The Navajo Four Cardinal Directions. It is through the characteristics of the sun that modern words meaning to acquire knowledge or to understand something are derived; illumination, enlightenment. In Genesis 2:7 we are told: Then the Lord God formed a manfrom the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being., God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening (west) and there was morning (east), the first day.. 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. Let me move through life ready to take what comes from the north. The west is a curious direction. Each direction is associated with an element of the natural world, and represents some part of our human nature as well. The flowering tree was the living centre of the hoop and the circle of the four quarters nourished it. Clear your space of clutter and mess and open up windows and curtains and allow for clean air to enter. East: Air, breath and inspiration. 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. It is also the beginning of understanding because light helps us see things the way they really are. We invite all Western spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. Though it can be deadly when consumed improperly, some cultures eat it for sustenance after boiling away its toxins. Do your best to slow down your thoughts and be open to the wisdom the four directions might have for you. Let us also consider the qualities of water and compare its attributes with consciousness. Mother Jaguar We have moved through these four directions, given them shape and meaning: Lets take a closer look at this idea and analyse the symbolism of the four directions from a counter-clockwise viewpoint. But fire also has the power to consume impurities and purify energies. I've read that the four directions are an important consideration when doing practice. The unconscious is typically described as emptiness, nothingness, the void or the Abyss. Water can be tranquil or it can be fierce, and when left unattended becomes stagnant and polluted. In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. tai chi. : it symbolizes the cycle of life, without beginning or end, and provides guidance for living. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The animal often associated with the West is the Bear. Traditions such as the ancient druids of Northern Europe, shamans in the Americas, Asian sages, Indian yogis and African witchdoctors all use the four directions for symbolic purposes. It is the time of awakening, the beginning point. We see this same principle in the Bible. Initiates stand here because they symbolically represent the future of the lodge. Egypt - the enemy of the Israelites - is south of the promised land (of enlightenment). A meditation on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves within us, so that we can lead more effectively and find wholeness. In order for life to exist in any form, these four elements must exist. We first acknowledge the East direction, the direction of the sunrise and new beginnings. Creator, hear my prayer, and honor my prayer. The abysses were not yet and already I was conceived. 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. Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions also, Sanskrit this practice is known as Pradakshina. Fire is also considered a negative element because of the danger it poses if allowed to get out of control. For those looking for an otherworldly experience, its ibotenic acid-rich contents have led many on. Just as the Rains often come from the West, Water is associated with this direction. Not only that, but whilst we sleep, the subconscious mind is hard at work. Nor does it make any sense to create symbolic mechanisms to reflect these aspects of life. And what about the Wind and the Sea and the Mountains? how the esoteric meaning of the sequence reveals more about your psychology. This is where we get our first clue of what the four directions really mean and in which direction to follow the compass. Copyright 2022 Master Mind Content. For understanding of life cycles I work with the four directions of the medicine wheel: East, South, West, and North. Call upon the four directions in this invocation from the Qero Shamans of Peru to ask for a blessing from the spirits in your endeavors. Let me remember always that you give the gift of a new day. 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.. The life of man is a circle from childhood to childhood and so it is in everything where power moves. 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 . During the research for this article, I noticed that other commentators on this subject sometimes provide the same meanings for west and east - most notably new beginnings. 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. Visualize the earth in all of these meditations. And when you know this, the cycles of existence portrayed by the four directions makes much more sense. When the four cardinal points is mentioned in mythology, there are hidden meanings. 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. We plant seeds into the ground and nurture them to fruition just as we have to do with our plans and desires. 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? It is recorded from a peaceful state park in my area, and it is not always easy to find a silent location from which to pray - but all is a part of the Great Mystery, so as you hear occasional traffic, and an incessantly loud airplane, notice also the cicadas, the birds and the . This state of stillness is when you are most receptive to your higher conscious Self. 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 - sometimes called "Soul Retrieval.". The. Life calls to open sacred spaceduring pivotal events, such as birth ormarriage, and for healing purposes. This is the time of year trees and plants shed their leaves, and nature essentially dies. If there is a topic youd like to learn more about, please let us know. This path draws information you need to know from your unconscious and enables you to change your habitual thinking and behaviours. Remember, the north represents darkness, emptiness, or nothingness. Often, smudging involves a four-direction ceremony. When we dam up our feelings, just like when we dam up a river, the pressure builds until it finds an outlet. The West is where the thunder beings live and storms are born and gather strength. