The Four Sacred Medicines

During Native American Heritage Month First Nations Outreach, Inc. was invited to participate in November's Activity Day at Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass.

There were two glass projects offered that day. The attendees were able to make a Bear Suncatcher and hear about the Bear Clan and how they became the medicine keepers.

The other activity offered was creating a Medicine Wheel Suncatcher, we shared how it tied in with the story of the Medicine Keepers and the Bear Clan.

We shared about the Four Sacred Medicines. Each section of the Medicine Wheel ties to a very special medicine for our people.

Artistic Representation of the Four Sacred Medicines

The Four Sacred Medicine are represented in the piece of artwork above, but are in no particular order.

The Sacred Medicine Wheel has Four Directions and each of these Directions is tied to one of the Four Sacred Medicines used in purification and protection.

Tobacco is not just one of the Four Sacred Medicines. Tobacco is highly valued by our people and used as an offering. A gift of traditional tobacco is a sign of respect one offers to another when seeking guidance or assistance from someone.

The East is represented by Tobacco. Tobacco is used in prayer, healing and ceremony. When removing or borrowing from the land we offer Tobacco to Mother Earth and to the Creator. Tobacco is a way to give thanks and seal agreements.

The South is represented by Sweetgrass. Sweetgrass is braided, each strand of the braid represents the mind, body, and spirit. Sweetgrass brings peace, blessings, emotional strength, and healing.

The West is represented by Sage. Sage is burned to remove negative influences around you and negative emotions from your body as you smudge.

The North is represented by Cedar. Cedar is burned to cleanse away negative energy and make way for positive energy.

The Medicine Wheel is often used in ceremony and healing to create a sacred space to gain deeper wisdom, and understanding.