My spooky research continues. I was searching for information on the life and death (and supposed haunting) of a young Ute Indian girl, but unfortunately was unable to find any information on the subject. Instead, I can across two very compelling subjects: Skinwalker Ranch, and the Navajo notion of skinwalkers. Skinwalker Ranch is located near Fort Duchense (pronounced DO-shane) in Unitah County, Utah. This remote area has been a hotbed of paranormal and UFO activity for many decades. There is reportedly a great deal of top secret research underway to investigate claims of cattle mutilation, mutantcattle (with strange eyes, limbs,etc..), missing cattle, (what is it with aliens and cattle?) flying orbs, flashes of light, box-like craft, three-toed footprints with tail marks left in the snow... Etc, etc, etc. There have also been repeated reports of poltergeist-type activity in the area. My search led me to a recent film called Skinwalker Ranch, but, I think I will rely solely on firsthand accounts, because they are much more interesting. Navajos (and many other Native American tribes) believe that skinwalkers are practitioners of witchcraft who can meld their skin with the bodies and traits of coyotes, foxes, owls, and other creatures with a reputation for mischief. Due to the threat of skinwalkers, pelts of these animals are extremely taboo in many tribes. Although the Skinwalker is similar to the European warewolf in some respects, one does not morph into a Skinwalker by being bitten. Transforming into a Skinwalker is a voluntary act of witchcraft. In many tribes, skinwalkers are considered social pariahs who haunt the margins of society, and terrorize everyone they come in contact with. Skinwalkers are graverobbers, mischief makers, and--in some cases--even killers. They unearth bones, crush them up, and blow them on unassuming people to make them sick. They knock on windows, and climb roofs at night to disturb sleeping families. Skinwalkers assume a half human, half animal shape. They stand upright, but tend to have fur, and glowing animal eyes. They can run as fast as speeding cars (or faster, in some cases). Some of the most terrifying accounts of skinwalkers involved a creature with yellow eyes running alongside the highway at night, locking eyes with the driver of a car and causing catasthrope. Those who are harassed by skinwalkers must consult a tribal medicine man in order to negate the malicious effects. I have yet to see a Skinwalker or a UFO, but I can certainly say that the desert is a mighty spooky, otherworldly place at night. Thoughts on this?
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:45:29 +0000