Calling in the Directions: Anchoring Sacred Space with Earth, Wind, Fire and Spirit

In earth-based spiritual traditions around the world, calling in the directions is the sacred act of inviting the energies of the four cardinal points – East, South, West and North – plus the centre, Above (Sky) and Below (Earth), into a ritual space. This ceremonial opening aligns us with the natural forces and cycles of life. By acknowledging each direction (often as Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit), we set a protective, intentional container for a ceremony. In North American Native medicine wheel teachings, for example, the Sacred Hoop “embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree”, linking all dimensions of health and life’s cycles. Each direction also carries symbolic associations – with colours, elements, seasons, stages of life, animal spirits or sacred plants – that vary by culture but share the underlying theme of cosmic balance.

Visionary Art By Shaman's Cave - Calling in the Four Directions

Throughout this guide, we’ll honour multiple lineages respectfully (from Andean mesas to Amazonian plant ceremonies), emphasising humility and permission. We will explore the meaning of East, South, West, North (and centre/Above/Below), offer example invocations and altar orientation tips, and suggest tools (feathers, crystals, drums, smudge herbs, etc.) to use in opening and closing sacred space. Wherever possible, the knowledge is presented as shared wisdom, and we stress that these practices come from specific peoples – so practicing with gratitude and respect keeps us connected to their authenticity. As one Shaman’s Cave article reminds us, even when burning sage or Palo Santo for space-clearing, “take a moment to thank the Native American elders or the Andean shamans who showed us how to use those plants”. This attitude of acknowledgment “creates a field of respect” that honours tradition.

The Four Cardinal Directions (East, South, West, North)

Each cardinal direction holds distinct spiritual symbolism. These meanings vary by tradition, but some themes recur:

• East (Air, Dawn) – New beginnings, insight, illumination.  The East is the place of sunrise and spring. It often represents vision, clarity and the spark of inspiration. In many indigenous cosmologies, East is associated with the element of Air or Wind, as the breeze of dawn carries fresh insight. For example, in a Q’ero Andean mesa tradition, the East is where “we return to the light of Spirit where there is regeneration and rebirth. There we dream a new life into being”. Similarly, Native teachings often link East with the birth of the Sun and new life. (One might invite the Eagle or Hawk spirit of the morning sky at East.)

• South (Fire, Noon) – Growth, passion, vitality.  The South is the height of the day and the peak of summer energy. It corresponds to maturity, abundance and warmth. In the Q’ero mesa system the South brings “family, community, growth, service, and manifestation of abundance in physical life”. South is often tied to the element of Fire – the midday sun, passion and creativity. Many traditions see the South as the direction of our physical strength and willpower (e.g. Lion or Eagle energies of midday sun).

• West (Water, Dusk) – Introspection, transition, healing.  The West is the setting Sun and the edge of night, associated with release, letting go, and emotional depth. It often carries the element of Water or Darkness. In the Q’ero teaching the West “holds the rich gifts from the unseen... the energies of endings and death. In the shadow, we find the wounds of our ancestors so we can heal them”. Thus West embodies the journey inward and the subconscious. In a ceremony one might call on Marine or Jaguar spirits, or pour water as an offering, to honour the power of release and renewal at the boundary between light and dark.

• North (Earth, Midnight) – Wisdom, wisdom, endurance.  The North is the darkest point and winter’s domain. It is often linked to Ancestors, reflection, and the earth element. According to Q’ero teachings, North is “where we meet our Ancestors in the Light and the Wise Elders who have gone before, so we can learn about… the meaning and purpose of our lives”. North symbolizes the still, timeless wisdom we carry from those who came before us. Many lineages tie North to the Bear or other spirit of patience and persistence, and to introspection. Elements associated here include earth or stone – many put an owl feather or crystal on the North side of the altar to ground the energy.

These directions can also be mapped to seasons and stages of life. For example, East-spring-childhood, South-summer-adolescence, West-autumn-adulthood, North-winter-elderhood. They may be linked to elements (often Air/East, Fire/South, Water/West, Earth/North) or colours (Lakota: East=Yellow, South=Red, West=Black, North=White). Animals, plants, cardinal virtues and musical notes are also often corresponded. But the key is personal and local meaning: each practitioner is encouraged to feel what each direction means to them, based on nature and life-cycles.

Above, Below, and the Center

Beyond the four horizontal directions, many traditions recognize a Vertical Axis: the space Above (the sky, cosmos or Creator), the space Below (Mother Earth or Underworld), and the Centre (the self or heart). In a complete sacred space invocation one might “call in” seven directions: East, South, West, North, Above (Sky), Below (Earth), and the Centre (self/Spirit).

