There are many Medicine Wheels from various cultures and traditions. They are healing navigational tools; a way of finding where you are on your path. The one I have chosen is inspired by the Q’ero shamans of Peru which was recently brought to a wider audience by Alberto Villoldo.
I’ve been studying, practicing and drawing the wheel for about a year. It’s been quite a journey alongside some big life changes, moving with them rather than letting them consume me. The whole process has been fulfilling on many levels, taking me to states I didn’t realise I could reach, simply by letting go and observing myself from within, with the help of an eagle guide.
The South: Serpent Wisdom and the Element of Fire
Shedding all our skin like the great Serpent. Letting go of the attachment to who we think we are or who we think we are not. Releasing it to the fire of the South, trusting that truth will return. Fire is an energy source, as are we, so we must first let go in order to burn brightly.
The West: Jaguar Wisdom and the Element of Water
Piercing through the darkness, the Jaguar’s eyes invite us to reveal the dark places which have been suppressed, yet manifest in detrimental ways if ignored. In that darkness is growth, aided by the waters that keep each living thing alive. As humans we are composed mainly of water, the eyes being the most concentrated part. Like water we have the ability to be both calm and strong, navigating our way into all the nooks and crannies without force.
The North: Hummingbird Wisdom and the Element of Earth
The Earth feeds the Hummingbird, who in turn pollinates the land, in a perfect reciprocal exchange, providing us with all the medicine we need. The Toltec believe that modern society is asleep and don’t realise that we are in Heaven on Earth, here and now. Like the Hummingbird we can be still, yet in flight, allowing ourselves to be truly present without paying mind to what has gone before or what is yet to come.
The East: Eagle Wisdom and the Element of Air
In the East we embody the Eagle with its powerful wings and incredible eyesight, equipping us with the tools to gain perspective. Not only can the eagle soar up to glean a bird’s eye view, but it can also identify the finer details far below. Breathing the air in fully, slowing the mind and focusing towards a sharper resolution.
The rituals of each direction have pushed me to learn more about the relevance of Pachamama's animlas and elements, which in turn has taught me the medicine they bring within the voyage. This led to many avenues of research, such as reading about Toltec wisdom courtesy of the wonderful Don Miguel Ruiz which also had an influence on the artwork.
Like any wheel The Medicine Wheel is always turning, so being able to see where I am within the wheel is a benefit to: non-attachment, healing, authenticity, guidance and love. - Ad, Drawing Boards
