Medicine Wheel Sacred Medicine

I am researching Sacred Medicines. I remembered how the four sacred medicines were on the medicine wheel chart and were a part of the medicine wheel teachings. I did a bit of searching and found a teachers aid on the subject here. http://youthrelationships.org/documents/Abor%20unit%203%20sample.pdf. The information below is taken from this document. It was written by Mary Lou Smoke, Aniishnaabe Nation

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North

Sweetgrass – Wiingashk

Sweetgrass is a perennial grass that is found growing wild in very few places. It has a sweet smelling fragrance that stays with the grass forever.In the Native culture, sweet grass is considered sacred and it plays an important part in sacred ceremonies. The grass is made into braids. Once the braids are dried, they can be burnt to produce a calming and soothing effect on the user.

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West

Sage – Shkodawabuk

Sage is used to purify the mind, body and spirit before praying. It can be used to purify sacred items such as eagle feathers and pipes. A person can put a small amount of sage in a medicine pouch to ensure personal and spiritual safety. Sage is used for purification, cleansing, wisdom, and healing. Sage is known as the “Womens Medicine”

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East

Tobacco – Semma

Tobaco has a central role in the religious life of many Aboriginal groups in Canada. Prayers were sent through the smoke of the burning plant mixed with other medicines to the Great Spirit.Smoke was also used to smudge people and ceremonial objects. When a person gives tobacco, this shows a great deal of respect. When wanting to see an Elder, tobacco is usually presented to that Elder.

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South

Cedar – Keezhik

Cedar is a sacred plant that is burned during ceremonies of cleansing, clearing and blessing.

It is used during prayer and meditation to cleanse rooms. Also, the cedar smoke is used to attract beneficial energies.