Native American Medicine Wheel & Crystal Totems Guide
THIS GUIDE INCLUDES 40 PAGES - You can find an easy to use INDEX / Table of Content here so you can jump to where ever you want more information
Are you seeking a new beginning in your spiritual quest? Perhaps a clear quartz crystal, a Native American totem for the Earth Renewal Moon, would be helpful.
Or are you seeking the freedom to find your own path? A blue crystal totem such as an azurite from the Air Elemental Butterfly Clan might help.
Maybe you need a Spirit Guide – Wabun, Spirit Keeper of the East Wind, may help.
You may not be familiar with the rich spiritual traditions and beliefs of the Native Americans but these traditions and beliefs can bring a new spirit to your life. Read on… you might find what you are seeking.
In this Guide you can work through the entire medicine wheel. You will find instructions and links to pages that discuss every element of a medicine wheel.
You can also use the handy Birthday chart page to find the elements of the Medicine Wheel that pertain to people born at certain times of the year.
The Medicine Wheel may well be a valuable tool for you or a family member as you deal with the myriad of issues modern life seems to be throwing at all of us. We often find that getting in touch with our past can help in aiding our present and future. We believe the Native American Medicine Wheel is one of the best ways to achieve this.
There are many Native American tribes, each with its own spiritual beliefs and customs. Although each has its own culture, all of them share a common, deep appreciation and genuine reverence for Mother Earth and the Creator, otherwise known as the Great Spirit. They all share a belief that all nature is to be respected - the land, trees, animals, rocks, and resources that make up our home – this Earth. We can all learn a great deal from them as we seek to live in harmony with our own natures and the nature of this earth.
Native American spirituality is an extensive and rich cultural treasure developed over many centuries, and one in which the Native Americans take great pride. Many of their teachings and practices are rightfully restricted to their tribal members. This is only right.
One area of the Native American culture that we believe needs to be shared now, more than ever, is their reverence for the Earth we all need to preserve. While each tribe's practices and beliefs are theirs alone, their concept of the Medicine Wheel we find resonates with those of other cultures, many of which have traditions of spiritual circles. It seems the stone circle is a somewhat universal symbol of the relationship of the physical and spiritual world across cultures. Such monuments have been constructed in many parts of the world throughout history for many different reasons. From Atlit Yam in Israel to Stonehenge, they have been an integral part of the beliefs of many of us. Perhaps the Native Amercian Medicine Wheel with its similarity to other culture's icons, can help all of us be better people and better stewards of this planet. We have found it to be so for ourselves.
We believe learning about the Native American Medicine Wheel can help those of us in other cultures appreciate the important values of the Native Americans. We cannot teach those values, but we can at least provide a visual aid to help in understanding them. We offer the crystal Medicine Wheel as only that – a way for everyone to begin to appreciate and respect the beliefs of a different culture.
This guide, and the Wheel it presents, is taken from the writings of Sun Bear, who died in 1992, and according to Wikapedia, was “a sacred teacher of Ojibwe (Anishinabe) descent.†While we are aware of the objections to his approaches in the 1980s to sharing the traditions of his tribe with outsiders, we have found that his writings provide a Medicine Wheel that has been public knowledge for a quarter century.
As you explore this Guide, and use the Medicine Wheel, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised with the opportunities they bring you to form new relationships, have more energy, and to develop characteristics you desire. It will certainly bring you a deeper appreciation of the Native American culture and a deeper understanding of your role in preserving this Earth upon which we all depend for life itself.
In using this Medicine Wheel or one of your own devising, take time to appreciate the wisdom and deep spirituality of the Native Americans' culture. There are no “right†answers in spirituality. Each person, family, tribe, culture, and nation finds its own way. You may find the Medicine Wheel as helpful to finding your way to spirituality as we have.
The Native American Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel, representing the many cycles of life, is an ancient symbol that has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years. The circle is representative of life's never ending cycle (birth, death, rebirth) and each stone or spoke placement in the wheel focuses on a different aspect of living. The Wheel is a ceremonial center, an astronomical laboratory like Stonehenge, a place to pray, a place to meditate, a connection to nature, and a focus for enabling connections with all creation.
