Exploring the Medicine Wheel: Understanding the Circle of Life

In indigenous cultures across North America, the Medicine Wheel serves as a profound symbol embodying interconnectedness, balance, and the cyclical nature of life. Rooted in the spiritual traditions of Native American tribes, the Medicine Wheel represents a holistic framework for understanding existence, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.

 The circle symbol can be found across all cultures and world religions. It is often also named ‘the turning of the wheel of life,’ expressing the dynamic, infinite, eternal processes of birth, death, and rebirth. At the same time, the circle constitutes the most stable form, with a center and a surrounding circle of protection—and sitting in the sacred circle represents inclusion and equality.

At its core, the Medicine Wheel consists of a circle divided into four quadrants, each associated with cardinal directions, elements, seasons, and stages of life. The East symbolizes the element of fire – as masculine forth igniting sparks of new beginnings, birth, and springtime, signifying the emergence of new life and growth. The South represents the element of water, the feminine force; water is life – no water, no life. It is linked to the abundance of the summer and the stage of learning and development and youth. Moving clockwise, the West is connected to the feminine earth element - it signifies adulthood, autumn – introspection, and the harvest season, where one reflects upon experiences and gains wisdom. The North stands for the element of wind and air as a masculine force that embodies elderhood and holds the place of the ancestors, winter, and the culmination of life's journey in wisdom, emphasizing the passing of knowledge to future generations. The center represents the balanced integration of all four directions in harmony with the feminine and masculine forces like a yin-yang symbol – it is seen as the most intimate and vulnerable place. It is connected to the sacred union of Divine Feminine and Masculine sacred sexuality.

Beyond its physical representation, the Medicine Wheel serves as a spiritual compass - guiding individuals towards harmony with nature, oneself, and the community. Each quadrant corresponds not only to external phenomena but also to internal aspects of human existence. The East corresponds to the mind, the South to emotions, the West to the physical body, the North to the spirit, and the Center to the Sacred Union YinYang inside and so outside. By acknowledging and nurturing these aspects, individuals strive for holistic well-being and alignment with the natural order.

The Medicine Wheel stands as a timeless symbol of unity, balance, and
the eternal cycle of life. Its teachings remind us of our interconnectedness
with all beings and the need to tread lightly upon the Earth, guided by
wisdom, respect, and gratitude. ̈

- Dr. Regina U. Hess, Visionary Founder/Director,

Birthing an Ancient Future

Furthermore, the wheel underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings, beyond humans, and beyond the Earth -  the cyclical rhythms of the universe. Just as the seasons transition seamlessly from one to another, so do the life stages flow into one another in an endless cycle of renewal and transformation. The Medicine Wheel, therefore, encourages individuals to embrace change, accept impermanence, and find meaning in the ebb and flow of existence. In contemporary times, the teachings of this sacred circle continue to resonate, offering valuable insights into holistic health, personal growth, and ecological stewardship. By honoring the wisdom of indigenous traditions and integrating its principles into modern life, individuals can cultivate greater harmony, resilience, and reverence for the interconnected web of life.

It is an awakening process to a conscious, interconnected way of living through the heart, caring for all relations, and integrating all traditions. This approach builds the foundation of all the educational and transformational work in Birthing an Ancient Future through publications, events, and psychedelic-assisted Group Retreats and Personalized Retreats in Portugal and the Netherlands.

We call on like-minded people and organizations to build the global movement we call ‘Stewards of the New Earth.’ Come and join, connect, and let us co-create and collaborate.

Check out the details to apply/register for participation in our Birthing an Ancient Future Psychedelic-Assisted Group Retreats and Personalized Retreats in Portugal and the Netherlands: learn more!

Dr. Regina U. Hess, Nl/PT, Visionary Founder and Director of Birthing an Ancient Future, Retreat Lead together with an experienced team