Author Description

In choosing the title for this book, we were influenced by several Navajo advisors and their many references to the connection they so very often refer to between our current world and the world beyond earth. It is the well-established belief that the all-powerful Navajo gods were suddenly called away by the "creator," as they were needed in other worlds. They departed our earth through a "Grand Sipapu" (the circular hole in the floor of the main kiva). Knowing that they were unlikely to every return to earth, the gods left behind them a way by which their people could, if ever needed, crate a "minor god" who would have some of the abilities of their predecessors; such as the power to shapeshift or to assume the identity of another form; such as a bird or animal and then be able to return to their previous human body.A word of caution to our readers; whether one chooses to believe the information on the powers associated with the witch known as "yee naaldlooshii" (Skinwalker) or not; the authors recommend following the policy that we ourselves strictly adhere to. We never say either the Navajo word, nor its English interpretation aloud. Many of the Skinwalker stories in this collection take place near the famous Skinwalker Ranch and in the Navajo Nation. We began our reports on the Skinwalker purely by chance while researching Native American curses with a Shaman friend of ours. There seemed to be a fine line between the tribal beliefs and when we were introduced to another Native holy man from yet a different tribe, there were some similarities, but with many of its people there were occasional comments about yee naaldlooshii. (The avenging witch of the Navajo Nation.) That's where the cut-off came. The Skinwalker belongs totally to the Navajo people and this subject brought up a curtain between our research into tribal customs. Researching the Skinwalker has been totally different for us, and we can't say it's been enjoyable. The open introductions and friendly sh