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The Seven Sacred Directions
By Cinnamon Moon
© Cinnamon Moon
The Eastern Door of Air:
The Elemental Force of Air rules the East Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This element is one of the higher mind. It is the institution of highest learning where we tap the cosmic realms of conception. It is here where we tap the chaos energy drawing from the creative powers of the universe to find our inspiration and seed it. This is the realm of thought without emotion, without passion, with just the logic of the sub-conscious filtering through to that of the conscious mind. It is here that scholars, philosophers, teachers, sages, and Medicine People from all paths come to gather their thoughts and put them into spiritual manifestation so they may germinate and evolve into their physical forms later on within the physical reality. This is the realm of high and lofty places, where the air is clear and pure and the vision is expansive.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Sylphs of the Air which many people consider to be of the realm of the Fey. Its Native American Spirit Keeper is Eagle who soars to the lofty heights and reaches an overview available to no other creature. Eagle carries our messages to Spirit and brings Spirit's reply to us. It will teach us to see the overview, catching the flurry that draws our attention so we can focus in on it. It will teach us how to seize prey (knowledge) and how to strike when the time is right so we can grasp the meaning or feed our minds and spirits. It is here we learn to trust our senses, our instincts, and follow our intuitions.
Like the soft gentle breeze, enlightenment can seep into us and sift through our minds as the dawning inspiration we are seeking. Like the ferocious storm that marks a new season, it can strike with such force that we are knocked off our feet and carried away in a whirlwind. All aspects in the force of Air and the Winds are subject to this element. It is this realm that represents Spring and new growth, the first rays of dawn that light the day, and the beginning of transformation. It is here that our higher psychic powers are studied and honed.
The Southern Door of Fire:
The Elemental Force of Fire rules the South Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This is the element of innocence of youth, the adolescent that explores life without fear the ideals forming in the mind and crying out to be validated. Here we find our way through innocence to explore the levels and details of our trust, passion, and pathway of faith. This energy is tapped to draw from the powers of the universe so we may touch life itself, to find and explore our ideals, and to face the reality that either proves or disproves them through trial and error (trials by Fire). It is the realm of passion where we are inspired to try new things and where we learn what drives our will, gives us purpose, and allows us to cleanse ourselves of outworn concepts. Reality strikes fast and hard here and it can blaze a new trail or destroy all that we believe in. This is the realm where passion is stimulated to fuel growth or quelled to halt it.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Salamanders, Fire Drakes, or the Children of the Fire Mist. Its Spirit Keepers are Coyote who demonstrates trickery and deception drawing our attention to learn our lessons, and Mouse who scrutinizes everything. This realm is befitting these two Spirit Keepers, for it takes the scrutiny of Mouse to see the tricks Coyote plays on us...it is often found that we are our own worst enemy...lessons that come harshly at times and often with irony. It is a realm where we learn the comedy and tragedy of life and these creature-teachers will show us the humor, how to laugh at our mistakes, learn from them, and to grow. Our senses become heightened in new ways and combine to form a powerful tool when we learn to trust them and life to guide us.
Like the warm winds of summer, enlightenment is often found blowing in the wind or starring us in the face like the heat of the noonday sun. This element of Fire can spontaneously combust like a forest fire raging through our lives, or it can be set to burn like the soft glow of a candle's flame that brings illumination. This realm represents the season of Summer, the growing season where crops are reaching to the fullness of the noonday sun and drinking in its nourishment. It is here that we learn the pitfalls of life and how to avoid them, the growth of adolescent youth and the manifested form of spring's intitated transformation.
