Most of us have heard or read about Medicine Wheels. We know that they are sacred spaces and that the circle is symbolic of the sacred circle of life. The Medicine Wheel can be used to gain contact with the spirit world and the energies of the universe and is a vortex of intense energy and healing. It is a place to strengthen ones connection with Mother Earth and to acquire wisdom for ones soul. I learned this when I first experienced the power and magic of the medicine wheel at an energy healing class held by Debra Peterson. I was immediately drawn to the Medicine Wheel in her yard that day and felt absolutely at home in its presence. I felt a great peace come over me and also a great energy surround me, coming in waves thru my feet and circling around me. At the class, Debra explained that Medicine Wheels are used for prayer, meditation, spiritual guidance, and healing. They are used to connect with Mother Earth, nature spirits, power animals, and the Creator. The four directions have special meanings and associated spirit keepers that can be called upon.
Ever since that day I have wanted to have a Medicine Wheel here on our land. I have read everything I could find on the subject and recently approached Debra about building one here.
We made a date hoping that it would be clear out as it had rained all week and the forecast was for more of the same. Sunday was cold and overcast but no rain. It was beautiful out, with the colors of autumn and the sweet smell of wood smoke in the air. We had chosen the right day! I had been drawn to one spot on our fifteen acres, where it felt just right. I knew this was where the wheel should be and saw it clearly in my mind’s eye, but wanted to have Debra walk the land and see what she felt before showing her the spot I had been drawn to. Debra went directly to that exact spot and said she felt a vortex to be there and that the wheel should be in that place. The very same spot!
Debra asked if I would like to have an Angel Gate underneath the wheel. This was something I understood. Crystals! I work with crystals in my healing work with animals and have them around me everywhere. I have always loved stones and been drawn to picking them up and bringing them home. For the last five years my husband and I have been picking up and bringing home rocks and stones. We have 100s of them in piles here and there. Until now I did not know the purpose of what we were doing but now it is all clear!
Debra began by mathematically configuring the wheel to true north. We decided on a 12’ wheel which unbelievably fell within centimeters between two pine trees. I had many options for the size and design of the Medicine Wheel but knew instinctively which design needed to be here. Because we were putting an Angel Gate below the wheel there were many precise measurements to be taken. Debra needed 17 long nails to mark out the wheel. My husband had just a handful and gave us what he had. Amazingly, there were exactly 17.
Spiritual guidance directed Debra to merge the Medicine Wheel configuration with the Angelic Gate vortex in 2002. According to Debra, the merging of these powerful systems brings in healing energies and raises of the spiritual vibration of our planet. This sacred energy vortex integrates the spiritual realm with the physical realm, to help bring 'heaven on earth'. An Angel Gate is an energetic portal for receiving healing and angelic communication. It is based upon a two dimensional star octahedron pattern which is made up of eight gem/stones that creates a vortex of grace energy. Each point has a specific angel and color associated with each gem/stone's vibration.
There are 8 different crystals used in the Angel Gate. Each is buried beneath the soil to form the gate. We used Violet Calcite (north), Carnelian (northeast), Blue azurite (east), Madagascar Ruby (southeast), Green Fluorite (south), Amethyst (southwest), Blue Aventurine (west) and Yellow Topaz (northwest). Each crystal is picked from a palette of color and there are variations that can be chosen.
Debra explained that the combined pattern of Medicine Wheel and Angel Gate has four direction points. There are also four points inside the outer points and there is an outer circle of stones, forming the outside of the medicine wheel. The center stone represents our oneness with all that is created. The Medicine Wheel represents all of creation. Debra explained that each of the four directions making up the Medicine Wheel has a ‘spirit keeper’ that can be called upon for personal help and protection.
North – white buffalo (fire)
West – Bear (rock)
South – Coyote (water)
East – Eagle (feather)
The energy began as we were burying the crystals and continued mounting. As we worked together, building the mw, our animals were getting more and more excited. You could actually feel the energy shift. The donkeys were rearing up and playing on their hind legs, the dogs were boisterous and playful and even the cats came close to see what we were doing. I could hear people around the circle talking about the energy level and as we completed the Angel Gate a huge surge of energy came down from the sky and through me. As we all stood together I heard an Indian ‘whoop’ as he rode close by.
Our group was made up of nine friends. We have been connected with one another for quite some time and most of us are very close. There was a lot of love and joy in the air as we all entered the mysterious other-world of the Medicine Wheel together. It was quite cold out and we were all dressed in winter coats and mittens but no one seemed to feel the cold there was so much energy and excitement. We burned sage and everyone was smudged, setting our intent and clearing any negative energies.
We invited the spirits to join us as my husband laid the first rock, the center rock. Then each person chose a rock or stone that they were attracted to and brought it to me. As the new gatekeeper and steward of the land I smudged each one with sage and thanked it by offering a gift of tobacco to each stone before the person holding it placed it where they felt it should be.
I stood with Debra in each direction as she drummed and invoked each corresponding animal. I took in all that Debra so generously shared with me, this powerful, ancient ritual that I have waited my whole life for. In just a few hours I was a changed woman. I felt the power I had been handed by Debra. By allowing me to be such an integral part of the ceremony Debra has fully empowered me as gatekeeper and caretaker. I will honor and cherish this responsibility always.
When the ceremony was complete, I closed the circle, thanking the spirits and the animals. We all walked back down the hill, deeply connected by our shared experience with the creation of this beautiful and powerful Medicine Wheel.
After most everyone had gone home, Debra, Mary Celeste and I went back up to the wheel and opened it, each of us speaking from deep within our hearts to the four directions. The honest emotions expressing our gratitude poured from deep within us, three friends who care deeply for one another and for our beloved Mother Earth, three female energies praying for peace and light and love.
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Animal-Free, Cruelty-Free Drums
I love my Remo Buffalo drums. I have a 10" drum and a 12" drum and they are both wonderful! There is no tone change with moisture, including rain. This is a big concern when using animal skin heads. Remo drums won't shrink or crack if left in a hot car and and they are quite lightweight, which is great if you are drumming for extended periods.
Of interest to vegans and others on a natural path: No trees are sacrificed to create the frame and no animals are used for the head. The materials are all entirely human-created.
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