In the words of Sun Bear, found in his book, Dancing with the Wheel, Medicine Wheels are energy vortices, “springboards that will allow you to link up with all the energies in the universe.” In Compass of the Heart, Loren Cruden tells us that there is no one traditional medicine wheel and many tribes do not use a circle of stones to honor the spirits of the cardinal directions. She does point out, however, that most spiritual paths do honor the four directions (sometimes six - counting Earth and Sky) and the medicine wheel is a good way to name and use the orientation of the circle in a spiritual quest.
The Medicine Wheel is, as Sun Bear observed, a powerful energy vortex when constructed that brings the energy focus many of us can use in our lives. When you have constructed a Medicine Wheel you will find that you are constantly moving around the wheel to find the energies your life needs at a given time. Each part of the Wheel brings different mixes and balances of energy. The crystals and stones will often seem to glow with pulsing energy that leaps around the Wheel in the areas that you need it most.
We suggest you start with understanding the Creator and Inner Circle elements and then work outward. The journey will be rewarding and most certainly enlightening. Below you will find information on constructing and using your Medicine Wheel. We trust you will find this guide as useful in your journey to spiritual enlightenment as we, and many others around the world, have.
Setting Up Your Medicine Wheel
Here we will teach you how to construct and use one wheel in particular– the Medicine Wheel of Sun Bear, which has evolved to attract a world-wide following. However, do not become overly focused on his vision and teachings. The Medicine Wheel you make must be yours. The symbols and crystals used must be meaningful to you. We will show you some ideas, but mold and shape them to your own spirit and needs.
The Medicine Wheel of Sun Bear is a Native American compass of energies – essentially a circle bisected horizontally and vertically to divide the circle into four equal parts. The dividing lines are oriented to the four cardinal directions of North, South, East, and West. No, it does not give you directions to a physical place; though it does assist your needs of guidance. In the Native Americans’ language, most times “medicine” means “power.” Another way to look at a Medicine Wheel is as a power wheel. The power it brings to us is highly spiritual.
The structure of our Medicine Wheel consists of thirty-six very different and powerful crystals and stones that form a Center, an Inner Circle, an Outer Circle, and four Spirit Paths that connect the Center to the two circles.
Check out this video to learn how to set up a medicine wheel
The Center
The Center is where the crystal representing the Great Spirit is placed. This is because the Great Spirit, also known as the Creator, created everything and is the source of all life.
The Inner Circle
The Inner Circle is composed of seven crystals which are the foundation of physical life since they hold the fundamentals of building life. Within the Inner Circle of seven stones are stones representing the Earth Mother, Father Sky, Grandmother Moon, and the Four Tribes. These are not physical tribes like the Apache or the Iroquois, but rather the Tribes of the Turtle, the Frog, the Thunderbird, and the Butterfly. These tribes represent the four Elements – Earth represented by the Turtle Clan, Water represented by the Frog Clan, Air represented by the Butterfly Clan, and Fire represented by the Thunderbird Clan. Each of these Clans brings a special energy. We will explore how each of them may contribute to your spiritual life and growth as we progress through this guide.
So our Medicine Wheel has the Creator surrounded by his physical creations – the sun, the earth, and the moon, along with the elements that are the foundation of those creations – earth, water, air, and fire.
The Creator
The dynamic Universe depicted by our Medicine Wheel has an order that is based on fundamental relationships between the basic forms that are derived from the primary form: the point.
In its singularity and in its sacred creation, this point brings forth everything that exists in the wheel, representing all of creation.
Click here to learn more about The Creator.
The Earth, Sun, and Moon
The inner circle of the Medicine Wheel immediately surrounds the Creator Stone.
It has seven stones. The first three stones give life and vision to the Creation for us: Father Sun, Earth Mother, and Grandmother Moon.
