Day 2. Soyal: Welcoming the Light with the Hopi People.
The Hopi Soyal ceremony is the winter solstice observance held by the Hopi people of what is now called Northern Arizona. This sacred, sixteen-day ceremony is not just a celebration, but a profound spiritual action intended to ceremonially turn the sun back toward its summer path and establish life anew for the coming year.
The Return of the Kachinas
During Soyal, Kachina (or Katsinam) spirits are welcomed back to the pueblos from their mountain homes. The Kachinas are spirit messengers who bring prayers for rain, bountiful harvests, and a prosperous, healthy life. The ceremonies, which take place in underground kiva chambers, include the making of pahos (prayer sticks) to bless the entire community, the animals, and the plants. The rituals are essential for maintaining the balance and order of the cosmos.
Establishing Life Anew
The Hopi believe that everything that will occur during the year is arranged at Soyal. This profound act of spiritual responsibility reminds us that renewal is an active process. For Unitarian Universalists, Soyal offers a powerful vision of covenant with the living Earth-a belief that our deepest spiritual work is to implement a plan of life that sustains all our relations.
“Soyalangwul… understood to mean ‘Establishing Life Anew for All the World.’” – Hopi Traditional Teaching
Reflection:How can you participate in the active spiritual work of establishing well-being for your community in the coming year?
Learn More
Read about the Soyal Ceremony https://wilderutopia.com/traditions/soyal-ceremony-hopi-kachinas-dance-at-winter-solstice – Learn more about the significance of the Kachinas’ role, the making of prayer sticks, and the symbolic battles waged in the kiva to ensure the sun’s return.
Explore the official website of the Hopi Tribe https://www.hopi-nsn.gov
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