The Trading Post
“The Grandmothers Medicine Wheel” Inspired by my experience with the wisdom of the “International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers” during their gathering in Lincoln City Oregon, USA in 2009. I have named this sacred circle the “Grandmothers’ Medicine Wheel”. I received this vision that is deeply connected to the Lakota “Tȟatúye Tȟópa”—the Four Directions symbol representing “West, North, East, and South”—a guiding force in Lakota traditions that changed my life. Colors and Their Sacred Meanings: • Black – Honoring Ancestors of the West and the Black Nations • Red – Honoring Ancestors of the North and the Red Nations • Yellow – Honoring Ancestors of the East and the Yellow Nations • White – Honoring Ancestors of the South and the White Nations • Blue Heart – Representing the Great Spirit, Water (the blood of Mother Earth), and all above—the Sky, Stars, and Planets • Green – Embodying Mother Earth and her nurturing presence • Purple – A tribute to all Grandmothers—Ancestors, Relatives, Plants, and Animals. Wisdom Across Generations: My journey into nature-based spirituality has been shaped by the wisdom of the Lakota Nation and enriched by the profound teachings and protocols of many North American Indigenous traditions. For generations, these teachings have carried the scientific and spiritual wisdom of Indigenous peoples, passed down through storytelling, ceremony, and practice. Their essence is reflected in the tools they crafted, the garments they wore, and the knowledge that sustained them through time. Tȟatúye Tȟópa translates to "Four Directions" in Lakota. For pronunciation: Tȟatúye is roughly "T'hah-too-yeh" (the ȟ sound is a soft, breathy "h"). Tȟópa is "T'hoh-pah" (again, the ȟ is breathy, and ó is pronounced like "oh"). Lakota pronunciation can be nuanced, so listening to native speakers is the best way to refine it.
