Sunday, May 20, 2012

Solar Eclipse 2012 - "Ring of Fire"

Hello Truth Seekers!

Although I spent most of the day sitting by the lake soaking up the bright sun and beautiful weather with my family here in Georgia, I couldn't help but think about how differently many Native Americans in the Southwest were spending the day. Today was the first annular solar eclipse visible in the United States in nearly 18 years.
Ring Of Fire

An annular eclipse is when the moon covers up most of the sun except for the sun's outer fringe, leaving visible a ring of fire, or "annulus," which is Latin for ring. (Los Angeles Times)

While most of us were taught as children to just protect our eyes from the sun during an eclipse, viewing an eclipse is considered extremely taboo in many indigenous cultures around the world. No where else can this be seen more than in the Navajo culture, and the path of todays eclipse passed directly through the heart of the Navajo reservation.

Please enjoy the first ever "Top Secret Native Files News" article below!

Until Next time....

Happy Hunting!

J. Jacobs






Avert Your Eyes: Eclipse Viewing Taboo in Navajo and Other Cultures



While millions around the world will flock to view the annular solar eclipse on Sunday at sunset, many who are smack in the middle of its shadowy path will avert their eyes. Eclipses are a bad omen in much of Indian country, and the indigenous world in general, from the Navajo to the Maya.  Read More >>






4 comments:

  1. So fascinating! I'm excited to share this with the kids at the library where I work who will doubtless be clamoring for eclipse and astronomy books today. Thank you!

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  2. Great post, Jeremiah! Keep them coming!

    P.S. Being a fantasy nerd, the photo above eerily reminds me of the eye of Sauron, LOL. No really, check it out: http://www.desktopextreme.com/photos/Lord_of_the_Rings_Eye_of_Sauron_312200523253PM370.jpg

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  3. When I was little, I was completely scared of solar eclipses. One time, I remember wearing a jacket over my head to protect my eyes--LOL. Nice post Jeremiah!

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  4. HAHAHA You were just practicing an ancient tradition. Thank you for sharing and for reading!

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