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The Natural Teachings of the Four Directions
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East, South, West and North
The Four Sacred Directions of East, South, West and North each contain teachings and elements from nature. The directions are sometimes called doorways, and there are certain spirits that are at these doorways.
We symbolize each direction by an animal. The animals that look after the East is the Turtle. In the South is the Eagle. The Western doorway is looked after by the Buffalo, The animal of the North is the Bear.
The East is the home of Creation. We have a special affinity with the Eastern Direction. The Creator gifted us as the keeper of Spirituality. Prayer and ceremony are part of our everyday life. The Creator is within the heart and spirit of the people.
We are given knowledge, skills and thoughts in the South Direction. We learn self-sufficiency and how to live in harmony. Legends and stories teach us respect and understanding.
The Western Direction is a time of decision. Decisions on how we use all that we have been gifted by the Creator, our knowledge, contemplation, spirituality and our health. It is believed that the Thunderbird lights the road upon which the Spirits travel. The Thunderbird is a Spirit helper that provides the water for the trees, plants, earth and rivers.
The North Direction is of the Elders, of life experiences, the accumulation of knowledge of wisdom. We seek the guidance of Elders for they have experienced the truth.
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The North represents a renewal, and cleansing time for the Earth. The time of wisdom, it also represents listening to the mind and spirit. When you share and learn, the physical and mental forces merge as one Spirit. You become wise and prepared for the journey to the direction of the East. Ready to come back to the beginning of life itself, to the creation of a new life.
The bear is considered one of the greatest animals, the holiest, the healer. The Bear represents knowledge of medicines as well as maintaining peace and order on Earth.
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Everything is Given Four Sacred Directions on the surface of Mother Earth. East, South, West and North.
Each of these directions contributes to the wholeness of the Earth. Each has physical powers as well as spiritual powers, as do all things.
In the Four Directions when we come into this world, we are in the Spirit and we are joined with all other Spirits in a universal circle.
All life is related. Life is a process of learning, of seeking harmony and balance of the four aspects of life, the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We are an integral part of the whole creation.
We hold the directions of the East, South, West and North with deep reverence within the greater circle. Each of these directions has many teachings. Our teachings are through the spoken word, from the heart.
For us the teachings of the Four Directions help our self-awareness. The teachings show us how to look at life, how to take care of life and how to live a healthy life. The colours of the Four Directions - red in the East, yellow in the South, blue/black in the West and White in the North - represent the four colours of man.
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Native American Traditions
Four Directions and Four Colours
" North, South, East and West; the four directions. These beacons have a deep significance to us. They have a relationship with the world in which we dwell. North represents strength, stamina, and endurance. East is Wisdom and Knowledge, it also marks the side of the earth that the sun rises. South means changing winds that bring forth a seasonal renewal to the earth. The West side sets the path for souls that must cross the large body of water, and rivers so that they can enter the spirit world; as the soul leaves the human form to become one with the earth. " by Kieffer Bunting
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