The Journey of the Medicine Wheel

by Connie Lehman-Ranshaw

The Medicine Wheel is in constant movement; we travel the wheel by the beginning with our birthday moon which shows our gifts, personality, challenges and the environment where we act it out.   Our spirit's path is the opposite moon in the wheel; we are always moving toward it, and we could be experiencing other placements in the wheel as we navigate our own destiny.   If we accept the challenges of our destiny the process becomes spirit driven, and we are more fulfilled at the Journeys end.   Which moon were you born under and where are you within the journey of the wheel?   Each moon represents a direction and one of the four Clans; Turtle, Butterfly, Frog and Thunder Bird. They also represent animal, element, stone and color.  

Earth Renewal Moon (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Turtle Clan, Earth, Snow Goose, Quartz, White

North direction and the first moon of the year begins at winter solstice and is very karmic with wisdom and intuition. People born here are well grounded and become leaders and politicians.

Rest and Cleansing Moon (Jan. 23 to Feb. 18) Butterfly Clan, Air, Otter, Silver, Color Silver

North East direction creates light hearted unusual people who follow their own path and are great Visionaries who are not here to follow the rules; they are here to change them.

Big Winds Moon (Feb. 29 to Mar. 20) Frog Clan, Water, Cougar, Turquoise, Color Turquoise

East Northeast teaches the meaning of value and protection in our everyday world, being sensitive people who can escape easily into a dream world and not know who they are.

Budding Trees Moon (Mar. 21 to Apr. 19) Thunderbird Clan, Fire, Red Hawk, Opal, Yellow

This Spirit of the East begins with Spring Equinox and is a high energy moon and teaches catalyzing renewal. Brings confident and fearless leaders who are here to show the way.

Frogs Return Moon (April 20 to May 20) Turtle Clan, Earth, Beaver, Chrysocolia and Blue

East Southeast direction teaches us to love and value ourselves first before our possessions. These people are artists but practical and patient, and can be overindulging and stubborn.

Cornplanting Moon (May 21 to June 20) Butterfly Clan, Air, Deer, Moss Agate, Green

Southeast Deer people are great communicators and can be bored without a lot of change, and are good at games and strategies to gain their way and outsmart their adversaries.

Strong Sun Moon (June 21 to July 22) Frog Clan, Water, Flicker, Carnelian Agate, Pink

The Spirit of the South starts with Summer Equinox, and to let things go into the future without the caring of the past.   These people need to nurture themselves as well as others.

Ripe Berries Moon ( July 23 to Aug. 22)   Thurderbird Clan, Fire, Sturgeon, Garnet Red

Southwest energy has a strong desire to express the heart energy with a lot of drama and flare; they can be arrogant and dominating but have great courage to be a powerful teacher or leader.

Harvest Moon (Aug. 23 to Sept.   22) Turtle Clan, Earth, Brown Bear, Amethyst, Violet

West Southwest gives us good judgment and justice and a need to give acts of service to others, and it's the only place in the wheel that will help you understand the concept of work and duty.

Ducks Fly Moon (Sept.   23 to Oct. 23) Butterfly, Air, Raven, Jasper, Brown

This moon begins with Fall Equinox and is the Spirit of the West, and balance in our daily lives is the big lesson. Raven teaches us not to be so indecisive and changeable that we confuse our own selves.

Freeze Up Moon (Oct.   24 to Nov. 21) Frog Clan, Water, Snake, Copper, Orange

West Northwest are snake people who teach us how to travel between worlds. They are magnetic people who like control.

They are intense and powerful and can live many lifetimes in one lifetime.

Long Snows Moon (Nov.   22 to Dec. 21) Thunderbird Clan, Fire, Elk, Obsidian, Black

Northwest Elk people are about adventure and fun loving; generous and wildlife preservers. They have a desire for justice, are very independent, and need to be outside with nature.

Connie Lehman-Ranshaw is a full time Astrologer, speaker and runs workshops. She has studied with a Shaman and Deepak Chopra and runs a book store Coyote Wisdom in Lansing Mi. reach her a coyotewisdom@msn.com