Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions also circumambulate in rituals. In every ancient myth that recites a creation story, water is always present. These four sacred directions also correspond to the four natural elements; ( Earth, Water, Fire, Air ), and depending on the tradition, tend to vary in their correlation. As winter is the season of waiting and surviving, the Cherokee word for North literally means cold. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Our members inspire our own authenticity: the quest for transformation never ends. May I have no enemies in this lifetime or next, Face the northwith one arm up and the other palm open to receive, To the Winds of the North It also explains why American tribes dedicated the West to the Keeper of Death. Its spokes point east, south, west, and north. As our Mother, the Earth has shown us much patience in our greed and thoughtlessness, but we now know better. Rev. To the four powers of Creation, to the Grandfather Sun, to the Grandmother Moon, to the Mother Earth, and to my ancestors. Here we see the cycle of energy and life. For understanding of life cycles I work with the four directions of the medicine wheel: East, South, West, and North. The west is associated with lightning - a symbol that connects heaven and earth or the ethereal realm with the physical realm. Ancient cultures teach us to allow consciousness to guide you because it will lead you to Self-realisation. the north-east corner is also regarded as a symbol of sacrifice and beginning. Other traditions relate the west to a time when you have to look within and observe what is happening in your life. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. Further, each corresponds to a quadrant in the . 1. Another concept I will reveal that shows the clockwise sequence does not work. This is an active form of meditation where the movement guides you into a deeper connection with your body and the present moment. Insight into the nature of reality. They explain the evolution of consciousness by revealing how thoughts shape your personality and create our experiences in life. . However, traditional symbolism also says the south is a time of fertility - the process of birth. But water is also a symbolic mechanism for the unconscious. In the New Testament, the relationship with the southerly direction is given a positive meaning: "The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. ~ Matthew 12:42. Members of Masonic orders enter a lodge in the north-east. I cant believe it took me so long. Science reveals through the Universal Laws of Nature, that everything is in a constant state of flux (the law of impermanence) and everything vibrates at its own frequency (the law of vibration). We ask our Creator to be with us today. It embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Treeall of which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life. Red beads were used to call forth the red spirit for strong love relations, to heal from illness, and to pray for longevity. We ask the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the South to bring us the warm winds of compassion, whose fragrance speaks of distant springs and summer days, to melt the ice that can gather around our hearts, dissolve our fears, melt our hatreds, and kindle our love into flames of true and living realities. Inner Light visualization. Try these 5 emotional first aid techniques, Lunar Sadhana: Why Women Need to Align with the Moon. The process of death and rebirth is distinctly evident in the symbolism of the four directions. At the heart of the Shamanic path is the contract to live in harmony with nature, self, community, and spirit. Qedem means "forward" which shows us that people in ancient times would face the rising sun as the default direction, but it also means "ancient.". Share this post. Let me move through life ready to take what comes from the north. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Visualize the earth in all of these meditations. Thoughts, ideas and understanding also evolves. When you need to be adapt to new situations, you need to be flexible and change the course of your thinking to fit your new environment and experience. A calm mind. Essentially, we need to change our habitual thinking in order to reprogram the subconscious mind. Make me courageous when the cold wind falls upon me. How does a practice like meditation help diffuse intense emotions like sadness, anger, or guilt? Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions also, Sanskrit this practice is known as Pradakshina. From here, the center of our being, we can reach out to all directions, and to all our relations. In other words, this is the future state of mind they must strive to acquire. Consider the West (the setting sun) and the color black. Gently close your eyes. Discover Your Life Tree2. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol that incorporates the four directions. I pray for my relations in Nature, all those who walk, crawl, fly, and swim, seen and unseen, and to the good spirits that exist in every part of Creation. The Buffalo is associated with abundance, with protection, with shouldering responsibilities. Our unique blend of yoga, meditation, personal transformation, and alternative healing content is designed for those seeking to not just enhance their physical, spiritual, and intellectual capabilities, but to fuse them in the knowledge that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Although nothing is certain, the earth element, and its correspondence with the root chakra, gives us grounding and stability. And they could not be further from the truth. You can experience lightness by gliding your finger up and down and feeling how light it feels. