Embark on a spiritual journey with Marlene DragonWeaver as she bridges the gap between animal wisdom and human connection. Discover...
Read More

Finding Inner Harmony through shamanic traditions
A Journey Through Jamie Sams' & David Carson’s
Shamanic Medicine Wheel
In the world of spirituality and self-discovery, few traditions are as profound and enlightening as the Shamanic Medicine Wheel. Native American teacher and author Jamie Sams and author David Carson, of Choctaw descent, have shared their unique interpretation of this sacred symbol in their groundbreaking divination tool, “Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals.” This insightful tool offers us a path to personal growth, spiritual development, and the quest for balance, all rooted in the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel.
At the heart of their Medicine Wheel are the Nine Directions, each representing a facet of our lives and our profound connection to the world. It’s through the guidance of Spirit Animal Guides that we embark on a transformative journey through these directions, weaving together their wisdom. Marlene DragonWeaver’s Animal Totem Spread Readings are based on this Medicine Wheel, and serve as a powerful medium for seekers to align with the teachings of these directions, ultimately embracing harmony within their inner and outer worlds.
Let’s explore each of these directions a bit deeper.
East - Illumination: The Dawn of New Beginnings
In the East, often symbolized by the rising sun, you’ll discover the promise of new beginnings and the embrace of fresh perspectives. This realm is one of illumination, where the element of air carries the gift of clarity and insight on its wings. Here, your guardian animal spirit, a trusted ally, is ready to assist you in navigating new opportunities with a clear and open heart. This steadfast animal helps you overcome your greatest spiritual challenges and will guard your way towards illumination.
South - Innocence: Embracing Our Inner Child
As we journey Southward, we immerse ourselves in the warm embrace of the sun. This sacred land is a realm of innocence, where the vibrant tapestry of our passions and creativity flourishes. Here, we discover our inner child being lovingly shielded by the guiding animal spirit. This wise guardian teaches us the delicate balance of when to be humble and when to trust, showing us the way to reignite the spark of wonder and playfulness within our hearts, reigniting the creative fire that resides within us.
West - Introspection: Delving into Our Emotional Depths
Journeying into the West, we embark on a voyage of introspection, immersing ourselves in the boundless ocean of our emotions. Here, the element of water mirrors the fluidity of our deepest feelings. Under the guidance of our totem animal, we become skilled navigators of our emotional landscape, unlocking the profound potential for transformation within ourselves. This wise animal totem leads us to our personal truth and inner answers, illuminating the path to our cherished goals.
North - Wisdom: Embracing Clarity and Patience
Heading Northward, we enter the realm of wisdom where the enduring element of earth connects us to the eternal teachings within nature’s cycles and the profound wisdom of the land. In this sacred space, the North animal guide stands as a beacon of sage counsel, offering priceless insights into unraveling the most profound truths of life. This wise totem animal instructs us in the virtue of patience as we journey towards clarity, and teaches us the art of discerning when to speak and when to listen. Moreover, it lovingly reminds us to embrace gratitude for the multitude of blessings that grace our lives each and every day.
Above - Heaven: Reaching for Spiritual Insights
In the Above direction, our spirits take flight toward the celestial realms, where we connect with our spirit guides and higher consciousness. Within this divine energy, we unlock the gates to profound spiritual insights and a deeper understanding of the cosmos. Our animal guide in this direction steps forth as a mentor, gracefully guiding us towards the wellspring of divine wisdom. Furthermore, this totem animal reveals the path to honoring the great Star Nation, reminding us of our celestial origins and our eventual return to the stars. It stands as the unwavering guardian of our Dreamtime, where the realms of the cosmos and our innermost visions intertwine.
Below - Earth: Grounded in Ancestral Wisdom
As we journey downward to Below, we find ourselves anchored in the unwavering stability and nurturing embrace of the Earth. Here, we forge a deep connection with the roots of our existence and the wellspring of ancestral wisdom, drawing strength from the rich tapestry of our heritage. Our animal guide reveals the profound teachings of the Inner Earth, imparts lessons on how to remain firmly grounded and steadfast upon our chosen path, and shares invaluable insights into our unbreakable bond with the Earth, underscoring the significance of honoring our ancestors who have paved the way for our journey.
Inner Center - Healing and Self-Discovery
Nestled within the medicine wheel’s core resides the Inner Center—a sanctuary of profound significance. This sacred space serves as a haven for healing, self-discovery, and the nurturing of our personal power. It is the very essence of who we are. Within this Inner Center, we forge a deep connection with y=our heart’s true desires and the wellspring of our inner strength. Here, our guiding animal totem assumes the role of protector, shielding our sacred space from external disturbances. This wise guardian also illuminates the path to finding our heart’s joy and imparts invaluable lessons on how to remain faithful to our personal truths, as we unfold the potent potential within us.
Left - Feminine Energy: Nurturing Intuition
Now, as we approach the Left, we step into the embrace of feminine energy—an energy that embodies intuition, receptivity, and the profound depths of our emotions. Here, within the sacred realm of the inner world where our thoughts and emotions reside, we encounter the wise and protective animal guide that stands as a guardian of our female side, offering invaluable teachings on how to learn the art of receiving abundance gracefully. It encourages us to nurture not only ourselves but also those around us, cultivating a bountiful garden of emotional well-being. Furthermore, it becomes our trusted teacher on the intricate nuances of relationships and the sacred role of mothering in all its forms, imparting a wealth of wisdom to enrich our journey.
Right - Masculine Energy: Taking Action in the Outer World
On the Right side, we encounter the realm of masculine energy where action, assertiveness, and logical thinking reign supreme. This represents the dynamic outer world, where we navigate decisions and engage with our environment. Here, the guiding animal totem emerges as the protector of our male side, embodying the essence of a Father-Protector within. It carries the torch of our courage and warrior spirit, igniting the fires of determination as we tread upon the material realm. With its steadfast presence, this animal guide becomes our ally, supporting us in the art of manifesting intentions and making choices that shape our earthly journey.
Embracing the Sacred Path to Inner Harmony
As we traverse Jamie Sams’ and David Carson’s Medicine Wheel and we embrace the wisdom of these directions, we discover that the path to inner harmony is a sacred one. It leads us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As we align with the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, embracing the sacred path that leads to our true selves.