Navajo Skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest Skinwalker image based on this article. In the Navajo culture, a skinwalker is a type of harmful witch who has the ability to turn into, possess, or disguise themselves as an animal. This witch is called “yee naaldlooshii” by the Navajo, which translates to “with it, he goes on all fours.” It is just one of several types of Navajo witches and is considered the most volatile and dangerous. For the Navajo people, witchcraft is just another part of their spirituality and one of the “ways” of their lives. As such, witchcraft has long been part of their culture, history, and traditions. Witches exist alongside humans and are not supernaturals. The Navajo believe in the coexistence of both good and evil, and these powers can be used for either purpose. Medicine men, who play a crucial role in their communities, harness these powers to heal and aid their members. Conversely, those who practice Navajo witchcraft seek to manipulate these spiritual forces to cause harm or misfortune to others. This form of Navajo witchcraft, known as the “Witchery Way,” involves the use of human corpses in various ways, such as tools made from bones and concoctions that are used to curse, harm, or kill intended victims. The knowledge of these powers is passed down from the elders through the generations. The Navajo are part of a larger cultural area that includes the Pueblo people, Apache, Hopi, Ute, and other groups that also have their versions of the Skinwalker. Each includes a malevolent witch capable of transforming itself into an animal. Hastobiga, Navaho Medicine Man, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904. Among these tribes, several stories and descriptions have been told throughout the years about the Skinwalkers. Sometimes, these witches evolved from living as respected healers or spiritual guides who later chose to use their powers for evil. Though they can be either male or female, they are more often male. They walk freely among the tribe during the day and secretly transform under the cover of the night. To become a Skinwalker, an individual must be initiated by a secret society that requires them to commit a deeply malevolent act—typically, the killing of a close family member, often a sibling. After completing this horrific task, the person gains supernatural powers, allowing them to shapeshift into animals. Skinwalkers are often seen as coyotes, wolves, foxes, cougars, dogs, and bears but can transform into any animal. The name “Skinwalker” comes from their practice of wearing the skins of the animals into which they transform. In addition to animal skins, they may adorn themselves with animal skulls or antlers on their heads to enhance their power. They choose which animal to become based on the abilities they need for a specific task, such as speed, strength, endurance, stealth, or weaponry like claws and teeth. If pursued, they may transform again to escape their attackers. Because of this, the Navajo consider it taboo for its members to wear the pelt of any predatory animal. However, sheepskin, leather, and buckskin are acceptable. The skinwalkers can also take possession of the bodies of human victims if a person locks eyes with them. After taking control, the witch can make its victims do and say things they wouldn’t otherwise. Changing into a Skinwalker. Once they were shape-shifted, others could tell they were not real animals because their eyes were very different from those of the animals. Instead, their eyes are very human, and when lights shine on them, they turn bright red. Alternatively, their eyes look more like animals in human form. The evil society of the witches gathers in dark caves or secluded places for several purposes – to initiate new members, plot their activities, harm people from a distance with black magic, and perform dark ceremonial rites. These ceremonies are similar to other tribal affairs, including dancing, feasts, rituals, and sand-painting, but were “corrupted” with dark connotations. The evildoers are also said to engage in necrophilia with female corpses and commit cannibalism, incest, and grave robberies. During these gatherings, the Skinwalkers shape-shift into their animal forms or go about naked, wearing only beaded jewelry and ceremonial paint. The leader of the Skinwalkers is usually an old man who is a very powerful and long-lived Skinwalker. Black Magic. Skinwalkers also have other powers, including reading others’ minds, controlling their thoughts and behavior, causing disease and illness, destroying property, and even death. Those who have talked of their encounters with these evil beings describe several ways to know if a skinwalker is near. They make sounds around homes, such as knocking on windows, banging walls, and scraping noises on the roof. On some occasions, they have been spied peering through windows. More often, they appear in front of vehicles in hopes of causing a serious accident. It is said that, in addition to being ab...