The Wheel
The Wheel: A Journey of Interconnectedness, Being, and Light
The Wheel is a profound symbol that embodies the essence of interconnectedness, cycles of existence, and the balance of life. Within its circular form, the Wheel represents unity, wholeness, and the seamless flow of all things. Much like the circles and cycles it mirrors, the Wheel teaches us that we are part of a continuum—everything is interconnected, and nothing stands alone. At its heart, the Wheel helps us understand non-self, revealing that we, and all things, are inherently empty of individual existence and instead are a dynamic blend of everything that surrounds us. Within the Wheel, we align to direction, flow, coordinates, spiritual qualities, and energies to facilitate community in honouring, transforming individually and as a whole.
The Circle of Inter-being and the Wheel of Life
Every aspect of our lives reflects interconnectedness. Just as a table is more than its name and form—composed of wood, nails, labour, and intention—so are we composed of countless influences: from our thoughts and relationships to our ancestors and the earth. The Wheel reflects this web of life by drawing on the elements of nature—air, earth, water, and fire—and by linking us to the directions of East, North, West, and South, as well as above and below. By walking the Wheel, we come to recognise that our lives and experiences follow the same path.
"There is no distance between hearts." — Richard Running Deer
This interconnectedness is not just physical; it also encompasses the spiritual. In the same way that our thoughts, feelings, and vibrations contribute to our sense of self, the Wheel helps us align with the energies of the universe. Everything is made of energy, frequency, and vibration. Our thoughts and actions carry energy, which flows outward, creating ripples that connect us to others, the cosmos, and the earth.
The Sacred Journey of the Wheel
Walking the path of the Wheel is a sacred journey toward enlightenment, transformation, and deeper connection. Each direction and element offers teachings that guide us toward a balanced and integrated state of being. By following the Wheel, we align ourselves with the cycles of life, nature, and spirit, understanding that we are not separate entities but part of a unified whole. The Wheel invites us to live with awareness, compassion, and light, recognising that our journey is one of continual learning and growth.
At the centre of this journey is the Tree of Life, representing our rootedness in the earth and our constant striving toward spiritual enlightenment. The Tree of Life stands strong and steady, showing us that all things are connected—past, present, and future—and that our journey through the Wheel is one of unity, being, and light.
The Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey outlines a recurring pattern in myths and stories across cultures. It consists of stages such as the Call to Adventure, where the hero leaves the ordinary world, faces challenges in the unknown, and undergoes a transformative ordeal. Ultimately, the hero gains new wisdom or power and returns to the ordinary world with newfound insight. The journey is divided into three acts—Departure, Initiation, and Return—representing a universal pattern of growth and transformation found in storytelling, literature, and personal development. The Hero’s Journey is akin to the Wheel's path as it reflects cycles of departure and return, much like the movements through the directions of the Wheel, guiding one through challenges, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.
Differences in Location and Wheels
The elements, directions, guides, and the direction you move within the Wheel varies depending on the location, ancestors, and energies present. When moving around a Wheel, we follow the path of the sun and move around it accordingly. The Southern and Northern Hemispheres observe different patterns and cycles, particularly the swapping of South and North. It is important if you come from a Northern Hemisphere tradition that you are aware when in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. The popular saying "going south," referring to a life event turning into a bad situation, actually comes from the Northern Hemisphere Wheel, where the challenge we face is in the southern direction. If this is said in the Southern Hemisphere, to be correct, it would be "going north," as that is where the challenge is. Both directions are actually pointing to the equator of the earth.
The Sacred Directions and the Elements of Being
The directions within the Wheel—East, North, West, and South—each carry specific energies, meanings, and spirit, ancestral, plant, or animal guides, all of which help us navigate the journey of life and being. These directions also reflect the natural elements, representing different facets of life and personal growth.
The Wheel reflects the fundamental vibration we are radiating at within the centre of our existence. Our heart is experiencing 360 degrees of the inner and outer universe. The journey of the Wheel is a continuum, and nothing really begins and ends; however, all is impermanent and does begin and end. In our curiosity to understand, we realise the power and wisdom we have right here and now.
Heart: This is the centre of the Wheel, referred to as the Tree of Life. This is the centre of the torus, where all of existence births from and dies into. From the centre, we observe each direction and experience all directions at once.
East: The East signifies birth, the rising sun, and creation. It is a place of new beginnings, clarity, and vision—the place where thoughts and intentions are born. This is where we encounter the essence of the mind, the spark of creation, and the world of possibilities. In this space, our thoughts and intentions are not fixed but flow. Infinite possibilities and all the energy in the universe are present at the beginning.
