The East Direction of Illumination

Tansi and welcome

The rituals you are about to learn are based on the 4 directions of the Medicine Wheel and we will travel around the Medicine Wheel beginning at the East direction. The East is the direction of illumination that leads us into a deeper relationship with self. It is the eternal love of a supreme being.

East is also for the earth and the color is yellow like the rising sun. It represents the mental part of our mind. It is for the earth, the Great Mother, and Love for self and life. The East direction of illumination is used especially for guidance.
This ritual is a meditation to help us recognize that there is a starting place on a daily basis. It gives us strength knowing that no matter what we have done, we get to start again. This practice has been used as far back as we care to go and in many nations. Each person brings to their place the sacredness within themselves.

It so simple and gives us hope, so why not take a minute and breathe and go within. Find a quiet place to sit and be comfortable. Be gentle with yourself as you strive to go inward, as if on a small boat that gently lulls you on a wonderful body of water. Be patient as you go still deeper into the quiet. You may ask your inner Holy place for an answer to a problem that you have been pondering and/or you can picture anything that you are concerned about.

Go beyond the complexities of life–the worries and fears, and into the pure essence of life. Strive toward a deeper and closer walk with the Creator or God, or whatever you feel comfortable with.

When a thought comes, let the east light of illumination wipe it from your mind. Do not struggle. Let go, let east light shine and bathe you in peace and think of your mind as a temple where many people go in and come out. You are not the gatekeeper, for these are only your thoughts. You are the entrance. Watch and listen for a few moments. Perhaps a prayer comes to you.

My recent prayer was, “Oh Great Holy One, you are the east light that comes every morning and rides across the sky. Let me, your earthly child, walk in this light. Let me, with gentleness on this day, begin my day with all my relations in a good way. Let the love of the universe flood my mind with hope, strength, and faith in the process of life. I let this east light shine through me and in me and I walk this journey with assurance and balance.”

When you want to come out of your mediation, thank the east for the guidance coming to you in different forms. Feel the gentleness you have brought yourself, and even if brief, your connection with your higher power. Often seemingly unrelated events turn out to be the answer to your prayer.

If the situation allows you take a minute or two, face the East and once again thank this East direction of illumination for being there for you to turn to and know that your prayers and quests are now being answered. If nothing else, say, “Great One, hear me, your earthly child. I need your lite, the illuminating light of the East that comes up every morning, to help me see your face in everything today”.

Continued practice will develop your sense of belonging and extend into all place and phrases of your life.