Do your best to slow down your thoughts and be open to the wisdom the four directions have for you. Other traditions relate the west to a time when you have to look within and observe what is happening in your life. In many traditions, the north is associated with darkness which in turn has been translated by commentators to relate with fear and ignorance. Heaven and earth are symbolic for mind and body respectively. The Medicine Wheel can take many different forms. Furthermore, following the directions in a clockwise direction is said to reveal the cycle of life from childhood to adulthood and the times of the day, albeit, the overarching meaning of growing old is the acquisition of wisdom. Privacy Policy. This is a continuation of Susan's last 8 meditations which can be heard by clicking below, but it c The unconscious is typically described as emptiness, nothingness, the void or the Abyss. We are life in action, loving, moving and growing. The abysses were not yet and already I was conceived. 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. 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. It is about action. We acknowledge the colour yellow, and the Yellow Race that it represents. Awakening physical and spiritual energies. Conscious thoughts, therefore, arise in the east and take a clockwise direction until they return back to the subconscious mind in the north. In other words, this is the future state of mind they must strive to acquire. Abraham is also said to have travelled south into the barren wilderness of Negev (Genesis 20:1). We invite all Northern spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. Given the sun rises in the east to signal the dawn of a new day, it made sense for the ancient sages to relate this natural phenomenon with the dawn of a new phase of life. 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. Great Spirit of Love, come to me with the power of the North (white). It is the dwelling place of God from where he descends in all his glory: Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. Many times I just go through the motions of prayer, meditation or calling in the directions. The animal often associated with the South is the Lion or the Cougar, which often represents strength and courage and leadership. Support me as I see my own fears Consider the West (the setting sun) and the color black. Set a reminder to locate true north intermittently throughout the day; for example, at sunrise, midday and sunset, use a compass to find north. Although I have much to write about, sometimes the time, energy, and means to write it are not as available. We invite all Southern spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. 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.) Just remember, the west relates to the subconscious mind which produces life (from its waters). Personal development and healing starts by exploring the depths of your unconscious and identifying blocked emotions so that you can release them. There is great power associated with the West, but it is a more yin power about what emerges, what heals when we take the time to settle into a deep space of silence and stillness. Thank the serpent, jaguar, hummingbird, and eagle for their wisdom. One of the fundamental aspects of the earth element is the. Remind me of how to let go and shed old ways of being Words are offered to the East so they may fly and soar with Spirit. The Queen of the South here is referring to the solar plexus chakra which is just below the heart chakra. Whatever you think habitually during the day sinks into the subconscious and sends it instructions. The solar plexus chakra is the command centre and source of imagination. Metempsychotic. Many years ago I was taught about the significance of the Four Directions. The Four Directions are honored in many indigenous cultures including the Celtic, Aboriginal, and Native American traditions. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I existed from all eternity, before the earth was created. This second audio clip guides you through the Four Directions Meditation. Spencer also asserted that infinite intelligence is always evolving. You can also join Gaia as a contributing author and help us connect readers to people and ideas that fuel a conscious life. The northerly direction is also associated with the element of Earth which shares similar symbolic motifs. Lightness. In the bible, east is repeatedly used as a symbolic tool in the creation story of Genesis. When you know this, and where you are in your cycle, you can make better-informed decisions. When Adam and Eve were dismissed they headed east in search of a new home. A calm mind. Doing this type of self-analysis enables you to observe the energies you are projecting. We acknowledge the fungus, medicine of the North, and air, the element of the North. 