Eclipses & Meteor Showers in Tribal Cultures

Published August 6, 2024    By Helen Oliff

Mainstream interest in eclipses and celestial activity seems to growing. Think back to the April solar eclipse. As it turned cities in its path of totality dark in mid-day, the world watched in unity. Weddings and proposals happened. Families traveled to experience it together. Many even felt a spiritual connection in those few seconds of darkness. Now this month, three incredibly unique astronomical events are taking place – a seasonal Blue Moon, a Perseid meteor shower, and a side-by-side glimpse of the moon and Jupiter. To honor this, we are highlighting the significant role of stargazing and skywatching in Native American cultures.

While stargazing may be newer to mainstream interest, Native Americans have looked to the sky for centuries. Traditionally, explorers look to the stars to guide their path. Hunters and gatherers rely on full moons to keep track of harvest seasons. And depending on which Tribe you ask, solar eclipses are a time of renewal or an omen of things to come.

In fact, Indigenous astronomy dates back long before modern-day astronomy and offers a unique perspective on constellations, moons, and the night sky. What’s more, skywatching and celestial patterns vary by region and Tribe.

Indigenous Astronomy

For example, the Navajo consider the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, and the North Star (aka Polaris) as one huge constellation, not individual stars. The Big Dipper is Náhookòs Bi’kà’ (First Revolving Male). Cassiopeia is Náhookòs Bi’áád (First Revolving Female). Polaris is Náhookòs Bikò’ (the Central Fire). Together, they depict a husband and wife gathering around a hearth. To the Ojibwe, the Big Dipper is Ojiig or “the Fisher.” The same constellation forms the Manka/Maka or “Skunk” for those in the Dakota culture.

In Indigenous astronomy, meteor showers often have a more spiritual interpretation dating back to the 1700s. Even today, seeing a meteor fly through the sky is a rare and breathtaking experience. Can you imagine seeing something like that before science could explain what it was? To many Native Americans, a meteor shower is a gift from the universe. Historically, they would track down the objects that landed, only to find they were made of iron, nickel, and other precious metals that could be used to make tools.

So, when you watch the Perseid meteor shower or stargaze with your telescope again, look for one of the many Indigenous astronomical constellations (view a list here). And let us know what you discover with a comment below!