Glossary

4.3 Supernatural aids and guides

13 min read•august 20, 2024

Native American narratives often feature supernatural beings as central figures. These spirits, deities, and powerful entities shape the world, guide individuals, and explain natural phenomena. They embody forces of nature, animals, or ancestors, forming an integral part of life's interconnected web.

Spirits serve as guides and protectors in many Native cultures. They may take animal, ancestral, or nature spirit forms, offering wisdom and support. Communicating through dreams, visions, or natural signs, spirits are sought for protection during important events. Offerings maintain positive relationships with these protective beings.

Supernatural beings in Native American narratives

  • In Native American narratives, supernatural beings play a central role in shaping the world, guiding individuals, and explaining natural phenomena
  • These beings include spirits, deities, and other powerful entities that interact with humans and influence their lives
  • Supernatural beings often embody forces of nature, animals, or ancestors and are seen as an integral part of the interconnected web of life

Spirits as guides and protectors

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  • Many Native American cultures believe in spirits that serve as guides and protectors for individuals and communities
  • These spirits may take the form of animals, ancestors, or and offer wisdom, support, and guidance
  • Spirits can communicate with humans through dreams, visions, or signs in nature (bird calls, weather patterns)
  • Individuals may seek out the help of specific spirits for protection during journeys, hunts, or important life events
  • Offerings and prayers are often made to maintain positive relationships with protective spirits

Animal spirits with special powers

  • are commonly featured in Native American narratives, each associated with unique characteristics and powers
  • Bears are often seen as symbols of strength, healing, and wisdom, while eagles represent spiritual insight and connection to the divine
  • Wolves are associated with loyalty, teamwork, and strong family bonds, and are considered teachers or pathfinders
  • Snakes are linked to transformation, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life due to their shedding of skin
  • Specific animal spirits may be called upon for their powers or guidance in various situations (hunting, healing ceremonies)

Ancestral spirits offering wisdom

  • are believed to continue guiding and influencing their descendants from the afterlife
  • These spirits are often sought out for wisdom, advice, and spiritual support during challenging times
  • Ancestral spirits may communicate through dreams, visions, or signs in nature to offer guidance or warnings
  • Many Native American cultures perform rituals and offerings to honor and maintain connections with ancestral spirits
  • Storytelling and oral traditions help keep the wisdom and lessons of ancestral spirits alive across generations

Nature spirits tied to elements

  • Nature spirits are often associated with specific elements such as water, fire, earth, and air
  • These spirits are believed to inhabit and control various aspects of the natural world (rivers, mountains, winds)
  • Nature spirits can be invoked for favorable weather conditions, successful harvests, or safe passages through their domains
  • Offerings and rituals may be performed to appease or honor nature spirits, ensuring harmony between humans and the environment
  • Many feature nature spirits as key players in shaping the world and its features

Shamans as spiritual intermediaries

  • In many Native American cultures, serve as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds
  • Shamans are believed to have special abilities to communicate with spirits, access spiritual realms, and harness supernatural powers for the benefit of their communities
  • The role of shamans extends beyond religious or spiritual matters, often encompassing healing, guidance, and problem-solving

Role of shamans in Native communities

  • Shamans are often seen as spiritual leaders, healers, and advisors within their communities
  • They are responsible for maintaining balance and harmony between the human, natural, and spiritual worlds
  • Shamans may be called upon to conduct ceremonies, offer guidance, or intervene in times of crisis (illness, drought, conflict)
  • The knowledge and skills of shamans are often passed down through generations, with apprentices learning from experienced practitioners
  • Shamans are respected for their wisdom, insight, and ability to navigate the complexities of the spirit world

Shamanic rituals for connecting with spirits

  • Shamans perform various rituals to establish and maintain connections with spirits
  • These rituals often involve drumming, chanting, dancing, or the use of sacred objects (feathers, crystals, herbs)
  • may be performed for healing, divination, or to seek guidance from spirits
  • Some rituals involve entering altered states of consciousness to journey to spirit realms or communicate with supernatural beings
  • Offerings, such as tobacco or sacred plants, may be made during rituals to honor spirits and facilitate communication

