| The number Four is very sacred to Native Americans. There are Four Directions and there are Four Sacred Medicines or Tabaccos. Within each plant, stone, animal, tree and insect there lives a Spirit. Each has a life, the same as a human being, only different. It is by understanding the Four Directions' Teachings that we also come to understand the 'tools' that are placed within each Direction for assistance on our journey around the medicine wheel; the Path of Life. Cedar: is used for protection and cleansing. Cedar is part of the Cyprus family of trees, and sometimes grows in what is called "cedar swamps" or around water. Cedar is considered to be an evergreen in that it does not change color or lose its leaves; it stays ever-green. Often cedar trees are an excellent indicator of effects of mans' pollution, as the 'fronds' will start to turn brown. Cedar is used to line our clothes closets to protect our clothing from moths and it is usually the 'preferred' wood when making a flute. It is also hung in windows and doorways to repel negativity to protect the home. Cedar 'sits' within the Northern Direction. This is the direction of the white hair of Elder knowledge; book learning; wisdom that comes from living--experience. Sweetgrass: grows along water. Sweetgrass is said to the be hair of our Mother Earth, that is 'why' we braid it. Sweetgrass is womens' medicine. It has a sweet smell that invites happiness and good feelings. It is appropriate that Sweetgrass 'sits' within the Southern Direction. Love, Family, good times are the teachings of the direction of the South. Tobacco: is used when we pray. The traditional form of tobacco is called kinnickinnic which is made from the dried inner pulp of the red willow. When the pipe is filled with tobacco our prayers are in the tobacco. As the smoke rises it takes our prayers to the Creator. When we wish to ask a favor of someone, or to ask a question tobacco is passed. If the tobacco is accepted or smoked, that person is saying they will do the favor or answer the question to the best of their ability. If the person is unable for whatever reason after accepting tobacco to do the task/favor, tobacco is returned with an apology. Tobacco is also passed to thank someone; it is a symbol of great honor and esteem. I personally have passed tobacco to an Elder simply to thank them for their presence and for being who they are. Tobacco sits in the Eastern Direction. New day; new beginnings. This is the direction we face at sunrise each day to thank the Creator for the New Day and for all the blessings we have in our lives. |
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