August 21

First graders are amazed to see the "banana" sun.

Students use special solar glasses.

 Most Americans were caught up in the buzz about the solar eclipse which occurred today, as it was visible in totality throughout a section of the United States and nowhere else, but it was not so with the Navajo Nation.

The Navajos were very aware of complying with their Diné traditions. In Window Rock, the moon obscured nearly 74% of the sun. During the time of the eclipse, traditional Navajos who wanted to comply with the ancient taboos sat inside their homes with the curtains drawn. They remained silent, but respectfully awake and sitting up. They were not permitted to eat or drink. The children were forbidden to whine and complain.

The traditional medicine man doesn’t casually divulge the spiritual ramifications of the eclipse, but he said that the event signals a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It is a sacred time. Some say that the Sun and the Moon are exchanging information. He further told the Navajo Times that those who are outside during the event risk blindness and digestive problems. Pregnant women and fetuses are most vulnerable. A baby born during the eclipse might suffer lifelong stomach or bowel problems unless the parents have a ceremony done for him.

There is a sand painting a medicine man can do immediately after the eclipse to heal any bad effects if you find you can’t get indoors by the time the eclipse has started. A Blessing Way Ceremony would be in order the following day.

Two weeks ago, the Medicine man was surprised that the Navajo Nation government would have business as usual. He thought the President and other leaders were not considering the health and well-being of the Navajo people. On August 16^th, the President reversed his opinion and sent out a memorandum giving government workers administrative leave today.

As far as the children in our school, we were careful to send home permission slips. Some opted to participate in all class activities including viewing the eclipse with special glasses, art projects, and seeing totality on television. Fewer than 50% of our students attended school today, and a handful were required to stay inside.  For the ones who came, it was a very special day emphasizing the glory of God.

Here is an interesting article from the Denver Post if you click on the link.

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/19/tribes-hope-renewal-solar-eclipse/

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P.O. Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515