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We Are All Indigenous—The Four Cardinal Directions
As indicated in earlier posts, I am reviewing Doug Good Feather’s book, Think Indigenous: Native American Spirituality for a Modern World. I referred to Good Feather’s statement that some teachings have been shared by many cultures over thousands of years and are universal to natives and non-natives alike. One of these teachings is called “The Sacred Hoop of Life. “At the center of the hoop is each of us—unique individuals--and the four cardinal directions—North, South, East and West flow from us. In the Hoop, we are also connected to the Earth (the direction below us) and the Sky (the direction above us) and to the center. This makes up the Seven Sacred Directions.
The concept of the Four Directions is often associated with colors, animals, earth elements and other aspects of life. Although different tribal cultures may vary in their interpretations, there is a shared understanding of its basic principles.
East (Yellow) and its Element is Fire
The east is where we start anew with the sun rising every day. East represents new beginnings, birth and renewal. It symbolizes enlightenment, knowledge and understanding. Good Feather states,” The East…compels us to open the gate and let our spirit freely accept the past to move forward to new beginnings.” The earth element is Fire. Fire embodies essentials vital to human existence, including warmth, safety, security, nourishment and community. Good Feather states, “Fire is a powerful philosopher. If a human needs their ego put in place quickly, then just give them fire and let them treat it with dishonor and disrespect…it forces the human ego into submission…the very nature of fire is its perpetual cycle of transmutation, purification and renewal.”
Relevance Today
Every day, we can have a fresh start. East reminds us of the importance of embracing new beginnings, seeking wisdom and to continually seek growth and learning in our lives.
In the next blog, I will review the meaning of the Sacred South Direction.
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