In the West, we hold with the physical body with intimacy. Now, this does not mean to hold as in hold on tight. It is holding in the sense of transforming energy through stabilization and for utilization. Think of it as an electrical cord. The body is the structure through which electrical energy moves like a conduit, and provides the transformed energy to turn a fan, or work a toaster, or move the body parts. When our holding and transforming is out of balance, the earth is right there, ready for us to take off our shoes, to lie with our belly on the ground, to connect with her and listen deeply to her guidance. We can also look to the west energies of each of the Worlds to mirror back to us what it will take to come back into balance with our innate ability to hold and transform with intimacy.
Rocks and stones are double holders in the West. They are the muscles and bones of Grandmother Earth. A rock is alive; it talks to you. The Stone People hold the energy in a Medicine Wheel and give their alchemy to you in ceremony. In the purification lodge, the heated stones hold the heat of the fire and then release it inside the lodge. When water is poured over them, they sing their giveaway song. This transforms the space and makes it possible for us to purify and heal ourselves.
The herbs and shrubs are giver-holders, which sit in the West of the Plant World wheel. Herbs will hold their healing properties until such time as they are to give them. For example, the sage holds its cleansing ability until it is burned, then it can be used to heal negative energies. Notice when cooking how herbs change the taste of food. You can learn to tune into their song and know exactly which herb to take when you need healing.
The crawlers, those whose bellies are closest to Grandmother Earth and who often move through her. They are the receiver-holders who sit in the West of the Animal World wheel. The snake is the closest to the Earth, receiving her energy from the Earth, then giving back to us knowledge of the perfect alchemy of the Earth
We incarnate into the west race of humans with the opportunity to integrate the attributes of the West – learning how to hold and transform energy within our body, to develop mastery, and to experience our body as the sacred temple it truly is.