The Western Door of Water:
The Elemental Force of Water rules the West Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This element is one of intuitive powers, of our emotions, and introspection. It is here we tap the cosmic realms of the deep psychic powers within us. We learn that as the universe expands outward into space, so it delves deep within us and worlds exist there as well. This is the realm of soul-searching, of self-examinations, of knowing our shadow nature, our dreams, and our inner spirit. It is here that the harvest begins and we truly come to know ourselves. This is the quadrant of the adult, of the perceptions and abstract thoughts that put things into order and feed our evolutionary growth. It is a fluid realm that nurtures so we can learn that our emotions are triggers, signals from our inner spirit to pay heed to the current situation or issues we are faced with. We learn to set those emotions under control and nurture them to maturity where we can responsibly wield them in all relationships.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Undines of Water, or the merpeople. Its Spirit Keeper is the Bear who hibernates and teaches us to face our own smoking mirror within. Bear is nurturing, healing, and protective and will teach us to use these skills to the best of our ability by becoming empathetic and trusting our psychic talents to guide our way. Fearless, we learn to defend those we love and ourselves from negative situations, to take chances in life and risk new paths. Bear knows the mysteries of the twilight borders and helps us to cross over them into the Dream Lodge where we can meet our Teachers and Guides who await us there or receive our messages from Spirit.
Like the cool breeze off water, enlightenment seeps around us and we absorb it instinctively as it envelops us in its profundity. The element itself can be harsh like the rising waters of a flood, gentle like a meandering brook, or staid as the frozen ice of winter sometimes cracking under the weight of our circumstances. This is the realm that represents the harvest of our crops, our lives, our goals and our dreams. It represents Autumn and the time of preparation for what is to come next as the last rays of daylight fade. It is here that our deeper psychic abilities are studied and honed so the transformation may mature and be applied.
The Northern Door of Earth:
The Elemental Force of Earth rules the North Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This element is one of foundation, sustenance, wealth, and life's wisdom. Here we tap the cosmic powers of the universe to find what needs doing and the knowledge of how to do it. It is here we learn that by giving to others we are sustaining life and contributing to its evolution. That giving must come from the heart, without thought as to rewards or gains. The treasures of the Earth are earned, and they come in many guises. When we become selfish this force can take them away all too quickly.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Gnomes of the Earth. Its Spirit Keeper is Buffalo who teaches the giving of the self from the heart, to offer up prayers in the right way, to cry them from the heart and do it willingly. Buffalo represents the sustenance of food, clothing, and shelter the Earth provides. The wisdom of this creature-teacher tells us that in giving we also receive honor and that is enough. It roams freely forging its own way and its strength is not aggressive, but held in reserve until it is needed. It will teach the value of experience and the honor it brings. Here we learn to trust what life has taught us and see the seasons as they change and evolve. We see the cycles of life and know that they will continue to progress. Here the season concludes itself and prepares for the rebirth in spring. It is a place for reflection of a life lived and to plan for the future.
Like the harsh winds of the cold season that sting our flesh and drive us indoors, enlightenment here can be painful. It hurts to leave things behind sometimes but it is here that we come to understand that we must often empty our reserves to make way for the new that Spirit is waiting to gift us with. Like the gentle snows that fall and blanket the Earth to protect it from the bitter winds to the harsh pounding of a blizzard, enlightenment here takes a variety of forms. This realm represents Winter and old age, it is the darkness of night, and the ending cycle that completes our transformation. It is the awareness that this ending is also the mark of a new beginning to follow...another transformation, another cycle of life. Here our ability to know a life well lived allows us to see what we must do and just do it, but that knowledge comes from the heart and so does the doing. It is here we come to understand our fullness of knowledge and gain the wisdom to apply it coming to accept that all things must also end so there is room for the new that are coming. Here we come to accept the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The Upper Door of the Above World:
This is the realm of the Sky People, of Cosmic Law and beings that act as our Spirit Guides, Teachers, or Guardian Spirits...often protecting us from ourselves. These beings can assume any form that we will accept so they are perceived in many ways. Some see them as celestial lights, glowing colored orbs of energy, while others perceive them as Angels. Some may see them as Aliens from other worlds but whatever form they take, they act on our behalf for they are of a mind to help us grow and evolve into our spirituality and on our paths. They are wise and they offer council but we must learn to listen. That means we must do what it takes to achieve communication with them and be open to receive that enlightenment it holds for us. Here the teachings are of a philosophical nature and we are taught the truth behind the prophecies of the world. We come to learn our purpose in life, our place within Great Mystery and what the future holds. We come to understand these teachings and the prophecies of life. We see where Spirit is guiding us and the world at large. We are enlightened by glimpses of a much larger picture (Great Mystery) and come to see that there is more to life than the physical world in which we dwell, that the physical is an illusion we must breakthrough and in doing so we become aware. That awareness brings us to see our inner spirit as our true self and to understand that it is the one guide that knows for certain where we are going.
