Navajo Skinwalkers

From Word Dance - the Language of Native American Culture: "In NAVAJO tradition, a sorcerer who transforms into a werewolf, or a man who dresses as a wolf and is believed to practice WITCHCRAFT."

I find this far too simplistic an explanation of the term. The Navajo refuse even to say the word allowed for fear of retaliation from this much-feared creature. A Skinwalker is, in fact, a Navajo Witch and capable of causing much pain, suffering and even death.

Skinwalkers can transform into wolves, but, depending on the power they seek, other animal skins are used for other transformations. A coyote skin grants them speed, a bear skin strength, a cat, stealth and agility, etc.

Werewolves, as the white men know them, are capable of many things with their sharp claws and teeth and highly developed senses of sight, hearing and smell. The Skinwalkers have all these as well, but add a bag of with tricks to it, including the ability to practice mind control, spread disease and cause sickness and death. They also use a strange white powder that paralyzes the victim,

The Navajo call the Skinwalker Yenaldlooshi which translates into "He who trots along here and there on all fours." They are accused of terrible crimes that flaunt Navajo tradition, like appearing naked, having sex with the dead and even cannibalism.

The Yaqui have a similar creature they call Morea-kame. this is a person who practices witchcraft or what we might ball black magic. These creatures also change shape, appearing as animals or even as ghosts. They kill using their thoughts or the evil eye. They possess souls by entering the dreams of a sleeper and have even been accused of poisoning food.

Perhaps you are thanking your lucky stars that you are neither Navajo nor Yaqui. Don't become too complacent, my friend. These spirits, the Skinwalkers, Yenaldlooshi and Morea-kame make no distinction by race, color or creed. So be cautious of what words fall from your lips lest the Skinwalkers hear and come to harass your home, bring chaos and even death with them.

Skinwalkers

Werewolves, shapeshifters, & skinwalkers