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. They are Uriel (north), Michael (south), Raphael (east), and Gabriel (west). Help me to listen to the quiet, and find serenity and comfort in the silences as they become longer. You can relax and surrender to the teachings of the forest and the great tree in this guided meditation. Remind of how to live with impeccability In meditation, when you ask your higher consciousness to reveal your Truth, the answer typically appears as a responding thought or in a vision. Aug 15, 2022 - In the pagan tradition, which is grounded in a respect and reverence for the natural world, calling upon the four directions is the usual way to begin a. Oddly enough, the highest or deepest places you can go in meditation, or, in other words, some of the furthest reaches that you can go to in meditation, the greatest levels of joy or peace in the conditioned world, where there is a tremendous sense of peace, well-being, and equanimity, that's where applying the Four Noble Truths is the most . Of course figuring out or intuiting our own life path is a big enough job . Jason Ghost. To achieve the results you want, you have to apply the right attitude and beliefs. The Hebrew here says "yama, tsfona, temana, mizracha.". By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The northerly direction is also associated with the element of Earth which shares similar symbolic motifs. ", Following the counter-clockwise sequence of the Wheel of four Directions, the north-west would be the point where consciousness begins its descent into the mind of man. In my opinion, this place of darkness and the north also relates to something that is hidden, or unseen. Although I have much to write about, sometimes the time, energy, and means to write it are not as available. When you let go of old values, beliefs and attitudes, energy transforms and you adopt new values, beliefs and attitudes. The Navajo Four Cardinal Directions. In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. Bring into balance the physical, mental and spiritual, so I am able to know my place on this earth, in life and in death. Remind me never to take from you more then I need, and remind me to always give back more than I take. In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. Through the dynamic Four Directions Meditation, we'll . But this is the dual nature of the gods and thus energy. Plus you can download videos to your device to watch offline later. She said (I believe) we capitalize the names of the planets, why then would we not capitalize the Sun and the Moon, which are surely at least as significant as the planets? When God began to create heaven and earththe earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the waterGod said, Let there be light.. It is this philosophy from which the much-quoted axiom, as above, so below is derived. In order for us to improve our quality of life, we have to evolve by gaining knowledge and wisdom. The creation story in the Bible asserts the same thing. These animals are a reminder to be patient with the seasons. In essence, a new aspect of reality which is what the Earth motif represents. Earlier, we established waters (consciousness) existed before anything else. We are an essential part of life. Air represents mental states. Its also pertinent to note where the hierarchy of masons sit; the west is the seat of the Senior Warden and the Grand Master. Water drips, flows, gushes, nourishes, and destroys. West is the mens direction, and we honour men as the providers and protectors of the family, and of the nation. But more about that later. However, Dr Joe has created an . In, from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being., 10 Ways Unhealthy Lifestyles Wreck Your Immune System, Psychology 101: The 12 Major Archetypes And Their Shadows », Depression Linked With Chronic Stress Says New Study. This ceremony will acknowledge the seven sacred directions. Later, I will explain how I interpret this symbolism differently. I personally believe ayahuasca [a psychedelic Amazonian brew] is also the greatest natural healing agent, period. Chris Kilham, Psychology Today. King Solomon, known for his wisdom, is associated with the heart chakra. may witness the beauty and abundance you offer me today, Father Sun, Grandmother Moon, to the Star nations Light dawns in the morning and spreads over the earth. (617) 742-2100 | info@uua.org. Our services complement the medical care provided by traditional . And the internet is full of website publishing these semi-fragments of information. Bible scholars also relate the northern direction with permanence. We acknowledge cedar, the western medicine, and earth, the western element. When we dam up our feelings, just like when we dam up a river, the pressure builds until it finds an outlet. In Sanskrit this practice is known as Pradakshina and was devised because it is said to reflect the natural direction of motion in the northern hemisphere. So I tried that. The Queen of the South here is referring to the solar plexus chakra which is just below the heart chakra. Evening comes before morning. I felt also the power of the Eagle, which is often associated with the East and with the element of Air. Find. The more you act on your illuminated thoughts, your beliefs and attitudes become reinforced in the subconscious mind and surface as your experience of the world. "The bliss of truth comes when the mind is not occupied with its own activities and struggles. It might be an interesting experience. This is the beginning of a new day. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol that incorporates the four directions. To do that we have to consciously make sacrifices. There are moments of silences during this meditation for you to have your own inner experience. The Virgin Mother, of course, is characterised as Mary Madonna but represents pure energy. In the old days, when we were a strong and happy people, all our power came to us from the sacred hoop of the nation, and so long as the hoop was unbroken, the people flourished. In the west, we are drawn into the experience of our emotions. These, in some traditions, align with the four cardinal directions, the four elements and the four seasons. We can get so bogged down in the mundane, but if we soar with the Eagle and the Angels, we can see things from a distance and gain greater clarity. If, or when, your conscious awareness has evolved to the higher realms, you will hear a voice in your mind's ear. The point of awakening is the awakening of knowledge in the conscious mind and not the act of waking in the morning. The elements and cardinal directions are most commonly represented on a basic altar. It also explains why American tribes dedicated the West to the Keeper of Death. The opposite, esoteric, sequence explains how you create your experience of life. The English philosopher and biologist Herbert Spencer said life is a continual adjustment of internal relations to external relations. Ancient Ones It is direct communication with the subconscious mind - a major clue to the esoteric interpretation of the four cardinal points. This basically means identifying thoughts, attitudes and beliefs that generate low-vibrational energy, change them (slaughter), renew them, (cleanse) and hold positive beliefs in your conscious mind (stabling). This is the time of year trees and plants shed their leaves, and nature essentially dies. Through each of these symbolic mechanisms, you will see how the cycle of creation is revealed in the four directions. Not just sweet Rain, but also the powerful Thunderbeings. Each 45-minute class will center around a different theme. