Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, United States
You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles . . .
—Black Elk (1863–1950), Oglala Lakota Sioux medicine man
An ancient Native American medicine wheel, 80 feet wide, lies in a desolate area in the Bighorn National Forest on the western peak of Medicine Mountain. Created by the Plains Indians but used by many Native American tribes, the wheel has a pile of stones at its center (cairn), from which spokes extend outward to a rim. Along the rim are six other cairns—possibly benches—that enable a person to face the center and see precisely the point on the horizon where the sun rises or sets during the solstice.
Whether you would like to learn about the medicine wheel’s astronomy or tap into its sacred power, journey to Medicine Mountain in midsummer—the only time the site is accessible.
Get an early start so you’ll reach the medicine wheel before dawn. As the sun rises, declare what you desire and then pray for the forbearance and fortitude to make it so.
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is part of an expansive sacred complex that has been used by various Native American tribes for more than seven thousand years. Prayer ribbons tied onto a fence are a visual reminder of their belief in the power of this sacred site.