CIRCLE OF LIFE Many Native cultures believe that the power of the world works in circles. Many events in the world take on circular patterns. -planets orbit around the sun in circular patterns -the earth is round -wind whirls in circles -birds make nests in circles**
**The eagle is an extremely important animal in Native Spirituality. It is believed that when the Creator was upset with man and was going to end humans' existence because of their poor actions, the eagle interceded on man's behalf. The eagle said that if he could find one good deed done by man, would the Creator spare humans? The Creator agreed. The eagle did find a good deed (a man teaching children to fish). But, the Creator then said you must continue to find good deeds. So, the eagle hovers above the earth, looking out for man, finding his good deeds and telling the Creator about them.
MEDICINE WHEEL The lives of humans, as individual expressions, move in an uninterrupted circular motion (see circle of life note) called the MEDICINE WHEEL. By living in harmony with their environment, a person helps to promote the medicine wheel. (KARMA: the concept that what goes around comes around)
4 POWERS Each of the 4 directions embodies four powerful, natural forces representing the seasons.