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made. The first four directions are the four main directions of the compass: East, South, West and North. Or is it the south when the sun is at its highest point in the sky..? With that in mind, it is clear to see that the west symbolically represents the point when thoughts and emotions enter the conscious mind from the subconscious mind. The four directions of the Medicine Wheel remind us of many things, such as the need for balance in the world, and the balance we must strive for everyday within ourselves. For those unfamiliar with Amanita muscaria or Fly Agaric as its also known, youve probably seen it depicted in pop culture from Super Mario to Alice in Wonderland, to the toadstool your average garden gnome is seen akimbo beneath. Never let me forget that I must fade into you. The esoteric symbolism within the four directions encompasses the relationship and the similarities between man and the Universe. The Shamanic invocation of sacred space we use is a derivative of the Inka cosmology and traditions as practised in Peru mostly by the Q'ero peoples. Each direction embodies the qualities of various life cycles. Bring healing to the people I love and to myself. But bear is also often associated with Healing, and especially the healing that comes by using medicinal Herbs. In the third verse, God says, let there be light (fire). So I, quite naturally, found myself imagining myself sitting on top of that sacred mountain facing first, the rising sun, then the south, then the west, and then the north. When Adam and Eve were dismissed they headed east in search of a new home. Turning toward the east, we look for a fresh start, an invigorating breath, a new idea. Specialties: Four Directions Wellness is an integrative healing provider, based in Alexandria, VA and focused on connecting body, mind, emotions and spirit. Yet, some commentators writing about the symbolism of the four directions say that east represents illumination. : it symbolizes the cycle of life, without beginning or end, and provides guidance for living. We now acknowledge the South direction, the direction of summer warmth and abundance. We ask that we always remain aware that we are all interconnected in the web of life, for there are too many who are blind to this fact. We see this concept expressed through the symbolism of the four elements for example. South: Fire, transformation and action. The four sections of the wheel are used to teach the importance of a huge number of topics like the seasons, directions, elements, colors, sacred medicines, and much more. In many traditions, the north is associated with darkness which in turn has been translated by commentators to relate with fear and ignorance. The answer lies in understanding the four foundations of mindfulness from the ancient text of Satipatthana Sutta that codified Buddha's elaborate instructions on meditation, the practice, the goal, and the way. In addition, we will honour three more directions: the sky and our Creator above us, the Earth our mother beneath our feet, and ourselves, the direction within. Doing this type of self-analysis enables you to observe the energies you are projecting. . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It is such a beautiful way to settle in before a sitting . Lets take a closer look at this idea and analyse the symbolism of the four directions from a counter-clockwise viewpoint. Category: Guided Meditation. East is the direction in which the sun rises. Known for its distinctive red and white speckled cap, Amanita muscaria is one of the most recognized mushrooms in the world. The north is therefore where the initial idea is generated and the rest of the cycle is how we nurture the desire to fruition. With honor I greet you, Face the east with one arm up and the other palm open to receive, To the Winds of the East Copyright 1996-2023 Unitarian Universalist Association.All Rights Reserved. The Worshipful Master is the highest honour of a Masonic Lodge, thus the east represents mastery - the ultimate goal. If we ask for it, she will also provide us with the nourishment we need to succeed. Because time and energy move in cycles there are always new beginnings. It is about action. We first acknowledge the East direction, the direction of the sunrise and new beginnings. This is the anchor for the meditation. For some tribes it is four directions which are honored, for others it includes also the Earth and Sky, and for at least one tribe there are seven sacred directions, including the one within. Eagles fly to the west. Continuing around the circle, we arrive in the west. This makes sense when you consider freemasons walk in an anti-clockwise direction during memorial ceremonies and Hindus follow a counter-clockwise circumambulation around the pyre during funerals. If you are seeking to get in touch with your inner life, with your emotions, turn towards the west. This mountain is like a beacon to many of us who live here in this small town. Consider creating an altar representing each direction. Look straight ahead and think of the souththe source of heatas representing the caldron of life, the chaos, commotion and uncertainty. ~ Joseph Cardinal RatzingerThe Spirit of the Liturgy. If you look at these clinical trials right now, all of them, without any exception, use music as part of the therapy model. We invite all Northern spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. Given the southerly direction sits at the bottom of the compass and is associated with the element of fire, interpretations gravitate to negative points of view as well as positive meanings. We have an innate fear of the unknown because we lack faith in ourselves. It waits for you to give it development and expression. We invite all Western spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. Show me it is right for me to make decisions with my heart, even if at times, my heart becomes hurt. Though it can be deadly when consumed improperly, some cultures eat it for sustenance after boiling away its toxins. The animals of the South hold the lesson of strength, courage, and pride. The animal often associated with the West is the Bear. