Medicine Wheel

The Ojibwe medicine wheel, also known as the Circle of Life; a sacred symbol that represents the interconnectedness of all things in life, including all humans and the natural world:

• Symbolism

  The circle symbolizes the natural cycles of birth, growth, death, and regeneration. The four directions are east, south, west, and north, and are represented by the colors yellow, red, black, and white, respectively.

  
  

• Teachings

  The medicine wheel is a system of teachings that includes the idea that all races of humankind were created at the same time and are represented in the wheel together.




• Construction

  Medicine wheels can be physical constructions on the land, or they can be objects or art. The base of an object medicine wheel is often made from dried buffalo or elk hide, with dyed porcupine quills wrapped around it.

  
  

• Use

  Medicine wheels are used in ceremonies, for decoration, and in daily life.

Represents the Spring

Cycle of Life: Infant

Medicine: Tobacco

Spirit Animal: Eagle

Element: Air

Represents the Summer

Cycle of Life: Youth

Medicine: Cedar

Spirit Animal: Wolf

Element: Earth

Represents the Fall

Cycle of Life: Adult

Medicine: Sage

Spirit Animal: Buffalo

Element: Water

Represents Winter

Cycle of Life: Elder

Medicine: Sweetgrass

Spirit Animal: Bear

Element: Fire