06/05/2012
Perched atop the Bighorn Range in Wyoming, at a desolate 9,642 feet and accessible only during the fleeting summer months, lies a construction of profound historical and astronomical significance: the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. This ancient Native American edifice, spanning an impressive 80 feet in diameter, is a testament to the sophisticated understanding of the cosmos held by the Plains Indians. Composed entirely of stones, the wheel features a central cairn, a doughnut-shaped mound, from which 28 spoke-like lines of stones radiate outwards to the rim. Six additional stone cairns are strategically positioned around the circumference, each substantial enough to accommodate a seated human. The central cairn itself measures approximately 12 feet in diameter and stands 2 feet high, hinting at its foundational role in this remarkable site.
Unveiling the Celestial Observatory
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, located in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, USA, off Highway 14A, is more than just a collection of stones; it is a sophisticated astronomical calendar. Its very design facilitates precise observations of celestial events. When one stands or sits at a particular cairn and gazes towards another, the lines of sight align with specific points on the distant horizon. These points mark crucial astronomical occurrences: the rising and setting of the Sun during the summer solstice, and the heliacal rising of certain important stars. The heliacal rising, the first visible appearance of a star at dawn after being obscured by the Sun, played a vital role in foretelling the timing of ceremonial days. The stark reality of its high-altitude location is underscored by the fact that the area remains free of snow for only two months of the year, coinciding with the summer solstice, a period of immense significance for its creators.
The Sacred Number 28
The wheel's structure is further imbued with meaning through its 28 spokes. This number holds deep cultural and religious importance for some Native American tribes, mirroring the 28 days of the lunar cycle. This connection is also evident in the construction of ceremonial buildings, such as the Lakota Sundance lodge, which typically features an eastern entrance facing the rising sun and incorporates 28 rafters, corresponding to the lunar month. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel's 28 spokes may also allude to the heliacal rising of significant stars like Rigel and Sirius, occurring at intervals of approximately 28 days, further cementing the lunar and stellar connections.
A Living Monument Through Time
The construction of the Medicine Wheel is attributed to the Plains Indians, with evidence suggesting its creation between 300 and 800 years ago. It has since been a site of continuous use and maintenance by various groups. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the central cairn is the oldest component, extending below the wheel's structure and having been buried over time by wind-blown dust. It is theorised that this central cairn may have once supported a pole, perhaps used as a central sighting point. The accuracy of the star alignments is most precise for the period around 1200 AD, with slight shifts in Earth's orbit having introduced minor perturbations since then. However, the solstice alignments remain remarkably accurate to this day.
A Vast Sacred Landscape
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is not an isolated monument but rather a focal point within a much larger complex of interrelated archaeological sites. This vast landscape represents 7,000 years of Native American adaptation and utilisation of the alpine environment surrounding Medicine Mountain. Numerous contemporary American Indian traditional use areas, including ceremonial staging grounds, medicinal and ceremonial plant gathering sites, sweat lodge locations, altars for offerings, and fasting (vision quest) enclosures, can be found in the vicinity. Ethnohistoric, ethnographic, and archaeological evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that the Medicine Wheel and its surrounding landscape constitute one of the most important and well-preserved ancient Native American sacred site complexes in North America. Beyond the Bighorn site, between 70 and 150 similar wheel structures have been identified across South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, highlighting a widespread cultural tradition.
Astronomical Alignments: A Deeper Dive
In 1974, archaeoastronomer Jack Eddy's visit to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel illuminated its sophisticated astronomical purpose. His studies of the arrangements of rocks, cairns, and spokes revealed precise alignments. The structure points to the rising and setting places of the Sun at the summer solstice, as well as the rising points of prominent stars such as Aldebaran (in Taurus), Rigel (in Orion), and Sirius (in Canis Major). These stars, due to their brightness and association with the solstice period, were likely of significant importance. Later research by astronomer Jack Robinson identified a pair of cairns that marked the rising point of the star Fomalhaut, indicating its appearance with the Sun 28 days prior to the solstice. The specific alignments are remarkable:
| Alignment | Celestial Event | Approximate Timing Relative to Solstice |
|---|---|---|
| Cairn E through center hub | Summer Solstice Sunrise | Solstice |
| Cairn C through center | Summer Solstice Sunset | Solstice |
| Cairn F (various points) | Heliacal rising of Aldebaran | 2 days before Solstice |
| Cairn F (various points) | Heliacal rising of Rigel | 28 days after Solstice |
| Cairn F (various points) | Heliacal rising of Sirius | 28 days after Rigel (end of August) |
| Cairn pair (Robinson's finding) | Heliacal rising of Fomalhaut | 28 days before Solstice |
The heliacal rising of these stars served as crucial markers, guiding the timing of important ceremonies and seasonal transitions. For instance, the heliacal rising of Sirius marked the end of summer and the time for tribes to descend from the mountain. These celestial observations, particularly those involving Fomalhaut, Aldebaran, Rigel, and Sirius, are believed to have been instrumental in the Cheyenne Massaum ceremony and are also recognised within the Lakota sacred circle constellation known as "The Animal." The period between approximately 1200 AD and 1700 AD is considered the most accurate for these particular alignments, underscoring the dynamic nature of celestial observation over millennia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the diameter of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel?
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel has a diameter of approximately 80 feet.
When was the Medicine Wheel constructed?
It is estimated to have been constructed by Plains Indians between 300 and 800 years ago.
What is the significance of the number 28?
The number 28 is significant as it corresponds to the number of days in the lunar cycle and the number of spokes in the wheel, linking it to lunar cycles and possibly stellar risings.
What astronomical events does the Medicine Wheel align with?
The wheel aligns with the summer solstice sunrise and sunset, and the heliacal rising of stars such as Aldebaran, Rigel, Sirius, and Fomalhaut.
Who are some key figures involved in studying the Medicine Wheel?
Key figures include archaeoastronomer Jack Eddy, who studied its alignments, and astronomer Jack Robinson, who identified further celestial markers.
What is a cairn?
A cairn is a man-made pile of stones, often used as a landmark or memorial. In the Medicine Wheel, cairns serve as central points and sighting locations.
Preserving a Sacred Heritage
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel continues to be a site of reverence, with prayer offerings left by visitors even today. Its enduring presence serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between ancient cultures and the cosmos, offering invaluable insights into their worldview, scientific understanding, and spiritual practices. The ongoing efforts to study and preserve this site are crucial for understanding the rich tapestry of Native American history and their profound astronomical knowledge.
Image Credits: Banner by Troy Cline, GSFC. Medicine Wheel sunset photograph by Tom Melham. Keyhole video developed by Professor Philip Scherrer. Keyhole2 PRO, movie maker, data importer, and high speed printer modules provided thanks to Jack Veenstra and Dennis Reinhardt of Keyhole-Google. Medicine Wheel color photo by Richard Collier, Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office. Used with permission. Cairn and prayer offerings photos by Deborah Scherrer. Map and photographic views by Steven Dutch, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. Satellite photo from TerraServer USA. From original diagram by Jack Eddy. Alignment diagram copyright (c) 2002 by Boissevain Community Archives and Moncur Gallery. All Rights Reserved. ©2008-2023 by Stanford SOLAR Center | Permitted Uses | Credits
If you want to read more articles similar to The Bighorn Medicine Wheel: A Stone Celestial Calendar, you can visit the Automotive category.