The Cycle of Life

This picture represents the Cycle of Life within the context of the Medicine Wheel. The four directions are represented; East, South, West and North; the four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter, as well as the four elements; earth, fire, water and air. The tree in the center represents the Tree of Life and it is surrounded by the Sun. Everything in this picture is organic and biodegradable, and will eventually return to the soil. From a healthy soil, we grow healthy plants, which in turn, provide nutritious food for animals and people. The decaying organic matter in soil is called humus. Humus provides food for macro-organisms; earthworms, beetles, sowbugs, centipedes, millipedes and insects in general. In the final stages of decomposition, the organic matter is broken down by micro-organisms; moulds, mites, bacteria and fungi, until it is fine enough to be absorbed by water. Then this mixture is taken up by the roots of plants to provide them with minerals and nutrients.

To view a larger version (63 k) of the drawing click on the picture below.

The Cycle of Life
by Amy Eustergerling