So, I thought this forum would be the best for me to ask this question. I'm starting planning on a non NaNo project since I've finished my NaNo. Woohoo and a congrats to everyone else who has hit their goal for the month.
I know that there are different religions and/or beliefs out there that put a significance on the four directions. (North/South/East/West) Unfortunately I seem to be hitting a wall on trying to research on that information.
If anyone would be able to recommend some websites, or information it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you much.
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150,202 / 50,000
Nov 28, 2008 - 07 24
Most pagan paths mark the significance of the four directions. The interpretation of them however seems to differ, though ultimately I've found it comes down with whatever works for you. Either Celtic Recon or Druidry (more specifically ADF, which is an international organization you can easily look up) use Sea, Sky and Land instead of the four directions. I'm not sure which, I'm inclined to lean more towards Druidry because that's what I know most.
64,059 / 50,000
Nov 28, 2008 - 13 36
I remember some fine exhibits on how such played out in the cosmology of various Native American peoples at the Smithsonian American Indian museum. I haven't search their website, but you might find some very interesting things there: http://www.nmai.si.edu/
11,547 / 50,000
Dec 1, 2008 - 13 22
Many modern Pagans also refer to these in a way other than "directions." For example, each direction has an elemental association – most commonly (but not always), Earth is North, East is Air, South is Fire, and West is Water. So try looking up elements. In Wicca, I believe they're also referred to as the Watchtowers.
And the other person who referenced Land, Sea, and Sky is correct – that's what the ancient Celts observed. If they observed fire, it was as a gift from the gods, not as an element. The four classic elements (and thus directions) came from other influences.
150,202 / 50,000
Dec 1, 2008 - 16 16
They are called the Watchtowers also, although I think there are others outside of Wicca who use the name Watchtowers. An interesting debate though about the Watchtowers, as many pagans try to go back to the roots of the origins have wondered if the Watchtowers should be renamed. It was an interesting debate, that took into account the geography of the people. Like if there was an ocean north of them, than they might have attributed North with Water instead of Earth. Or Air, if that's where the winds blew down from. Below the equator, North would have been fire as the further north you go the warmer it gets. Basically, there is no 'set' definition of the Watchtowers; there's a couple common definitions, but if someone chooses to see them differently it doesn't mean they're wrong. We're a pretty easy bunch :)
148,177 / 50,000
Dec 1, 2008 - 22 07
Thank you all so much for your imput. I appreciate it greatly. The idea came to me while in the middle of writing my NaNo project, and now that I'm done with that (for now) it won't leave me in peace. *chuckles*