The following instructions and characteristics of each direction come from my own personal Spiritual work with each direction in addition to the teachings of several influential instructors from different traditions and backgrounds. The instructions and definitions below are provided as a starting point for developing a relationship with your own sacred space, not as a definitive definition of this practice.
— Nate Long “Owl”
Clearing
If using a space that is used often for other purposes and that likely has energies from past experiences, it is recommended to clear these other energies before setting your circle. Do this by smudging with sage or rattling. Moving counter-clockwise from the center out, rattle and/or smudge the entire area.
Opening
Move clockwise when creating and opening your circle, starting in the East, then South, West, North, Mother Earth, Father Sky, and Great Mystery. Invite each direction by reaching out and asking for their holding. Place your markers with intention as you finish your calling.
East
Represented by the color yellow and the element of air.
The beginning of things. The sunrise. The infant’s birth. The laid egg.
There is anticipation and excitement, in addition to anxiety and fear.
This is the place of Spirit and Higher Perspective.
Eagle rises with the sun to provide a clear and new perspective.
Our inspirations are born from our dreams in the North,
As we welcome East into our sacred spaces.
South
Represented by the color white and the element of fire.
The middle of things. The noon time. The time of living and doing and becoming.
There is perseverance and commitment, in addition to procrastination and destruction.
This is the place of Emotions, Relationships, and Healing.
Snake grows and sheds its skin and Mouse finds ways to survive under the sun.
Our feet walk a path unique to each, built by our inspirations from the East,
As we welcome South into our sacred spaces.
West
Represented by the color black and the element of water.
The end of things. The sunset. The time to reflect and examine where we’ve been.
There is introspection and nostalgia, in addition to depression and self-pity.
This is the place of Body and of Resting.
Bear joins us, arriving from the shadows, to protect us as we prepare for sleep.
We rest and look back upon the road we’ve been building in the South,
As we welcome West into our sacred spaces.
North
Represented by the color red and the element of earth.
The space between. The place and time of transition from one thing to the next.
There is wisdom and acknowledgment, in addition to loneliness and judgment.
This is the place of Mind and Community.
Buffalo holds the tribe together as our elder, our ancestor, and our descendant.
We step over the line and move between night and day, death and life,
As we welcome North into our sacred spaces.
Mother Earth
Represented by the color green.
That place below our feet is where all things are born. The womb.
There is connection and there is grounding.
This is the place where we rest, recharge, and where we find our true self.
Mole surfaces to take us deep into this cool place of healing.
We plant our feet and become the roots and the foundation,
As we welcome Earth into our sacred spaces.
Father Sky
Represented by the color blue.
The above places are where all life is sustained and nurtured.
There is cleansing and there is a feeding.
This is the place where we welcome the rains and fill our bellies.
Butterfly flutters down to show us transformation and grace.
We open our hearts and offer ourselves unconditionally to nourish all things,
As we welcome Sky into our sacred spaces.
Great Mystery
Represented by the color purple.
The single point that exists both as micro and macro in size and energy.
There is a sense of both oneness and vastness,
This is the place where both loneliness and acceptance can coexist.
Great Spirit invites without judgment and with open arms.
We recognize our personal role within the small and the large actions we take.
As we welcome the Great Mystery into our sacred space.
Closing
When the ceremony/ritual/meditation is complete, you should always close your space. Give gratitude and thank each direction. Gather up each marker one at a time, moving counter-clockwise, with intention after you have given thanks. Go in reverse order to how the directions were originally called: Father Sky, Mother Earth, North, West, South, East, then end with Great Mystery.