Nature's Rhythms

by Kimberly Struthers

I am in the process of creating a Medicine Wheel in the backyard of my home.  My intention in creating this wheel is to help anyone who enters, beginning with myself, to deepen their relationship with the rhythms of nature and the creation that surrounds us.

I hold a strong belief that the more we tune into and immerse ourselves in nature, the quieter we become, creating the space which allows our voice and the voices of our ancestors to be heard.  Native people didn’t just believe in this concept they knew it with every fiber of their being.

In their book titled, The Medicine Wheel: Earth Astrology, authors Sun Bear and Wabun state, “It is man’s alienation from natural things that causes many of his ills.  Today, many people are trying to restore their balance with nature.  People are turning to natural foods and natural healing, and there is a great back-to-the-land movement.  Even in our industrialized society we feel the need to restore the balance with nature.” 

I think we have a need for this restoration more than ever.  Unfortunately, I believe it’s becoming more difficult for people to recognize this need, especially when we continue to lead frantically paced lives and build barriers between the natural world and ourselves.

So instead of building another physical barrier between nature and myself, I am choosing to create a structure that will deepen my nature-centered consciousness.  The wheel will be comprised of 28 stones, with 28 representing a moon cycle and the circle symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things.  Each stone has its own unique symbolism, with some representing seasons/directions or plants, animals, and minerals or elements.  Twelve of these stones also represent each moon cycle in a given year. 

I am building this wheel during the Ripe Berries Moon.  According to Sun Bear and Wabun’s earth astrology, this moon’s energy teaches us how to work from the heart, how to show affection, how to face our fears and to develop our leadership abilities.  It is a time of growth and trust.  And is said that trust is of utmost importance during this moon cycle since growth is so rapid.

I trust that my love of nature will guide me to continue to become a responsible steward of the land and all of its inhabitants.  I also trust that I will have the courage to live my life as part of the solution in restoring our close relationship to nature.  John Muir once said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”  We will do well by those yet to come if we leave behind a healthy and healing natural world;  a world that encompasses and respects each and every living being.  Perhaps future generations will take the time to be silent to listen to their ancestors’ voices, our voices, which will be carried on the wind whispering, “return to nature child, and you will help heal the earth”.

Kimberly Struthers lives an intentional life by scheduling her activities around her own and nature's rhythms. She has realized this brings harmony and happiness into her life, naturally, with minimal effort.