We are all familiar with our physical body, but our human ‘body’ also has nonphysical aspects, they are the emotional, mental and spiritual. The circle, being primary, influences how we as Aboriginal peoples view the world. In the process of how life evolves, how the natural world grows and works together, how all things are connected and how all things move toward their destiny.
Aboriginal peoples see and respond to the world in a circular fashion and are influenced by the examples of the circles of creation in our environment.
There isn’t a simple answer to the question as medicine wheels (sometimes called hoops) come in more than one form, and their significance and use are culture-specific.
The circle shape represents the interconnectivity of all aspects of one’s being, including the connection with the natural world. Medicine wheels are frequently believed to be the circle of awareness of the individual self; the
circle of knowledge that provides the power we each have over our own lives.
The original name for medicine wheels was “sacred circles” – the term “medicine wheel” was coined by non-Native Americans.
In addition, culturally significant animals, being part of the natural world, are also often included. The medicine wheel is interpreted uniquely by each culture. The order of the colours is not the same in each culture, nor are the
attributes and it would be wrong to make a sweeping generalization that indicated otherwise.