“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.” ~ Theodore Roethke
The Second Direction
Quick Note: The designation, “First” or “Second,” etc, are in no way intended to indicate an order of importance for a particular
Direction. They are all equally important. One cannot be elevated over any other(s), just as you wouldn’t place a primary importance
on the heart’s Aorta, over the Left Ventricle. Each is part of a whole and none can stand alone.
In the Anishinabe tradition we move clockwise from the East around the Medicine Wheel. The South holds the place of our roots, that most complex grounding of who we are at the deepest level. It is also the seat of our Souls and home to our purest Hearts – from whence flows the blood of our parents and ancestors. It is truly the root of me.
Qualities, Aspects and Traditions
Deep down, at the bottom of the bottom of ourselves, we come to the South. It is dark there and its COLOR is Black. It is here, down at the Root of the Root of the Self, that we find the place of change and vigorous growth, for if we truly desire to transform ourselves, it must come from deep within. Cosmetic, surface changes simply will not do. Here too, we find the place of searching and learning, the eternal pursuits of youth.
The Animal Totems for the South are the Mouse and Prairie Dog, the Deer and Coyote. The Mouse and Prairie Dog are in the South because they are so small yet, because of their diminutive size, they are low to the ground and see the world in the smallest of terms, reminding us that, indeed, “God is in the Details.” The Deer is here in the South because of its well known gentleness. Deer medicine teaches us to use the power of gentleness to touch the hearts and minds of any wounded beings, including ourselves, in our lives. It is here, in the South, that we are most vulnerable, and where we are most open to the blessed lessons of Grace and the Wisdom of Silence.
The Element associated with the South is Water, and Color is Green. It is home to the “Still Waters That Run Deep,” upon which the blessed Quan Yin stands, pouring out her abundant waters of Loving Kindness and Compassion.
Spirit Guides – the Corn Maiden and the trickster, Kokopelli, who helps us to learn, even when we don’t want to.
The South is the TIME OF LIFE of the Young Adult, the Summer and the growth of the flower.
Mineral – Rose Quartz
Lessons – Abundance, Trust, Love, and Self Love
Astrologically, the south is the Fourth House. It speaks of our human family and sense of security, our home, family matrix, our sense of security, early years and our old age. It is the beginning and ending of things.
So, these are some of the attributes of the South and, since YOU are the Wheel, they are also elements of YOU. Embrace them in your heart, feel them within, and say: I AM/WE ARE THE SOUTH!
Aho!