The Lower Door of the Below World:
This is the realm of the Ancestors, Ancient Ones, Elders, and our Animal Guides or Totems. Here we find the innate relationships we have with our Teachers and learn the lessons that come from these wisdoms. Those who watch over us are loved ones, relatives, and Power Animals. They are our protectors and teach of mysteries lost or hidden. It is here those that meet us on the shamanic journey will rise up and greet us. Elders will come and teach of ceremony, ritual, song and dance. They will teach the right way of things for each individual and gift them with these teachings so that they may serve others. We may be shown harsh and fearful things in relation to these teachings, history may play itself out before our eyes, but we will not physically suffer from it. The lesson is one that touches our inner spirit and the wounds caused there give us strength to act, purpose to our deeds, and enlightenment as to why our integrity is so important.
The Center Door of the Middle World:
This is the door to assimilate all aspects we have within us. It is the present of the physical world and the Now of Spirit united. This is the dimension where oneness is achieved as a balanced state of harmony between all other realms. It all comes together here and the shaman works all his or her Medicine from this perspective. By gathering knowledge through the other Six Sacred Directions, the Medicine Person assimilates it and takes it within them to stand at the center in that oneness and from there project outward in any direction necessary to accomplish their goal...taking that center with them wherever they go. It is here that psychic healing takes place, where the energies of the universe are gathered up and channeled. Dis-ease, illness, healing, creation...all must manifest on the spiritual levels and through this center realm of the Middle World the shaman steps into that birthing or beginning. Here the work done is to correct or enhance situations, conditions, or events. It all begins here before it can manifest in the physical sense of the mundane reality. This is the point of the shamanic journey, the vision quest, the Dream Lodge, it is where chaos meets creation and worlds unite. Here we become the Seventh Sacred Direction.
Working With Guides:
Any animal can come from any direction. Where they come from and the direction they go to tells you different things. You need to understand the Seven Sacred Directions so that you see where their message is focused. Coming from a direction gives you the perspective that direction holds, where they go gives the focus on the subject you need to take. What animal shows up tells you how you need to apply the information, and their actions tell you what the issue is. It all works together and the more you understand about them the clearer the messages, the greater the amount of information gathered, and the more comfortable you become working with them.
We can call on any creature-teacher at anytime. We can receive them from any direction and sometimes direction won't even be a factor, especially if they just appear out of thin air...and that happens too. Then we have to focus on what that animal represents, how it applies to our life, and what the actions of that animal are telling us to pay attention to or do. Some speak to us like we speak, others use body language, some take us places and show us things, it can come in such a variety of ways and as we go we start seeing how they relate to our ways of understanding them. We literally learn their language and the shaman/ess will speak many languages.
Each of us is unique. Seeking the "wisdom" of any animal would be done in the Below World or in the North (North pertains to life's wisdom gleaned by living it and the Below World is where the animal guides emanate from). However, you can sit in the center of the Medicine Wheel or pick a particular stone that represents the animal you wish to communicate with and focus on it there too. You can sit in your living room, call the animal to you, let it guide you on a journey and direction may or may not play a part in that. There really isn't a *wrong* direction. There are just some that are more focused or advantageous depending on the questions you are asking and the work being done. It all starts with centering - the center of you with the universe surrounding you wherever you are. The Now of the moment is where you bring it all together but you have to start somewhere and calling in the Seven Sacred Directions will help you do that.
The Shamanic Tree represents the Three Worlds...it is surrounded by the four quadrants of the Medicine Wheel, these are the four basic elements of life. Its branches represent reaching up to the Above World, its roots reaching down to the Below World, and its trunk residing in the Now, the present moment, the Middle World where the shaman is said to walk between worlds. This happens because the shaman consciously centers and carries on through the day with that center in mind, one foot in the spiritual and one in the mundane. To walk this way is to be attuned to all that takes place around you. It is keeping the sharp eye and the soft eye of spiritual focus in balance, the sharp ear and the soft ear of spiritual focus in balance, and the sharp actions as well as the soft ones are taken. We react conscious of everything around us on multiple dimensional levels. As we learn to explore these realms and understand them better we start attuning our senses to them and thus we recognize by taste, touch, smell, hearing, or sight when one of them becomes activated beyond its normal state and reaches out to us. With that comes all the symbolism it encompasses and it begins to *speak to us with a voice of its own*. That is what the shaman means when reference is made to speaking with plants, rocks, elements, or any other aspect that comes into play. They have learned a new *language* and they are applying it to life itself. It is a universal language, one that everyone can understand once they learn to work with it and accept its validity.
