One of the definitions for the word: “Realization” is, “the fulfillment or achievement of something desired or anticipated”. This was a word that took a little time for me to reclassify within my vocabulary while I was pursuing my degree in mysticism. It makes so much sense though, to realize is to literally make something “real”, at least in the sense of the word as we understand it. It’s to understand and follow or guide the process of bringing something from an idea or thought into a physical reality.

A number that is very intimate with this concept is “4”. We say four “fortifies” this reality. It’s no coincidence we only need one point of reference to have the four cardinal directions. Usually starting with the North and then automatically knowing where the East, South and West are located. From this idea we also extend into the “Medicine Wheel“, which is a way to connect this material reality with energetic attributes from each of the four directions. Although certain elements and characteristics will vary depending on the culture, location, and time period in question, the core principles remain universally recognized.

I’m about to share insights into the initiation process of becoming a Shaman and the profound impact this transpersonal integration has on one’s lifestyle. A few weeks ago, I found myself feeling stagnant and blocked. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t pinpoint the source of these feelings, leading to frustration, aimlessness, and a sense of being bogged down. These emotions edged me towards a mild depression, my surroundings felt gloomy and uncooperative. It’s a complex situation because, even after nearly two decades of shamanic practice, the personal aspects of my life are susceptible to the same mundane concerns as anyone else’s. Without constant vigilance, it’s all too easy to focus on the external world and fall into the trap of comparing its superficial aspects with our unique journey of evolution. Such comparisons are futile. Our lives are not meant to be measured against external benchmarks but understood as unique paths of self-evolution. External realities should not be yardsticks for comparison but mirrors reflecting our deeper emotional states.

I must add that too much external information, particularly from online sources can be overwhelming and even confusing in moments like this. I actually feel this ironic considering, I’ll be sharing this information online, but, I digress. What finally helped me immensely was a phrase that came to my mind one day that I had found myself lost while hiking looking for a remote Mayan stelae in Guatemala, “go back to the basics”. I did go back to the basics by reading up on the Tawantinsuyu, not exactly a medicine wheel, but it was the way the Inka Empire had been divided into four quarters and each had been attributed a mystical characteristic:

• Kollasuyu- This was the Southeast Region and it was associated with Awakening.
• Kontisuyu- This was the Southwest Region and it was associated with Resetting
• Chinchisuyu- This was the Northwest Region and it was associated with Creation
• Antisuyu- This was the Northeast Region and it was associated with Revelation

Using these parameters, I was able to recognize certain patterns that had been mentally trapping me into feeling stuck. I was also able to redirect my intentions and actions towards more energizing and achievable goals. Not all medicine wheel patterns are equal, but after many years practicing this tradition I’ve discovered that it doesn’t really matter. No one system is better than another, these ancient practices provide us with a platform to organize our ideas and the emotions tied to them. They provide parameters to use as internal tools for a reality that comprises incomprehensible variables to the human brain.

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