Whitewood Mural Four Directions

Four Directions Medicine Wheel with the Seven sacred animals.

Four Elements
Four Colors
Four Seasons
Four Medicines
Four Stages of Life

Seven Sacred Animals:
Bear, Buffalo, Eagle, Turtle, Beaver, Sabe(Big foot), Wolf

Winter Scene ~ North:
The Color of this direction is White, with the element Air. The medicine associated with this direction is Cedar. The sacred animal depicted in this scene is the Wolf which represents Humility. This direction depicts the life stage of the Elder which represents wisdom, critical contemplation, community and freedom. The moon is represented here which symbolizes wisdom, tranquility and the vital connection to the natural cycles and rhythms of the Earth.

Summer Scene ~ South:
The Color of this direction is Red, with the element Earth. The medicine associated with this direction is Sweetgrass which the Buffalo are walking through and the Raven has in its claws. The sacred animals depicted in this scene are the Buffalo symbolizing respect for all life and people, the and Sabe(bigfoot) symbolizing honesty. This direction depicts the life stage of Youth, a period of rapid growth and development, the mental aspect of focusing on learning and shaping the future.

Spring Scene ~ East:
The Color of this direction is Yellow, with the element Fire. The medicine associated with this direction is Tobacco which is surrounding the baby fawn. The sacred animal depicted in this scene is the Eagle symbolizing love. This direction depicts the life stage of of Birth symbolizing new beginnings, sacrifice, nurturing, joy, and trust. The sun is depicted in this scene, which offers warmth, light and gives life to all creation.

Fall Scene ~ West:
The Color of this direction is Blue (sometimes depicted as Black in other communities) with the element Water. The medicine associated with this direction is Sage which is surrounding the Beaver and Turtle. The sacred animals in this scene are the Turtle symbolizing the embodiment of Truth, the Beaver symbolizing Wisdom. This direction depicts the life stage of Adulthood, which represents responsibilities, our emotional self and fulfilling our purpose.

I based this off of my Mother in laws guidance, she is Ojibway. There are variations of the Medicine Wheel with slight differences depending on the Nation.