Shamans' use of spirits for healing

  • Shamans often work with spirits to diagnose and treat physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments
  • They may call upon specific spirits known for their or knowledge of medicinal plants
  • Shamanic healing may involve the removal of negative energies, the retrieval of lost soul parts, or the restoration of balance within an individual
  • Spirits may guide shamans in selecting appropriate treatments, such as herbal remedies or healing ceremonies
  • The healing process often incorporates both physical and spiritual elements, addressing the root causes of illness or imbalance

Spirits guiding shamans on vision quests

  • are spiritual journeys undertaken by shamans or individuals seeking guidance, insight, or personal growth
  • During a vision quest, the seeker often spends time in solitude, fasting, and engaging in prayer or meditation to connect with spirits
  • Spirits may appear in visions or dreams during the quest, offering wisdom, direction, or answers to important questions
  • Animal spirits or ancestral spirits are common guides during vision quests, providing support and insight
  • The knowledge and experiences gained during a vision quest are often used to inform decisions, heal personal issues, or guide one's life path

Spirits in creation stories

  • Native American creation stories often feature spirits as central figures in the formation of the world and its inhabitants
  • These stories vary among different tribes and regions but generally involve spirits shaping the landscape, creating life, and establishing natural laws
  • Creation stories serve to explain the origins of the world, the relationship between humans and nature, and the role of spirits in the cosmic order

Spirits as creators of the world

  • In many creation stories, powerful spirits or deities are responsible for bringing the world into existence
  • These creator spirits may take the form of animals, natural forces, or anthropomorphic beings
  • The Hopi believe in Tawa, the Sun Spirit, who created the world and all living things
  • The Navajo creation story features the First Man and First Woman, who were created by the Holy Spirits and helped shape the world
  • Creator spirits are often revered and honored through ceremonies, offerings, and storytelling

Spirits bringing order from chaos

  • Creation stories often depict the world as initially being in a state of chaos or void
  • Spirits play a crucial role in bringing order and structure to this primordial state
  • In the Iroquois creation story, the Sky Woman falls from the heavens and creates land on the back of a giant turtle, establishing the foundation for life on earth
  • The Lakota creation story involves Inyan, the Rock Spirit, creating the world from an endless void and giving form to the stars, sun, and earth
  • These stories emphasize the importance of spirits in establishing balance and harmony in the world

Spirits creating humans and animals

  • Many creation stories feature spirits as the creators of humans and animals
  • These spirits may shape humans from clay, breathe life into them, or assign them specific roles and characteristics
  • In the Apache creation story, the creator spirit, Usen, formed humans from clay and gave them the breath of life
  • The Pima creation story involves the Creator, Juhwerta Mahkai, creating humans and animals from his own body parts
  • The creation of humans and animals by spirits highlights the of all living beings and the responsibility to maintain balance in the world

Spirits teaching survival skills

  • In some creation stories, spirits not only create humans but also teach them essential skills for survival
  • These skills may include hunting, gathering, agriculture, or the use of tools and fire
  • The Lenape creation story features the Creator, Kishelemukong, teaching humans how to hunt, fish, and cultivate crops
  • In the Navajo creation story, the Holy Spirits teach the First Man and First Woman the skills needed to survive in the world, such as weaving and animal husbandry
  • The transmission of knowledge from spirits to humans emphasizes the importance of learning from and respecting the wisdom of the spirit world

Spirits and the afterlife

  • Native American beliefs about the afterlife often involve the continued presence and influence of spirits
  • The journey of the soul after death is guided by spirits, who may determine the soul's ultimate destination based on the individual's actions and qualities in life
  • Spirits of deceased ancestors are often believed to watch over and guide their living descendants from the spirit world

