The Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by generations of various Native American tribes for health and healing. Of course, different tribes interpret the Medicine Wheel differently. The Medicine Wheel is an interconnected system of teachings relating to the seasons, directions, elements, colors and the cycle of life. It speaks of the need for balance, harmony and respect. If you look at the Medicine Wheel, it is in four quadrants. Four is a sacred number among many tribal people. Four directions, four races of people, four cycles of life, four seasons, four winds and four quarters of the moon. Each of the Four Directions (East, South, West, and North) is typically represented by a distinctive color, such as black, red, yellow, and white, which for some stands for the human races.

The Circle of Life is often depicted in the Medicine Wheel. The circle and the four equal parts and colors of the medicine wheel represent the lifespan of man and its colors and meanings are as follows:

• Red Meanings & Symbolism: Birth is represented by the color red
• Yellow Meanings & Symbolism: Growth is represented by the color yellow
• Black Meanings & Symbolism: Maturity is represented by the color black
• White Meanings & Symbolism: Death is represented by the color white

The colors and symbolism of the Medicine Wheel also represent the four qualities of a balanced life:

• Red Meanings & Symbolism: The Spiritual life is represented by the color red
• Yellow Meanings & Symbolism: Emotional life is represented by yellow
• Black Color Meanings & Symbolism: The Physical life is represented by black
• White Color Meanings Symbolism: The Intellect is represented by white

Being able to find balance and harmony helps a person live a moral, noble, intuitive and spiritual life. Everyone needs a balanced life.