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It is such a beautiful way to settle in before a sitting . 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. I felt also the power of the Eagle, which is often associated with the East and with the element of Air. Spencer also asserted that infinite intelligence is always evolving. Master Mind Content is a leading authority in decoding ancient symbolism . For me it has to do with the habit of being busy and right now in my life it is just thata habit. We acknowledge the Eagle, who sits in the east and carries our prayers to the Creator. 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. The exiles of Egypt travelled west to the promised land of Canaan -, But water is also a symbolic mechanism for the unconscious. Meditation and the Four Virtues A synthesis of classical virtue and meditation. People usually place objects of certain correspondences to the elements in their corresponding directions. Conscious thoughts, therefore, arise in the east and take a clockwise direction until they return back to the subconscious mind in the north. qi gong. Wind, or air, incidentally relates to states of mind. To achieve the results you want, you have to apply the right attitude and beliefs. Air and breath give us life. When sacred space is created, the veils between the physical and spiritual worlds begin to thin and transformation ensues. The opposite, esoteric, sequence explains how you create your experience of life. Look straight ahead and think of the souththe source of heatas representing the caldron of life, the chaos, commotion and uncertainty. If you live in a wooded area in the Northern hemisphere, theres a good chance youve seen it growing near an evergreen tree, especially a pine or fir. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It's especially easy these days, given what is going on, to find ourselves out of balance . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. When I imagined sitting on that mountain facing South, I felt the power of Sun shining on my face. The four directions are ways of connecting with the seasons of our lives, and understanding them greatly assists in coming into . We ask the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the East to always place light in our words, and in our hearts, and on our paths. There is a reasonable explanation for this once you understand the deeper meanings of symbols. 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. The teacher stands facing due north and holds out her arms. We must always listen to our hearts, the tiny Elder within us who can never lie, and never mislead us. Each 45-minute class will center around a different theme. Monday Meditation: Calling in the Four Directions and Elemental Forces Aired Mon, 10/17/22 9:00-9:45 AM PDT. West represents Autumn and the final harvest as the end of a cycle. West comes before east. . When we enter the energy of the North, we may gain Wisdom. In the bible, east is repeatedly used as a symbolic tool in the creation story of Genesis. Your Souls Sense of Touch: Are You Coming to Your Senses? . 3 Meditation Techniques to Try. 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. But we are also reminded that the Great Spirit is no further from us then the tilting upwards of our heads and the raising of our eyes. Directions The Cardinal Directions are another characteristic of the Divine Universe that connects us all with nature and spirit. The color is red and it symbolizes protection. This is a continuation of Susan's last 8 med. Fire can make us act irrationally. Enter your email address and we'll send you a link to reset your password. It made sense for priests to use elements of the natural environment to teach initiates about man's connection with universal energy. As we look upon the days infinite blue sky, or admire the countless stars of the night, we are reminded that the Great Spirit is vast, beautiful and majestic beyond all of our knowing or telling. For example, putting water in a chalice on the west side of the altar. Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast. Until then, you must follow the anti-clockwise route, look within and find the next missing piece of your emotional puzzle. Or is it the south when the sun is at its highest point in the sky..? I pray for your healing 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. This meditation is grounded in the kavanot of the Ari, as explained in the siddur of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. It is about action. This has been called by some Earth astrology. This is how most people live their lives without even realising they are creating their own experiences. It is in the subconscious mind where you personal programs are updated. You can, of course, use this symbolism both ways: Firstly, the exoteric sequence will help you integrate this knowledge into your life on a practical level. The axiom also holds true when applied to mankind. In order for us to improve our quality of life, we have to evolve by gaining knowledge and wisdom. This is the anchor for the meditation. Metempsychotic. north represents darkness, emptiness, or nothingness. These, in some traditions, align with the four cardinal directions, the four elements and the four seasons. 