What the Researchers Say

Medicine Wheels probably meant a number of different things to the Plains peoples who built and/or used them.

The study of Medicine Wheels was originally the domain of anthropologists and archaeologists, but in the last few decades they've also attracted the attention of mathematicians, astronomers, new-age advocates, etc.  It's reminiscent of the story of the blind men and the elephant: expertise in the modern world is narrowly focused, thereby limiting our ability to discover or perhaps even understand the truth.

Published Medicine Wheel theories can be generalized in three broad categories: memorial, ceremonial and compositional theories.  The following list is meant to introduce the general ideas only.  Keep in mind that most of these ideas are not exclusive - there is no reason that two or more could not have been true in some way simultaneously or serially.

MEMORIAL THEORIES -

• Mortuary Monument
  Medicine Wheels signify important individuals and encompass their remains.
  A very few human bones have been discovered at a very few Medicine Wheels. Even considering the effects of animals, "potting" (vandalism and treasure hunting), erosion, etc, there probably should be more evidence to support this theory.

• Commemorative Monument
  Medicine Wheels signify important individuals or events
  At least one historic Blackfoot Medicine Wheel is said to commemorate a chief.  A challenge for this 'catch-all' theory is that it is difficult to test, and may be generally true by default since Medicine Wheels so apparently make a statement, and are therefore intentionally memorable.

CEREMONIAL THEORIES -

• Sun Dance or Thirst Dance Structure
  Medicine Wheels are related to the Sun Dance and Thirst Dance ceremonies.
  There are symbolic relationships between Medicine Wheels and structures built for these annual Plains community celebrations.  

• Vision Quest Structure
  Medicine Wheels are sites created for vision quest experiences.
  Plains males were expected to undertake a solo, remote experience during which their personal vision or power would be revealed to them.  There are reports of Medicine Wheels being used for vision quests, but this doesn't necessarily indicate this was their original purpose.

• Buffalo Cult Structure
  Medicine Wheels are ceremonial structures related to bison hunting.
  This idea is that Medicine Wheels were part of a secret society or sympathetic magic tied to this primary subsistence activity on the Plains. 

COMPOSITIONAL THEORIES -

• Petroform
  Medicine Wheels are a form of art, graffito or religious expression. 
  The Plains are dotted with special pictograph sites, at least some of which were used consistently for thousands of years. 

• Horizon-based Astronomy
  Medicine Wheels are oriented to astronomical rising and setting phenomena, presumably for calendar or ceremonial purposes.
  This topic will be explored in more detail in this channel shortly.

• Gnomon Astronomy
  Medicine Wheels once incorporated central poles or tipis which acted as a gnomon to describe aspects of their composition via light and shadow.
  This topic will be explored in more detail in this channel shortly.

• Signposts
  Medicine Wheels function as maps, signs or territorial markers to give directions and possibly distances to relevant places or events.
  An obvious speculation with no supporting evidence, and made questionable when some sets of Medicine Wheels are within a few hundred meters of each other.

• Geometry
  Medicine Wheels are composed mathematically, perhaps exhibiting form and dimensions related to early geometry.
  This theory was borrowed from a similar theory applied to the megaliths in Europe, although there is no apparent evidence or motive here.

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