Medicine Wheel
Quick Summary
The Medicine Wheel in Wyoming is a prehistoric relic and a national historic landmark. Located at an elevation of 9,642 feet (2,939 metres), it is constructed from white limestone rocks arranged in a wheel pattern. This pattern features a central hub, 28 spokes radiating to an outer rim, and five cairns along the rim, with an additional cairn connected by a line of stones. This extended cairn aligns with the central hub and the sunrise position on the summer solstice.1
The Medicine Wheel's design allows for precise astronomical observation, making it an ideal site for prehistoric sky watching. It remains an excellent location for viewing celestial events today. In Indigenous cultures, medicine wheels, also known as sacred circles, are sites of religious and spiritual significance. They often align with cardinal directions or celestial bodies and are used for ceremonies and offerings. Modern medicine wheels symbolize the interconnectedness and sacredness of all life.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
