An illustrated glossary by Zhaawano Giizhik*

The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
The three principal stars are Ningaabii-anang (the Evening Star in the west), Waabananang
(the Morning Star of the east), and Ojiig-anang (the Fisher Star, or the
constellation of the Big and Little Dipper). These and many other stars, their position and
movement governed by The Great Laws of Nature, have each their own portion of the
mystery of creation; each fulfills his unique role in the sacred stories that are told by the
aadizoogewininiwag and aadizoogekweg (male and female story tellers) during the long
winter nights.
Zhaawano Giizhik: “Ojiiganang Aadizookaan”' (Amazing Story Of The Fisher Star)
Ningaabi-anang, also called “Star Sinking in Waters” or “Women’s Star”, is a powerful
medicine man residing in the realm of E-bangishimog (the West). He is the patron of all
women and the former tutor of the younger Waaban (Dawn). Representing old age and
nibwaakaawin, or wisdom, he teaches healing and patience and the need for selfrestraint.
Waaban-anang, the Morning Star, is an equally powerful medicine man of the eastern
skies, embodying youth and gikendaasowin (knowledge), which makes him the eternal
rival of his former teacher, the Evening Star of the west. Although neither one has more
power or medicine than the other, Dawn and Evening to this day continue their duel –
thus symbolizing the eternal conflicts and dualisms within the human soul, and human
society.
Ojiig-anang is a constellation of several bright stars resembling an ojiig (fisher) with an
arrow sticking in its tail; called Big and Little Dipper, or Bear by the Euro-Americans. Ojiig
is a weasel, or marten-like animal, small and fierce with a long body, an expert and lively
hunter of the northwoods, who represents the doodem of hunters among several bands
of Anishinaabeg from the Great Lakes area. He stands particularly for singleness of
purpose, and good sense.
The Universe of The Ojibwe Anishinaabeg by Zhaawano Giizhik - 2014
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