Thursday morning in early January arrived with blue skies, sunshine, with only a slight breeze brushing over a calm ocean. A perfect unexpected day, as if forecasted specifically for restoring the Medicine Wheel. The Eagles chirped and soared over the rocky shores announcing today's the day, it’s time to restore the medicine wheel.
Yesterday I rescued the Center Pole, and brought it home to keep safe until the medicine wheel could be restored. When Mishi’s sister arrived late Thursday morning with instructions from the Elders on how to repair the medicine wheel, I carried the center pole outside, so it could be cleansed first. We burned Sage while Mishi's sister advised me of the restoration instructions.
With a dog, my middle child, and two adults to repair the desecrated wheel, we strode down to the beachfront with the center pole, which held the still intact original prayers tied on by Panji Mishiikenh Quay, from when the Medicine Wheel was constructed in November.
Mishi’s sister led the restoration. The time had been set, and we knew the Elders were with us working their corners. Sage was lit, and the circle cleansed. Sage was laid at the Eastern door and burned through the restoration. Mishi’s sister entered through the eastern door, first removing the lantern, then returning for the plastic bag, and last the cross. All items were placed respectfully against a log facing East. This had been stressed by the Elders. Even though we may feel like tossing these items out like garbage, we were not to stoop to the level of the desecrater. We would treat their items with respect. And so we did.
| The bright sun shining on the restored Medicine Wheel |
Now it was time to restore the center pole to its original intent, facing South. The rocks were stacked around the pole to hold it upright. And the smaller rocks that had been scattered inside the medicine wheel and outside, were placed where they needed to go. The Eagles chirped while we restored the wheel, the sun shone and a light breeze kept the Sage burning.
Today is January 16, twelve days since the Medicine Wheel was restored, and I'm happy to announce the Medicine Wheel remains undisturbed.
See Part 1 - Desecration of a Medicine Wheel
See Part 2 - The Storm - Gathering Information
See Part 1 - Desecration of a Medicine Wheel
See Part 2 - The Storm - Gathering Information
