“To the untrained eye, the Medicine Wheel might seem like a simple circle. For the Great Sioux Nation, the Medicine Wheel holds a much deeper meaning. Yes, its shape is that of a circle; however, the accompanying lines, the feather and the wheel’s Four Directions combine to mean so much more.
The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol used by the indigenous Plains tribes to represent all knowledge of the universe. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol of hope — a movement toward healing for those who seek it.” Adapted from *Black Elk Speaks*
It simply is amazing that many ancient cultures have symbols for the four directions. In Chinese mythology, for example, the four directions are represented by the Azure dragon-east, the Vermilion Bird-south, White Tiger—west and the Black Tortoise— representing north. It is the root of many cosmological and mythological beliefs, shedding light on the ancient divination outlook that the sky was split into four quadrants, with each overseen by a mythical beast. When placed side by side they have so very much to teach us. What we soon discover, when blended all together people are all the same with just a slightly different color pallet. Fascinating stuff!
The spirit of summer
In the Native culture, I have come to understand, summer is characterized by that of the south. Its totem is a busy little mouse, its color red of rapid growth. Red is also the color of vital energy and the blood of life. It is the power that guides and grows. Now is the time to trust in feelings and intuitions, especially in natural laws and cosmic influences. Summer brings us out-of-doors to embrace all the joy and abundance that warm weather brings. Witness the life around you as the things of the earth grow rapidly to full blossom.
Summer is divided into two seasons by the ancient Chinese elements. There is summer represented by fire and late summer represented by earth;
Summer fire is a good season to:
Get plenty of cardiovascular exercise, because fire rules the heart and circulatory system.
If you are fire deficient, eat warming foods, such as peppers, ginger, citrus, butter, meats, corn, cherries and basmati rice.
If you have an excess of fire, eat cooling foods, such as cucumber, sprouts, watermelon, apples, lemons and limes.
Set up power lunches and meet with friends, because fire is linked to social connectivity.
Late summer earth is a good season to;
Choose smart sugars – apples, carrots, dates, figs, grapes, peaches, pears, squash and sweet potatoes – to help the pancreas regulate your blood sugar
Eat mindfully. By paying attention to portions and slowing down when you eat, you can help the spleen.
Throw a dinner party. Late summer is associated with community and mealtime.
Honoring the time of the summer solstice
Many cultures from ancient history to modern 2024 practice honoring the summer solstice. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, during which the axial tilt of the earth put the western hemisphere closet to the sun. For time immemorial has been a day of celebration around the world.
The word solstice comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium” or “sistere,” meaning still or stopped. In ancient times, our ancestors likely used this day as a marker to decide when to plant crops, noticing that the sun switched from a southward to northward trajectory in the sky.
But more importantly, the solstice was a time of celebration and a break from the norm. Many cultures believed that magic took place on the night of the summer solstice, with fairies showing themselves to humans, while evil spirits were dispelled from their lives.
The summer solstice then is a time with powerful energies of the longest day of the year. The sun and Earth align in a way to assist the growth of all things to come to their fullness. We are all one, so that includes YOU as well as all of nature. Focus on themes of fulfillment, enlightenment, abundance, sharing, and the joy of living on this beautiful Earth home. All of this solar power fires up our passions, brightens our lives, and awakens awareness to the abundant potential of life.
Spirit of the South where the sun is strongest, gateway of the emotions and feelings and the element of water, strengthens me!
Great masculine force behind all that is, Grandfather Sky, Empower Me!
Great feminine force behind all that is, Grandmother Earth, Nurture me!
As our modern world becomes crazier and tougher to survive with things currently in chaos, you will find your awareness to the earths activity will become more acute. Much of what you are reading here will come into play in the very near future. New routines, traditions and ceremonies will be gained. Expressing gratitude will become a part of your daily ritual.
Expressing Gratitude
“Give thanks for the sun, for the light of the sun, for the life that comes from the sun,” recommends Levine. “Write the sun a love letter: ‘Thank you, light, for the life you give to the plants, the animals, and to me.” Next, show gratitude to yourself, too.
“Take the time to honor your own inner light and it’s expansion over your shadows, and hold gratitude for your recent journey. Remembering that honoring the quiet times of transition in between is just as valuable to our self-care as doing the work, and that not every flower in the garden blooms at the same time.” Christina Perez
Now is the time to plant sage, lavender, and rosemary etc. for making your own smudge sticks for the seasons.
It is this pure and hallowed nature of plants (and our interconnectedness) that has led to their traditional/medicinal use in:
healing {physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual}
cleansing {a space or our bodies}
consecration
guidance
protection
community-building
altering, or shifting, consciousness
religious ceremonies
personal exploration
A Few western smudge plants and their meanings
sage (many varieties such as white sage and garden sage) — negative energy clearing
sagebrush — to treat wounds + headaches + colds
cedar leaf — cleansing + purification
pine needles — cleansing + purification
balsam fir — cleansing + purification
sweetgrass — healing + purification + brings positive energy {perfect to burn after smudging with a more potent energy cleanser}
mugwort — lucid dreaming + purification + calming
juniper — cleansing + purification
holy basil (tulsi) — purification + calming
rosemary — protection
lavender — calming
mullein — cleansing sickrooms + heals/improves respiratory function
rose petals — meditation + calming + attracts love
desert chaparral — negative energy clearing + protection + calm
peppermint — healing + protection
yarrow — eliminates toxins from the body
lemon balm — spiritual cleansing + calm
To make smudge sticks
*Cut the branches of the plant material you are using into 7-10 inch lengths. ( I like to allow freshly cut branches to wilt for a day or overnight before beginning the next step.)
