The Four Directions

Bringing the Four Directions to Your Daily Routine

The Four Directions have been recognized throughout human history as having specific energy patterns and qualities. The directions connect us to our bodies and to the world around us. The four directions have correspondences with the four aspects of the human body (physical body, mind, emotions, and spirit) and the four elements of nature (fire, air, earth, and water). Incorporating the directions into your ceremony and spiritual practice is powerful and valuable way to integrate and heal.

I greet the directions because of the depth of connection available there.  As with all relationships though, there is always growth and change. I modify my prayers and focus for the directions to support me in what is occurring in my own life. Here is what I often do when performing my invocation for the directions. I hope they will help you as you work with the four directions yourself.

The East

EastThemes: Spring, Air, Spirit, Rebirth, the Warrior, and Vision

I acknowledge the keepers of East, the season of Spring, the element of air, plant teacher tobacco, and the eagle who flies closest to the creator. Thank you for your clarity, which helps me to embrace new beginnings and endings. Show me how to deepen my trust to allow the winds of change to move through my days gracefully.

The South

Themes: Summer, Fire, Physical Body, Illumination, Creation, Purification, Connecting with Spirit Guides

Keepers of the South, the season of summer, I thank the element of fire, our animal guides cougar and snake and the plant teacher sage. These all support me in shedding my stories and granting me the courage and strength to stand in the fire of purification and creation. Show me how to live in wonderment and awe in the sacred beauty that surrounds me.

The West

Themes: Autumn, Water, Emotions, Enlightenment, New Journeys, Dreams, the Door to the Next World

I acknowledge the keepers of the West, the element of water, the great cedar tree and you, great Mama bear. Thank you for nourishing me, for protecting me and for guiding me into introspection. Continue to show me how to surrender to my inner life and to trust the emotions that flow deep.  Heal me so that I can have a greater connection to all I am and all that is.

The Four DirectionsThe North

Themes: Winter, Earth, Mind, Holy Birth, The Guiding light, Mystery, and What is Hidden. To the wisdom keepers of the North, all my relations, white buffalo, plant teachers, and sweet grass. Continue to guide me with your wisdom and show me how to walk in beauty.

The Sky Above Me

Father sky and all sky-beings, pierce the veil that keeps me from knowing you and trusting you.

The Earth Below Me

And to you Mother Earth, whom I walk upon every day, may I continue to awaken so I can be the best steward of this sacred holy place.

~ With Gratitude,

Michelle