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. By honouring all of these directions, we will have honoured all that is. We now raise our eyes to Father Sky, and to Kisulk, our Creator. Great Spirit of Creation, send me the warm and soothing winds from the South (yellow). There are three more Sacred Directions: up above to the stars is yellow, down below to the earth is brown and the center is green. I am blessed currently to live in a home with windows that face the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The circle is the earth, the moon and the planets. Wrap your coils of light around me Because I am now working part-time I have the time to slow down and be fully present and connected to these energies that are available at all times but . Furthermore, in ancient symbolism, the element of water is associated with the female principle, a Goddess in many guises which represents love-based emotions, dedication and nurturing. On the other side of the spirit veil, I spend more than a little bit of time researching the hallucinogens. But water is also a symbolic mechanism for the unconscious. Let us also consider the qualities of water and compare its attributes with consciousness. Reiki . Gently close your eyes. The. In Shamanic traditions, the west is associated with Spirit Keeper of Death. 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). The axiom also holds true when applied to mankind. My view is that this is the moment where realisation becomes conscious in the mind because it is during the summer that the sun reaches it's highest point. As winter is the season of waiting and surviving, the Cherokee word for North literally means cold. Yes, I know [], Were all familiar with that timeless piece of wisdom found in Ecclesiastes: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3a time to kill and a time to heal, []. We now look downward upon Turtle Island, our source of life. We have an innate fear of the unknown because we lack faith in ourselves. 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. This meditation is grounded in the kavanot of the Ari, as explained in the siddur of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. The question here is what came first - the chicken or . On a deeper level, east stands for the wisdom helping people live good lives. As you give to all the earth your warm, moving wind, give to me, so that I may grow close to you in warmth. But fire also has the power to consume impurities and purify energies. The exiles of Egypt travelled west to the promised land of Canaan -, But water is also a symbolic mechanism for the unconscious. A link to reset your password has been sent to you. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The North represents the Winter of our Life. However, the west wind is also associated with lightning - a symbol that connects heaven and earth or the ethereal realm with the physical realm. for transformation. Remind of how to live with impeccability The subconscious mind is an invisible force until it reveals its energy in the form of thoughts, emotions, instinctive actions and experiences. While there is no clear record of a four-directions or seven-directions prayer, they did find meaning in the cardinal directions, the earth beneath them, the sky above them. In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. The West is where the thunder beings live and storms are born and gather strength. We are also told that religions typically follow a clockwise direction when walking around temples to keep the right hand closest to the alter. There is Healing in the washing clean that comes with . And it is so important that you are mindful of your thoughts. 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. Mindfulness Mondays happens every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Four Directions Wellness. In other words, the True Self which is not polluted by poor information stored in the personal unconscious. The Reiki Lifestyle Podcast is for all members of the Reiki community, lineages, and levels of training! In his book, The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Manly P. Hall tells us air comes from water and fire. Instead of Alpha 2 Omega, the beginning to the end, U have the 4 season's of Meditations! The element of the North is earth, represented here by some dirt from our very own garden. From here, the center of our being, we can reach out to all directions, and to all our relations. Or is it the south when the sun is at its highest point in the sky..? The more habitually you have the same thoughts, the more solidified the notion of the thought becomes in the make-up of our personality. So let's take the masonic path in an anti-clockwise direction. 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. Rev. Fly high as you carry my prayers to the Creator. Sold by aoneitem and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. This path draws information you need to know from your unconscious and enables you to change your habitual thinking and behaviours. If you are seeking to get in touch with your inner life, with your emotions, turn towards the west. And they could not be further from the truth. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. All day long the Sun shines from the South providing Light for all our activities. Do they not also deserve to be capitalized? The first four directions are the four main directions of the compass: East, South, West and North. The North is associated with the Earth, which sustains us and holds us from the time we are a baby until we are laid to rest at the close of our Lifes journey. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Bible scholars also relate the northern direction with permanence. 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. 