I also pray for peace among the four races of humankind. It is the direction of inspiration the word that literally means to take in air. In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it's more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. For the purpose of this article, I am going to unfold the four directions in the clockwise sequence typically iterated in spiritual practices in mainstream circles. 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 west is associated with lightning - a symbol that connects heaven and earth or the ethereal realm with the physical realm. We know water is consciousness. Darkness is symbolic for that which you cannot see. Monday Meditation: Calling in the Four Directions and Elemental Forces Aired Mon, 10/17/22 9:00-9:45 AM PDT. And West is about the power of going within, hibernating, Dreaming, Healing. Then create the determination to sit still for the period of the meditation. This is how most people live their lives without even realising they are creating their own experiences. It made sense for priests to use elements of the natural environment to teach initiates about man's connection with universal energy. You can relax and surrender to the teachings of the forest and the great tree in this guided meditation. However that didnt feel right because my back would then to the rising sun. 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. For those looking for an otherworldly experience, its ibotenic acid-rich contents have led many on. . The elements and cardinal directions are most commonly represented on a basic altar. Michelangelo's Fall and Expulsion of Eden. On the other side of the spirit veil, I spend more than a little bit of time researching the hallucinogens. 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. Whatever you think habitually during the day sinks into the subconscious and sends it instructions. Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions also, Sanskrit this practice is known as Pradakshina. When he prepared the heavens. How to use the Symbolism of the Four Directions for Self-Development. Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast. This knowledge came to us from the outer world with our religion. other gentle forms of movement. Great Spirit- you who are known by a thousand names Yet, some commentators writing about the symbolism of the four directions say that east represents illumination. "Evil" is code for energy with poor information. 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. 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. However, Dr Joe has created an . we too decay and die many times in a life time only to come back to fruition again and again, after reflection, meditation, awareness, acceptance and surrender. You can relax and surrender to the teachings of the forest and the great tree in this guided meditation. Awakening physical and spiritual energies. Tell the children you May your kindness abound like hydrogen, which fuels every star. Therefore, we see the confusion between the east and west. * I choose, sometimes, to capitalize words not generally capitalized in order to imbue them with more sacredness. Support me as I see my own fears Creator, it is I. But this is not the conclusion you would ordinarily reach by following the exoteric viewpoint related through mainstream channels. A meditation on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves within us, so that we can lead more effectively and find wholeness. In Masonic traditions, this is what the east represents. Tom Cowan is a shamanic practitioner specializing in Celtic visionary and healing techniques. Whatever man does to the web, he does to himself. Blessed be this union with the gifts . Often our elders are called upon to should responsibility and help protect the tribe with their deep wisdom. Consider the West (the setting sun) and the color black. It might be an interesting experience. It is about action. The west corresponds with the season of autumn which is associated with letting go. As you release their energies back to their four directions, take a few deep breaths, acknowledge yourself back in the space you are in, and witness any changes in your being. South represents Summer and is a time of great abundance. Old values die when we acquire superior knowledge. Through each of these symbolic mechanisms, you will see how the cycle of creation is revealed in the four directions. As our Mother, the Earth has shown us much patience in our greed and thoughtlessness, but we now know better. They are told the symbolic reason for this is because this is the part of the temple with the least light - light being code for knowledge thus the north-east symbolically representing ignorance. From a feng shui and aesthetic point of view, it may not be an ideal placement for that chair, but from a meditators point of view, it is absolutely perfect. Discover Your Life Tree2. Chakras impact your emotional and psychological condition. Remind me never to take from you more then I need, and remind me to always give back more than I take. But we dont need symbolism to explain these facts. 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 . 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. There is Healing in the washing clean that comes with Water. You can also feel the opposite of heavinesslightness. We ask the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the East to always place light in our words, and in our hearts, and on our paths. Copyright 2022 Master Mind Content. They do, however, bear the attributes of universal energies - and more precisely the evolution of conscious thought. Air is related to mental states, namely creativity and intellect. But fire also has the power to consume impurities and purify energies. In many traditions, the four directions offer a deeper understanding of our place in the world. We invite all Eastern spirits of good intent to join us in our ceremony today. The teachings of the four directions start with the east, or yellow, quadrant and run clockwise around the circle. We now raise our eyes to Father Sky, and to Kisulk, our Creator. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol that incorporates the four directions. 