• Above (Sky, Father) – Represents the heavens, the sky or sun. It can be the source of vision, higher guidance, cosmic wisdom. In Native practice, Above is Father Sky or the Great Spirit. The axis to the sky might be honoured with an incense plume rising upward, or by ringing a bell to “echo into the heavens.” Wild Gratitude notes that the Center connects inherently to Above, and above symbolizes “cosmic currents, planetary bodies, future, stars, expanded consciousness”.

• Below (Earth, Mother) – Represents Mother Earth, roots and grounding. It holds fertility, memory, the unconscious. Offerings to Below often include earth (soil, salt) or bones (symbolizing ancestors), or pouring libations into the ground. Wild Gratitude observes that Below is “planetary currents, ancestors, roots, creation, the womb, the cave, Goddess”. We stand on the earth, literally supported by Below, and many rituals honour grandmothers, caves, or beeswax from the earth’s creatures as symbols of this energy.

• Center (Heart, Axis Mundi) – The center point, where East/South/West/North intersect. It represents the self, the present moment, unity of all directions. In medicine wheel terms, the Centre is the Axis Mundi – a cosmic axis that holds Earth below and Sky above together. According to Q’ero shaman Rachel Mann, “At the center of the directions, with Earth below and Sky above, is the point of mediation or the Axis Mundi where Earth and the Heavenly Realms are connected with the energy of munay (Love-Light)”. The Center is thus pure potential, balance, and the spark of spirit within us. On altars, the centre might be marked by a candle (fire/light), a crystal, or a personal object.

The Medicine Wheel concept itself can be fivefold or sevenfold (including Above and Below). Above and Below are sometimes folded into the central axis, and some traditions collapse the sacred center with Spirit above/below. The important point is this: calling the directions often means invoking not just the four winds, but the entire cosmos – grounding in earth, opening to sky – to make space fully sacred.

Connecting to the Above, Below and The Centre

Invoking the Directions: Practical Ritual Steps

To open sacred space and call the directions, practitioners typically follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Space:  Begin by cleansing the area. Smudging with sacred herbs (white sage, Palo Santo, sweetgrass, etc.) or spraying a purifying mist helps clear old energies. For example, you might light a White Sage smudge stick or use a Palo Santo smudge spray. (Shaman’s Cave offers both: the White Sage smudge stick “cleanses spaces, objects, and individuals, dispelling negative energies and inviting harmony”, and the Palo Santo Smudge Spray “cleanses your space, aura, or sacred objects… setting an intention for protection, grounding, or energy renewal”.) Walk in a clockwise circle or use a drum or rattle to scatter the smoke. For example, a ceremonial drum description advises: “Before beginning, cleanse your space with sage, palo santo, or another sacred plant to create a purified environment”. As you smudge, hold the intention of releasing what no longer serves.

   
   

2. Set an Altar and Offerings: Arrange your altar or circle with meaningful objects for each direction. For East, you might place a feather or incense to represent Air and vision; for South, a candle or red flower for Fire and passion; for West, a bowl of water or blue crystal for Water and introspection; for North, a stone or salt for Earth and stability. At the Centre, many put a lit candle, a crystal sphere, or a personal talisman. (Shaman’s Cave has many altar tools to help: e.g. Grounding Spirit Smudging Feather to waft smoke, sacred stones and crystals from earth-based sources, and ceremonial drums to represent the heartbeat of ceremony.)

   
   

3. Call the Directions with Words or Song: Face each direction in turn and speak an invocation or prayer. You can use traditional words (if in a lineage that shares them) or your own heartfelt phrase. The key is to intentionally call that direction’s spirit/energy into your circle. For example:

   • East (Sunrise, Air) – “Spirits of the East, guardians of the sunrise and air, we call to you now. Infuse this circle with clarity, vision, and the gentle light of new beginnings.”  One might raise a feather skyward or ignite incense here.

   • South (Noon, Fire) – “Spirits of the South, source of the noon-day sun and fire’s warmth, we call to you. Ignite our passions, courage and creativity; bless our community and growth.”  Perhaps light a candle or offer flowers to honour this energy.

   • West (Sunset, Water) – “Spirits of the West, guardians of the sunset and waters, we call to you. Bring the wisdom of endings, cleansing, and dreams; carry away what we release.”  A bowl of water or a shell with water can be offered.