Earth Mother
The Earth Mother Stone is the first one placed in the Center Circle. It is placed just after the Creator Stone.
Algonquian legend says, "Beneath the clouds lives the Earth-Mother from whom is derived the Water of Life, who at her bosom feeds plants, animals and human
Click here to learn more about Earth Mother.
Father Sun
Father Sun is the source of all life and energy on this planet, with its stone being a geode.
Just as our energy starts deep within the sun then expands outward, a geode has its beauty in the interior and when opened reveals its inner beauty to all.
Click here to learn more about Father Sun.
Grandmother Moon
Grandmother Moon is ruled by the element of Water. She makes the tides. She is the queen of the night and night active animals of the world.
Click here to learn more about Grandmother Moon.
The Four Clans
On the Medicine Wheel we have positions for the four clans: the Butterfly Clan, The Frog Clan, the Thunderbird Clan, and the Turtle Clan. These are Elemental Clans - associated with the elements of Air, Water, Fire, and Earth.
The Elemental Clan into which you are born (see Birth Totem Chart), represents which element (Fire, Water, Air, Earth) that you relate to, share characteristics with, and have a personal responsibility for. Clans in this respect are not to be confused with Tribal Clans, such as family groups.
Turtle Clan
If you were born between the Harvest Moon (Aug 23 to Sep 22), the Frogs Return Moon (April 20 to May 20), or the Earth Renewal Moon (Dec 22 to Jan 19), you are a member of the Turtle Clan and ruled by the element of Earth.
The Turtle Clan, the Clan of Earth, is filled with stable, practical, and grounded people with an appreciation of the Earth and its elemental energy.
Click here to learn more about the Turtle Clan.
Frog Clan
If you were born between the Big Winds Moon (Feb 19 to Mar 20), the Strong Sun Moon (Jun 21 to Jul 22), or the Freeze Up Moon (Oct 24 to Nov 21), you are a member of the Frog Clan and ruled by the element of Water.
The Frog Clan people have a special closeness to Grandmother Moon, and often use Moonstone and white colored stones as Totems to show their affection.
Click here to learn more about the Frog Clan.
Thunderbird Clan
If you were born between the Budding Trees Moon (Mar 21 to Apr 19), the Ripe Berries Moon, (Jul 23 to Aug 22), or the Long Snows Moon (Nov 22 to Dec 21), you are a member of the Thunderbird Clan and ruled by the element of Fire.
Some members of the Thunderbird Clan seem to be people of paradox. At one moment they are warm and helpful, but they can suddenly turn into a dominating, hyperactive individual.
Click here to learn more about the Thunderbird Clan.
Butterfly Clan
If you were born between the Rest and Cleansing Moon (Jan 20 to Feb 28), the Cornplanting Moon (May 21 to June 20), or the Ducks Fly Moon (Sep 23rd and Oct 23rd), you are a member of the Butterfly Clan and ruled by the element of Air.
The Butterfly Clan, the Clan of the Air Element, is composed of people that live in the moment, exploring, wandering, and looking for what is new.
Click here to learn more about the Butterfly Clan.
The Outer Circle
The Medicine Wheel also consists of an Outer Circle. The Outer Circle first contains four anchor stones that represent the Spirit Keepers of the cardinal directions – Kabibonokka the Spirit of the North, Wabun the Spirit Keeper of the East, Shawnodese the Spirit Keeper of the South, and Mudjekeewis the Spirit Keeper of the West. Each of these Spirit Keepers have an energy and spirit you may well need in your life.
These four stones of the Spirit Keepers divide the Outer Circle into four quadrants, into which twelve stones representing the twelve moons of a year are placed. Each of the twelve moons is represented by a stone or crystal which aids in bringing the energy and spirit of that time of the year and that phase of spiritual life to you. We will explore each of these moons in this guide to allow you to choose the right energy that you need in your life. The Outer Circle is also the circle of the spirit world, just as the Inner Circle is the circle of the physical world.