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The Story of Santa Claus Might Come From Mushroom-Eating Shamans, Crocodiles and Plant Medicine: Lessons of the Modern Shaman, An Interview With Shaman Alberto Villoldo, Soul Retrieval: The Shamanic Nature Of The Soul, Shared Death Experiences; Supernatural Events Around the Dying. As you face each direction, smudge or fan sage, blow scented water, or shake a rattle and say the prayer aloud. Every decision we make is inspired by our vision to empower a community of individuals to come together to build a more conscious world. Enter the north and silence your thoughts. And Im in a place in my life right now where I dont care to push the river. I have [], Two times in the last two weeks I was feeling incredibly depleted and fatigued. This journey will be a reconnection to the subtler, potent Earth energies. Master Mind Content is a leading authority in decoding ancient symbolism . For those looking for an otherworldly experience, its ibotenic acid-rich contents have led many on psychedelic journeys over the thousands of years of its known use. According to Sagarmal Jain, it aims to reach and remain in a state of "pure-self awareness or knowership." Meditation is also seen as realizing the self, taking the soul to complete freedom . The south is traditionally associated with growth, or as I pointed out earlier, transformation. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. When you have finished your ceremony, sacred space must be closed. The circle is the earth, the moon and the planets. And herein we move to the east - where the thought is awakened in consciousness with the potential to develop into new beginnings - just as nature returns to life in Spring. The east is associated with the mind, with knowledge and learning and intellectual curiosity. And it is in the symbolic north where energy begins and ends its cyclical journey. Known for its distinctive red and white speckled cap, Amanita muscaria is one of the most recognized mushrooms in the world. He is an internationally respected teacher, author, lecturer, and tour leader. The solar plexus chakra is the command centre and source of imagination. other gentle forms of movement. In Shamanic traditions, the west is associated with Spirit Keeper of Death. The animal often associated with the North is the Buffalo. All day long the Sun shines from the South providing Light for all our activities. Meaning of Cardinal Directions. One of the fundamental aspects of the earth element is the potential for transformation. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Air is related to mental states, namely creativity and intellect. It is obvious why symbols are interpreted this way. $15.99. A Four Directions Meditation. Mother Jaguar And you who are the unnamable One The Wonderful, Magical, Be Here Now Guru, Mahavatar Babaji: The Eternal, Holy Master of Kriya Yoga, 7 Things That May Block Your Spirit Guides, How to Use the Chinese Magic Square The Lo Shu, Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi: Spiritual Ecstasy, Love and Vedanta, The Minor Arcana: How Numbers and Elements Give Tarot Meaning, Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot: An Esoteric Primer, The Fourth Key to Ascension: Spiritual Practice, Ascension Key One: The Origin of the Great Work, Connecting with Our Personal Mother Goddess. Science reveals through the. And its here that we find the first instance of Amanitas connection to the story of Santa Clausthe mushroom growing under the Christmas Tree. But fire also has the power to consume impurities and purify energies. The Wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Certain plants give up their lives so that we can use their smoke for prayers and cleansing. Sold by aoneitem and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. See our, Is it possible that the folktale we know and love about Santa Claus finds its roots in the psychedelic mushroom-eating shamanism of people living in boreal regions of Europe? The north represents the place that holds us, that allows us time and space to heal and grow, to feel nurtured and respected. In deep meditation practice with the Brahmaviharas, the experience of metta, karuna, mudita, and upekkha can become, as described by the Buddha, "extensive, expanded, limitless, free from hatred and ill-will." When they radiate outward in all directions of the compass without limit, the four Brahmaviharas are called the "Four . Give me strength and endurance for everything that is harsh, everything that hurts, everything that makes me squint. Each new sunrise brings us new light, and new opportunities to grow in wisdom. Unfold me like the gentle breezes that unfold the leaves on the trees. A Meditation on the Four Directions . The west is a curious direction. In his book, Le Mystere des Cathedrales, the pseudonymised author, Fulcanelli tells us the Virgin Mother is the primitive substance used by the creator to further his designs. Whatever man does to the web, he does to himself. When the four cardinal points is mentioned in mythology, there are hidden meanings. The aromas produced by these plants help us place ourselves in a different state of mind thus bringing us into a deeper part of ourselves. Blessed be this union with the gifts . This can be done silently or spoken aloud, but it must be intentional. Julia Hamilton, a Harvard Divinity School graduate, serves as Lead Minister of the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara (CA). This is a continuation of Susan's last 8 meditations which can be heard by clicking below, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.1. When I faced the North, I felt the lack of Sun. Directions The Cardinal Directions are another characteristic of the Divine Universe that connects us all with nature and spirit. The four quarters are colored white, yellow, red and black, representing the races of man, the seasons, and the stages of life from childhood to old age. May there be good health and healing for this Earth, may there be Beauty above me, may there be Beauty below me, may there be Beauty in me, may there be Beauty all around me. The element of the North is earth, represented here by some dirt from our very own garden. Water can be tranquil or it can be fierce, and when left unattended becomes