   • North (Midnight, Earth) – “Spirits of the North, elders of the midnight earth, we call to you. Grant us the gifts of quiet wisdom, ancestral memory, and endurance; ground us in your strength.”  A stone or salt might be placed here.

   • Center (Heart) – “To the spirit at the centre, the silent witness within, we honour you. May this space be a sacred axis uniting earth and sky, body and spirit.”  Here one may light the central candle or place tobacco/seed offering.

   • Above (Sky, Spirit) – “Spirits of Above, great sky and cosmic forces, we call to you. Send down inspiration, blessing and protection from the heavens.”  Sound a bell or clapping hands upward.

   • Below (Earth, Ancestors) – “Spirits of Below, Mother Earth and all our ancestors in the soil, we call to you. Ground us in your wisdom, nurture us as we have nurtured these offerings.”  Gently touch the ground or hold soil/kambô stones.

     
     

   These invocations can be spoken, chanted, or sung. The exact words are less important than the sincerity. The Wild Gratitude blog notes that people call the directions as a form of “setting up sacred space to do sacred work”. Think of it as opening a circle – you are physically and psychically drawing a circle of light by calling in each guardian. One practitioner even “shakes a rattle in the four cardinal directions” to define this circle by sound.

   
   

4. Use Ritual Instruments & Offerings: As you invoke each direction, use tools that resonate. For East, you might wave a feather fan (to stir the air) or ring a clear bell. For South, beat a drum or light incense (fire). For West, pour a libation of water or blow a conch shell. For North, cast salt or touch a crystal. Ceremonial smoking tools like Mapacho or rapé (sacred snuff) can be offered to spirit helpers. Shaman’s Cave’s Shamanic Drum of the Thunder Bird and handcrafted rattles embody these energies: the Thunder Bird drum, for instance, depicts a Native American sky messenger and is meant to “bridge between the heavens and the earth”. A Sacred Talking Stick or Feather Fan (such as the Grounding Spirit Feather) can pass blessings and prayers to the four winds. In ritual, tools “are extensions of the healer’s heart and intention” – by using them with gratitude and respect, “you activate the tool’s potential”.

   
   

5. Offer Thanks and Close: Once each direction has been called, take a moment of stillness. Give thanks – to the spirits, ancestors and elements – for their presence. Some people circle clockwise to seal the circle or play the drum one final time. Then to close the space, one might thank the directions in reverse order, or simply end with a “so be it” and gently reclaim the energy (for example, by clapping hands inward and bowing to the circle). Remember to ground yourself after a ceremony: hold a grounding crystal or walk barefoot (consider carrying a hematite or Tiger’s Eye crystal from Shaman’s Cave’s Spiritual Art collection). One blog notes that after an intense ritual you should “take time to integrate. Grounding can be as simple as walking barefoot on the earth… or holding a grounding stone like hematite”.

   
   

Throughout your practice, focus on humility and permission. Approach each invoked spirit or tool with gratitude. As Shaman’s Cave advises, “By approaching with humility, asking permission, and giving thanks, you activate the tool’s potential”. When using plant medicines or sacred smoke, silently thank the cultures that taught us their use. This openness ensures the ceremony remains grounded in respect and avoids cultural appropriation.

Example Invocation (Sample Prayer)

“Spirits of the East, gentle winds and sunrise light, we call to you now. Bring clarity, insight and the spark of new beginnings into this circle. Guardians of Air and vision, surround us with your sacred breath.”“Spirits of the South, fire of midday and abundance, we call to you. Ignite our passions and creative power. Teach us courage, warmth and the strength of community under the noonday sun.”“Spirits of the West, waters of dusk and deep healing, we call to you. Wash away what no longer serves and honor the cycles of endings and renewal. Guide us through the waters of our dreams.”“Spirits of the North, earth and ancient light, we call to you. Ground us in wisdom, resilience and the knowledge of our ancestors. Keep us strong and steady in the heart of this circle.”“Great Above, sky and star worlds, we call to you. Shower us with inspiration and cosmic guidance. Protect this sacred space from above.”“Great Below, Mother Earth, we call to you. Bless us with stability, growth and your deep nurturing presence. Seal this circle in your eternal earth.”“At the center stands the Heart of all, we honor you. May our intentions be clear, and may this space be fully alive with spirit.”

(Feel free to adapt language to your path. The key is honouring each direction in turn, using imagery meaningful to you.)

Tools, Offerings and Altar Orientation

When preparing an altar or sacred area, you can orient items to the corresponding direction:

• East (Air): Feather fans, incense holders or tobacco leaves. Consider placing a smoke feather fan (e.g. our Grounding Spirit Smudging Feather) or an abalone shell with sage. A blue or yellow crystal (citrine, quartz) may accompany dawn energies.

