Spirituality
Articles
The
Medicine Wheel
by Lisa M.
Durling
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Like
my Aboriginal ancestors, I have been guided to my journey as a
Shaman by my Animal Spirits, Elders, Medicine Men, and events
that challenged every explanation I had for life. I have studied
with Medicine Men, and Elders who live silently and preserve the
traditional knowledge of our ancestors but who may not be known
by people of the New Age, or contemporary Shamans. These are the
people who gave me my name ‘Whispering Wind'. When my son
‘Grey Cloud' was born, I felt inspired to provide him with
the most traditional and authentic life I could possibly give
him. Living the life of a Shaman has given us peace and gratitude
for all creation.
Shamanism
is the world's oldest healing tradition and is found in all cultures.
Shamans are healers, seers, visionaries and guides of the soul.
They are in communication with the animal spirits and employ the
wisdom of the Great Spirit.
Shamans
are able to leave their physical bodies to visit the spirit world.
They are teachers, students, parent and child. Shamans who understand
and honor all elements, cosmic and physical forces, apply their
knowledge to their daily lives.
In
Shamanism, we believe that all illnesses have a spiritual foundation
with four main factors contributing to the imbalance: 1. Soul
Loss , 2. Spiritual Intrusion, 3. Stealing the Soul , 4. Imbalances
among Animal Guides
The
four directions of the Medicine Wheel represent a particular power
and perception. None of the directions are more significant to
the other or viewed singularly. It is believed that we must explore
all of the directions to learn how we must live in harmony with
all things natural.
The
four cardinal points of the circle transcend to the compass directions,
North, South, East and West.
Table
Defining The Medicine Wheel
Mental,
North,White,Buffalo,Strength,Fire
Emotional, South,Red,Mouse,Innocence,Air
Physical,West,Black,Bear ,Rain,Water
Spiritual, East,Yellow,Eagle,Dawn Sky of Enlightenment, Earth
The
Old Ones used the Medicine Wheel to determine many things in life.
Besides its spiritual components, it provides many valuable insights.
Traditionally, it is believed that healing is possible, no matter
what trauma has been experienced. Each person that is treated
is an expert on his or her own life story. We do not disregard
the importance of sharing or "storytelling". A person
story will tell us many things that will be important to their
recovery. We must listen.
Things
to consider when searching for an authentic traditional healer
- In
traditional medicine, there is no tolerance for hypocrites.
- Healers always gives choices, and never take choice away
- Healers listen to your story.
- Healers are your teachers as well as your student.
- Healers respect and will not compromise tradition.
Lisa
is a Shaman in the Halifax area who operates the Whispering Wind
Institute
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