On Oct. 14, an annular eclipse will occur in the Western Hemisphere. During the eclipse, the moon will block much of the sun, leaving a fiery halo in the sky. The eclipse will begin in Oregon, cut through the Southwest in the United States, pass through the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, and end along Brazil’s eastern coast.
The Navajo Nation, however, has decided to close its tribal parks in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah during the eclipse to accommodate their traditional beliefs. The Navajo people view eclipses as part of a larger cosmic order and see them as spiritual experiences. This closure serves as a reminder for non-Native tourists to respect sacred Indigenous lands.
The Bears Ears region, located just north of Navajo Nation, is also expecting a significant influx of visitors during the eclipse. The region is home to many Indigenous communities, including the Hopi and Ute Indian Tribes. The Bears Ears Partnership has been preparing for the influx and has implemented guidelines for visitors to follow to prevent land degradation and promote cultural awareness.
Different tribes and communities have varying beliefs and practices during eclipses. Some view them as rebirth or rebalancing, while others see them as bad omens. It is up to individuals to decide how they want to experience the eclipse.
In Mexico and Central America, where the eclipse will also be visible, the Maya people have a long-standing astronomical tradition. For them, eclipses were historically seen as omens of destruction, such as drought or disease. Pregnant women would avoid viewing eclipses due to concerns for their unborn babies.
Overall, the eclipse serves as an opportunity for people to reflect on the significance of celestial events in the lives of Indigenous communities and to approach these sacred places with respect and cultural sensitivity.