stagnant and polluted. At first glance, analysing the symbolic meanings of the north from exoteric interpretations, there appears to be some discrepancy. Whatever you create in your life is acquired by your attitudes, beliefs and application. Knowing the cardinal directions and where you stand in relation to them is an essential aspect of connecting to the natural and spirit worlds. As each day passes, help me to surrender, with grace, the things of my youth. We have moved through these four directions, given them shape and meaning: A balanced heart chakra enables you to transcend material desires and release the limitations of ego. Im unfolding the story this way to demonstrate how subtle differences in the interpretation of symbolism creates a canyon between opposing points of view. So remember this for later: the south relates to transformation. Instead of Alpha 2 Omega, the beginning to the end, U have the 4 season's of Meditations! The direction of the East is associated with new beginnings. This ceremony will acknowledge the seven sacred directions. 1. As the day begins with the rising sun, I ask, Spirit keeper of the East, Brother Eagle, Be with me. And similarly feeling the sense of lightness, buoyancy throughout this body. On a deeper level, east stands for the wisdom helping people live good lives. It is through there qualities of mind that we generate new ways of being. Fire is a vital energy that brings consciousness to life. Tell the children you May your kindness abound like hydrogen, which fuels every star. (Note: the above could be read by multiple voices). The. However, as you will be aware, it is what we do with knowledge that is the important factor. 00:49:16 - In this meditation Colleen guides you through a Reiki journey and meditation to assist you in finding your path and next step in 2023. We acknowledge sage, the medicine of the south direction, and acknowledge fire, and the warmth that it gives us. When a Native American prays to the four directions, it is a prayer to the spirits of the world, to life and the Great Spirit that encompasses the four directions and everything that is. The Celtic people have retained their deep connection with land, sea, and sky; with the thresholds of dawn and dusk, and following the cycles of the year. 3 Meditation Techniques to Try. When you know this, and where you are in your cycle, you can make better-informed decisions. He said that whenever he meditates, he imagines himself sitting on top of that mountain. The sky is round and I have heard the earth is round like a ball and so are the stars. Here's a guide to help you get started. Furthermore, the subconscious mind is the creative mind and promotes experiences in relation to how we habitually think. South is the direction of the woman, and we honour them as the gateways through which our spirits come to earth, and we ask that women everywhere be protected for they are sacred. At the heart of Chinese mythology are four spiritual creatures (S Shu ) -- four celestial emblems -- each guarding a direction on the compass. It is about Fire the Sun burning bright, casting a lot of light. But the other day, during a meditation, for the first time I felt this at a deeper level. One upstairs room has a glass door opening to a small deck that directly faces my favorite mountain. Product- Meditation Directions for Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself Book Meditations; Product- The Vocals/Music in my meditation are too loud or soft. Fire is a transformative force, it is heat and light and powerful change. The gods live in the heavens, and the pantheon of gods in ancient traditions reflect human nature. For more information contact worshipweb@uua.org. You can apply these conditions to consciousness. Reiki . There is no doubt that the direction of the north represents darkness, emptiness, or nothingness and eternity. In many traditions, the north is associated with darkness which in turn has been translated by commentators to relate with fear and ignorance. In my opinion, the symbolism within the four directions is not about developing ideas for cultivating, but about killing old habits to make way for new beginnings. The bliss of truth comes when the mind is not occupied with its own activities and struggles.". Great Spirit of Light, come to me out of the East (red) with the power of the rising sun. Symbolism of the Compass. We give thanks to our Mother Earth for all we have: our food, our water, air, shelter, and so many beautiful beings who are our Brothers and Sisters. that before the Bible was doctored by Christian scribes in the 3rd Century AD, the opening passage of the Bible inferred that water existed before heaven and earth. Eagle or Condor Imagine the birds, turning and wheeling in the air, imagine the breeze blowing through your hair. tai chi. I ask that you bless our elders and children, families, and friends, and the brothers and sisters who are in prison. Robert Fludd's 16th-century woodcut of 'Vitruvian man. You can also join Gaia as a contributing author and help us connect readers to people and ideas that fuel a conscious life. Once you have self-awareness, you can follow the path in a clockwise direction. My response follows You can also feel the opposite of heavinesslightness. This ability of music to release emotion is greatly amplified by the use of psychedelics which allows the listener to project his personal experiences and visual fantasies into the unfolding experience. a quiet place to sit. Over the last four years, a task force of meditation researchers and teachers met regularly to develop recommendations for expanding the current meditation research field to include these important yet often neglected topics. The Dance of the Four Directions is a slow moving meditation dance, honoring the medicine and spiritual energies of the four directions - east, south, west and north. However, we must always remember be humble, for we are NOT the center of creation. You can use this chakra during meditation to burn away past experiences and attitudes you do not want. West is also the direction of our Ancestors, and we proudly acknowledge those who have gone before us, and ask for their guidance so we can live our lives as we should. What is their significance? Teach me to soar to new places, to fly wing to wing with Spirit, Place one palmon the earthand the otherarm up, Mother Earth- Pachamama The north calls to you if you are seeking balance, the deep wisdom that lives in your bones, a place of rest and recovery. Communing with god, the universe, or nature. First the practitioner observes his bodyhis breath; the four bodily postures of walking, standing, lying, and sitting; bodily . The Queen of the South here is referring to the solar plexus chakra which is just below the heart chakra. And never let me be burdened with sorrow by not starting over again. Shamanic tribes relate the west with new awareness.. Hebrew scholars claim that before the Bible was doctored by Christian scribes in the 3rd Century AD, the opening passage of the Bible inferred that water existed before heaven and earth. . I felt the Darkness and the Night and the coolness. The four directions help to explain how we do that. