Final answer:
Black Elk Speaks uses the cardinal directions - East, West, North, South, up (sky), and down (earth) - as symbolic pillars of the Lakota spiritual belief system, with each direction carrying a unique significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book Black Elk Speaks, the cardinal directions are an extremely important part of the traditional Lakota spiritual belief system. They include the four cardinal directions - East, West, North, and South - and two additional directions: up (towards the sky) and down (towards the Earth). The various cardinal directions, including up and down, each carry special symbolic significance and associated values, and are used extensively throughout the book to frame Black Elk's experiences and visions.
For instance, 'West' signifies the end of life or a closing cycle, while 'East' represents new beginnings. 'North' often signifies challenges and hardship, 'South' represents warmth and growth. 'Up' corresponds to the spiritual realm and 'down' to the physical or earthly realm.
Learn more about cardinal directions