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	Medicine Wheel at Wanuskewin Heritage Park© This Medicine Wheel is formed, not so much by rocks, but by what may be called "near sterile soil". (The grass within the medicine wheel has never been cut, yet remains very short in contrast to the long prairie grass surrounding it.) There is a pathway leading into the main circle which is also formed by this "near sterile soil". The diameter of the circle is approximately 70 feet. The pattern can be seen in the photo to the left.
It is typical of about 9% (subgroup 2) of medicine wheels found on the North American Plains*. An interesting feature of this medicine wheel is the circle of "cut grass" which separates the "near sterile soil" from the prairie grass. This "cut grass" circle extends entirely around the inner circle and down both sides of the entry path (photo, below and right). This rim of "cut grass" remains undisturbed, despite the strong prairie winds that prevail at this site. Although no central cairn is visible, it is likely
that one existed, since some of the visible rocks within the circle would indicate a "hub and spoke" type of configuration (see diagram below). These spokes may have extended beyond the perimeter of the circle, as seen in the 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions.
It appears that a cairn existed outside the circle between the 4 o'clock to 5 o'clock position. Approximately 12 stones remain visible in the long grass at that point.
	*"Medicine Wheels On The Northern Plains: A Summary and Appraisal" by John H. Brumley. Archaeological Survey of Alberta Manuscript Series No. 12, 1988.
There seems to be very little knowledge and much confusion about the purpose of a Medicine Wheel. If someone of aboriginal descent with actual knowledge from oral tradition, would like to convey their truth on this subject, we would gladly provide a webpage for their story. E-mail: Rebecca Links to other informative articles: Definition of Aboriginal Medicine Wheel--submitted by Vincent Proteau The natural cause of Medicine Wheels --submitted by Gerd Becker Stone Wheels and Dawn Stars Rising MEDICINE WHEEL: SUN & STARS (same website, another good article)
© Copyright 2002. The photos and opinions expressed on this webpage are entirely those of the author, Rebecca Hanson.
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