Bighorn Medicine Wheel Vortex
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Vortex Type: Sacred, Energy
The Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark (formerly known as the Bighorn Medicine Wheel) is a medicine wheel located in the Bighorn National Forest, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The Medicine Wheel at Medicine Mountain is a large stone structure made of local white limestone laid upon a bedrock of limestone. It is both a place of sacred ceremony and scientific inquiry. In Native Science these uses are not distinguished as separate as they are in Western science. The cultural history of the Big Horn Mountains, home to the Big Horn Medicine Wheel, dates back over ten thousand years. - Wikipedia
What Are Medicine Wheels?
Medicine wheel rock formations are sacred sites that have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries for healing, ceremony, and spiritual connection. These formations are often found in remote and beautiful locations, and they are often aligned with the four cardinal directions and other celestial bodies.
From a holistic perspective, medicine wheel rock formations can be seen as representations of the interconnectedness of all things. The four directions represent the different aspects of our being: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The center of the medicine wheel represents the balance and harmony that we strive for in all areas of our lives.
When we visit a medicine wheel rock formation, we are invited to connect with the natural world and with our own inner selves. We can use the medicine wheel as a guide for our own personal healing journey, and we can also use it to pray for the well-being of our families, communities, and the planet as a whole.
Here are some ways to experience a medicine wheel rock formation in a holistic style:
Set an intention. Before you visit the medicine wheel, take some time to set an intention for your visit. What do you hope to gain from your experience? What healing or insights are you seeking?
Arrive with respect. Medicine wheel rock formations are sacred sites, so it is important to approach them with respect. Ask permission from the spirits of the land before you enter the medicine wheel.
Take your time. There is no rush to experience a medicine wheel rock formation. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander around the formation and to sit in meditation or prayer.
Listen to the land. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of the medicine wheel. What does the land have to say to you?
Offer a gift. It is customary to leave a small gift at a medicine wheel rock formation as a way of showing your gratitude for the healing and insights that you have received. This could be a flower, a stone, or a piece of tobacco.
How Do I Build A Medicine Wheel?
To build a medicine wheel rock formation, you will need to choose a location that is meaningful to you and that has a strong spiritual energy. It is also important to choose a location that is remote and undisturbed, so that you can create a truly sacred space.
Once you have chosen a location, you will need to gather a variety of rocks and stones. You may want to choose rocks that are different colors and sizes, to represent the diversity of the natural world. You may also want to choose rocks that have special meaning to you. Once you have gathered your rocks, you can begin to arrange them in a circle. The circle should be large enough for you to sit inside comfortably. You can place a large rock or cairn in the center of the circle to represent the Great Spirit.
Traditionally, medicine wheel rock formations are divided into four quadrants, representing the four cardinal directions. You can mark these quadrants by placing four large rocks around the outside of the circle. You can also place smaller rocks around the outside of the circle to represent the other four directions, northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest. Once you have arranged the rocks in a circle, you can begin to add other elements to your medicine wheel, such as feathers, shells, crystals, or flowers. You may also want to place a fire pit in the center of the circle, to use for ceremonies and prayers.
Once your medicine wheel is complete, you can use it for meditation, prayer, and healing. You can also use it to teach your children about the importance of respecting the natural world and all living things. Here are some additional tips for building a medicine wheel rock formation:
Consider the size of your medicine wheel. If you are building a medicine wheel for personal use, it may be enough to create a small circle just large enough for you to sit inside. However, if you are building a medicine wheel for community use, you may want to create a larger circle.
Pay attention to the alignment of your medicine wheel. Traditional medicine wheel rock formations are often aligned with the four cardinal directions and other celestial bodies. You can use a compass to help you align your medicine wheel.
Be creative with the design of your medicine wheel. There are no hard and fast rules about how to build a medicine wheel. Feel free to experiment with different designs and to use materials that are meaningful to you.
Respect the land. When you are building your medicine wheel, be sure to take care not to damage the natural environment. Avoid disturbing plants and animals, and leave no trace of your presence.
If you are fortunate enough to visit a medicine wheel rock formation, I encourage you to take the opportunity to connect with the land and with your own inner self. These sacred sites offer a powerful opportunity for healing and spiritual growth.
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Medicine Wheel Resources
Bighorn Medicine Wheel image by brewbooks via Flickr
Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
Ancient Observatories -- Timeless Knowledge
Medicine Ways: Traditional Healers and Healing - NIH
The Medicine Wheel Pipestone National Monument - National Park Service
Medicine Wheels Western Washington University
Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain: Celebrated and Controversial Landmark - Wyoming Historical Society
The Meaning of the Medicine Wheel in Native Culture
What is an Indigenous Medicine Wheel?
What is an Indigenous Medicine Wheel? (2)
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Lovell, WY
13th Vortex & Lions Gate Activation
America’s Six Most Mysterious Places
Native American Prophecy: The Medicine Wheel & the Four Sacred Directions
Sacred Native American Spots in the US
The Medicine Wheel (PDF)
Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark picture, 9/14/14 By Djonson5 Wikimedia Commons
Note: There is currently no scientific method to prove that vortexes exist. Just because a location is on the vortex map, does not prove there is a vortex there. What it means, is that someone suggested the location and provided evidence or a personal account, and/or we found corroborating evidence from other sources. We do this so other visitors to the site can send us their opinion on the validity of the vortex claim, to build a consensus.
Have you visited this location? If so, contact us and let us know if you think this place is a vortex or not. We will post your comments here.
