Day 10. Ti izi Bini (Sheep Month): Navajo Teachings for a Long Night.
The Diné people, (pronounced dih-neh), long before they were called Navajo, embraced the longest night not as a time to fear, but as a time for concentrated teaching and spiritual work. The winter months, known as the period of Tl izi Bini (Sheep Month), are the traditional season for Keshish (Navajo Winter Ceremonies) and storytelling.
The Sacred Silence
During the period of the long night, certain activities, such as farming and weaving, are paused. Instead, the community gathers. The cessation of outdoor work signals a time of necessary sacred silence and inward reflection. This is the only time when creation stories, hero narratives, and cautionary tales are told, preserving the oral tradition and instilling cultural identity in the young.
The Wisdom of Darkness
Navajo teachings emphasize that darkness is not an absence but a presence, a profound source of wisdom and clarity. The winter teaches us to slow down, listen closely, and rely on the light of story and community to guide us. For Unitarian Universalists, this offers a powerful model for spiritual discipline, recognizing that our busy lives must pause to create space for the deep, healing wisdom carried by our traditions and ancestors.
“We tell stories in the winter, when the earth is quiet, so the seeds of the story can settle into the ground of the soul.” – Diné Winter Teaching
Reflection: How can you create a time of quiet this season to intentionally listen for the wisdom and guidance held in stories?
Learn More
- Explore the fascinating world of Diné Sovereignty and Culture
- Visit the official Navajo Nation website to learn about their history, governance, and the ongoing work to preserve their cultural integrity.
- Find the tribe’s list of Navajo References and Books
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