• South (Fire): A lit candle or red flower. You might keep a shamanic drum or burning charcoal for resins here. In some practices, the South altar holds a fire-like object such as a shell of copal incense. Carnelian or red jasper stones can anchor the flame’s passion.

• West (Water): A small bowl of water or seashell with water, representing emotional flow. Place a blue crystal (sodalite, turquoise) or a shell here. Offer a gentle item like rose petals or seashells to honor the retreating sun.

• North (Earth): A stone or piece of salt (for Earth’s solidity). Use crystals like obsidian, black tourmaline or clear quartz to symbolize the still darkness. Offer tobacco, corn kernels or clay – these Earth offerings ground and nourish.

• Center: A candle (fire element of spirit), a crystal ball, or a personal totem. This holds the axis of the circle. You might also include a few drops of sacred Palo Santo oil or a clear quartz point. The center connects Above and Below.

  
  

When invoking, you may present offerings from each direction’s altar: e.g. a pinch of tobacco to the ground (North/Earth), a sip of sacred water (West/Water), a stone for healing, herbs or tree sap (South/Fire), bird’s feathers or incense (East/Air). The Shaman’s Cave Sacred Palo Santo Smudge Spray is another modern option: one can mist it around oneself or over offerings to carry prayers skyward and cleanse the environment.

Remember that tools and gifts are sacred. Shaman’s Cave emphasizes that “these are not mere objects or substances; they are teachers and allies”. Every feather, drum or stone was once part of a living being or rite. For example, the Thunder Bird Drum is “crafted in a ceremonial setting, calling upon the elements and spiritual guides to imbue it with purpose and power”. When you handle these tools, do so with reverence. Offer tobacco, flower water or song to honour the spirit of the tool (as one might pray into a rattle). In short, treat your ceremonial implements as living companions in your ritual.

Opening and Closing Sacred Space

Beginning a ritual by calling the directions is the classic way to open sacred space. It intentionally marks your ceremony as distinct from the mundane. To close, simply thank each direction in reverse order or together. You might say: “Thank you, Spirits of the North/East/South/West/Above/Below, for your gifts and guidance. Go with our blessings.”  Then extinguish any flames, release the smoke safely, and ground yourself physically. A simple foot-stomp on the earth or a meal can symbolically close the circle.

Always finish with gratitude and grounding. As one Shaman’s Cave guide advises, after powerful rituals “take time to integrate” and stay connected to the ordinary world. The circle is open ended: “We offer our support” through reminders to live in kindness, give back to Earth (e.g. plant a tree), and share what we’ve learned. By ending with humility and thankfulness, the protections and blessings called in are gently released – and remain with you.

Cultural Respect and Humility

Throughout this practice, keep in mind that calling the directions comes from specific spiritual lineages. We borrow these rites with permission only in spirit, not to claim them as our own. Shaman’s Cave emphasizes sourcing tools authentically and approaching with humility, permission and respect. This means learning about the origins (e.g. the Lakota Medicine Wheel, Maya or Inca sun ceremonies, Shipibo icaros with feathers) and, even if adapting into your personal practice, mentally honouring those who came before.

For example, one Shaman’s Cave article on sacred tools advises: “When we use these tools today, we step into a stream of ancient wisdom”. It continues: “Approach with humility, asking permission, and giving thanks” – in effect treating the ritual helpers as sacred guests. Another passage reminds us that burning sage or palo santo for space-clearing should be accompanied by gratitude: “thank the Native American elders or the Andean shamans who showed us how to use those plants”. Cultivating such reverence keeps our ceremonies ethical and heartfelt.

A place of ceremony - native people

Conclusion: Step into a Sacred Ceremony

Calling in the directions is both a poetic rite and a spiritual anchor. It reminds us that we are part of a larger web – of earth, sky, ancestors and elements. By facing East, South, West and North (plus centre, Above, Below) we symbolically turn to all corners of creation and ask for guidance. As you learn this ritual, let each word and offering connect you to the land and cosmos. Let the drum and feather, the sage and stone, become bridges between seen and unseen.

Now, gather your sacred tools – your feathers, stones, drums, smudge herbs, Palo Santo sprays, and whatever else calls to you. Create your sacred altar facing the East of your room or ceremony circle. When you are ready, step into your centre, breathe deeply, and call the winds of the world with intention.

The mysteries of the four winds await. Step gently, step reverently – and let the directions guide and ground your journey.