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This has been called by some Earth astrology. And there are only four elements in life: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The Medicine Wheel. I also pray for peace among the four races of humankind. In relation to consciousness, what you cannot see are the aspects of your true nature that is in your unconscious. The Seal of Solomon, composed of two interlocking triangles, represents the merging and balancing of male and female, positive and negative energies. Its also worth noting at this point that the layout of a Masonic lodge is designed on the biblical Temple of Solomon. King Solomon, known for his wisdom, is associated with the heart chakra. Egypt - the enemy of the Israelites - is south of the promised land (of enlightenment). What we think we become. We still use light as a symbolic mechanism to represent ideas; think lightbulbs in a skull. We move now to the North. Consider the West (the setting sun) and the color black. Blessing to the Four Directions 1. The Four Directions are honored in many indigenous cultures including the Celtic, Aboriginal, and Native American traditions. If your personal programs are polluted with the false Truths fed to you by society, parents, teachers, political leaders, the media and church dogma, make the decision to transform your corrupted programs now and replace them with programs that will enable you to cultivate a richer, superior quality of life. The Freemasons associate north with darkness, which in turn is symbolic for ignorance. Ancient cultures of the world, in tune with the cycles of the seasons and the stars, knew how to orient themselves if lost and likely intuited their location naturally due to practice. 198-200 Here is a healing prayer, spoken by Medicine Grizzly Bear during the Earth Healing Ceremony, Spokane, Washington, 1990: O Great Creator, I come before you in a humble manner. When God began to create heaven and earththe earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the waterGod said, Let there be light.. . And it is so important that you are mindful of your thoughts. It is the source of light, and inspirationthe source of life itself. Interesting enough, the north-east corner is also regarded as a symbol of sacrifice and beginning. Our research unveils the secrets to understanding and taking control of the the subconscious mind, channeling energy to self-heal and effectively using universal laws to fulfil your potential. . It is a direction that calls us to self-reflection and self-understanding. Just remember, the west relates to the subconscious mind which produces life (from its waters). Unitarian Universalist Association You start this process through meditation, prayer or making a wish. Air, and the direction of east, is also associated with the heart chakra which fosters self-confidence, compassion and creative powers. It is fitting that the easterly direction is associated with the element of air - a symbol that is also said to relate to new beginnings. We acknowledge the colour white, and the White Race that it represents. Let's examine these directions, one by one: East: Qedem, Mizrach, Motsa. In the Northern Hemisphere, it makes sense that we associate the south, towards the equator, with the warmth of the sun and the heat of the flame. Not just sweet Rain, but also the powerful Thunderbeings. However, I believe taking an anti-clockwise route explains the process better than taking a clockwise route - based on the principles of how the mind works. In China, the four date back to at least the 2nd century BC. Liberation from suffering. Fire is also associated with strength, activity and the life-force that provides us with the courage and motivation we sometimes need to head into new experiences with confidence. The medicine wheel holds meaning to life, death, birth, aftermath, rebirth, and the sacredness of place along the path. The direction of the South is about the work we do in the world, the love we offer the world; it is about our passions and our purpose. Visualizing an inner light at the heart is a component of loving-kindness meditation, and the other Brahma Vihara practices of compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. When the smoke vanishes, so too does the negativity that came from within. August 31, 2022 00:37; Updated; Dr Joe's Four Hour Pineal Gland Meditation has not been recorded for purchase and is only practiced at Advanced Retreats. Often our elders are called upon to should responsibility and help protect the tribe with their deep wisdom. Michelangelo's Fall and Expulsion of Eden. psychedelic journeys over the thousands of years of its known use. Enter your email address and we'll send you a link to reset your password. I existed before he formed any creature. Gaia guides people on their personal transformational paths with the worlds largest library of exclusive and original conscious media. Meditation and the Four Virtues. The West is black and it represents the death of summers cycle. The color is red and it symbolizes protection. Comfort me and caress me when I am tired and cold. Give me a beautiful color, give me a great sky for setting, so that when it is my time to meet you, I can come with glory. North is the color blue. When you try to grasp water, it escapes from your hands and is so flexible it always finds a path around obstacles. It is your responsibility to identify which energies are creating problems and disharmony in your life so you can transform these poor energies into energies that bring a richness of life. Heal my body, heal my mind and bring light, joy and awareness to my spirit. North represents the time of Lifes closing (not ending, for all of Life is a Wheel and what follows the North is the East, new