On a pla teau high in the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming lies the sacred and legendary Bighorn Medicine Wheel. This ancient construction is one of many Native American medicine wheels throughout the United States, believed to be created for sacred rituals and ceremonies.
The wheel is a large hoop, constructed out of rocks and measuring 245 feet in circumference. The central part of the wheel, known as a cairn, is the oldest part of the construction. Twenty eight spokes radiate outward from the center, creating a distinctive wheel pattern. The number twenty eight has a sacred meaning to many tribes because of its relation to the number of days in a lunar month. But, in the case of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, this number could also relate to certain astrological alignments.
Astrological Meaning
Astronomer Jack Eddy did extensive research on Bighorn Medicine Wheel in 1974. He found that the alignments of the wheel point to where the sun rises and sets at the time of summer solstice. Not only this, but other parts of the wheel point to where certain bright stars, such as Sirius and Rigel, during summer solstice. Factoring slight changes that happen in the earth's orbit, it was found that the star alignments associated with the Bighorn Medicine Wheel would have been most accurate for the year 1200 A.D.
History
Area tribes, such as the Cheyenne and Crow, have their own legends associated with the origins and purpose of the Wheel. One predominant belief is that it was used as a Sun Dance lodge. The Sun Dance was a sacred ceremony usually held in early summer, celebrating the renewal and regeneration of the living earth, as well as rebirth of the spirit. This ceremony has been continued by Native Americans to this day.
Throughout the years, the wheel has been used by many tribes for many different purposes, such as vision quests, prayer offerings and burials. In 1970, the Wheel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Bighorn Medicine Wheel Today
The Bighorn Wheel is protected by a wood post and wire fence, with the interior area only being accessible to authorized people. Visitors are free to walk the outer circle of the Wheel but are asked to walk in a clockwise direction in accordance with Native American tradition. Some contemporary sites related to the Wheel can be found in this outer area, such as places for offerings to the spirits of the mountain. The high plateau offers a panoramic and breathtaking view of the surrounding Bighorn Basin.
Directions and Further Information
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is located 32.6 miles east of Lovell, Wyoming, in the Bighorn National Forest. From highway 14A you will take Forest Service Road 12 approximately 3 miles to the parking area. From there, visitors must walk 1.5 miles on a gravel road to the site of the Wheel. People with disabilities are allowed to use a motorized vehicle in order to access the site.
The site is open from mid-June through September, depending upon weather conditions. It may also be closed at times for tribal ceremonies.
Visitors are allowed to take photos and are encouraged to take their time enjoying the experience of the Wheel. However, it is illegal to collect any artifacts or to disturb the rock structures or cairns. Remember this is a holy site and treat it with respect.
Bighorn Medicine Wheel is one of the most sacred sites in North America, and a visit here can be a truly uplifting spiritual experience.
