[Katie Oberlin]

Hi Elaine. Here are my initial thoughts: Whether we are in the northern or southern hemisphere, the sun always rises in the East and sets in the West, right? The seasons are the result of the way Earth tips on her axis, bringing us Autumn, then Winter, when she tips away from the Sun and Spiring, then Summer, when she tips towards the Sun.

Since the East is associated with sunrise, it is the beginning of a new day, new life, new possibilities, all of these qualities associated with Spring. The South is associated with midday, lots of activity, everything in full bloom, all of these qualities associated with Summer. The West is associated with sunset, the end of the day, releasing, letting go, harvesting the fruits of our labor, all of these qualities associated with Autumn. The North is associated with nighttime, resting, restoring and building our chi, the dream state, all of these qualities associated with Winter.

I don’t think it matters what hemisphere you are in to work with the medicine wheel in this way. Just know that your friends in the Northern hemisphere are in a different season than those in the Southern hemisphere at any given time. It’s like a beautiful dance!

I constructed a medicine wheel in my back yard (I live in Illinois, USA) a few years ago and I visit it every day for my morning prayers. I would love to hear your perspectives, now that you have had your wheel for a while.

Thanks for the great question!
Many blessings,
Katie

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