The Spirit Keepers and the Winds
The winds were personified in Native American lore and names were given to represent their character for each cardinal direction. Mudjeekeewis is the Spirit Keeper of the west wind, father of all the winds. The other winds and their representative keepers are Wabun, the Spirit Keeper of the east wind, Kabibonokka, the Spirit Keeper of the north wind, and Shawnodese, the Spirit Keeper of the south wind.
While the personification is steeped in lore, it remains that the winds themselves, the actual movement of energy and air, the changes in weather, and destiny they portent are powerful elements sometimes beyond role.
Each wind is represented on the wheel by its designated Spirit Keeper. While you will find pages for both the wind and the Spirit Keeper, keep in mind that they are both presented on the Medicine Wheel as one.
The Native American Spirit Keepers, Shawnodese in the South, Wabun in the East, Mudjekeewis in the West, and Kabibonokka in the North each guard the spirit of a season. These are both the seasons of the year, and the seasons of your life.
From the Book of Revelations to ancient Native Americans, the four spirits of the winds have been invoked to bring us the power of the four directions, the four times, and the seasons of the year and of our lives.
You can see a brief overview of all of the Spirit Guides here.
You can also read about how to communicate with your Spirit Guide here.
Kabibonokka (North Wind)
When you need the fierce warrior spirit, call upon Kabibonokka. Do so using your white crystals. There will be times in your life when you need strength and power and you can call upon Kabibonokka to aid you.
Kabibonokka, the Spirit Keeper of the North, guards the Spirit of Winter, and those born under the winter moons: the Earth Renewal Moon (Dec 22 to Jan 19), the Rest and Cleansing Moon (Jan 20 to Feb 18), and the Big Winds Moon (Feb 19 to Mar 20).
Click here to learn more about Kabibonokka, the Spirit Keeper of the North.
Wabun (East Wind)
Wabun brings energy and spirit to new beginnings and renewal. He aids in exploration to brighten the mind and gain knowledge, because Wabun teaches us there are always new discoveries to learn from whether mundane or spiritual.
Wabun, the Spirit Keeper of the East, guards the Spirit of Spring, and watches over those born under its spring moons: Budding Trees Moon (Mar 21 to Apr 19), the Frogs Return Moon (Apr 20 to May 20), and the Corn Planting Moon (May 21 to Jun 20).
Click here to learn more about Wabun, The Spirit Keeper of the East.
Shawnodese (South Wind)
With love often comes heartbreak. You can turn to Shawnodese to guard your spirit for life and love as you journey the wheel of life. He will guide you to healing your heart and teach you to place trust in people again.
Shawnodese, the Spirit Keeper of the South, guards the Spirit of Summer, and watches over those born under its summer moons: Strong Sun Moon (Jun 21 to Jul 22), the Ripe Berry Moon (Jul 23 to Aug 22), and the Harvest Moon (Aug 23 to Sept 22).
Click here to learn more about Shawnodese, the Spirit Keeper of the South.
Mudjekeewis (West Wind)
Mudjekeewis is the Chief of the Spirit Keepers; the other three, Wabun of the east, Shawondese of the south, and Kabibonokka of the north are his sons. Call on Mudjekeewis' bear-like strength to see you through your challenging times in life. Not only will he aid you in fulfilling your purpose, but he will let you realize this is the time in life to relax.
Mudjekeewis, the Spirit Keeper of the West, guards the Spirit of Autumn, and watches over those born under its fall moons: the Ducks Fly Moon (Sept 23 to Oct 23), the Freeze Up Moon (Oct 24 to Nov 21), and the Long Snows Moon (Nov 22 to Dec 21).
Click here to learn more about Mudjekeewis, the Spirit Keeper of the West.
All Native American tribes regarded the winds as the power of the spirits of the four cardinal points and many represent them in bird form. Navajos say there are white swans at each point.
Many tribes, from Algonquins to Peruvians, believed storms were caused by the struggles of the four giants that ruled the winds. Many of the legends of their origin and descent are connected with the winds.