Experience validates this for us. So the more we explore the better we understand it. The more we explore the more Teachers we encounter, the more our Guides become known to us, the more lessons we receive, and the greater our horizons become. Once we see where these worlds can take us we also see that they have no boundaries as to size. That they permeate all dimensions but are still confined by their own laws and codes. They exist within the Three Worlds and beyond them to dimensional realms that are infinite. They have depths to their own worlds, dimensions exist there too, like the layers of an onion as they say. So while we learn one element, its force, its entities, and how it pertains to the Web of Life and its patterns, we also learn that it leads us to another elemental force and another and that though separate, they are parts of a whole that function within it on all levels. Direction (in other dimensions) is not always what it is here. It is more the element itself and what it represents, it's laws, and its properties within the context of the dimension where it is being focused. It's all ONE...made up of many parts.
The inner spirit is the life force we possess, it has a voice, it can speak to us, and it is the human lesson to learn to open to it. Once we do truths stand out very clearly and we see the place religion and spirituality hold in our life. We understand them for what they are and we develop our own relationship with Spirit in the process, our own understanding of what it means for us personally. Then religion (which often dictates what we can or can't do or believe) and spirituality (which is our personal relationship with Spirit) define themselves, they take their place in our life and we come to terms with both of them. The dictates cease, we don't need to function on blind faith alone and fear what we can or can't prove. We have our proofs and we are shown truths. We know them for what they are, cannot deny them, and we begin to walk freely, making our choices based on that knowledge.
By Cinnamon Moon
© Cinnamon Moon
The Eastern Door of Air:
The Elemental Force of Air rules the East Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This element is one of the higher mind. It is the institution of highest learning where we tap the cosmic realms of conception. It is here where we tap the chaos energy drawing from the creative powers of the universe to find our inspiration and seed it. This is the realm of thought without emotion, without passion, with just the logic of the sub-conscious filtering through to that of the conscious mind. It is here that scholars, philosophers, teachers, sages, and Medicine People from all paths come to gather their thoughts and put them into spiritual manifestation so they may germinate and evolve into their physical forms later on within the physical reality. This is the realm of high and lofty places, where the air is clear and pure and the vision is expansive.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Sylphs of the Air which many people consider to be of the realm of the Fey. Its Native American Spirit Keeper is Eagle who soars to the lofty heights and reaches an overview available to no other creature. Eagle carries our messages to Spirit and brings Spirit's reply to us. It will teach us to see the overview, catching the flurry that draws our attention so we can focus in on it. It will teach us how to seize prey (knowledge) and how to strike when the time is right so we can grasp the meaning or feed our minds and spirits. It is here we learn to trust our senses, our instincts, and follow our intuitions.
Like the soft gentle breeze, enlightenment can seep into us and sift through our minds as the dawning inspiration we are seeking. Like the ferocious storm that marks a new season, it can strike with such force that we are knocked off our feet and carried away in a whirlwind. All aspects in the force of Air and the Winds are subject to this element. It is this realm that represents Spring and new growth, the first rays of dawn that light the day, and the beginning of transformation. It is here that our higher psychic powers are studied and honed.
