Navajo Traditional Teachings

Within traditional Navajo teachings, discussions on witchcraft or the “Black Arts” are rare. However, the existence of evil influences is acknowledged.

Adults are encouraged not to use emotions like anger or sadness to manipulate others, a behavior deemed inappropriate.

When caring for sheep, Navajo people learn to use all senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—to detect potential threats and ensure safety.

For the Diné, unity, or “El” is essential to achieving joy, happiness, confidence, and peace within families and communities.

In Navajo teachings, the Hero Twins, or the “two boys,” journey to their father to acquire weapons needed to eliminate evil from the world.

This world laid the foundation for continual growth, known as “ha,” meaning the beginning of movement.

According to Navajo beliefs, when one transitions to the next life, only character accompanies them. Material wealth and social status are left behind.

In Navajo culture, virtues such as courage, confidence, joy, happiness, tolerance, loyalty, and integrity hold great significance.

The Anaza reportedly worshipped darkness and mocked the deities respected by the Navajo, who valued their connection with sacred beings.

The region shows evidence of ancient dwellings from 2,000 or more years ago. In the past, the area was frequented by individuals searching for artifacts.

Navajo teachings advocate for keeping life sacred, including relationships and commitments within the family.

When individuals pass on and return to the holy people, they are expected to do so as beings of peace.

The process of building confidence involves both faith and action. Confidence is rooted in faith in the Holy People’s support.

These clans represent various geographical areas and natural features from which the ancestors of the Navajo people came.

Navajo ceremonial songs and prayers reference metals as armor, with each type representing different aspects of the world.

Sharing too many details about plans can invite interference from others, including individuals who may become jealous or wish harm.

Awareness, a concept dating back to the First World, is akin to what some might call common sense or even a sixth sense.

The teachings emphasize that besides the seven visible colors, there is an eighth color: clear Crystal Light. This concept aligns with the traditional teaching that all things come in multiples of four, up to 32, based on the sacred number four.

The Anasazi were people who worshipped the darkness, as we are told. They made their prayer offerings to the darkness.