Click through the tabs to find out more about the Winds: West, East, North, and South. You can also see a brief overview of all the winds here.
North Wind
The North Wind brings us the reflection of poetry, dreams, and remembrances. North is the direction of night, wisdom, and actualization of intentions. It is the direction of the embodiment of the spirit. It is the gateway to what is coming next.
Click here to learn more about the North Wind.
East Wind
The East wind brings us the growing warmth of uncompromised and unspoiled joy and hope. It brings us trust, innocence, and the simple joy experienced by children. The East wind teaches us to see things in a new light. It teaches us that we too can begin again just as each day begins anew.
Click here to learn more about the East Wind.
South Wind
The South Wind brings us the great warmth of awareness, intelligence, and accomplishment. It teaches us to enjoy our part in creation; that we too can climb high into the sky, and achieve our dreams and aspirations.
Click here to learn more about the South Wind.
West Wind
The West Wind brings us the mature satisfaction of a life well lived and yet with more to come. It brings us the pleasures of adulthood, career, and family. West is the direction of twilight, reflection, introspection and the inward awareness of acceptance of that which has occured.
Click here to learn more about the West Wind.
The Moons
There are twelve moons that border the outside circle of our medicine wheel.The moon circles the earth twelve times a year; and like the Wheel of Life and other representations of the cyclic nature of our Universe and our lives in it, the Medicine Wheel marks the passages of time in the year and in our individual lifetimes.
What is important to understand is that each moon is also a passage in your life, and you move from moon to moon as you grow and mature. Each brings a spirit and energies to a part of your life. You must not stagnate in one moon, but progress around the Medicine Wheel gaining the strength, wisdom, power, and knowledge of each moon.
If you are curious to see what moon you were born under, click here to view our birth chart. In this section you will find the dates for each moon, their crystal and animal totem, and more.
The Moons
The moons mark the "stepping stones" around the wheel making it a "moon calendar". You can easily know under which moon you were born, and you can easily know which moon we are currently experiencing.
Click through each tab to read more about the moons and also find out which moon you were born under. You can also read more about the moons and view all of them here. If you'd like to quickly see which moon you were born under, click here to view our birth chart.
Earth Renewal
If you were born between December 22nd and January 19th, then you were born under the Earth Renewal Moon. This moon, also known as the Snow Goose Moon, begins at the beginning of the solar year on the Winter Equinox. It is the first moon of Kabibonokka, the Spirit Keeper of the North, and it begins as the sun once again journeys back from the south.
This moon teaches us to be adaptable, and to always remember there is a time to begin again, and not to despair of that which has come and gone before. Many people born under the Earth Renewal Moon tend to be overprotective, especially over their loved ones. They absolutely love having company that share similar characteristics. They find it easier to make connections and friendships that last longer.
Click here to learn more about the Earth Renewal Moon.
Rest and Cleansing
If you were born between January 20th and February 18th, then you were born under the Rest and Cleansing Moon. Its animal totem is the friendly and cute Otter. It is a moon with the energy of the North Wind and the spirit of the Butterfly Clan bringing the spirit and energy of the element of Air.
The Rest and Cleansing Moon is one to help you with recharging your batteries, and with cleansing away the past troubles and difficulties that are still nagging at your happiness and wellbeing. During the Rest and Cleansing Moon is the time period you should embrace your inner child and explore your imagination.
Click here to learn more about the Rest and Cleansing Moon.
Big Winds
If you were born between February 19th and March 20th, then you were born under the Big Winds Moon. The Big Winds Moon is the third moon under the spirit of Kabibonokka, the Spirit Keeper of the North. It is also a time of the Frog Clan of the Water Element, and a time for Turquoise and turquoise colored crystals.
The Big Winds Moon is the moon of natural medicine, developing sensitivity, seeking spirituality, and learning to express true feelings. It is a time to again become grounded in your life. It is a time to recognize both your place in the natural world, and your deep spirituality.
Click here to learn more about the Big Winds Moon.