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. May I have eyes as sharp as yours, so I am able to see truth and hope on the path I have chosen. Get the feeling that you are hugging the earth from all . Remind of how to live with impeccability The east is associated with the mind, with knowledge and learning and intellectual curiosity. Jainism holds that emancipation can only be achieved through meditation or Shukla Dhyana. Creator, hear my prayer, and honor my prayer. In other words, the True Self which is not polluted by poor information stored in the personal unconscious. This is an active form of meditation where the movement guides you into a deeper connection with your body and the present moment. We ask for the strength to defend Mother Earth when she needs it, as any grown child should defend their mother. While there is some contention around this theory, there are a number of undeniable motifs connecting Santas yearly trip drawn by flying reindeer, and the analogous rituals of an isolated peoples use of the psychedelic Amanita muscaria mushroom. The north is therefore where the initial idea is generated and the rest of the cycle is how we nurture the desire to fruition. Get instant access to free videos, helpful articles, and exclusive offers. If there is a topic youd like to learn more about, please let us know. Another concept I will reveal that shows the clockwise sequence does not work. Do your best to slow down your thoughts and be open to the wisdom the four directions have for you. 1. These, in some traditions, align with the four cardinal directions, the four elements and the four seasons. Thoughts also evoke emotions which compel us to take action. What is important to remember is that the subconscious mind behaves to the patterns of your conscious thoughts. Though it can be deadly when consumed improperly, some cultures eat it for sustenance after boiling away its toxins. Description Description. Its spokes point east, south, west, and north. East (Yellow) The direction from which the sun comes. The flowering tree was the living centre of the hoop and the circle of the four quarters nourished it. The Medicine Wheel, or Wheel of Life, is represented by the four directions. January 20, 2015 by Harold Carey Jr. East - Ha'a'aah South - Shdi'h West - E'e'aah North - Nhookos. The same elements found in the microcosm of man are also present in the Universe, the macrocosm of everything in existence. 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. (Note: the above could be read by multiple voices). $15.99. Often, smudging involves a four-direction ceremony. There are many people, books and websites, that say the Directions . And when you know this, the cycles of existence portrayed by the four directions makes much more sense. This meditation is grounded in the kavanot of the Ari, as explained in the siddur of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. Thank God for the chance to start anew. Esoteric symbolism can be used as a useful tool for self-realisation. ________________________________________________________________________. When you try to grasp water, it escapes from your hands and is so flexible it always finds a path around obstacles. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The medicine wheel holds meaning to life, death, birth, aftermath, rebirth, and the sacredness of place along the path. The summer holds fertility, passion, growth, joy, and peace. Enter the north and silence your thoughts. No matter what our life looks like, no matter how we feel, no matter what weve done or not done, there is an opportunity to begin again, to make new choices with the coming of a new day. : it symbolizes the cycle of life, without beginning or end, and provides guidance for living. It is a direction that calls us to self-reflection and self-understanding. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thoughts, ideas and understanding also evolves. 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. The typical sequence of the four directions starts with the east and flows in a clockwise direction. Because time and energy move in cycles there are always new beginnings. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. . In China, the four date back to at least the 2nd century BC. 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 . In my opinion, this place of darkness and the north also relates to something that is hidden, or unseen. The question here is what came first - the chicken or . This is a continuation of Susan's last 8 meditations which can be heard by clicking below, but it c "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." In the west, we are drawn into the experience of our emotions. Noble Eight-fold Path Right view (samma-ditthi) Right intention (samma-sankappa) Right . The more habitually you have the same thoughts, the more solidified the notion of the thought becomes in the make-up of our personality. It is said that the smoke attaches itself to those things within us that are negative, and will carry these things away, if we allow it. Later, I will explain how I interpret this symbolism differently. We see this same principle in the Bible. It is this philosophy from which the much-quoted axiom, as above, so below is derived. Im unfolding the story this way to demonstrate how subtle differences in the interpretation of symbolism creates a canyon between opposing points of view. You can relax and surrender to the teachings of the forest and the great tree in this guided meditation. For me it has to do with the habit of being busy and right now in my life it is just thata habit. When I sat facing the West, I felt the energy of the Setting Sun, of the evening, of the going-within time. The Eagle teaches us the power of seeing from a new perspective, of soaring high above the petty details of life and seeing the larger picture. Manifest daily intentions by aligning them with your physical body, energetic body, emotional body, and spiritual body. At the heart of Chinese mythology are four spiritual creatures (S Shu ) -- four celestial emblems -- each guarding a direction on the compass. Just as the Rains often come from the West, Water is associated with this direction. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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 . A Four Directions Meditation. This path draws information you need to know from your unconscious and enables you to change your habitual thinking and behaviours. Both the exoteric viewpoint and my esoteric theory relate to cycles of life, hence the common relationship between the four cardinal points, the seasons and time of day. Communing with god, the universe, or nature. Red symbolizes the south, black the west and white the north. Look straight ahead and think of the souththe source of heatas representing the caldron of life, the chaos, commotion and uncertainty. This makes sense given we are told primitive men used to walk in clockwise circles from east to west via the south. Help me to remember to love and feel compassion for all mankind. While there is some contention around this theory, there are a number of undeniable motifs connecting Santas yearly. 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, []. Meditation and the Four Virtues. The chief and Worshipful Master of the lodge sit in the east. In the third verse, God says, let there be light (fire). The direction of the East is associated with new beginnings. You can use this chakra during meditation to burn away past experiences and attitudes you do not want. When I faced the North, I felt the lack of Sun. Four Protective Meditations (caturarakkha bhavana) in Theravada Buddhism By Dr. Ari Ubeysekara Introduction The path leading to the cessation of suffering, Nibbana, as discovered by Lord Gautama Buddha is known as the Noble Eight-fold Path (ariya atthangika magga) or the Middle path (majjhima patipada). To achieve the results you want, you have to apply the right attitude and beliefs. Our emotions move in us like water, flowing through our lives, sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent, but always flowing. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. By honouring all of these directions, we will have honoured all that is. In Shamanic traditions, the west is associated with Spirit Keeper of Death. And they could not be further from the truth. To begin, take some deep breaths, let go of mental preoccupations and align with your hearts intention to create sacred space. Inner Light visualization. West comes before east. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart? ~ Job 37:22-24. Its spokes point east, south, west, and north. 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 northerly direction is also associated with the element of Earth which shares similar symbolic motifs. Guide my step and give me courage to walk the circle of my life with honesty and dignity. 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. This state of stillness is when you are most receptive to your higher conscious Self. The animals representing the North include white buffalo, moose, and bear. As you face each direction, smudge or fan sage, blow scented water, or shake a rattle and say the prayer aloud. The. As you give to all the earth your warm, moving wind, give to me, so that I may grow close to you in warmth. The Masonic Dictionary website tells us the north side of the temple was used for stabling, slaughtering and cleansing. This is where we get our first clue of what the four directions really mean and in which direction to follow the compass. We are an essential part of life. Mother Earth provides us with the foundations and sustenance to grow. ", 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. At the heart of the Shamanic path is the contract to live in harmony with nature, self, community, and spirit. And it is in the symbolic north where energy begins and ends its cyclical journey. Each 45-minute class will center around a different theme. 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. 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. Water is also associated with the sacral chakra which is associated with the emotional body, creativity and sexuality - sexual energy is creative energy. And its here that we find the first instance of Amanitas connection to the story of Santa Clausthe mushroom growing under the Christmas Tree. He is an internationally respected teacher, author, lecturer, and tour leader. In order for us to improve our quality of life, we have to evolve by gaining knowledge and wisdom. I felt the Darkness and the Night and the coolness. 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. The North represents the Winter of our Life. 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. Imagine the birds, turning and wheeling in the air, imagine the breeze blowing through your hair. What we think we become. The animal often associated with the South is the Lion or the Cougar, which often represents strength and courage and leadership. We ask the Grandmothers and Grandfathers of the South to remind us that the end our days is no more sad than the end of a single day, and that the end is often better than the beginning. 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. We are what we think. We move around the wheel to the south. Affiliated with the GW Center for Integrative Medicine, we collaborate with individuals to explore all aspects of their lives for healthier and more complete living. 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. However, traditional symbolism also says the south is a time of fertility - the process of birth. It is thought that the conscious mind responds to these instructions. Furthermore, the south is linked with the element of fire and it is from this point onwards that you have the choice to rise Phoenix-like from the flames. qi gong. 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 Great Life-Giving Spirit, I face the West (black), the direction of sundown. It is a transformative power and produces light. The Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by generations of various Native American tribes for health and healing. As each day passes, help me to surrender, with grace, the things of my youth. Master Mind Content is a leading authority in decoding ancient symbolism . When you act on illuminated thoughts (represented by the south), you reinforce it by acting upon it and sending the energy back into the subconscious mind which is represented by the north. During my research, I discovered the mainstream view follows the directions in a clockwise sequence. We acknowledge sweetgrass, the medicine of the east, and give thanks for its presence here today, and acknowledge water, the element of the East. The first four directions are the four main directions of the compass: East, South, West and North. I existed from all eternity, before the earth was created. 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. We acknowledge the Black Bear, who sits in the West direction and is both the keeper of medicine knowledge and grower of the medicines. 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. On a deeper level, the appearance of the sun also relates to illumination - shining light on places that were once in darkness. 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. Not just sweet Rain, but also the powerful Thunderbeings. * The opportunity to begin each day anew is an incredible gift that each one of us has. Not just sweet Rain, but also the powerful Thunderbeings. Metempsychotic. 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. Dawn, birth, beginning of life, a new beginning of each day. 4) Fix your attention on your breath without changing your breath; just notice it. Great Spirit of Creation, send me the warm and soothing winds from the South (yellow). Bring into balance the physical, mental and spiritual, so I am able to know my place on this earth, in life and in death. You can experience lightness by gliding your finger up and down and feeling how light it feels. How you manifest energy is determined by your thoughts emotions and actions. Enter your email address and we'll send you a link to reset your password. West: Water, feeling and reflection. Jason Ghost. 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. Let me remember always that you give the gift of a new day. Mother of the Life-giving waters The East gave peace and light, the South gave warmth, The West gave rain and the North, with its cold and mighty wind, gave strength and endurance. Meditations Bring healing to the people I love and to myself. It also explains why American tribes dedicated the West to the Keeper of Death. Use the same account and membership for TV, desktop, and all mobile devices.