The North Direction on the Medicine Wheel of Life

As we move into Winter honoring the Winter Solstice, we move to the North direction on the Medicine Wheel, the Sacred Hoop of Life. The North Winds bring a time of slowing down and taking stock of our life. It’s a time of physical change when you turn your focus inward and contemplate your life, to evaluate what no longer serves you, and to give up old patterns that hinder your progress. You purge yourself of the inhibiting patterns to be renewed and to feel that sense of peace, that purity of Spirit. In many Native Traditions, the North is represented by the Buffalo. The North is also the place of understanding the power of the giveaway – to either share your wisdom with others, or to surrender to the major changes, which lie ahead. In the North, you decide to let go of the unhealthy patterns and accept a renewed way of being on the physical plane – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What is it you need to give away? Do you need to get rid of the clutter in your home? Do you need to let go of the unhealthy habits feeding your physical body? Do you need to let go of the clutter in your mind and the old beliefs systems that no longer serve you? Do you need to let go of the clutter in your heart and the painful emotions that have kept you stuck? What do you need to clear to prepare for the new life ahead? What wisdom, knowledge, or gifts can you share with others? Determine what is blocking you, stopping you. Whatever you are experiencing, the first step is cleansing. It is a time to clear out old thoughts, old feelings, latent ideas, past relationships, and bad habits that clutter your body, mind, and heart. You release all the energies that hold you back or cover you up, so your spirit can get on with things. See the potential for a new way. Allow yourself to be renewed with a greater sense of purity and purpose. Give thanks for the blessings received along your journey. The North teaches you the importance of learning to live in balance with an attitude of gratitude.