Post by Lone4eagle on Aug 31, 2008 19:34:42 GMT -6
A circle is the symbol of Mother Earth representing endless time, the living world is in balance with no beginning and no end. Sun, Sky, Earth and Moon are round, is “The Great Circle“ also called the “Sacred Hoop”.
The center represents three realms:
1. Above
2. Ground level
3. Below.
The four directions plus center, make a complete circle. Directions make up the four seasons, the cross-quarters also have meanings. Is a symbol of peaceful interaction among all living beings on Mother Earth - Circles are walked in a clockwise direction (the direction of the Sun). It can show the stages in a person’s life or spiritual development. Life doesn’t end at the completion, walking the life journey causes rebirth or renewal. You just start all over again, a circle is continuous without end.
"Native American flags often display the Medicine Wheel with the colors associated by that Indian nation. Comparing the meanings given to symbolism, of other tribes will help you better understand your own traditional teachings, passed on by the Elders."
Sault Ste. Marie Ojibwe Flag
Ojibwe or Chippewa, the largest of the Michigan tribes.
The Center
Aqua-green Turtle center of circle, Turtle has the head pointed North, symbolizes plant life and growing things. Represents the Mother Earth we stand upon. Turtle shells were once used for the calendar. The thirteen large squares counting full moons of the year. Moon phases were shown by 28 small squares around on the outside edge of shell. Turtle shell calendars count days of each lunar month. For this reason Turtles have a very strong connection to energies of the Earth.
Then on the back of the Turtle, you see a black Crane with a white body with the wing accents. The Crane prepares to take flight toward the West. Left behind (in the background) is a Mountain Ash branch which is shown in black. The Crane has the associated meaning; spokesperson for the clans, represents eloquence of leadership and their sense of direction. The Mountain Ash symbolic of durability, strength, and last but not least a strong character.
The Outer Circle
Three rings make up the outer circle, is known as "the rainbow" which has been called the "beautiful bridge to the spirit world".
1. The Inner Green.
The traditional color for the Earth Mother
2. The Middle Yellow
Representing the path of our sun, passing through the day.
3. The Outer Red.
Is for of earth and fire.
Blue (under the three outer rings) is to represent sky and all the waters.
Between the center and the three outer rings, you find the colors of each direction and clan animals. East is to the right side on the flag.
EAST
The direction of the rising Sun
Yellow background with a black rabbit with white highlights and bordered in red. A rabbit represents Manabozho as a messenger of Kitche Manitou The Great Spirit (Not all Indians use Wakan Tanka). Rabbit is intermediary on earth among different species of beings, an advocate for the Anishinabek (whom he has imparted the gift of knowledge to).
SOUTH
Direction of full understanding, young men and women maturing in life.
Red background is for Earth and fire.
The eagle’s (most likely Golden Eagle here) sphere is the heights and into the mountains, symbolizes pre-knowledge and courage. Has received from Kitche Manitou the gifts of strong wings, proud bearing, and keen sight.
WEST
Black symbolizes change from this life, the emotional part of ourselves.
Direction of the setting Sun, represents change from daylight to darkness, also the time of full maturity,
ending of life.
Deer is here a bringer of the gift of love and grace.
NORTH
Direction for the time of elders, wisdom, answers to the meaning of dreams, purity, and midnight.
White background, features a Black Bear with white highlights and bordered in red. The bear (all bears, but some are west, the Brown Bear south) representative of all medicine powers, claws dig medicine roots and all bears pass knowledge on through visions or dreams.
The center represents three realms:
1. Above
2. Ground level
3. Below.
The four directions plus center, make a complete circle. Directions make up the four seasons, the cross-quarters also have meanings. Is a symbol of peaceful interaction among all living beings on Mother Earth - Circles are walked in a clockwise direction (the direction of the Sun). It can show the stages in a person’s life or spiritual development. Life doesn’t end at the completion, walking the life journey causes rebirth or renewal. You just start all over again, a circle is continuous without end.
"Native American flags often display the Medicine Wheel with the colors associated by that Indian nation. Comparing the meanings given to symbolism, of other tribes will help you better understand your own traditional teachings, passed on by the Elders."
Sault Ste. Marie Ojibwe Flag
Ojibwe or Chippewa, the largest of the Michigan tribes.
The Center
Aqua-green Turtle center of circle, Turtle has the head pointed North, symbolizes plant life and growing things. Represents the Mother Earth we stand upon. Turtle shells were once used for the calendar. The thirteen large squares counting full moons of the year. Moon phases were shown by 28 small squares around on the outside edge of shell. Turtle shell calendars count days of each lunar month. For this reason Turtles have a very strong connection to energies of the Earth.
Then on the back of the Turtle, you see a black Crane with a white body with the wing accents. The Crane prepares to take flight toward the West. Left behind (in the background) is a Mountain Ash branch which is shown in black. The Crane has the associated meaning; spokesperson for the clans, represents eloquence of leadership and their sense of direction. The Mountain Ash symbolic of durability, strength, and last but not least a strong character.
The Outer Circle
Three rings make up the outer circle, is known as "the rainbow" which has been called the "beautiful bridge to the spirit world".
1. The Inner Green.
The traditional color for the Earth Mother
2. The Middle Yellow
Representing the path of our sun, passing through the day.
3. The Outer Red.
Is for of earth and fire.
Blue (under the three outer rings) is to represent sky and all the waters.
Between the center and the three outer rings, you find the colors of each direction and clan animals. East is to the right side on the flag.
EAST
The direction of the rising Sun
Yellow background with a black rabbit with white highlights and bordered in red. A rabbit represents Manabozho as a messenger of Kitche Manitou The Great Spirit (Not all Indians use Wakan Tanka). Rabbit is intermediary on earth among different species of beings, an advocate for the Anishinabek (whom he has imparted the gift of knowledge to).
SOUTH
Direction of full understanding, young men and women maturing in life.
Red background is for Earth and fire.
The eagle’s (most likely Golden Eagle here) sphere is the heights and into the mountains, symbolizes pre-knowledge and courage. Has received from Kitche Manitou the gifts of strong wings, proud bearing, and keen sight.
WEST
Black symbolizes change from this life, the emotional part of ourselves.
Direction of the setting Sun, represents change from daylight to darkness, also the time of full maturity,
ending of life.
Deer is here a bringer of the gift of love and grace.
NORTH
Direction for the time of elders, wisdom, answers to the meaning of dreams, purity, and midnight.
White background, features a Black Bear with white highlights and bordered in red. The bear (all bears, but some are west, the Brown Bear south) representative of all medicine powers, claws dig medicine roots and all bears pass knowledge on through visions or dreams.
