The East Gate on the Medicine Wheel is the place of Illumination where Wabun Golden Eagle lives in the element of air. The plant medicine is tobacco, the season is spring, the time of day is dawn, and the time of human life is that of infancy and early childhood. Its power is that of new beginnings, freshness, enthusiasm and creativity. It is the light that comes after each darkness. The East is truly a time of rebirth when all things are possible, a time of awakening.
This gate leads to all levels of awareness and understanding. Grandfather Sun arises each morning from this gateway or direction. Most traditions refer to this direction with the color yellow while occasionally red is associated with it.
The Golden Eagle is the symbol of freedom from all forms of bigotry and ignorance. It provides protection and enlightenment. Golden Eagle, closest to Father Sun, bathes in the love of the golden light. To understand the East Shield is to invite Eagle in your heart. When your heart is free to soar to the heights above the Sacred mountain, you can view all of Creation and learn the lessons of the East Shield.
Working with the energy of the East Shield brings clarity into your life. If you have been experiencing confusion and chaos, call upon the Golden Eagle for guidance. It can teach you new freedoms to see your life with the clear eye of an Eagle.
Wabun, Golden Eagle
Written by Grandmother Wind Daughter, Panther Wind Woman