3 Minutes - Article
The Medicine Wheel is a powerful symbol of:
- Life
- Balance
- Connection
It is a sacred symbol used by many Indigenous cultures across North America, including the Plains Cree and Nakoda Sioux nations in Alberta. Think of it as a guide to living in harmony with yourself, others, and the world around you.
At it's core, the Medicine Wheel is a circle divided into four directions:
- East
- South
- West
- North
Each direction is associated with:
- A colour
- An element
- An animal
- Specific teachings
Together, they represent the interconnectedness of all life and offer a holistic framework for personal and spiritual growth.
East (Yellow) – Symbolizes new beginnings, spring, and spiritual growth. Represented by Air and the Eagle, it is the direction of vision and clarity.
South (Red) – Stands for youth, summer, passion, and emotion. Associated with Fire and the Buffalo, it reflects energy, trust, and learning.
West (Black) – Represents adulthood, autumn, reflection, and healing. With Water and the Bear, this direction teaches introspection and transformation.
North (White) – Signifies elderhood, winter, wisdom, and rest. Linked to Earth and the Turtle, it embodies clarity, guidance, and completion.
These teachings help us find balance in our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives.
What about the colour blue?
In many traditional Medicine Wheels in Alberta, black is the colour of the West, representing introspection, personal healing, and the journey within. But in some versions—especially those that include five or more directions—you might also see the colour blue.
Blue is often connected to:
- The sky or spirit world above
- Water or the universe
- Truth, wisdom, and communication
Some Nations include Above (Sky), Below (Earth), and Centre (Self) as additional parts of the circle, showing even deeper layers of connection.
The Medicine Wheel isn’t just about directions and colours—it’s a way of life. It reminds us that:
- Everything is connected
- Balance is key to health and well-being
- We learn and grow through cycles, just like the seasons
It offers a way to understand who we are, where we come from, and how we can live in harmony with others and the land.