Do Utah’s Native Peoples View The Eclipse More Spiritual?

How Native Peoples Saw the Earth and Sky 

The eclipse taking place on April 8th will cross from the east and down towards Texas. Wally Brown with Navajo Traditional Teachings describes how his people have understood an eclipse and what they do during one. 

They call themselves the Dine' and are taught that they came from above to the earth. “We have a kinship with mother earth and father sky,” said Brown. He says they see the sun as the source of all the good things. Not that they worship the sun, but it is a representation of the maker. 

Each person makes their own decision on whether they will receive the good things. You can decide for yourself the relationship you will have with the holy ones. 

When the Sun is Darkened 

You can see how profound it would be to see this source of light and all good things, slowly blocked with darkness. The source is pulling back.

During the time the sun is blocked by the moon, it provides a moment for native peoples to think about their relationship with their maker. “During that particular time when the sun has died, we have to show respect for what the holy people have established,” said Brown. 

Sacred Time 

Brown says during an eclipse you should show respect. “It has to occur to put everything back in balance and realignment,” he said. When the eclipse is full the time is spent recommitting to their relationship with each other and reflecting on how lives are lived. 

During an eclipse, Brown says they go inside and do not look at the sun. Instead, they take the time to think about their lives and what they can do better. They would also sing songs about protection and renewal. 

Putting Back Order 

As the sun comes back from the shadow, it is like a rebirth and lives are renewed. This was taught to let people know they would also be renewed. They come out with determination to do better. 

Read More: Some in Utah See Upcoming Eclipse As Religiously Significant

If you have ever witnessed an eclipse, it does make you feel the power of the cosmos. Some of the practices of native peoples could make it even more impactful.