Six Directions

What are the Six Directions?

The six directions, the four cardinal points plus zenith (above) and nadir (below) permeate traditional Native American thinking and activity. Depending on the tribe or pueblo, the directions are associated with specific colors, corn, animals, birds, mountains, plants, trees, stones and spirits. In sprinkling meal, pollen, other offerings or smoking rituals with the sacred pipe, and in ceremonies and RITUAL GAMES the directions are observed.

The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions,
MJF Books, 1992 by Arlene Hirschfelder and Paulette Molin.

Black Elk
In Black Elk's great vision, the six directions are called the Six Grandfathers and Six Powers of the world.

The Ancestors' Path
The Ancestors' Path represents the six directions with twelve petroglyphs—two for each direction, one representing the natural elements: thunder, sun, wind, rain, earth, sky; and the other representing the spirit totems: warrior, serpent, elk, fish, turtle, and eagle. This is why dice, which are six sided, are used in the Ancestors' Path to determine The Paths of Direction; they are, in effect, the compass to show the way.

Ancestor Dice

For symbolic meanings of the directions, see Petroglyphs.

(c) Copyright Jonn Lavinnder, 2002-2006. All rights reserved.