The Circle

The Circle. . , The circle is a powerful force within First Nations cultures. It is the belief of many First Nations people that the life force of all existence moves in a circle. The circular pattern is woven through all things and is a reflection of the interrelatedness of all things. All life is affected by other life and everything lives in relationship to every other thing. The circle represents wholeness and continuity., When elders teach young children, the first lesson begins with Nature as the circle becomes evident in natural surroundings. The children learn that they are a part of the circle. There is a cycle of life, the cycles of the seasons, the cycles of the planetary movements, and the cycles in learning and thought, the growth of a tree, the whirl of the wind, or the journey of the salmon. All things move in this circular way and become part of the cycle of life from birth to new life. Knowing all life follows this circular pattern, all ceremony takes place in a circle., Eastern Direction , Yellow represents spring and is the entrance to the medicine wheel. As the beginning of life, it represents the Semma. Tobacco is used in prayer and represents the renewal of life and is used in ceremonial purposes., Southern Direction , Red represents summer. This is the fast paced time of growing and learning of youth! Cedar Medicine gives us courage, growth, and expression of feelings and protection., Western Direction , Black represents autumn and is the time of middle age. Sage Medicine is used in smudging before ceremonies. It is effective in purifying energies and cleansing the body and mind of negative spirits and impurities. It attracts positive spirits which brings one back into balance., Northern Direction , White represents winter and is the time of Elders! Sweetgrass Medicine signifies spiritual strength. It is considered to be the hair of Mother Earth which invites good while bringing in a strong heart and clear mind. It is braided and has a sweet aroma and used to cleanse and purify oneself.