The Medicine Wheel and the Zodiac Signs

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The Native American Medicine Wheel originated from the Circle of Life and Power, which was the original ancient and esoteric “Magik Circle”.  It is said that the concept of the Magik Circle originated from ancient Sun worship. This can be traced back to the ancient Babylonians. The Circle of Life and Power can also be traced back to the cultures of ancient Britain, northern Europe, ancient Egypt, and Greece.  It can also be found in Western esoteric traditions and in Eastern teachings. The Circle of Life and Power provided a model for the zodiac signs in Astrology.

Correspondences and Differences between the Medicine Wheel and the Zodiac Signs

The concept of Astrology is that of the cosmos and is rooted in the philosophical thought of “as above, so below.”  The Medicine Wheel, however, is rooted in the philosophical thought of “As within, So without.” 

Both the Medicine wheel and the Zodiac are divided into twelve sections.  Both begin with the Spring Equinox of March 21st.  Both systems use the elemental teachings of the earth, air, water, and fire. 

The Medicine Wheel moves only in a clockwise direction.  It moves by the seasons of the year. On the contrary, the Astrology Wheel made up of the zodiac signs, travels both clockwise and counterclockwise in the nature of the day and year cycle.

Dates, Zodiac Signs, Birth, and Animal Totem Name, and Shared Elements based on Commonality and Season

The following gives an overview of the Seasonal dates, the Zodiac Signs, and the corresponding Birth and Animal totem name.  We will also mention the shared nature element for both the zodiac and the Medicine Wheel, and the element based on the season.  Element energies will be indicated with either Yin or Yang attributes.

March 21st-April 19th

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Birth Animal totem: Falcon

Shared Nature Element: Fire (Yang)

Element based on Season: Fire (Yang)

April 20th-May 20th:

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Birth Animal totem: Beaver

Shared Nature Element: Earth (Yin)

Element based on Season: Fire (Yang)

May 21st-June 20th:

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Birth Animal totem: Deer

Shared Nature Element: Air (Yang)

Element based on Season: Fire (Yang)

June 21st– July 21st:

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Birth Animal totem: Woodpecker

Shared Nature Element: Water (Yang)

Element based on Season: Water (Yin)

July 22nd-August 21st:

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Birth Animal totem: Salmon

Shared Nature Element: Fire (Yang)

Element based on Season: Water (Yin)

August 22nd-September 21st:

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Birth Animal totem: Brown Bear

Shared Nature Element: Earth (Yin)

Element based on Season: Water (Yin)

September 22nd-October 22nd:

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Birth Animal totem: Crow

Shared Nature Element: Air (Yang)

Element based on Season: Earth (Yin)

October 23rd– November 22nd:

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Birth Animal totem: Snake

Shared Nature Element: Water (Yin)

Element based on Season: Earth (Yin)

November 23rd-December 21st:

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Birth Animal totem: Owl

Shared Nature Element: Fire (Yang)

Element based on Season: Earth (Yin)

December 22nd-January 19th:

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Birth Animal totem: Goose

Shared Nature Element: Earth (Yin)

Element based on Season: Air (Yang)

January 20th-February 18th:

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Birth Animal totem: Otter

Shared Nature Element: Air (Yang)

Element based on Season: Air (Yang)

February 19th-March 20th:

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Birth Animal totem: Wolf

Shared Nature Element: Water (Yin)

Element based on Season: Air (Yang)

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