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 With tears in my eyes and an ancient song from my heart I pray. Inner Light visualization. We will examine what this means, why it is important to learn about the four nutriments, how we go the four wrong ways when we crave the four nutriments, and how to meditate or contemplate these insight or . Share this post. Darkness is symbolic for that which you cannot see. May I have eyes as sharp as yours, so I am able to see truth and hope on the path I have chosen. And there are only four elements in life: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. It is thought that the conscious mind responds to these instructions. You can stay in your seat, you can stand, you can turn your head or your whole body, but orient yourself toward the one of the directions, the element that speaks to you and your life right now, and when I ring the bowl gong, we will enter into two minutes of silent meditation. Heal my body, heal my mind and bring light, joy and awareness to my spirit. We acknowledge the colour white, and the White Race that it represents. In China, the four date back to at least the 2nd century BC. Communing with god, the universe, or nature. Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions also circumambulate in rituals. Like our members, Gaia staff are driven by curiosity, passion and the desire to grow, as we continue on our own spiritual journeys and quests. At first glance, analysing the symbolic meanings of the north from exoteric interpretations, there appears to be some discrepancy. It's stated that "all sentient beings are sustained by nutriment" (sabbe satt hrahitik) in the Sagti Sutta (DN 33). But m. ore about that later. Start by facing toward the south. Try these 5 emotional first aid techniques, Lunar Sadhana: Why Women Need to Align with the Moon. The invocation involves 'calling in' the energies of the four cardinal directions and then the earth and the heavens. Earlier, we established waters (consciousness) existed before anything else. Reduced stress. Given everything in existence is energy and comes form the same originating source, this statement holds true. U open the standard "Bible" 2 any page & U have deep food 4 thought! Mother Jaguar Now, I invite you to turn toward the direction that calls to you today. Plus you can download videos to your device to watch offline later. Everything you experience in your daily life is a projection of information stored within the unconscious and rendered in an archetypal form that is reflected in the gods of ancient mythology together with animal totems, tools, gemstones, magical weapons and aspects of nature. This is how most people live their lives without even realising they are creating their own experiences. The same elements found in the microcosm of man are also present in the Universe, the macrocosm of everything in existence. King Solomon, known for his wisdom, is associated with the heart chakra. We acknowledge sage, the medicine of the south direction, and acknowledge fire, and the warmth that it gives us. The direction of the East is associated with new beginnings. It waits for you to give it development and expression. Water is also associated with the sacral chakra which is associated with the emotional body, creativity and sexuality - sexual energy is creative energy. As the day begins with the rising sun, I ask, Spirit keeper of the East, Brother Eagle, Be with me. The movements we make with the Four Kinds each day of Sukkot are a meditation on bringing our emotions into balanced harmony. Nor does it make any sense to create symbolic mechanisms to reflect these aspects of life. The Buffalo is associated with abundance, with protection, with shouldering responsibilities. This is the anchor for the meditation. Known for its distinctive red and white speckled cap, Amanita muscaria is one of the most recognized mushrooms in the world. One upstairs room has a glass door opening to a small deck that directly faces my favorite mountain. * The opportunity to begin each day anew is an incredible gift that each one of us has. Upset Indigo or Crystal Children? We are an essential part of life. This is a common practice among indigenous people. 1. In relation to consciousness, what you cannot see are the aspects of your true nature that is in your unconscious. If we ask for it, she will also provide us with the nourishment we need to succeed. As our Mother, the Earth has shown us much patience in our greed and thoughtlessness, but we now know better. 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. And it is in the symbolic north where energy begins and ends its cyclical journey. Car trips can be good that way. Bring into balance the physical, mental and spiritual, so I am able to know my place on this earth, in life and in death. Light dawns in the morning and spreads over the earth. This is an active form of meditation where the movement guides you into a deeper connection with your body and the present moment. Guide my step and give me courage to walk the circle of my life with honesty and dignity. psychedelic journeys over the thousands of years of its known use. One of the fundamental aspects of the earth element is the potential for transformation. In the third verse, God says, let there be light (fire). So the other morning I was sitting facing the mountain as I began to meditate and I found myself wanting to try what a friend said he does. He combines universal core shamanism with traditional European spirit lore to create spiritual practices that can heal and enrich one's own life and the lives of others. It might be an interesting experience. Because time and