Spider Woman —Na’ashjéii Asdzáá (Navajo)

Spider Woman by Tara Reynolds

“In the beginning, there was the dark purple light at
the dawn of being. Spider Woman spun a line to form
the east, west, north, and south. Breath entered man
at the time of the yellow light. At the time of the
red light, man proudly faced his creator.
Spider Woman used the clay of the earth, red, yellow,
white, and black, to create people. To each she attached
a thread of her web which came from the doorway at
the top of her head. This thread was the gift of
creative wisdom.

Three times she sent a great flood to
destroy those who had forgotten the gift of her thread.
Those who remembered floated to the new world and climbed
to safety through the Sipapu Pole the womb of Mother Earth.”

~Diné Creation Story~

Name: Spider Woman
Tribal affiliation: Navajo
Name in Navajo: Na’ashjéii Asdzáá
Also spelled: Na ashje’ii ‘Asdzáá
Pronunciation: nah-ahsh-jay-ee ahs-dzah (Navajo)
Type: Goddess, spider, wise woman
Related figures in other tribes: Spider Grandmother (Hopi)

Spider Woman is one of the most important deities of traditional Navajo religion. Unlike the Hopi Spider Grandmother, the Navajo Spider Woman is not considered the creator of humans, but she is their constant helper and benefactor. Spider Woman was the advisor of the heroic twins Monster-Slayer and Born-for-Water, taught the people the arts of weaving and agriculture, and appears in many legends and folktales to “save the day,” protect the innocent, and restore harmony to the world.

Spider Woman has been a central figure in Navajo mythology for centuries, with her stories passed down through generations. She belongs to the mythology and spiritual beliefs of various Native American cultures, particularly the Hopi and Navajo peoples. Spider Woman possesses creative powers, including the ability to weave the web of the universe and teach the art of weaving. She is also associated with wisdom and guidance. Spider Woman governs creation, weaving, and wisdom. Common symbols associated with Spider Woman include the spider and the web, representing creation and inter-connectedness.

Creator and Protector:
Spider Woman is considered a creator and protector in Navajo mythology. She is seen as a constant helper and protector of humans. She is believed to cast her web like a net to capture and eat misbehaving children, serving as a moral guide. Spider Woman is often depicted as both an elderly woman and a spider. Her form shifts depending on the tale, but her role remains consistent as a creator, protector, and guide.

Devotees:
Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Spider Woman. These include offerings of food, chants, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in natural settings, such as forests and rivers.

Sacred Sites:
Temples and shrines dedicated to Spider Woman can be found throughout regions with Navajo populations. These sites are often located in places of natural beauty and significance.

Offerings:
Offerings to Spider Woman typically include food and items related to her symbols, such as spider figurines and representations of webs. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.

Narratives

The Creation of the World:
In Hopi mythology, Spider Woman, along with Tawa (the Sun god), created the Earth and its creatures. They realized the creatures were not alive, so they gave them souls. Spider Woman and Tawa then created humans from their own likeness and sang them to life. Spider Woman separated the creatures into tribes and led them through the Four Great Caverns to their final home, teaching them their roles and religious practices.

The Four Worlds and the Emergence:
In this narrative, Spider Woman, also known as the Good Spirit, acts as a guide to the creatures in the first world, helping them travel to the higher worlds. She mentors them as they change into different forms, becoming more human. She leaves the creatures in the fourth world (the high world) to settle permanently.

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Spider Woman and the Sacred Weaving:
Spider Woman is credited with teaching the Hopi people the art of weaving. She showed them how to weave intricate patterns and designs, which became an important cultural practice. Her teachings emphasized the connection between creativity and spirituality.

Spider Woman and the Journey to the Upper World:
In Hopi mythology, Spider Woman guides the people through their journey to the upper world. She advises them on how to create the Sun and Moon, where to travel, and the religious practices to follow. Her guidance helps the people navigate the challenges of their journey and find their place in the world.

Sacred Texts:
Spider Woman is mentioned in various Navajo oral traditions and stories.

Modern Times:
Read about, “Dah iistł’ǫ́: Weaving is alive and strong for ‘Spider Rock Girls’” in The Navajo Times HERE.

Question: If you were a goddess
and could guide humans
in a particular way,
what would the way be?

Note:  Today’s post includes info on Navajo Spider Woman and Hopi Spider Grandmother.

Sources:
Native Languages
Museum State of IL
Kamboozal
Jung Society of Utah