Spirits guiding souls to the afterlife

  • In many Native American cultures, spirits play a crucial role in guiding souls to the afterlife
  • These spirits may take the form of animals, ancestors, or designated guides who lead the soul on its journey
  • The Ojibwe believe in the "Path of Souls," where a spirit guide leads the deceased's soul along a path to the afterlife
  • In the Hopi tradition, the spirit of the deceased is guided by Masauwu, the Guardian of the Fourth World, to the underworld or the world above, depending on the individual's life
  • The guidance of spirits ensures that souls reach their proper destination in the afterlife and find peace

Spirits judging worthiness of souls

  • Some Native American cultures believe that spirits judge the worthiness of souls before determining their place in the afterlife
  • This judgment may be based on the individual's actions, morality, or fulfillment of their life's purpose
  • In the Aztec tradition, the spirits of the dead face challenges and trials on their journey to the afterlife, with their actions in life determining their ultimate fate
  • The Lakota believe that the spirit of an individual is judged by , Wakan Tanka, who determines whether the soul will join the spirit world or face punishment
  • The concept of spiritual judgment encourages individuals to live virtuous lives and adhere to cultural values

Benevolent vs malevolent spirits

  • Native American narratives often feature both benevolent and malevolent spirits, each with their own intentions and influence on the living world
  • Benevolent spirits are generally seen as helpful, protective, and guiding, working to maintain balance and support the well-being of individuals and communities
  • Malevolent spirits, on the other hand, may cause harm, illness, or misfortune and are often associated with negative human qualities or actions
  • The Navajo believe in both good and evil spirits, with the latter causing illness or misfortune when the balance of life is disrupted
  • The Inuit have stories of both helpful and mischievous spirits, such as the benevolent Sedna, the goddess of the sea, and the malevolent Ijiraq, who lures people away from safety
  • The coexistence of benevolent and malevolent spirits reflects the duality and balance present in the natural world

Honoring spirits of deceased ancestors

  • Many Native American cultures place great importance on honoring the spirits of deceased ancestors
  • Ancestral spirits are believed to continue guiding, protecting, and influencing the lives of their descendants from the spirit world
  • Offerings, prayers, and ceremonies are often performed to maintain a connection with ancestral spirits and seek their wisdom and support
  • The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, observed by many Indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America, involves honoring ancestral spirits with altars, offerings, and festivities
  • The Hopi perform kachina dances to honor the spirits of ancestors and invite them to bring blessings and guidance to the community
  • Honoring ancestral spirits helps maintain cultural identity, preserve traditional knowledge, and ensure the continued presence of ancestors in the lives of the living

Spirits in everyday life

  • In many Native American cultures, spirits are not confined to the realm of myths and legends but are believed to be active participants in everyday life
  • Spirits are seen as influencing various aspects of human existence, from personal well-being to the success of communal endeavors
  • Individuals and communities often seek to maintain harmonious relationships with spirits through offerings, prayers, and mindful actions

Spirits in dreams and visions

  • Dreams and visions are often seen as important channels through which spirits communicate with individuals
  • Spirits may use dreams to offer guidance, warnings, or insight into future events
  • Visions, which can be induced through practices such as fasting or meditation, allow individuals to directly encounter and interact with spirits
  • The Lakota believe that dreams are a way for spirits to guide individuals and reveal important truths
  • In the Ojibwe tradition, vision quests are undertaken to seek guidance and establish a personal connection with a spirit guide
  • The messages and experiences received through dreams and visions are often interpreted with the help of elders or spiritual leaders

Spirits causing illness and misfortune

  • In some Native American cultures, illness and misfortune are believed to be caused by the influence of malevolent spirits or the disruption of balance between the human and spirit worlds
  • Spirits may inflict harm as a consequence of human actions that violate cultural taboos or disrupt the natural order
  • The Navajo concept of "ghost sickness" attributes certain illnesses to the influence of spirits of the deceased who have not been properly laid to rest
  • The Yup'ik believe that offending spirits, such as through improper hunting practices, can lead to illness or misfortune in the community
  • Identifying and addressing the spiritual roots of illness and misfortune often involves the intervention of shamans or traditional healers