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. Use the same account and membership for TV, desktop, and all mobile devices. The creation story in the Bible asserts the same thing. In his book, The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Manly P. Hall tells us air comes from water and fire. The symbolism of the Medicine Wheel is so important to the teachings of Indigenous culture that you'll see cultural groups, artists, and even businesses using the symbol in . Eagles fly to the west. West is the direction of the Elders, and we honour our Elders as the keepers of wisdom and teachers of patience. Teach me to walk the way of beauty, Face the west with one arm up and the other palm open to receive, To The Winds of the West 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. Let me remember everyday that the moment will come when my sun will go down. for transformation. This is something I learned from Jamie Sams. East (Yellow) The direction from which the sun comes. The Virgin Mother, of course, is characterised as Mary Madonna but represents pure energy. From the point of view of self-development, new beginnings for us means a change in beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that essentially generate new energies and subsequently create new experiences. With tears in my eyes and an ancient song from my heart I pray. (Note: the above could be read by multiple voices). They say the west is a time for learning, but call east the great teacher - and the point of awakening. Thoughts also evoke emotions which compel us to take action. By doing this, you find deeper truths - which I believe esoteric symbolism is designed to obscure. "Despite all the variations in practice that have taken place far into the second millennium, one thing has remained clear for the whole of Christendom: praying toward the East is a tradition that goes back to the beginning." Let's examine these directions, one by one: East: Qedem, Mizrach, Motsa. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it's more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. If you want to improve the quality of your life, you should follow the path of the four cardinal points in an anti-clockwise direction. 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. 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. To be fair, some commentators suggest the south is a time for bloom because the south is associated with summer. At noon, people from the community join at the office for an hour of complimentary . "Evil" is code for energy with poor information. a quiet place to sit. 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. 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. The teachings of the four directions start with the east, or yellow, quadrant and run clockwise around the circle. One upstairs room has a glass door opening to a small deck that directly faces my favorite mountain. You can use this chakra during meditation to burn away past experiences and attitudes you do not want. Find. Fire is a vital energy that brings consciousness to life. Also available as a Cine-Book. Help me to remember to love and feel compassion for all mankind. 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, []. Likewise, air can also be chaotic, destructive and uncontrollable - much like the runaway mind that cannot be silenced. 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. The West is black and it represents the death of summers cycle. Dawn, birth, beginning of life, a new beginning of each day. 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. We now acknowledge the South direction, the direction of summer warmth and abundance. Spirit keeper of the South, Wolf, Be with me. In the third verse, God says, let there be light (fire). We invite all Eastern spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. This state of stillness is when you are most receptive to your higher conscious Self. 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. 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. At the heart of the Shamanic path is the contract to live in harmony with nature, self, community, and spirit. The fountains had not yet come out of the earth; the heavy mass of the mountains had not yet been formed; I was begotten before the hills. While there is some contention around this theory, there are a number of undeniable motifs connecting Santas yearly. In Masonic traditions, this is what the east represents. It is a transformative power and produces light. The west is also associated with the element of water and the sacral chakra, both of which are related to emotions. This is to acknowledge and appease the elements Get instant access to free videos, helpful articles, and exclusive offers. Very still. At a fundamental level, the symbolism of the four directions relates to the physical world. We move around the wheel to the south. Each direction embodies the qualities of various life cycles. This meditation was called The Four Positive Prayers for the Four Directions used by the Masters of the Far East to invoke positive change in The Heart To the West, The Soul To the East, The Mind To the North, and the Strength To the South. But all energy transforms and has an opposite - good or positive energy. The summer holds fertility, passion, growth, joy, and peace. While the Medicine Wheel varies by culture . 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 any ceremony. Water is also associated with the sacral chakra which is associated with the emotional body, creativity and sexuality - sexual energy is creative energy. We acknowledge sweetgrass, the medicine of the east, and give thanks for its presence here today, and acknowledge water, the element of the East. It does not store any personal data. The animal often associated with the South is the Lion or the Cougar, which often represents strength and courage and leadership. The circle is the earth, the moon and the planets. In the process of self-development, it is important to study how the subconscious mind works so we can identify weaknesses, attitudes and traits of character that no longer serve us. We acknowledge the colour black, and the Black Race that it represents. It is obvious why symbols are interpreted this way. Turning toward the east, we look for a fresh start, an invigorating breath, a new idea. 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. Meaning of Cardinal Directions. The animals of the west include the beaver for teamwork to prepare for winter and the snake to remind us of how to shed our old skin for transformation. Great visionary, remind me to lead from my pure heart As we stand in a circle to be smudged and cleansed, consider the words of Black Elk, spiritual advisor to the Oglala Sioux, regarding the Circle of Life: You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. South. Mindfulness Mondays happens every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Four Directions Wellness. When I faced the East, I felt the power of the Sunrise and of New Beginnings. Blessed be this union with the gifts . And it is so important that you are mindful of your thoughts. West: Water, feeling and reflection.
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