Budding Trees
If you were born between March 21st and April 19th, then you were born under the Budding Trees Moon. The Budding Trees Moon starts at the real beginning of the year, the Vernal Equinox. The stone for this moon is the opal. From the opal of this moon we learn to temper our fire energy. The moon teaches the lessons of new growth and the eternal cycle of life.
Do you feel you need the strength of the Hawk? Stay under his moon and use his strength. To bring the spirit of the new growth of the Budding Trees Moon, and the keen hunting ability of the hawk into your life, meditate and carry your opal with you.
Click here to learn more about the Budding Trees Moon.
Frogs Return
If you were born between April 20th and May 20th, then you were born under the Frogs Return Moon. This is the second moon cared for by Wabun, the East Spirit Keeper, with help from the Golden Eagle. This is the time of mid-spring, as the earth is rapidly coming alive again. It is a time when your life and spirit should also be coming alive again.
Native American teachings find that during this moon is the perfect time to detox your mind and body and renew your spirit, since spring will soon be springing into action. Although detoxing is no easy task and requires a lot of your time and energy, your Spirit Guide, the Beaver, dedicated and strong-willed, will aid your efforts.
Click here to learn more about the Frogs Return Moon.
Corn Planting
If you were born between May 21st and June 20th, then you were born under the Corn Planting Moon. The Spirit Keeper of the Corn Planting Moon is Wabun, the Spirit Keeper of the East Wind. The Animal totem is the Deer (some use the Elk). The time is one of the Butterfly Clan bringing the spirit of the element of Air. The crystal totem of this moon is the Moss Agate and all green and white crystals and stones.
Should you have been born under this moon, like your animal totem, the Deer, you are a gracious creature with a great balance. Your mind has a habit of staying attuned to your environment. You automatically notice when something is out of place. Use the spirit of the Deer to keep you cautious without fleeing situations unnecessarily.
Click here to learn more about the Corn Planting Moon.
Strong Sun
If you were born between June 21st and July 22nd, then you were born under the Strong Sun Moon. The Strong Sun Moon receives help from Shawnodese, the Spirit Keeper of the South, Coyote, the south wind guardian, and lastly the Frog Clan.
The Spirit of the Woodpecker will help you face the truth and understand that happiness is a gift only you can bestow upon yourself. Woodpeckers absolutely have to have security and feel entirely safe. They are extremely cautious of their environment, so they tend to be overly sensitive. The Woodpecker will help you to use your head at times instead of only following your heart.
Click here to learn more about the Strong Sun Moon.
Ripe Berry
If you were born between July 23rd and August 22nd, then you were born under the Ripe Berry Moon. Your guardians are Salmon - your Animal Spirit Guide, Shawnodese - the South Wind Spirit Keeper, Coyote - the South Wind Animal Spirit Guide, and lastly the Thunderbird Clan. Your time of birth is most auspicious in the natural world.
People born under this moon are natural motivators that are driven by the need to create. They best interpret things through artistic perceptions especially music, art, and poetry. Your lesson as a child of the Salmon Moon is to use your mood and emotion to your advantage.
Click here to learn more about the Ripe Berry Moon.
Harvest
If you were born between August 23rd and September 22nd, then you were born under the Harvest Moon. Your guardians include your totem animal, the great and mighty Bear, Shawnodese - the South Wind Spirit Keeper, Coyote - the South Wind Animal Spirit Guide, and lastly the Turtle Clan!
Bears are individuals with a heart of gold that allows them to freely share within their circle of friends and family. Be aware that people born under this moon have a tendency to resist change: they retreat to their homes, so they can feel secured once more. Utilize the Bear's Spirit as a voice of reason and learn to embrace change.
Click here to learn more about the Harvest Moon.
Ducks Fly
If you were born between September 23rd and October 23rd, then you were born under the Ducks Fly Moon. Your Animal Totem for this moon is the Raven. The spirit of the Raven is about rebirth, recovery, renewal, recycling and certainly reflection and healing.
