Skinwalker: Guardian of the Last Portal

by Gary Swanson, Wendy Swanson (Editor)

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 sharing of information we experienced when researching Native American Curses did not carry over to Skinwalker research. Although this study required an adjustment to our methods of research, we have been forced to make many more security checks and precautions, both for the protection of our story submitters and our personal safety; which we must say has on many occasions been really on the edge of safe procedures. When one sees a heavily disguised person with whom you have been speaking for half an hour, walk into the semi-darkness outside of the building and totally disappear is scary enough, but to see that person transform into a black-tail deer in front of your eyes and run into a nearby forest, is unnerving to say the least. This kind of “freak-out moment” isn’t something one can brush aside. Driving along a one lane highway with the full moon enhancing the spooky rock formations of a lonely desert road can become even scarier if suddenly one notices an antelope keeping pace with your sixty miles an hour. As if that scare isn’t enough, couple that with the fact that you notice as the animal cuts off across the desert it’s running on its hind legs! When we first heard about these occurrences, we were suspicious, and soon after, we saw it in person! We were fortunate that when we began our research into this mysterious witch, we had been thoroughly briefed by a medicine man of the Sioux tribe, and friends with the Apache, Comanche and several others about the tricks we may be confronted with. Even though the yee naaldlooshii is solely attached to the Navajo people, the other tribes are well aware of its existence, however, it has been explained to us in a “round about” way that the witches and curses associated with the individual tribes seldom seem to

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2020

Reviews

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of the skinwalker is associated with the Navajo people. The book talks about Skinwalker Ranch when it was owned by the Shermans and problems they and others have had with the ranch.

Cattle being killed, a huge dog and globes of light are just some of the things going on. The Shermans had enough, moved out and Admantium Holdings ended up with the ranch.

Skinwalker is defined ass an 'avenging witch of the Navajo nation.'

One character is given a book to read and destroy. There's a story about Spanish gold. There's a skinwalker attack and problems with a raven.

A group is looking for the gold and finds a hidden place, a guy claiming to be a skinwalker and a major problem all skinwalkers have.

The books a combination of information and story and manages to stay interesting throughout.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new entry in the author’s Native American lore series. The authors do extensive research and take every precaution to bring these stories to readers. Thanks to the brave people who were kind enough to share their stories with readers. Enthralling and frightening, these tales are riveting and I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. Be sure to read the earlier books in the series for more tales. I particularly enjoy the respect they treat those they interact with. It shows. It’s too easy for some to dismiss these stories, but as the authors mention, they are taken quite seriously to all Native American tribes. One of the few ways to learn about this culturally significant part of Native American lore not shared with outsiders.

[Robi A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightened and Frightened

No matter if you believe in the "yee" or not....These personal accounts from the present and also historical narrations from very old people, WILL capture your curiosity. AFTER reading this book, THEN you might also NEVER say the "S" word aloud !! Great Quick Read

[Paul Freebairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

His best yet.....

I was so intrigued with all the stories that I choose to read it over and over. I live near Navajo lands and hope I never run into a yee, but if I do, I pray I'll be wise enough to avoid a confrontation. Thank you Gary.

[Joe Mullin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Spooky, weird, interesting, entertaining. Kept me reading until the end. Often thinking about whether I was being watched. After all, I told several friends about Sk*nwalk*era.