The following story has been edited for length and clarity.
How do the Navajo people interpret the significance of solar eclipses?
CC: At a young age, we learn that solar eclipses are times of rebirth and reordering of the universe. It’s time to pray to the sun. The teachings teach us to offer corn pollen or cornmeal to the sun. We see the sun and moon as divine beings similar to God, but they are not gods. They represent the male and female souls, and this union signals change and rebirth.
What do Navajo communities do to prepare for a solar eclipse?
CC: In my culture, solar and lunar eclipses are considered times to pause, pray, and fast. During these events, Navajos do not go outside, sleep, drink water, eat, go to the bathroom, or engage in intimate relationships. When these rules are broken, it is considered to be putting oneself out of harmony spiritually, physically and mentally. Fasting is said to cause problems such as digestive problems. Watching a solar eclipse causes eye problems. It is said that sleeping during a solar eclipse can cause sleep disorders.
Are there gods or spirits associated with the sun, moon, or eclipses in Navajo mythology? What role do they play in phenomena like a total solar eclipse?
CC: yes. In my culture, the sun and moon are sacred. The sun represents the presence of men, and the moon represents the presence of women. The sun is what keeps monsters away from the earth. It is believed that during a solar eclipse, when the sun hides behind the moon, these monsters return and roam the earth in a spiritual sense.
How does the Native American perspective on solar eclipses contribute to our understanding of astronomy?
CC: All indigenous cultures around the world have contributed to astronomy in their own ways. We have all lived here for thousands of years and have had time to sit and observe. The ancient people of Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon were probably the first people to record a solar eclipse before the European world. Indigenous people have always observed.
Before colonialism, we used a lunar calendar. Certain stars only appear at certain times of the year, and we used them to determine what time of the year it was. The night sky told us when to plant and harvest crops. There are certain rituals that take place at certain times and we use the night sky to guide us.
Many people talk about the North Star. It was also used by Native Americans.
How do Native American teachings about solar eclipses influence their views on ecology and the environment?
CC: Animals are said to have respect for the divine order of the universe. Birds will stop chirping and insects will stop flying around.
How has modern times affected the Navajo community, especially in terms of cultural resurgence and interest in traditional practices regarding solar eclipses?
CC: Modern times have brought a unique perspective. These beliefs are often of different types and include a mix of traditional and modern cultures. We are learning to adapt to these events. We understand that there are hard-working people who don’t have time to take time off from work or school and may need to break these habits. My job makes me an ally of the working class, but being an academic gives me the grace to adhere to some important habits, such as not eating, not drinking water, and not going to the bathroom.