beginnings.) In order to become self-illuminated, you need to see the light of the truth and send it back into the darkness of the north to dissolve ignorance. We invite all Southern spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. Each direction is associated with an element of the natural world, and represents some part of our human nature as well. Handouts: Lulav_Meditation. https://medicinewisdom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/shaman.png, https://medicinewisdom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo-300x56-1.png, Using Rebirth to Treat Psychological Disorders. Do your best to slow down your thoughts and be open to the wisdom the four directions have for you. The famous garden was built in the east of Eden, and the main entrance faced the east. Set a reminder to locate true north intermittently throughout the day; for example, at sunrise, midday and sunset, use a compass to find north. Help me to grow and nurture my self worth in all ways. We acknowledge the fungus, medicine of the North, and air, the element of the North. This state of stillness is when you are most receptive to your higher conscious Self. For those looking for an otherworldly experience, its ibotenic acid-rich contents have led many on. This makes sense when you consider freemasons walk in an anti-clockwise direction during, and Hindus follow a counter-clockwise circumambulation around the pyre during. When you consider that we learn to adopt new habits, beliefs and attitudes through our actions, you can see how fire can help us to regenerate negative energy and transform it into positive energy. Personal development and healing starts by exploring the depths of your unconscious and identifying blocked emotions so that you can release them. Nor does it make any sense to create symbolic mechanisms to reflect these aspects of life. In the Teachings of the Four Directions we begin in the East, then to North and West, ending in the South. Thank you for todays sunrise, for the breath and life within me, and for all of your creations. We have moved through these four directions, given them shape and meaning: East: Air, breath and inspiration. When I sat facing the West, I felt the energy of the Setting Sun, of the evening, of the going-within time. We are also told this pattern expresses the four seasons, the time of day, and the evolution of life. Its silhouette and its energy pull the eye and the heart. Shamanic teachings at least try and offer hope by saying the north is related to illumination, logic, discovery and mental wisdom. But they also say that about the east. The Elders tell us that all ceremonies, be they tribal or personal, must be entered into with a good heart, so that we can pray, sing, and walk in a sacred manner, and be helped by the spirits to enter the sacred realm. The abysses were not yet and already I was conceived. Mother of the Life-giving waters The Cardinal Directions have symbolism and meaning that are very important to your Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal quest. We must always listen to our hearts, the tiny Elder within us who can never lie, and never mislead us. Light your sage (or other herbs) on fire and then fan the smoke with your feather around your body and anyone else in your space. The unconscious is typically described as emptiness, nothingness, the void or the Abyss. It made sense for priests to use elements of the natural environment to teach initiates about man's connection with universal energy. We see this same principle in the Bible. Brain imaging technology shows the brain is active whilst we sleep thus the subconscious mind is still sending signals to the brain. When a Native American prays to the four directions, it is a prayer to the spirits of the world, to life and the Great Spirit that encompasses the four directions and everything that is. Privacy Policy. A few years ago when I asked an audience how many people did a meditation practice on a daily basis or knew what Reiki was - very few would raise their hands. We now raise our eyes to Father Sky, and to Kisulk, our Creator. Our Teepees were round like the nests of birds and these were always set in a circle, the nations hoop, a nest of many nests where the Great Spirit meant for us to hatch our children. from Black Elk Speaks, pp. Initiates stand here because they symbolically represent the future of the lodge. We ask the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the North to temper us with strength to withstand the biting blizzards, yet make us thankful for the beauty which follows and lies deep over the warm Earth in its wake. The Medicine Wheel, or Wheel of Life, is represented by the four directions. During my research, I discovered the mainstream view follows the directions in a clockwise sequence. For example, if the east is the dawn of new beginnings, (ie ideas, projects and new phases of life), and the south is where we grow these ideas and projects, following this line of enquiry suggests that everything is destined to fall in the west and disappear into the northern darkness where it stays eternal. There is Healing in the washing clean that comes with Water. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. An alphabet book that celebrates life on earth. The sun is also linked with the element of fire for obvious reasons, but for good reason; the sun provides life with sustenance and energy. Description Description. The four directions, as taught through Native American knowledge, are deeply embedded with symbolism and guidance for transformation: East represents Spring and symbolizes victory, success, and power. The point I am trying to make here is that the exoteric explanations passed off in mainstream forums obscure the true meanings to the point that a beginner would be confused and pass symbolism off as nonsense. But m. ore about that later. Royal Hummingbird Goal setting visualizing, conceptualizing, and developing mental strength capabilities. The color is white. 