The Southern Door of Fire:
The Elemental Force of Fire rules the South Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This is the element of innocence of youth, the adolescent that explores life without fear the ideals forming in the mind and crying out to be validated. Here we find our way through innocence to explore the levels and details of our trust, passion, and pathway of faith. This energy is tapped to draw from the powers of the universe so we may touch life itself, to find and explore our ideals, and to face the reality that either proves or disproves them through trial and error (trials by Fire). It is the realm of passion where we are inspired to try new things and where we learn what drives our will, gives us purpose, and allows us to cleanse ourselves of outworn concepts. Reality strikes fast and hard here and it can blaze a new trail or destroy all that we believe in. This is the realm where passion is stimulated to fuel growth or quelled to halt it.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Salamanders, Fire Drakes, or the Children of the Fire Mist. Its Spirit Keepers are Coyote who demonstrates trickery and deception drawing our attention to learn our lessons, and Mouse who scrutinizes everything. This realm is befitting these two Spirit Keepers, for it takes the scrutiny of Mouse to see the tricks Coyote plays on us...it is often found that we are our own worst enemy...lessons that come harshly at times and often with irony. It is a realm where we learn the comedy and tragedy of life and these creature-teachers will show us the humor, how to laugh at our mistakes, learn from them, and to grow. Our senses become heightened in new ways and combine to form a powerful tool when we learn to trust them and life to guide us.
Like the warm winds of summer, enlightenment is often found blowing in the wind or starring us in the face like the heat of the noonday sun. This element of Fire can spontaneously combust like a forest fire raging through our lives, or it can be set to burn like the soft glow of a candle's flame that brings illumination. This realm represents the season of Summer, the growing season where crops are reaching to the fullness of the noonday sun and drinking in its nourishment. It is here that we learn the pitfalls of life and how to avoid them, the growth of adolescent youth and the manifested form of spring's intitated transformation.
The Western Door of Water:
The Elemental Force of Water rules the West Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This element is one of intuitive powers, of our emotions, and introspection. It is here we tap the cosmic realms of the deep psychic powers within us. We learn that as the universe expands outward into space, so it delves deep within us and worlds exist there as well. This is the realm of soul-searching, of self-examinations, of knowing our shadow nature, our dreams, and our inner spirit. It is here that the harvest begins and we truly come to know ourselves. This is the quadrant of the adult, of the perceptions and abstract thoughts that put things into order and feed our evolutionary growth. It is a fluid realm that nurtures so we can learn that our emotions are triggers, signals from our inner spirit to pay heed to the current situation or issues we are faced with. We learn to set those emotions under control and nurture them to maturity where we can responsibly wield them in all relationships.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Undines of Water, or the merpeople. Its Spirit Keeper is the Bear who hibernates and teaches us to face our own smoking mirror within. Bear is nurturing, healing, and protective and will teach us to use these skills to the best of our ability by becoming empathetic and trusting our psychic talents to guide our way. Fearless, we learn to defend those we love and ourselves from negative situations, to take chances in life and risk new paths. Bear knows the mysteries of the twilight borders and helps us to cross over them into the Dream Lodge where we can meet our Teachers and Guides who await us there or receive our messages from Spirit.
Like the cool breeze off water, enlightenment seeps around us and we absorb it instinctively as it envelops us in its profundity. The element itself can be harsh like the rising waters of a flood, gentle like a meandering brook, or staid as the frozen ice of winter sometimes cracking under the weight of our circumstances. This is the realm that represents the harvest of our crops, our lives, our goals and our dreams. It represents Autumn and the time of preparation for what is to come next as the last rays of daylight fade. It is here that our deeper psychic abilities are studied and honed so the transformation may mature and be applied.
The Northern Door of Earth:
The Elemental Force of Earth rules the North Quadrant of the Medicine Wheel. This element is one of foundation, sustenance, wealth, and life's wisdom. Here we tap the cosmic powers of the universe to find what needs doing and the knowledge of how to do it. It is here we learn that by giving to others we are sustaining life and contributing to its evolution. That giving must come from the heart, without thought as to rewards or gains. The treasures of the Earth are earned, and they come in many guises. When we become selfish this force can take them away all too quickly.
The elemental beings of this realm are often called the Gnomes of the Earth. Its Spirit Keeper is Buffalo who teaches the giving of the self from the heart, to offer up prayers in the right way, to cry them from the heart and do it willingly. Buffalo represents the sustenance of food, clothing, and shelter the Earth provides. The wisdom of this creature-teacher tells us that in giving we also receive honor and that is enough. It roams freely forging its own way and its strength is not aggressive, but held in reserve until it is needed. It will teach the value of experience and the honor it brings. Here we learn to trust what life has taught us and see the seasons as they change and evolve. We see the cycles of life and know that they will continue to progress. Here the season concludes itself and prepares for the rebirth in spring. It is a place for reflection of a life lived and to plan for the future.