North (Southern Hemisphere): The North embodies the passion of life, growth, and exploration. It is the realm of vitality, where through experience, connection, and communication, we transform our challenges into harmony. In this direction, we cultivate our courage and emotional intelligence, understanding our actions so we can be the best version of ourselves. Our thoughts and feelings change, dissolve, and renew. This direction invites us to recognise the impermanence of all things, allowing for emotional healing and transformation. All the energy we started with moves us, and our thoughts create our actions and experience; now we become. The North is where, with honesty and courage, we see who we have truly become and have a chance to transform. (Note: This element is the South in the Northern Hemisphere.)
West: The West is the direction of humility, unconditional love, and nurture. Associated with Earth, it is a place of endings and death, where, when all is done, we can nurture. It is where we come to at the end of our journey. The West encourages us to let go, allow love to fill our being, and understand that everything is in constant motion. Out of everything that has come from you, the West is so receptive that it is able to receive all of you.
South (Southern Hemisphere): The South represents wisdom, grounding, and spiritual insight. It is the realm of the ancestors, offering all known and flow. This direction allows us to integrate knowledge, connect with our ancestors, and understand that the wisdom we gain is part of a larger spiritual lineage that informs our present being. The South reminds us to be still, to be present, and to embrace life with an open heart, recognising that we are both grounded in earth and connected to the greater universe.
The Role of Energy, Sound, and Frequency
The Wheel is deeply connected to energy, sound, and frequency. In many spiritual practices, sound is used to create harmony and balance within the Wheel. Through drumming, chanting, and singing bowls, individuals raise their spiritual vibrations, allowing energy to flow freely and restoring balance to the body and spirit. These sounds connect us to the elements and energies represented by the Wheel, facilitating a deeper sense of being and connection. By aligning ourselves with these frequencies, we learn to harmonise with the rhythms of nature, the cosmos, and our inner world, bringing about healing and transformation.
The Uses of the Wheel: Spirit, Dreaming, Medicine, and Beyond
The Wheel serves different purposes, each with its own unique function:
Dreaming Wheel: The Dreamtime is a central concept in Indigenous Australian cultures, representing the ancient, timeless period when ancestral beings shaped the world, creating landscapes, laws, and all forms of life. It encompasses both the origins of existence and a continuous reality, guiding spiritual connections to the land, culture, and community. These ancestral stories are passed down through songlines, ceremonies, and art, offering a framework for living that deeply respects the natural world and preserves cultural knowledge and practices across generations.
Medicine Wheel: The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol in many Indigenous North American cultures, representing interconnectedness, balance, and harmony in all aspects of life. It is depicted as a circle divided into four quadrants, each associated with a cardinal direction, elements, seasons, life stages, and teachings that vary across traditions. Serving as a holistic framework, it encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and promoting personal growth and harmony with oneself, others, and the natural world.
Ceremonial Wheels: Created as sacred spaces for rituals and gatherings, Ceremonial Wheels provide a focused area for prayer, intention-setting, and community support. These Wheels are built to align with the natural environment and create a profound connection between the individual, the group, and the cosmos.
Chinese Five Element Wheel: Also known as Wu Xing, this Wheel represents the five phases of energy—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—that interact to create balance in the universe. These elements are connected in cycles of creation and control, shaping the natural world, human health, and various life processes. This system is fundamental in Chinese traditions, influencing practices like medicine, Feng Shui, and martial arts.
Buddhist Wheel: Known as the Dharma Wheel or "Dharmachakra," it is a symbol representing the teachings and path of Buddhism. It is depicted as a wheel with eight spokes, representing the Noble Eightfold Path—right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. The circle of the Wheel signifies the perfection of the Buddha's teachings, the hub represents moral discipline and mindfulness, and the spokes point to the various steps towards enlightenment. Spinning the Wheel is a metaphor for spreading the teachings of the Dharma and achieving spiritual awakening. This Wheel symbolises the cyclical nature of existence (samsara), the journey to liberation, and the ongoing practice of moving towards enlightenment.
Several traditions use a Wheel as a symbol to represent life's cycles, spiritual teachings, and interconnectedness. In Hinduism, the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) reflects cosmic cycles of creation and spiritual progression, while the Celtic Wheel of the Year celebrates nature's phases and key festivals. Jainism's Dharma Chakra represents spiritual principles and the path to liberation, and Tibetan Buddhism's Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life) illustrates the cycle of samsara and karmic influences. Native American traditions use the Sacred Circle to signify the unity and connection among people, nature, and the cosmos. Across all traditions, the Wheel represents the cyclical nature of existence and spiritual balance.
Embracing the Wheel as a Guide to Life
The Wheel is more than a symbol; it is a living guide that invites us to embrace life's rhythms, connect with our deeper selves, and honour the interconnectedness of all things. By understanding its teachings and walking its path, we cultivate greater awareness, balance, and compassion in our lives. The Wheel encourages us to explore our spiritual journey, align with nature's cycles, and find harmony within ourselves and the world around us. As we walk this sacred path, we learn that each turn of the Wheel brings opportunities for growth, transformation, and a deeper connection to the light within and beyond.