Appeasing angry or mischievous spirits

  • When spirits are believed to be angry or causing mischief, Native American communities may perform rituals or make offerings to appease them and restore balance
  • These practices aim to acknowledge the spirits' influence, express respect, and seek their cooperation or forgiveness
  • The Inuit perform rituals to appease the spirit of the sea, Sedna, when she is displeased, as her anger is believed to affect the success of hunting and fishing
  • The Apache make offerings to the Mountain Spirits, or Ga'an, to maintain good relations and ensure their continued blessings
  • Appeasing spirits through proper actions and offerings helps maintain the delicate balance between the human and spirit worlds

Spirits as guardians of sacred places

  • Many Native American cultures recognize certain places as sacred sites inhabited or guarded by spirits
  • These sites may include mountains, rivers, caves, or other natural features of spiritual significance
  • Spirits are believed to protect these sacred places and enforce proper behavior and respect from visitors
  • The Lakota hold the Black Hills as a sacred site, home to powerful spirits and central to their spiritual beliefs
  • The Hopi consider the San Francisco Peaks in Arizona to be the home of the kachinas, spirit beings who bring blessings and guidance to the people
  • Visitors to sacred sites are often required to follow specific protocols, such as making offerings or performing cleansing rituals, to show respect for the resident spirits

Portrayal of spirits in narratives

  • Native American narratives offer rich and diverse portrayals of spirits, reflecting their complex roles and relationships with the human world
  • These portrayals often emphasize the multidimensional nature of spirits, their human-like qualities, and the lessons they impart through their interactions with humans
  • The portrayal of spirits in narratives serves to entertain, educate, and reinforce cultural values and beliefs

Spirits as multidimensional characters

  • In Native American narratives, spirits are often portrayed as multidimensional characters with their own personalities, motivations, and flaws
  • Rather than being one-dimensional embodiments of good or evil, spirits may exhibit a range of traits and behaviors
  • The trickster spirit, Coyote, found in many Native American traditions, is known for his clever and mischievous nature, often getting into trouble but also imparting important lessons
  • The Lakota spirit, Iktomi, is another trickster figure who uses his cunning to both help and hinder humans, demonstrating the complexity of spirit-human relationships
  • The multidimensional portrayal of spirits in narratives reflects the nuanced understanding of the spirit world and its inhabitants

Human-like qualities of spirits

  • Native American narratives often attribute human-like qualities to spirits, such as emotions, desires, and the ability to communicate and reason
  • This anthropomorphization of spirits allows for relatable and engaging stories that explore the nature of spirit-human interactions
  • In the Navajo story of "The Boy Who Lived With the Bears," the bear spirits exhibit human-like qualities such as parental love and the ability to teach and guide
  • The Pawnee story of "The Star Husband" features a spirit who falls in love with a human woman and takes her as his wife, demonstrating the emotional capacities of spirits
  • The human-like qualities of spirits in narratives help bridge the gap between the human and spirit worlds, making the stories more accessible and meaningful to audiences

Symbolism and metaphor in spirit stories

  • Native American narratives often employ symbolism and metaphor to convey deeper truths and lessons through the actions and interactions of spirits
  • Spirits may represent natural forces, human qualities, or abstract concepts, allowing for the exploration of complex ideas in a tangible and relatable manner
  • In the Lakota story of "The White Buffalo Calf Woman," the titular spirit represents purity, sacrifice, and the sacred connection between humans and the natural world
  • The Hopi story of "The Sun's Children" uses the journey of spirit children to symbolize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth
  • The use of symbolism and metaphor in spirit stories encourages listeners to look beyond the literal events and extract deeper meanings and life lessons

