The West Direction on the Medicine Wheel of Life

As we move into the Fall with the Autumnal Equinox, we move to the West direction on the Medicine Wheel, the Sacred Hoop of Life. In many Native Traditions, the West is represented by the Grizzly Bear. And, just as the Bear goes into hibernation, the West is considered the Looks-Within Place. It’s a time of spiritual change when you turn your focus inward and seek the answers from within. It’s a time of introspection, a time to reflect, and a time to be receptive strengthening your inner powers of intuition. During this time of the Harvest Moon, when life appears to be slowing down, you connect with your heart and contemplate the growth you’ve gathered from the last season of summer. What have you gained from the challenges you’ve faced? What strengths did gather from these experiences? What patterns of behavior do you need to look closely at? What are your fears? What is standing in the way of you and your goal? What dreams would you like to seed and actualize? As you examine the experiences and questions, you deepen your connection to yourself, to your inner wisdom, and to the Creator. By looking at your challenges and your growth, you find the answers that give you strength and power to act responsibly. You emerge having gained greater understanding. The West is the place to call upon Spirit to bring your dreams to maturity gaining knowledge and expertise in your ability and skills. These important steps in the journey of enlightenment teaches you how to be an awakened participant in co-creation with the Great Mystery.