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The Power of 4

Why the number 4?

The number four is one of the most sacred numbers used in some Native cultures. The Sacred Mystery, the source of all creation, reveals itself as the powers of the four directions and these four powers provide organizing principle for everything that exists in the world. The four seasons, the races,  the stages of life, the emotions and aspects of human behaviour. 

These areas are organized by:  

Four Colours - Yellow, Blue (sometimes Black/Green), Red and White   - Different areas use different colours: For example: The Sioux use the Black, while the Cree use the Blue and others use Green in that place.
Four Sacred Plants - Sage, Cedar, Tobacco and Sweetgrass 
Four Winds - East (The Eagle), South (The Coyote), West (The Bear) and North (The White Buffalo)
Four Seasons - Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter or the 4 Seasons of your Life
Four Domains  - Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Mental
​Four Elements - Fire, Water, Earth and Wind

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The 4 Domains
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The 4 Seasons
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It needs to be stressed here that elders often speak to the idea that teachings are done by Season.
The 4 Elements
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Sample Lesson of the Four Elements -Pre-K
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  • Home
  • The Power of 4
  • Ideas By Topic
  • Videos, Websites and Apps
  • TLC
  • Suggested Readings
  • Lesson and Unit Planning Strategies
  • Professional Development Ideas