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Teaching Medicine Wheels "Sacred Circles" (ii)
The (w)holistic teachings of the Medicine Wheel can best be explained by using the interdependence/ integration of the elements as an example of how they work together. It is important to understand, that although each element is powerful in it's own right, they are of equal importance to the well-being of the 'whole'. Balance is essential for harmony and a healthy environment.
Because of man's interference and the results of pollution, the elements are out of balance and are working in a more independent, rather than integrated way. The ozone layer depletion has resulted in the 'green house' effect and global warming. Because of the imbalance of the elements, we are more likely to have weather extremes, such as major flooding, windstorms, lightning strikes, earthquakes, mudslides etc., to a much greater degree then we have previously experienced.
Hence the necessity for the awareness of balance, in nature as in all other aspects or 'circles' of our lives. The lesson of the Medicine Wheel is to be aware of each 'part' that makes up the 'whole', and work towards it's integration in a good way, which will lead to harmony and balance. The same principle that applies to the elements - the water, earth/soil, air or fire/sun - applies to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual 'parts' of 'self, or, to any other aspect of the Medicine Wheel. You cannot separate one from the other, they are all connected.
The lesson of the Medicine Wheel is to be aware of each aspect that makes up the 'whole', and the necessity for balance between them, whether it be the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of 'self' or any other aspect of the Medicine Wheel.. Each is represented as being of equal importance.
Earth (soil) 'Digestive' system of the earth. Breaks down all that has returned to earth in to minute particles which are then carried by the water in the soil and absorbed by the root hairs of plants. (Much as the nutrients of the food we digest is absorbed by the capillaries and carried into the bloodstream to nourish our bodies)
Water Carries the nutrients from the soil where it is absorbed by the root hairs of the plant. Water could be likened to the 'blood' of Mother Earth.
Air The plant absorbs the gas from the air (carbon dioxide) and exhales oxygen. The plant world acts as the 'lungs' of the earth, and provides the oxygen our lungs demand.
(Trees are large plants).
Fire (Sun) Photosynthesis (mean's 'put together with light;) - The sun is our most important energy source. In green plants, water from the soil and gas from the air are combined with sunlight to produce simple sugar, the building blocks of life.
We are inextricably bound together, connected by the elements which make up the universe.
We share atoms which cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed, with everything else in creation. Thus everything that returns to the earth undergoes a transformation process, as it becomes part of the Great Cycle of Life once again.
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