Table of Contents
Sacred Places and the Home as the Most Sacred Space
In traditional Navajo teachings, sacred places are considered essential. The speaker explains that while sacred spaces exist in the world, the home is the most sacred of all. Referred to as the “extension of Mother Earth,” the home, or “Hogan” in English, is a place of peace, order, and prayer.
The Hogan and its Types
There are two types of Hogans: the male and the female. The male Hogan, resembling a sweat lodge, was constructed first according to teachings. The female Hogan, used for family ceremonies, has variations in its structure. Both Hogans are traditionally constructed using juniper wood and designed with entrances facing east.
Traditional Blessing and Marking of the Hogan
Once constructed, a Hogan undergoes a blessing ceremony before the family moves in. This ceremony includes marking four directions with white clay or cornmeal inside the Hogan, starting with the east and moving in a sacred pattern. Small branches from oak trees are inserted in the Hogan’s structure at each marking point as part of the blessing.
Conduct and Teachings within the Hogan
The Hogan is regarded as a place of harmony, and disruptive behaviors such as loud noises and arguments are discouraged. Conflict is viewed as inviting negativity, and disagreements are meant to be taken outside, symbolically beyond the “ash pile.” This tradition reflects the idea of disposing of conflict and useless negativity, similar to discarding ashes used for warmth.
Ceremonial Use of the Female Hogan
Family ceremonies are often conducted inside the female Hogan, with careful preparation of the space, such as clearing the floor and arranging sheep skins around the walls. The ceremony follows a specific ritual direction, mirroring the daily movement of light from the sun across the Hogan’s interior walls.
Preserving Navajo Teachings and Sacred Spaces
The speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to elders and preserving the teachings shared within the Hogan. They express gratitude to those who have shared their wisdom and regret by others for not heeding these teachings sooner. Sacred knowledge is intended to be passed down, and individuals are encouraged to find their own sacred spaces, whether within or outside the Hogan.
Making Life Sacred
Navajo teachings advocate for keeping life sacred, including relationships and commitments within the family. The teachings in the Hogan encourage living with decency, respect, and a search for spiritual guidance. The speaker concludes by urging individuals to keep their lives and family relationships sacred and to seek the knowledge passed down through generations.
