As told to me by a cherokee elder. I might add that this elder also
said
these legends and stories should be passed around both in the oral
tradition and in the print version as well

THE MEDICINE WHEEL
"Old One!". A man of the village said," A chill comes with the
darkness.
Please have a seat near the fire." As the Old One seated himself on a
log near the heat of the flames, the man said, "We see you and others
sometimes at the Medicine Wheel near your lodge. I know that it's a
Holy
Place for you, but what does it all mean?"
"The Medicine Wheel,"said the Old One, "is three stone circles inside
each other, with four stone paths connecting the outer and middle
circles. These paths or spokes point to each of the four Holy
Directions. The outer, largest circle is where the Grandfathers sit to
teach and listen. The middle circle is for those that seek. The small,
inner circle, the fire pit, is for the Great Spirit."
Pointing to the fire, the Old One said firmly, "Look into the fire!
See
the life of the Creator leaping as flames towards the heavens. Look
into
the glowing coals! See the beating of the Grea Spirit's heart. Feel
the
heat of is passionate love for his children. Know that the fire is
Holy!
"When you go into the forest to gather wood for your fire, take you
Holy
Pipe and smoke. Say to the guardian of the trees," Grandfather of the
Trees, this smoke is for you. I seek your permission to gather wood
for
the Holy Fire. I
pray your spirit will be with me, and bless those that seek the Great
Spirit. Thank you! 'Smoke your pipe and leavea small offering. Do
these
things and anyone who sits at youre fire will be blessed."
After a moment of silence, another person asked,"Grandfather, why are
the rocks laid in circles?"
"The circle represents life," replied the Old One. "Never ending and
always complete. The oneness of all life."
The first man spoke again," Do you just pray there?"
"No," answered the Old One. "The Medicine Wheel or any Holy Place is
for
prayer and seeking wareness of the Great Spirit. But Holy Places are
also for discussion among those that seek. Those that speak freely
with
open hearts will find what they seek.
"Anyone that has a dispute or words of importance to speak to their
brother or sister shoud go to the Medicine Wheel or other Holy Place
to
say what must be said. There the truth must be spoken. If one lies,
the
Great Spirit, the Grandfathers, and other Spirits that always gather
at
Holy Places will hear the lies. Knowing the heart of the speaker, they
will judge and punish the offender. So beware of each word that leaves
your mouth.
"When you seek a blessing for a person or an object, go to a Medicine
Wheel or a Holy Place. Call for a council. Burn incense. Smoke your
Holy
Pipe and request that the Great Spirit and each of the Grandfathers be
present. State your purpose to the people and Spirits gathered.
Request
what blessing you desire. According to the purity of your heart, and
your service to the Great Spirit, the blessing will be given."
'Can an evil Spirit enter the Medicine Wheel?" asked another of those
gathered around the fire.
" Maybe," said the Old One. "A Holy Place gains its power from those
that use it. If the seekers truly desire to serve the Great Spirit and
Grandfathers, then the Hoy Place is protected. All who go there will
be
blessed.
" But if the Holy Place is used on an act of Holiness, or to gain
power
over others, then Evil Spirits will lurk in ery shadow. All who go
there
will carry away Evil Spirits, and their lives will be plagued with
troubles, and they won't know why.