The Native Americans believe that the Raven begins its life as an elegant white bird, but turns black when they make sacrifices. If you find yourself misunderstood, take strength from the misunderstood Raven.
Click here to learn more about the Ducks Fly Moon.
Freeze Up
If you were born between October 24th and November 21st, then you were born under the Freeze Up Moon. You share a special spark with the Snake, your Spirit Animal Guide, and receive guidance from Mudjekeewis, the Spirit Keeper of the West, and the Frog Clan.
Enjoy yourself while you make new discoveries and understand some things you have been confused about. Just remember to keep an open mind and soul to allow your energies to flow.
Click here to learn more about the Freeze Up Moon.
Long Snows
If you were born between November 22nd and December 21st, then you were born under the Long Snows Moon. The Animal Totem for this moon is the Elk. You are protected by Mudjekeewis, the Spirit Keeper of the West and his Spirit Animal Guide the Elk.
The Elk only appears to you when he feels that you need an eye opener. Now sometimes, you are not going to like what the Elk has to tell you, but be fair since he is usually sending you a warning.
Click here to learn more about the Long Snows Moon.
The Paths
The Outer Circle of the Spirit Guides of the Winds and the twelve stones of the yearly moons are connected to the Inner Circle by four paths called Spirit Paths. Each of the Spirit Paths is built of three stones that connect the physical world to the spirit world. These twelve stones represent the characteristics we need to develop and to connect our physical existence to our spiritual growth. They allow us to move outward to encompass the spirit world we seek.
These twelve characteristics are:
• Cleansing
• Renewal
• Purity
• Clarity
• Wisdom
• Illumination
• Growth
• Trust
• Love
• Experience
• Introspection
• Strength
Again, each of these characteristics and their representative stones or crystals will be explored in this guide. Everyone can find ways to improve their spirituality, and the Spirit Path stones bring the energy of the Medicine Wheel to our efforts.
On the Native American Medicine Wheel there are four spirit paths. Each leads from a Spirit Keeper to the sacred center space of the wheel where true spiritual enlightenment is found.
The path from the North is the path of physical health and healing, the path from the East is the path of a sound mind and healing the mind, the path from the South is path of healthy emotions and emotional healing, and the path from the West is the path of the spirit and spiritual healing.
Spirit Path of the North: Healing the Body
The Path of Physical Growth and Healing extends into the inner circle and to the Creator stone from the North. The journey is aided by the spirit keeper of the North, Kabibonokka, his animal totem, the White Buffalo, and by the spirit of the North Wind.
The journey has three stones: the Cleansing Stone, the Renewal Stone, and the Purity Stone. Each of these stones will help you on your journey around the medicine wheel as you seek to develop a healthy physical life.
Click here to learn more about the Spirit Path of the North and Healing the Body.
Spirt Path of the East: Healing the Mind
The Path of Mental Growth and Healing extends into the inner circle and to the Creator stone from the East. The journey is aided by the spirit keeper of the East, Wabun, his animal totem, the Golden Eagle, and by the spirit of the East Wind.
The journey has three stones: the Clarity Stone, the Wisdom Stone, and Illumination Stone. Each of these stones will help you on your journey around the medicine wheel as you seek to develop a healthy mental attitude and mindset.
Click here to learn more about the Spirit Path of the East and Healing the Mind.
Spirit Path of the South: Healing the Heart
The Path of Emotional Growth and Healing extends into the inner circle and to the Creator stone from the South. The journey is aided by the spirit keeper of the South, Shawnodese, his animal totem, the Coyote or Cougar, and by the spirit of the South Wind.
The journey has three stones: the Growth Stone, the Trust Stone, and the Love Stone. Each of these stones will help you on your journey around the medicine wheel as you seek to develop a healthy emotional life.
Click here to learn more about the Spirit Path of the South and Healing the Heart.
