The World in Which We Live – East

In the Native American world, wheels or circles have been used since the ancient times as tools for teaching the ways of the Universe. Nothing is seen as linear for the idea of a linear existence is considered to be an illusion. There is no “beginning” or “end.” There is simply a change of reference points. 

Learning of the Universe through wheels offers a way to perceive how one form of life is completely interconnected with all other life: flowing, changing, and reaching out to touch all forms of all things with beauty. All the wheels of the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path spin and interconnect with one another in this way.

Each of the aspects we are about to explore sit on a wheel. When we look at a single wheel, e.g. the Season Wheel, we have the opportunity to learn about the specific items in each direction: spring in the south, winter in the west, autumn in the north, summer in the east, and the solstices and equinoxes in the center. Understanding one wheel at a time exhibits one level of knowledge. Deeper teachings beckon us as we overlay wheels to investigate the interrelationships of the myriad of aspects that all sit in one direction. It is through the overlays and interrelationships of energy that we can begin to know, honor, and be in harmony with the world in which we live.

We started with the South direction of the wheel & then headed West, followed by North.

The last cardinal direction we will explore is the East.

Sitting in the east direction is the element of fire, the season of summer, the human world, the sun as the heavenly body, our human aspect of spirit and spiritual, and the self-expression of illumination, enlightenment, pleasure, beauty, and medicine.

The east sings of the expansion of fire and is stabilized by the element of fire. Summer models this expansive stabilization perfectly with its fire and heat of the sun and the full expansion of life’s vibrancy and joy! Our spirits love expanding, manifesting beauty and pleasure through engaging life at the edges of the unknown and unfamiliar.

Among all creatures, the humans are the only world who were created with a free will, agency of choice, and self-determination. We determine our reality. It is also only the humans who have the genitalia for experiencing full body orgasm at will. These two features distinguish us from the other Worlds. With that comes authority, responsibility, and power. It is our choice whether we exercise these in beauty and for recreation or in pain and for destruction. To become “Humans” requires four evolutionary steps into maturity:

1. Willingness to assume authority

2. Ability to take full responsibility

3. Desire to co-empower self, life, and others

4. Knowledge to stand fully accountable

Hope is our gift when we are balanced in this direction.