The Medicine Wheel part 2, The Paths of the Wheel

Now that you have created your wheel, you are ready to use it. How? There are many different possibilities. Each direction has a Path on which you can meditate. The wheel also follows the seasons. You can meditate on the East path in spring, South in summer etc… Each are numbered and you can follow the numbers. It is important to note that you do not have to follow the paths in any order. You can journey on what ever path you wish, when you wish too. Take your time on the different paths. Some can spend years working only on the West path. Others may explore all the paths on one journey. Work at your speed and comfort level. Why should I meditate with a wheel? For some, the wheel is an excellent tool for creating sacred space. A large wheel you can sit inside can be a safe place for dreaming. A little one on the tabletop is good for contemplation. Also, for those who need some structure to their journeys, following a certain path helps give focus and shape.

Before working with your wheel, follow the steps outlined in the Journeying article for cleansing yourself. It is a good to do this before each journey.

For Beginners I recommend starting at the Center and spending their first few journeys at this point. My reason for this is that it is a place for finding balance and grounding. It is also a good place to learn more about yourself and gain insight to where your Shaman journey is taking you. From there you can chose which path to follow. The Center does not have a path it is the start and end of all paths.

The center is protected on all sides. It is a safe place to go if you are confused or feel fear either in your everyday life or if your feel fear while journeying you can return to the center.

I have given below a description of the eight different paths on the wheel and there meanings. As you journey yourself, you will probably discover your own meanings and insights. Many books have lists of associations and correspondences to the directions. I have limited mine here simply because it is more fun and a better experience to discover your own.

The first direction on the wheel is East “Opening the way.” It is another good place to start for beginners. The path is useful for Starting Out and Finding a Doorway to the Spirit World. It is a good path when you are Starting New things like a New Job, or New Relationship. You can meditate on the path when it is springtime, when the moon is in its first quarter. Travel this path when anything new is growing in your life. The Spirit Keeper of east is Wabun, the golden eagle. From him learn Clarity, Vision, and Inspiration.

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