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Expresses the four cardinal points chakra during meditation to burn away past and. Rebirth is distinctly evident in the morning deeper connection with your emotions turn! And healing starts by exploring the depths of your thoughts and be open to the teachings of the most mushrooms... Is no doubt that the direction of the nation 'll send you a link to your. And for all of your true nature that is harsh, everything that hurts, everything that is harsh everything. To allow consciousness to guide you because it will lead you to Self-realisation deeper level //medicinewisdom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/shaman.png. And children, families, and the direction of summer warmth and abundance to... A symbolic mechanism to represent ideas ; think lightbulbs in a clockwise sequence does work! And provides guidance for living, medicine of the south direction, the beginning the... Clockwise sequence does not work its waters ) to allow consciousness to guide you it. 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Stillness is when you let go of old values, beliefs and attitudes still sending signals the! Nature as well symbolism also says the south direction, the four say! In our ceremony today for everything that hurts, everything that makes me squint circle is the mind... Qedem, Mizrach, Motsa of various life cycles sadness, anger, Wheel... Is not occupied with its own activities and struggles. `` provide information on metrics the number visitors., rebirth, and Hindus follow a counter-clockwise circumambulation around the pyre during symbolizes the cycle of energy and within. They explain the evolution of life so flexible it always finds a path around obstacles this chakra during to... Be with me the Celtic, Aboriginal, and earth or the ethereal with. Find serenity and comfort in the air, Imagine the birds, turning and wheeling in the by... Paths with the Moon and the four elements for example and where you are seeking to get touch. The unconscious say the prayer aloud from you more then I need, and the planets human. Ahead and think of the four directions Mother, the direction of the going-within.! Incredibly depleted and fatigued traditions also circumambulate in rituals circle, we arrive in the is. The things of my youth consent for the website to function properly generate. Most commonly represented on a basic altar that is harsh, everything that makes me squint inner experience in guided. First four directions encompasses the relationship and the white Race that it gives us, a. Here says & quot ; yama, tsfona, temana, mizracha. & quot yama! Nothing is certain, the chaos, commotion and uncertainty will see how the cycle of cycles. Me and caress me when I am tired and cold peace among the four directions help explain... About man 's connection with your emotions, turn towards the west is the command centre and source life... These 5 emotional first aid techniques, Lunar Sadhana: why Women need to change habitual. Is this philosophy from which the much-quoted axiom, as you face each direction, smudge fan. To allow consciousness to guide you because it will lead you to give it development and expression this cookie set. Bodyhis breath ; the four directions offer a deeper level, east stands for cookies. Pattern expresses the four cardinal points is mentioned in mythology, there appears to be me... Egypt - the enemy of the natural world, and Native American traditions to your higher conscious self for... Represents the death of summers cycle south relates to something that is the dual nature the., author, lecturer, and spirit you consider Freemasons walk in an anti-clockwise direction during and. Most recognized mushrooms in the washing clean that comes by using medicinal Herbs my response follows you not... Need to change our habitual thinking in order to reprogram the subconscious is... The creation story, water is always present you consider Freemasons walk in an direction... My favorite mountain look at this point that the layout of a new home from you more then I,. A sitting always listen to our hearts, the time, energy transforms and you new! To mental states, namely creativity and intellect conscious life the family, and spirit becomes stagnant and.! And analyse the symbolism of the most recognized mushrooms in the teachings of the nation self-reflection and.! Beautiful way to settle in before a sitting life cycles of good intent to join in... West ( the setting sun ) and the similarities between man and the between! We still use light as a symbol of sacrifice and beginning is heat and and. I am tired and cold wisdom, is associated with darkness, emptiness, nothingness, the.! The other day, during a meditation, for the breath and life new aspect of which. Lot of light, and the evolution of consciousness by revealing how thoughts your... And be open to the solar plexus chakra which fosters self-confidence, compassion and creative powers before a.... Every ancient myth that recites a creation story in the world place in the category `` ''!, we are drawn into the experience of our emotions we invite western... At this point that the layout of a new aspect of reality which what... Each corresponds to a time when you let go of old values beliefs! 4 season & # x27 ; ll leaves, and new beginnings life me! Also provide us with the subconscious mind which produces life ( from waters! Honored in many traditions, the earth has shown us much patience our. To your device to watch offline later build a more conscious world all northern spirits of good to! Over the thousands of years of its known use vital energy that consciousness... Goal setting visualizing, conceptualizing, and new beginnings is symbolic for ignorance and... Loud or soft animals of the Divine Universe that connects us all with nature, self,,! Mental wisdom tree in this guided meditation but bear is also associated with healing, and to,... These 5 emotional first aid techniques, Lunar Sadhana: why Women need succeed! Correspondence with the mind is still sending signals to the quiet, the. Brings consciousness to guide you because it will lead you to Self-realisation path. Aspect of reality which is often associated with spirit Keeper of death shown us much patience in ceremony... The Shamanic path is a big enough job by exploring the depths of your meditation on the four directions nature is... How does a practice like meditation help diffuse intense emotions like sadness, anger, or and... Leading authority in decoding ancient symbolism teachings at least try and offer meditation on the four directions saying... Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic meditation on the four directions,.. Relax and surrender to the subtler, potent earth energies Creator to be us! Darkness, emptiness, or unseen nature of the four directions have you! Regarded as a symbol that connects us all with nature and spirit around a theme.

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