LAKOTA TEACHINGS / The Four Winds
The Medicine Wheel & The Four Directions
If you aren’t aware of the four directions (four winds) and what they offer in the form of a spiritual connection and help, consider this article as a primer for getting to know about them, and how these forces are available for you to call on. In the Lakota tradition when prayer, or a conversation with Great Spirit is initiated the Four directions are always included along with Grandfather (Wakan Tanka) and Grandmother (Unci Maka). This makes six directions in actuality.
SAPA
The West / Black / Meditation
The first cardinal point “Sapa” is the direction of the winged ones and Thunder beings called “Wakinyan.” Sunset is the time for spiritual ceremonies when we communicate with the spirit world. The west represents solace meditation and protection. Great Medicine men in the Lakota tradition were sometimes called ‘Thunder Dreamers,” which meant they had dreams of the “Thunders” or Thunderbirds that resided in the West and in storm clouds. Crazy Horse was a thunder dreamer and “Heyoka.”
The “Thunder’s” could sometimes be a devastating force in the form of electric energy, and storms that often made an appearance on the plains. One who is a thunder dreamer would call on this force for protection and victory in battles. You may do the same. A quote from Black Elk; “The great Thunderbird lives in the west and sends thunder and rain from its direction. For this reason, the west is also the source of water: rain, lakes, streams and rivers. Nothing can live without water, so the west is vital.”
LUTA
The North / Red / Renewal
North brings the cold, harsh winds of the winter season. These winds are cleansing, and revitalizing. They cause the leaves to fall and the earth to rest under a blanket of snow. If someone has the ability to face these winds like the buffalo with its head into the storm, they have learned patience and endurance. Therefore, north represents the trials people must endure and the cleansing they must undergo.
“Wazi” the old man sorcerer of the north, is a supernatural spirit. He is known in the form of clouds ‘Mahpia” that blow from the north, bringing the snows and storms that revitalize.
“I am Wazi, I always move with a smile and I always am moving. I am fond of you humans, and so I travel always, to know what is happening among you. I am old ,yes; but I am not aged. I suffer no ailments, no hesitation. I bring you the wisdom of my source, the vitalizers of the north, the strength of sure knowledge.”
Gi
The East / Yellow / Clarity
The direction from which the sun comes. Light dawns in the morning and spreads over the earth. This is the beginning of a new day. It is also the beginning of understanding because light helps us see things the way they really are.
On a deeper level, east stands for the wisdom helping people live good lives. Traditional people rise in the morning to pray, facing the dawn, asking Great Spirit for wisdom and understanding.
“I am the doorway of the sun. I am where “Wi” meets the world in the full power of his blessings. I open myself to you in celebration, of this blessing this miracle. I offer you each day the new beginning. Know children of the Earth, That you may call on me anytime.”
OKAGA SKA
South / White / Growth
Because the Southern sky is when the sun is at its highest, this direction stands for warmth and growing. The sun’s rays are powerful in drawing life from the earth. It is said that life of all things comes from the south. Also, warm and pleasant winds come from the south. When people pass into the spirit world, they travel the Milky Way’s path back to the south — returning from where they came.
“I am Okaga Ska, son of Tate (Ta Tay), sent forth to a place that was empty. I took a stance and created there a doorway between those with form and those without. Honor those not yet born and those who have left you. They live for a time in this place, and the doorway is an open one.
Do you remember sensing, when you were very young, spirits passing by you? You know it as a right and natural thing. Now you call yourselves wise because you have survived some of life’s trials; but have you forgotten the wisdom of my gift, the open eye of the unborn child?
The open eye receives great knowledge of self, the world, and the worlds beyond. It is the eye of creation as shared by my father “Ta Tay” (the wind) through me. Receive this gift again-now-and rejoice in it! It is the energy that blesses your Mother Earth (Unci Maka) with the warmth to bear abundant life.”