energy move in cycles there are always new beginnings. A Four Directions Meditation. What is their significance? With this knowledge, we behave differently and physically create new beginnings (which is the symbol of the east). The north calls to you if you are seeking balance, the deep wisdom that lives in your bones, a place of rest and recovery. Of course figuring out or intuiting our own life path is a big enough job . Water can be tranquil or it can be fierce, and when left unattended becomes stagnant and polluted. Mother of the Life-giving waters 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. The West is where the thunder beings live and storms are born and gather strength. In Masonic traditions, this is what the east represents. My response follows Here on our altar, we have the symbolic elements for each direction, and we will travel through the meanings associated with each direction before entering into a time of meditation. To be fair, some commentators suggest the south is a time for bloom because the south is associated with summer. But this is not the conclusion you would ordinarily reach by following the exoteric viewpoint related through mainstream channels. For me it has to do with the habit of being busy and right now in my life it is just thata habit. Air, and the direction of east, is also associated with the heart chakra which fosters self-confidence, compassion and creative powers. In meditation, when you ask your higher consciousness to reveal your Truth, the answer typically appears as a responding thought or in a vision. In his book, The Power of the Subconscious Mind, Joseph Murphy explains that everything that happens to you is a result of the thoughts that you impress on your subconscious mind: Within your subconscious depths lie infinite wisdom, infinite power. We move around the wheel to the south. 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. This knowledge gives me an overview of life cycles and then Reiki can help me understand the personal details. When the four cardinal points is mentioned in mythology, there are hidden meanings. Esoteric symbolism can be used as a useful tool for self-realisation. The chief and Worshipful Master of the lodge sit in the east. Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Each direction embodies the qualities of various life cycles. At the heart of Chinese mythology are four spiritual creatures (S Shu ) -- four celestial emblems -- each guarding a direction on the compass. In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. Finally, we look within, and acknowledge and honour our own spirits. 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. From the book Aisha's Moonlit Walk: Stories and Celebrations for the Pagan Year, by Anika Stafford (Boston: Skinner House, 2005). We acknowledge the White Bear, who lives in the far North, and honour him for his ability to thrive in harsh conditions, and ask for his strength when we face trials in our lives. Let's examine these directions, one by one: East: Qedem, Mizrach, Motsa. : it symbolizes the cycle of life, without beginning or end, and provides guidance for living. This state of stillness is when you are most receptive to your higher conscious Self. Do your best to slow down your thoughts and be open to the wisdom the four directions might have for you. On the shamanic medicine wheel, north is considered to be night and "a place of nothingness where we return to the Great Mystery which will be ignited in the East." The north represents purity, meditation and intuition . A meditation on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves within us, so that we can lead more effectively and find wholeness. * I choose, sometimes, to capitalize words not generally capitalized in order to imbue them with more sacredness. The Freemasons associate north with darkness, which in turn is symbolic for ignorance. Here's a guide to help you get started. For example, putting water in a chalice on the west side of the altar. Animals of the East are birds in flight such as the owl, hawk, and hummingbird. Goal setting visualizing, conceptualizing, and developing mental strength capabilities. To achieve the results you want, you have to apply the right attitude and beliefs. Make me courageous when the cold wind falls upon me. The four quarters are colored red, yellow, black, and white representing the races of man, the seasons, and the stages of life from childhood to old age. 424. Whatever you create in your life is acquired by your attitudes, beliefs and application. Let me soften into your wisdom It's especially easy these days, given what is going on, to find ourselves out of balance . In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. When you are feeling stuck in a rut, beholden to a routine, or if the wind has gone out of your sails, look eastward. Gaia guides people on their personal transformational paths with the worlds largest library of exclusive and original conscious media. 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 Whatever energies you project from the unconscious (below), come to the surface (above). All Rights Reserved. God has assigned four of his archangels to be in charge of the four cardinal points on Earth, believers say, directing their energy toward helping human beings balance different parts of their lives harmoniously. Description Description. In order for life to exist in any form, these four elements must exist.