the creative foundation of the universe. The sky, the planet, the
sun, the stars, the moon, the whirling wind, the nests of birds, the tepees, the
seasons, and life cycles follow this circle round pattern.
The Four Powers nourish the
blossoming World Tree at the center of the Circle of Life. There are Four Directions
(Four Powers, Four Quarters) four equally important ways of perceiving things in life and of
pursuing knowledge. These are the four cardinal points of the circle, each of
which represent different power essences of nature, seasonal rhythms, and stages
of life.
These four directions are North (Wisdom, White, Buffalo,
Maturity, Strength and Stamina); East (Peace, Gold, Eagle, Elder, Clarity
and Illumination; South (Expansion, Green, Mouse, Infancy, Wholesomeness
and Expectation); and West (Nourishment, Black, Bear, Youth, Introspection and Authenticity).
For the people to thrive and
blossom, the Sacred Hoop must be whole and unbroken. Rattles are used by Elders
during ceremonies to call the four powers to help those who seek healing,
cleansing, and guidance. Rattles are also shaken to summon the Spirit of Life for those who are sick.
The Medicine Wheel circle
symbolizes all of life and the lives of individual beings as they express the
power of the world through harmonious movements, and, as they are nourished by
the spiral of constant circular motion of the wheel of Spirit.
Medicine Wheel traditions
vary from tribe to tribe. An example of a Medicine Wheel is one where the center
of the wheel is bisected by two paths.
The path from North to South
is the road everyone travells in life; while, the path from East to West
is the road individuals travel as they learn lessons, growing in Spirit...
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