During a recent event in Phoenix, Krystal Curley and her Indigenous women’s work group took advantage of the opportunity to educate attendees about traditional Navajo practices in preparation for the highly anticipated solar eclipse this weekend.
The event, which took place in a college auditorium, attracted a diverse group of over 50 individuals, both young and old, who were eager to either reconnect with or learn about cultural protocols that have been passed down for generations.
The organizers thoughtfully arranged various resources, including books on Navajo astronomy and corn pollen used for blessings, to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the eclipse.
Additionally, a respected medicine man was present to address questions from the predominantly Navajo, or Diné, audience, offering guidance on how to approach the celestial event.
Notably, the medicine man emphasized the importance of refraining from looking directly at the eclipse and advised against eating, drinking, sleeping, or engaging in physical activity during this time.
By sharing these traditional practices, Curley and her group aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Navajo culture and its rich history surrounding celestial phenomena.
There are few moments in life that can be considered truly intimate and celestial. These moments are often the ones that leave the deepest impact on our souls and shape our perspectives in profound ways.
One such moment is the act of sitting at home and reflecting or praying during a time of quiet contemplation.
It is during these moments that we can connect with our inner selves and with the divine, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe and the purpose of our existence.
This act of introspection and spiritual communion can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, helping us to find peace and meaning in a world that can often seem chaotic and confusing.
So if you find yourself in need of a moment of quiet reflection, do not hesitate to sit at home and connect with the divine, for it may just be the key to unlocking your true potential.
According to Curley, the executive director of nonprofit Indigenous Life Ways, there are numerous restrictions imposed on the Diné people, also known as the Navajo, in comparison to other Native American tribes.
While it is acceptable for members of other Indigenous cultures in North, Central, and South America to observe eclipses or engage in outdoor activities, the Navajo Nation holds a distinct belief that is not universally shared.
This belief is particularly pronounced on the Navajo reservation, which is the largest in the United States.
In order to honor this belief, well-known tourist destinations like Monument Valley and the Four Corners Monument will be closed, allowing residents to remain at home in silence with their curtains drawn.
Additionally, Navajo-led tour companies will suspend their operations during the eclipse. On the other hand, some Indigenous groups in other regions are embracing the occasion as an opportunity to pass down cultural teachings, share stories, and ensure that younger generations are exposed to and educated about sacred traditions.
In Navajo culture, an eclipse is not regarded as a spectacle, but rather a solemn event. It signifies the conclusion of a cycle and the significance of the moon and sun aligning.
The blocking of the sun represents a rebirth, while the eclipse itself symbolizes the moon and sun embracing one another.
Paul Begay, a Navajo cultural adviser for guided hikes with Taadidiin Tours in Antelope Canyon, has made the decision to spend the upcoming eclipse quietly at home in Page, Arizona.
Being raised in the Navajo tradition, Begay has been taught from a young age about the role of deities in creation, starting with the first man and woman who journeyed through four different worlds.
According to Begay, an eclipse is seen as a disturbance or the death of the sun, which holds a significant place as a father figure in Navajo culture.
As a mark of respect, all activities come to a halt during this time. Begay explains that this is a display of reverence, a way of honoring the wishes of the holy people. However, he assures that once the eclipse passes, life will return to normalcy.
On the other hand, Shiyé Bidzííl, who is of Navajo and Lakota heritage, plans to view the eclipse with his 12-year-old twin sons and 11-year-old daughter outside their home in Chinle, Arizona.
In preparation for this celestial event, Bidzííl recently purchased special viewing glasses. Being of Lakota descent, Bidzííl believes that his people are descendants of the “Star People.”
Growing up, Bidzííl found stargazing to be deeply captivating, and now he wishes to impart the significance of celestial alignments to his children.
He expresses that his sons have a keen interest in stars, space, planets, and moons, and he sees this eclipse as an opportunity to educate them further on these subjects.