Moral lessons taught through spirit tales

  • Many Native American spirit tales are designed to impart moral lessons and reinforce cultural values
  • These stories often feature spirits as teachers or guides, demonstrating the consequences of certain actions or the importance of virtues such as respect, honesty, and compassion
  • The Navajo story of "The Boy Who Wanted to Hunt" teaches the importance of respecting nature and the wisdom of elders through the guidance of animal spirits
  • The Cherokee story of "The First Fire" demonstrates the value of cooperation and sharing through the actions of various animal spirits working together
  • The moral lessons embedded in spirit tales serve to educate younger generations, preserve cultural values, and guide individuals in their daily lives and interactions with the spirit world

Key Terms to Review (25)

Ancestral Spirits: Ancestral spirits refer to the souls or spirits of deceased family members or ancestors that are believed to maintain a connection with the living. These spirits often serve as guides, protectors, and sources of wisdom, providing support and advice to their descendants, and playing a significant role in various cultural and spiritual practices.
Animal Spirits: Animal spirits refer to the spiritual beings or entities in many Native American cultures that are believed to guide and assist individuals on their life journeys. These spirits are often associated with specific animals and are seen as powerful sources of wisdom and strength, helping people navigate challenges and find their paths. In many traditions, they serve as supernatural aids or guides, offering support in times of need or during important life events.
Animism: Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a spiritual essence. It is a worldview that sees the universe as alive and interconnected, where everything has a spirit or soul, influencing how people interact with their environment and each other. This belief deeply influences religious practices, storytelling traditions, and the way communities relate to nature.
Creation stories: Creation stories are traditional narratives that explain the origins of the universe, Earth, and life, often reflecting cultural values and beliefs. They serve as a means for communities to understand their place in the world and their relationship to nature, intertwining deeply with oral traditions and storytelling practices.
Dancing for rain: Dancing for rain is a traditional practice among various Native American tribes, where ceremonial dances are performed with the intention of invoking rain from the spirits or deities. This practice reflects a deep connection between the community and nature, emphasizing the belief in supernatural forces that can influence weather patterns and agricultural success.
Dreamcatchers: Dreamcatchers are traditional Native American handmade objects, often crafted from a circular frame and woven net or web, intended to catch and filter dreams. They serve as protective talismans, believed to allow good dreams to pass through while trapping bad dreams within the web, thus promoting positive sleep experiences and spiritual guidance.
Folklore: Folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices that are passed down through generations within a culture. It encompasses the collective knowledge and artistic expressions of a community, reflecting their values and social norms, and often includes elements of the supernatural that serve as guides or aids in navigating life’s challenges.
Healing powers: Healing powers refer to the abilities or forces believed to restore health and balance, often associated with spiritual or supernatural elements. In various cultures, including Native American traditions, these powers are often mediated through rituals, the use of medicinal plants, and guidance from spiritual beings, showcasing a deep connection between physical healing and the spiritual realm.
Interconnectedness: Interconnectedness refers to the idea that all elements of existence are linked and impact each other, highlighting the relationships between humans, nature, and the cosmos. This concept underscores the importance of harmony and balance within ecosystems and cultures, suggesting that actions in one area affect the whole system. It emphasizes mutual dependence among species, as well as between humans and their environments.
Leslie Marmon Silko: Leslie Marmon Silko is a prominent Native American writer, recognized for her contributions to contemporary literature through her works that weave together traditional storytelling and modern themes. Her narratives often emphasize the importance of oral traditions, spiritual connections, and the rich tapestry of Native American culture, reflecting both cultural continuity and adaptation.
Myth: A myth is a traditional story that explains the beliefs, values, and cultural practices of a society, often involving supernatural elements and characters. Myths serve not only as entertainment but also as a way to convey moral lessons, articulate cultural values, and preserve collective memory across generations.
N. Scott Momaday: N. Scott Momaday is a renowned Native American author, poet, and playwright known for his significant contributions to literature, particularly in representing Native American culture and identity. His works often reflect moral lessons, the importance of oral traditions, and themes of cultural preservation and adaptation.