Like the harsh winds of the cold season that sting our flesh and drive us indoors, enlightenment here can be painful. It hurts to leave things behind sometimes but it is here that we come to understand that we must often empty our reserves to make way for the new that Spirit is waiting to gift us with. Like the gentle snows that fall and blanket the Earth to protect it from the bitter winds to the harsh pounding of a blizzard, enlightenment here takes a variety of forms. This realm represents Winter and old age, it is the darkness of night, and the ending cycle that completes our transformation. It is the awareness that this ending is also the mark of a new beginning to follow...another transformation, another cycle of life. Here our ability to know a life well lived allows us to see what we must do and just do it, but that knowledge comes from the heart and so does the doing. It is here we come to understand our fullness of knowledge and gain the wisdom to apply it coming to accept that all things must also end so there is room for the new that are coming. Here we come to accept the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The Upper Door of the Above World:
This is the realm of the Sky People, of Cosmic Law and beings that act as our Spirit Guides, Teachers, or Guardian Spirits...often protecting us from ourselves. These beings can assume any form that we will accept so they are perceived in many ways. Some see them as celestial lights, glowing colored orbs of energy, while others perceive them as Angels. Some may see them as Aliens from other worlds but whatever form they take, they act on our behalf for they are of a mind to help us grow and evolve into our spirituality and on our paths. They are wise and they offer council but we must learn to listen. That means we must do what it takes to achieve communication with them and be open to receive that enlightenment it holds for us. Here the teachings are of a philosophical nature and we are taught the truth behind the prophecies of the world. We come to learn our purpose in life, our place within Great Mystery and what the future holds. We come to understand these teachings and the prophecies of life. We see where Spirit is guiding us and the world at large. We are enlightened by glimpses of a much larger picture (Great Mystery) and come to see that there is more to life than the physical world in which we dwell, that the physical is an illusion we must breakthrough and in doing so we become aware. That awareness brings us to see our inner spirit as our true self and to understand that it is the one guide that knows for certain where we are going.
The Lower Door of the Below World:
This is the realm of the Ancestors, Ancient Ones, Elders, and our Animal Guides or Totems. Here we find the innate relationships we have with our Teachers and learn the lessons that come from these wisdoms. Those who watch over us are loved ones, relatives, and Power Animals. They are our protectors and teach of mysteries lost or hidden. It is here those that meet us on the shamanic journey will rise up and greet us. Elders will come and teach of ceremony, ritual, song and dance. They will teach the right way of things for each individual and gift them with these teachings so that they may serve others. We may be shown harsh and fearful things in relation to these teachings, history may play itself out before our eyes, but we will not physically suffer from it. The lesson is one that touches our inner spirit and the wounds caused there give us strength to act, purpose to our deeds, and enlightenment as to why our integrity is so important.
The Center Door of the Middle World:
This is the door to assimilate all aspects we have within us. It is the present of the physical world and the Now of Spirit united. This is the dimension where oneness is achieved as a balanced state of harmony between all other realms. It all comes together here and the shaman works all his or her Medicine from this perspective. By gathering knowledge through the other Six Sacred Directions, the Medicine Person assimilates it and takes it within them to stand at the center in that oneness and from there project outward in any direction necessary to accomplish their goal...taking that center with them wherever they go. It is here that psychic healing takes place, where the energies of the universe are gathered up and channeled. Dis-ease, illness, healing, creation...all must manifest on the spiritual levels and through this center realm of the Middle World the shaman steps into that birthing or beginning. Here the work done is to correct or enhance situations, conditions, or events. It all begins here before it can manifest in the physical sense of the mundane reality. This is the point of the shamanic journey, the vision quest, the Dream Lodge, it is where chaos meets creation and worlds unite. Here we become the Seventh Sacred Direction.