*Measure a piece of thin cord (Cotton is just as good. Just be certain it is non-toxic) 4 times the length of the cut branches.
*Bundle the branches together (to your desired thickness).
*With the tips of the branches pointing down, begin wrapping the cord tightly around the base of your bundle.
*Wrap the cord around the bundle (while firmly pressing the plant material together) working your way to the tip of the branches.
*When you reach the tip, begin working your way back down toward the base.
*Tie the two ends of the cord together at the base.
*Trim the edges if you’d like to make it look all nice and neat.
*Set the smudge stick on a drying screen for 7-10 days (or as long as necessary).
Summer-time
Summer months are associated with The Spiritual Father and the moon of little changes. Its planet belongs to Mercury, Waa-pu.
Influences on human physiology;
On the bright side- Centering on the importance of family and friends and of the home. It is a wonderful time to gather in community activities, in family reunions and participation.
On the dark side- We will see a greater number of respiratory ailments during this time. Sinus conditions and allergies along with chronic arthritis and aching finger joints, hands and arms.
You will need to give special potions to tranquilize and ease tensions and disorders of the central nervous system--increased rest and a well balanced diet is also recommended. Cool raw foods are hydrating and pleasing.
Thirst and Hydration
At just 2% dehydration, thirst is perceived. Mental abilities are beginning to diminish.
At 5% dehydration, a person becomes hot and tired-strength and endurance is decreased.
At 10% dehydration, delirium and blurred vision becomes a problem
At 20% dehydration, the person dies.
In one day the body can lose between 2 to 3 gallons of water through urine, sweat and breathing. If water is not replaced dehydration begins. The body can only absorb about 4 oz.of water or liquid every 30 minutes.
Oral Hydration Solution
1 quart fresh, clean water
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey, sugar, Karo syrup
¼ tea. Potassium chloride (table salt substitute)
½ tea. Trisodium citrate (or substitute baking soda)
Mix into the water and shake well. Serve cold.
For a flavor add a little fruit juice or jello mix.
Fun Summer Beverage
Get the kids to help pick summer strawberries or raspberries.
1 pint berries
2 quarts water
Place the washed berries in a pot and put on the stove. Pour two quarts of water over them and simmer on low heat for 15 min. Crush berries and simmer for another 5 min. Let this cool in the refrigerator overnight. Strain out the berries and add sugar or stevia to taste. Kids love to taste their efforts.
As a variation; After the simmering is completed, while still very hot, add 4 or 5 Lipton tea bags. Let steep for about 10 minutes. Finish as above.
Summer Digestion Problems
Never eat raw green beans. Green beans need to be cooked, they contain a substance called phasin. Phasin is toxic to digestion, it interferes with the digestion process but decomposes when heated or cooked. Phasin is known to be an insecticide, and plants probably developed it to keep their seeds from being destroyed by pests. Boil green beans until tender before consuming.
Peppermint tea after meals helps fatty acids in the meal digest and reduces heartburn.
Ginger tea or simply eating dried ginger root is helpful for digestion, morning sickness and it is used as a warming agent during cold and flu season. Anti inflammatory properties in ginger root make it a good remedy for arthritis and joint pain.
In Korea, as well as in parts of Japan, a meal is not complete without a small bowl of Kimchi. Kimchi is a spicy fermented vegetable wonder drug for digestion.
Learn to make Kimchi and sauerkraut for the very best in natural probiotics.
Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar--
ACV reduces glucose spikes with high glycemic foods. Also, helps maintain an alkaline PH, similar to lemons and limes.
ACV helps break down fats after a meal so they can be used for energy. Some weight loss diets incorporate ACV. Aids in digestion and alleviates heartburn in most people.
One of the best first- aid liniments I know
1 pint regular rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon each of the following;
Cayenne pepper
myrrh
Comfrey
goldenseal
Mix the powdered herbs into the pint of rubbing alcohol. Shake to mix well and shake the jar daily for the next two weeks. After 2 weeks strain out the herbs. Use freely on sore muscles and aching joints.
Grandmothers gentle healing touch
( Can be performed by anyone)
Heart/ brain pathway for pain relief
Quiet your mind and center yourself
Lay your right hand over your heart with the left one on top of it.
Slow your breathing slightly
Begin the feeling process- compassion, gratitude, love
Sometimes it can take a couple of days to make the connection but the effects last for about 6 hours.
Be sure to do this for yourself too. It works great on all energy systems of humans and animals, pain, depression, illness, injury, stress, etc.
Chapter Four- Love is in the Air
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