In conclusion, while Paul Begay chooses to observe the eclipse in a more introspective manner, honoring the sacredness of the event, Shiyé Bidzííl takes a different approach, using it as a chance to bond with his children and share with them the wonders of the cosmos.
Both perspectives offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo and Lakota people, showcasing their deep connection to the natural world and their desire to pass on their knowledge and traditions to future generations.
In southern Oregon, GeorGene Nelson, the director of the Klamath Tribes’ language department, finds herself in a unique position as she prepares to participate in an educational panel at the prestigious Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls.
With no specific tribal tradition dictating her involvement, Nelson is eager to share eclipse-related stories from the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin-Paiute people.
One intriguing tale she has learned revolves around a grizzly bear’s relentless pursuit to devour the moon.
However, the moon finds an unlikely savior in the form of a courageous frog, who jumps onto the moon and becomes its wife, ultimately scaring away the bear.
To Nelson and her people, these eclipses were once a momentous occasion, prompting their gathering and fervent calls for the frog’s intervention.
Only when the eclipse concludes is their mission deemed successful, signifying the frog’s triumphant chase of the grizzly bear.
As the Klamath Tribes gear up for the upcoming eclipse, they find themselves unable to escape the buzz surrounding the event.
EclipseFest23, a five-day festival held in Klamath County, has already commenced, drawing in a multitude of visitors from near and far.
With attractions such as food trucks, a beer garden, and a live performance by the renowned rock band Smash Mouth on Saturday, the festival has become a magnet for tourists.
Tim Sexton, the Klamath Tribes fire program manager, anticipates that the county’s population, which currently stands at over 60,000, could double by Saturday due to the influx of visitors.
This sudden surge in foot traffic has raised concerns among tribal officials, who fear that the sheer number of people seeking overnight accommodations or vantage points to witness the eclipse could inadvertently cause damage to the area.
Many of the locations are remote and have not seen such a large influx of visitors in quite some time. Consequently, some individuals may choose to venture away from the crowds in search of more secluded spots.
The potential consequences of this mass migration are not lost on Sexton and his team, who are working diligently to ensure that both the visitors and the environment remain unharmed during this momentous event.
In Oklahoma, away from the mainstream path of the eclipse, various tribes are sharing their origin stories of eclipses, according to Chris Hill, a cultural specialist for Native American programming in Tulsa Public Schools.
Hill explains that within his own Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribe, each of the 66 tribal towns possesses a unique narrative surrounding eclipses.
One such story that Hill grew up with involves a rabbit being pursued by a young boy, which ultimately transforms into a “little person” and grants the boy three wishes.
After requesting food and companionship, the boy asks for shade, prompting the little person to throw cornmeal at the sun, covering it, and declaring the union of the moon and sun.
The little person then teaches the boy a “friendship dance,” with the eclipse serving as a symbol of this bond. Hill emphasizes that during the eclipse, their tribe pays homage, observes silence, and refrains from any activity.
Additionally, they also prepare medicines for this sacred time. However, Hill acknowledges that there are many individuals who have been “colonized” and have abandoned their traditional practices.
In an effort to educate Native Americans about celestial events, Curley, from Indigenous Life Ways, aims to organize more workshops, providing corn pollen, or tádídíín, for the post-eclipse offering.
In a world that is constantly evolving and becoming more modernized, there is a growing concern about the preservation of traditional knowledge and ways of life.
This concern has been echoed by many individuals, including a woman who expressed her gratitude towards the younger generation for their interest in preserving their cultural heritage.
She acknowledged the hunger that exists among people to learn and understand traditional knowledge, recognizing the importance of passing down these invaluable teachings to future generations.
It is heartening to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by young people, as it signifies a strong desire to honor and respect their roots.
By actively engaging in the preservation of traditional knowledge, these individuals are not only ensuring the survival of their cultural heritage but also fostering a sense of pride and identity within their communities.
The efforts made by the younger generation are crucial in safeguarding the wisdom and customs that have been passed down through generations, ultimately contributing to the rich tapestry of human history.