Working With Guides:
Any animal can come from any direction. Where they come from and the direction they go to tells you different things. You need to understand the Seven Sacred Directions so that you see where their message is focused. Coming from a direction gives you the perspective that direction holds, where they go gives the focus on the subject you need to take. What animal shows up tells you how you need to apply the information, and their actions tell you what the issue is. It all works together and the more you understand about them the clearer the messages, the greater the amount of information gathered, and the more comfortable you become working with them.
We can call on any creature-teacher at anytime. We can receive them from any direction and sometimes direction won't even be a factor, especially if they just appear out of thin air...and that happens too. Then we have to focus on what that animal represents, how it applies to our life, and what the actions of that animal are telling us to pay attention to or do. Some speak to us like we speak, others use body language, some take us places and show us things, it can come in such a variety of ways and as we go we start seeing how they relate to our ways of understanding them. We literally learn their language and the shaman/ess will speak many languages.
Each of us is unique. Seeking the "wisdom" of any animal would be done in the Below World or in the North (North pertains to life's wisdom gleaned by living it and the Below World is where the animal guides emanate from). However, you can sit in the center of the Medicine Wheel or pick a particular stone that represents the animal you wish to communicate with and focus on it there too. You can sit in your living room, call the animal to you, let it guide you on a journey and direction may or may not play a part in that. There really isn't a *wrong* direction. There are just some that are more focused or advantageous depending on the questions you are asking and the work being done. It all starts with centering - the center of you with the universe surrounding you wherever you are. The Now of the moment is where you bring it all together but you have to start somewhere and calling in the Seven Sacred Directions will help you do that.
The Shamanic Tree represents the Three Worlds...it is surrounded by the four quadrants of the Medicine Wheel, these are the four basic elements of life. Its branches represent reaching up to the Above World, its roots reaching down to the Below World, and its trunk residing in the Now, the present moment, the Middle World where the shaman is said to walk between worlds. This happens because the shaman consciously centers and carries on through the day with that center in mind, one foot in the spiritual and one in the mundane. To walk this way is to be attuned to all that takes place around you. It is keeping the sharp eye and the soft eye of spiritual focus in balance, the sharp ear and the soft ear of spiritual focus in balance, and the sharp actions as well as the soft ones are taken. We react conscious of everything around us on multiple dimensional levels. As we learn to explore these realms and understand them better we start attuning our senses to them and thus we recognize by taste, touch, smell, hearing, or sight when one of them becomes activated beyond its normal state and reaches out to us. With that comes all the symbolism it encompasses and it begins to *speak to us with a voice of its own*. That is what the shaman means when reference is made to speaking with plants, rocks, elements, or any other aspect that comes into play. They have learned a new *language* and they are applying it to life itself. It is a universal language, one that everyone can understand once they learn to work with it and accept its validity.
Experience validates this for us. So the more we explore the better we understand it. The more we explore the more Teachers we encounter, the more our Guides become known to us, the more lessons we receive, and the greater our horizons become. Once we see where these worlds can take us we also see that they have no boundaries as to size. That they permeate all dimensions but are still confined by their own laws and codes. They exist within the Three Worlds and beyond them to dimensional realms that are infinite. They have depths to their own worlds, dimensions exist there too, like the layers of an onion as they say. So while we learn one element, its force, its entities, and how it pertains to the Web of Life and its patterns, we also learn that it leads us to another elemental force and another and that though separate, they are parts of a whole that function within it on all levels. Direction (in other dimensions) is not always what it is here. It is more the element itself and what it represents, it's laws, and its properties within the context of the dimension where it is being focused. It's all ONE...made up of many parts.
The inner spirit is the life force we possess, it has a voice, it can speak to us, and it is the human lesson to learn to open to it. Once we do truths stand out very clearly and we see the place religion and spirituality hold in our life. We understand them for what they are and we develop our own relationship with Spirit in the process, our own understanding of what it means for us personally. Then religion (which often dictates what we can or can't do or believe) and spirituality (which is our personal relationship with Spirit) define themselves, they take their place in our life and we come to terms with both of them. The dictates cease, we don't need to function on blind faith alone and fear what we can or can't prove. We have our proofs and we are shown truths. We know them for what they are, cannot deny them, and we begin to walk freely, making our choices based on that knowledge.
