A study of Navajo symbolism - Free History Ebooks

2 6 A STUDY OF NAVAJO SYMBOLISMmade with colored sand must be lighted andgiven spiritual power by the star shine of aparticular star, which looks down through theopening in the roof of the medicine hogahn.If the sand painting consists of five stars,the largest is placed in the center, and theother four stand at the cardinal points. Thiscentral star represents the largest star to beseen through the roof opening while the ceremonyis in progress, and the healing rites aresupposed to be completed before this star disappearsfrom view, as this is the one being intercededwith in behalf of the patient. It mayalso be the one that is selected for a star gazingrite.In the Star Ceremony there are not manysky maps such as we find in the Hail Chantand in the Shooting Chant, nor are there anyreal constellation groupings. Each medicineman chooses one or more that he believes hecan influence, and then directs his ceremonialprayers and rites toward that particular oneor group of stars.The original legend tells us that the starswere shaped by the seven immortals who createdthe first world. They were made fromthe pieces of material remaining when thesun and the moon were made. First Womanlaid them out in patterns on the earth, thenFire God and Coyote climbed a lightning ladderto place them in the sky. As each wasput in its proper position, it was given a sparkof fire or spirit light, and it was also given apath which it must follow. The pole star wasto remain stationary as a guide for travelers,for wandering tribes, and for those who mightbecome lost on the desert or in the mountains.Each constellation formed the pattern of asymbol, and established some law for the earthpeople. They truly believed that their rulesfor living were written in the stars. Alsoevery form of life mentioned in the old legendshad its symbol in the stars. Men, thesnake, the lizard, the Gila monster, the butterfly,the turkey, the eagle, the swallow, thebear, the coyote, the porcupine, the badger,and even the measuring worm had its owngroup of stars.