Symbolism, Terminology and Practices
The Four Directions
The four directions correspond to the four elements. Out of the Dreaming Circle – The Great Medicine Wheel, The Whirling Rainbow Dream – came the promise of future wholeness that would manifest in the Fifth World of Illumination and Peace.
Note: Based on the traditions of the Northern Hemisphere. Directions and the corresponding elements are often altered to reflect the difference in the Southern Hemisphere.
North
Earth, and abundance, how we are able to manifest, physical. Life, unity, and equality will last for eternity. Gratitude – each of us giving thanks in our heart for the lessons of each rite of passage that bring us closer to wholeness.
West
Water, emotions, what we believe and how we connect with our heart. The Moon, all tomorrows, and the vision of equality. Preservation of traditions, respect of the talents of all living things and the sacred spaces of all life forms. Fertility and truth, the abundance of Mother Earth. To go within our own hearts and make decisions based on our truth, finding the rhythms within ourselves – the return of peace and illumination.
East
Air and the power of our thoughts, the mental realm. Illumination – the opening of the golden door that leads to all other levels of imagination and awareness. How each can contribute their talents to make these future worlds full of harmony, truth, equality and peace.
South
Fire, action, soul transformation, spiritual purification. How we can use our personal faith to assist in breaking behavioural patterns that keep us in bondage; replacing them with magic, childlike wonder, celebration and playfulness, joy and appreciation of physical life and the beauty of Earth – humility and abundance through unity – the return of wholeness. Summer. Sagittarius. Magic. Creation. Life, death, and rebirth. Summer is cleansing and purifying, energetic, sexual and forceful in nature, represented by fire spirits and the phoenix. A time to go within and confront our inner child, to bring forward the dreams of our youth, and to bring them to fruition.
Fire is the element of great change, will and passion, the most primal element, and connected to transformation in the Australian landscape. It also connects to the heart, the centre of love that can help us recreate our lives. Changes are blessings, allowing for new growth. In Alchemy the raven becomes the dove through the process of self-transformation as the dross is burnt away leaving only pure gold (crown chakra). It is an active and continuing process, uncovering and fanning the spark of divinity that shines within all things. Growth and maturity, connection and wisdom. The fire principle: Hot and dry, symbolised by the upward pointing triangle, volatile and ascending. Masculine. Solar energy, the salamander, sulphur and mercury. Grandfather Sun, orange, crimson and red, eruptions, Pele, and Vulcan.