Spirit Path of the West: Healing the Spirit
The Path of Spiritual Growth and Healing extends into the inner circle and to the Creator stone from the West. The journey is aided by the spirit keeper of the West, Mudjekeewis, his animal totem, the Bear, and by the spirit of the West Wind.
The journey has three stones: the Experience Stone, the Introspection Stone, and the Strength Stone. Each of these stones will help you on your journey around the medicine wheel as you seek to develop a healthy mind and body.
Click here to learn more about the Spirit Path of the West and Healing the Spirit.
Building and Using a Crystal Medicine Wheel
This part explains how to construct the medicine wheel and how to use it.
Building a medicine wheel is a personal experience. There are as many designs as there are people. Most are circles, and most have a totem or representative of each of the four directions arranged around the circle. From there, the opportunities are wide open.
Location and Size
Medicine wheels are sometimes built big enough to walk around in. Some are built with animal totems, others with plant totems. Some have a few totems, some have many. In this guide, we offer a crystal/stone medicine wheel. It is small enough to set up anywhere. It is based on the visions of Sun Bear. We know you may well want to start with this one, but follow your own visions. Substitute stones, designs, and totems as seems appropriate to you and your life.
There are no right or wrong ways to build a personal medicine wheel. It is a depiction of your life – so build it your way. Here are some guidelines that might help in the beginning.
Put the wheel in an area that is readily accessible, but not one that might be subjected to being disturbed. You want to be able to use it, but not have it be a distraction to other activities. Put it in a sacred space.
You do not need a large wheel. Ours is about 18 inches in diameter. It is large enough to be useful, but not so large as to be unwieldy.
Choosing the Stones and Crystals
The number of crystals and stones you will need will vary with the design. If you are building a simple one, then as few as five stones will work. If you want to build an advanced, complete wheel, the Medicine Wheel can take up to 40 stones. It can be difficult to collect all the stones for a full wheel. Use what you have. While we do offer a complete set of stones for this purpose, you can use others that you have collected. The power of the wheel is not dependent on having all the “right” crystals. Rather its power is much stronger than that.
Do clean and cleanse your Medicine Wheel stones. Keep them from sources of negativity when the wheel is not assembled. Treat them with respect as they symbolize elements of your life.
Placing and building the wheel
Once you have drawn the wheel design – and it can be on anything, including the ground – place the stones from the Creator Stone outward. Each stone should be carefully placed after a short blessing and offering to the spirit.
Once you have placed all the stones and crystals, say a final blessing of your wheel. It is ready for use.
Walking the Wheel
Using the wheel will involve a bit of research and study. You will usually start by focusing on the stone that represents the moon under which you were born. Focus your attention on that stone, and reflect (or read about) its spirit. Think about the lessons of its totem. Absorb them once again.
Next, a bit of a harder task: identify where you are on the Wheel. You can do this by focusing on each stone in turn on the wheel, or focus where you mind’s eye is drawn. Identify the stone, and reflect on its meaning, spirit, and lessons. Identify its totem animals and the lessons they teach. If you are not familiar with each stone, review the guide until one stone “jumps out at you” as the issue you are facing. Focus on that stone and its spirit. Meditate keeping that stone in mind. Let your mind wander to the power of the crystal and the lessons you want from the animal spirit totem. Take from the wheel the energy and spirit you need for the day and your growth.
More Resources
We can offer several excellent sources for learning to use your Medicine Wheel.
Kelly Callahan’s excellent The Path of the Medicine Wheel is a small volume packed with simple to follow advice. Sun Bear's Dancing with the Wheel is the seminal volume we have used the most. Compass of the Heart by Loren Gruden is a lovely work on embodying Medicine Wheel teachings. Medicine Wheels by Roy Wilson is also a wonderful resource that is highly recommended.
These volumes offer a wide variety of ceremonies, prayers, and methods for gaining the most from your medicine wheel. We encourage you to gain the wisdom offered by the authors. Your Medicine Wheel will bring you the life you seek if you take a bit of time to learn how to bring its “medicine” to your life.
Don't Forget to Tell Your Friends!