Nature Spirits: Nature spirits are supernatural beings believed to inhabit natural elements like trees, rivers, and mountains, playing significant roles in various Native American cultures. These spirits are often seen as guardians or guides, offering wisdom and assistance to individuals seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.
Powwow: A powwow is a gathering of Native American people to celebrate and promote their cultures through dance, music, and various traditions. This event serves as a vital space for communal bonding, cultural exchange, and the showcasing of identity, connecting deeply with themes of creation, spirituality, and solidarity among different tribes.
Reciprocity: Reciprocity refers to the mutual exchange of goods, services, or ideas, where each party benefits from the interaction. This concept emphasizes relationships and interdependence among individuals and communities, highlighting the importance of give-and-take in social dynamics. In many cultures, including Indigenous communities, reciprocity is foundational to maintaining balance and harmony within ecosystems and social systems, where respect for nature and each other fosters sustainability.
Sacred Animals: Sacred animals are creatures that hold spiritual significance and are revered in various cultures, often believed to embody divine qualities or serve as messengers between the human world and the spiritual realm. They play a crucial role in many creation stories and spiritual practices, symbolizing connections between nature, the cosmos, and humanity. In this context, sacred animals often serve as supernatural aids and guides, providing wisdom, protection, and assistance to humans in their journey through life.
Shamanic rituals: Shamanic rituals are spiritual practices conducted by a shaman, who acts as a mediator between the physical world and the spirit realm. These rituals often involve elements like chanting, drumming, and trance states, aiming to heal individuals, communicate with spirits, or influence events in the community. They serve as powerful tools for guidance, healing, and transformation, deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs of Indigenous peoples.
Shamans: Shamans are individuals in certain indigenous cultures who act as intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realm. They are often regarded as healers, spiritual guides, and custodians of cultural traditions, using rituals, drumming, and altered states of consciousness to communicate with spirits and seek guidance or healing for their communities.
Smudging: Smudging is a spiritual cleansing ritual that involves burning sacred herbs, such as sage or sweetgrass, to purify a space or an individual and invite positive energies. This practice connects the physical and spiritual realms, serving as a tool for guidance, healing, and renewal in various cultural contexts.
Spirit guides: Spirit guides are spiritual entities or forces that assist individuals in their personal growth, decision-making, and spiritual journeys. They are often seen as protectors or mentors, providing wisdom, insight, and support through various life experiences, helping people connect with their inner selves and the world around them.
Sweat lodges: Sweat lodges are traditional ceremonial structures used by various Indigenous cultures, particularly among Native American tribes, for spiritual purification and healing. These structures are typically dome-shaped, made from natural materials, and filled with heated stones to create steam, facilitating a sacred space for reflection, connection, and guidance from spiritual forces.
The coyote and the stars: The coyote and the stars is a narrative that depicts the trickster figure of the coyote, often seen as a guide or supernatural aid in Native American storytelling. In these stories, the coyote's cunning nature leads to the creation or arrangement of stars in the night sky, serving as a bridge between the earthly realm and the celestial. This narrative illustrates the coyote's dual role as both a trickster and a guide, symbolizing wisdom gained through experience and the importance of navigating life's challenges.
The Great Spirit: The Great Spirit is a central concept in many Native American belief systems, representing a supreme being or universal force that governs the universe and provides guidance and protection to all living things. It embodies the idea of interconnectedness among all beings, emphasizing the importance of harmony with nature and the spiritual world.
Trickster Figures: Trickster figures are complex characters found in various cultural narratives, known for their cunning, cleverness, and ability to challenge the status quo. Often embodying qualities of both creation and destruction, they serve as agents of change, using their wit and charm to navigate between the human and supernatural realms. In many stories, tricksters provide supernatural aids and guides, leading characters to personal transformation or enlightenment through mischief and lessons learned.
Vision Quests: Vision quests are spiritual journeys undertaken by individuals, often during adolescence or significant life transitions, to seek guidance, purpose, and a deeper understanding of oneself and one's connection to the universe. These quests typically involve solitude, fasting, and the seeking of visions or messages from the spirit world, reflecting important moral lessons and cultural values of the community.
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