The background of my shield is my interpretation of the Sundance Medicine Wheel. This is not because it is part of my Tradition or because I know a great deal about it. It is because of what the Medicine Wheel means to me: a sacred teaching that reveals the essential truths of life that are the same in all belief systems and religions, but which have become distorted or lost in most other religions. It is also about Connections, which is a recurring theme of my life. Because this teaching connects with so many aspects of life, it makes a good framework for explaining who I am. Another reason for choosing the wheel is to honor one of my Spiritual Teachers in this life quest, Roy I. Wilson, who gave me the gift of this teaching, my Spirit Name, and so much more.

Instead of stones to represent animal, plant, and mineral totems I represent the wheel as straight paths on a green earth background, with blue sky as the outer wheel. The seven Spirit Messengers are represented by the Purple inner circle with the Great Spirit in the center as a shimmering White Light. Overlaying the paths of the Four Directions is the path of My Life, which is represented by the brown spiral. It may look confusing, but that is the way my life feels. It is unfinished, as am I: I have just recently been given my Spirit name and have not fulfilled it.

The spiral begins and ends on the Seeker Path, as I have been a Seeker all my life. The Cougar is my Birth Totem as well as the Gatekeeper to the Seeker path. Cougar climbs high but likes to keep his feet on the ground - perhaps that explains my dual nature and the confused state I am often in (also depicted by the Pisces fish swimming in opposite directions). The wolf is the last animal totem on the Seeker path and is also my Spirit name. The Wolf is the Pathfinder and Protector, and I believe this aspect will become an important part of my future path.

Along the spiral path of my life are symbols that represent aspects of who I am (right side) and the Teachers and teachings that have been an important part of my journey along the path (left side). Where my life spiral path intersects a path to the Sacred Altar of the medicine wheel, the symbol at that point represents the way I have been connected to that path¹. The East / Yellow / Sacramental path symbol is a Cross, representing the Christian faith and tradition I was raised in. This particular cross glowed in the dark by my bedside and was a symbol of Faith to me. The South / White / Service path symbol is me as Cub Scout, representing doing the good deeds of scouting (especially the 12 scout laws). But it also symbolizes service through other activities, such as Sunday School helper, reading tutor, etc. The West / Black / Incarnation symbol is the TM/SCI diagram, which depicts the manifestation of the physical from the Spiritual. It also symbolizes another of my Teachers, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and the teaching of a direct experience of the Spirit within. There is no intersection on the North / Red / Seeker path because that path permeates my life.

The Computer represents the intellect part of my dual nature. It has been a way for me to use my mind to solve problems, as well as my career path for most of my adult life. But I have often been out of balance by staying in my intellectual nature. The screen depicts some expressions of my intellectual nature (way with words, desire to speak truth, impatience with the way things are), and reflects my desire to speak out.

The heart represents the feeling part of my dual nature. I have always been sensitive and ruled by my emotions, and this has often been in conflict with my intellect. The singer represents singing and enjoying vocal music, a heart activity for me throughout my life, and a reminder of friends along the path.

The Teddy Bear represents innocence, which for me has sometimes been a naive view of life. It also represents caring and compassion, which I have allowed to unfold more in recent years. It’s generic, representing my beat up Bongo as a child, my nickname as a young adult, and a bear named Scrumptious who now accompanies me in heart activities.

The family is also generic, representing all the family groups I have been a part of, and how important they are to me.

The first symbol on the left is me, spinning like a dervish, and reminds me of a time when I was completely in balance, a very powerful moment. It also represents another of my Teachers, Mary O’Malley, who reminds us all to be alive in the present moment.

The book infused with revelation reminds me of many, many teachers I have learned from through their writings and gifts, but have never met. Their insights seem to come just when I need them, and have kept me on the path of seeking the truth.

The vase with flowers reminds me of another great Teacher, Vrle Minto who gave us practical techniques for manifesting spiritual principles. Because it reminds me of a painting I did once, it also represents my creative talents (drawing, painting, sculpture, poetry), and reminds me to take the time to do these things which I have neglected.

The stick man is the symbol of another teaching and Teacher, Francisco Coll, who showed me that we all have personal angels and the gifts of psychic communication and healing. It also reminds me of an experience where I stepped out and realized I can be a teacher.

The last symbol is the Circle and Dove of Unity, the teaching that reunited me with my heritage, by revealing the truth therein. I am reminded of so many, many Teachers that have inspired my heart through Unity, either by their teaching or by just being and living the Truth of who we are as Children of God.

And so I honor and bless all of the teachers, family, and friends represented here, on this unfinished picture of my life. Your love and inspiration have kept me going.

Jai Guru Dev        Klosh Kakwa        And So It Is        Amen