Understanding the synchronicity of natural and astronomical cycles is integral to Anishinaabe cosmology and shows us how the Anishinaabe cultural worldview and philosophy are reflected in their celestial knowledge and how indigenous knowledge relates natural phenomena to everyday life.
Because stars move from east to west, the Anishinaabe believe that when we die, our spirits travel to "Ningaabii'anong;" the Western sky. The Anishinaabek also believe that new life and knowledge emerge from "Waabanong ; " the eastern sky. Thus, many ceremonies and traditions reflect these cardinal directions. From the Western scientific standpoint, we know that it's not the stars that are revolving, but the earth that is actually revolving. But, this scientific fact is part of the Western scientific paradigm and not part of the Anishinaabek cosmology.
The constellations and star knowledge relate to seasonal changes, subsistence activities, ceremonies and storytelling of the Anishinaabek. Seasonal changes correlate with the movement of stellar constellations, which, in turn, are reflected in tribal stories and ceremonies.