from Stars of the First People: Native American Star Myths and Constellations by Dorcas S. Miller Softcover, 346 pgs., $19.95
The myth of Long Sash was first recorded in 1960. This Pueblo myth (San Ildefonso/Tewa) tells the story of some of the stars in the sky: Long Sash is the constellation Orion, the Endless Trail is the Milky Way, the Place of Decision is Castor and Pollux, the Place of Doubt is Cancer, and the Three Stars of Helpfulness are three stars from the constellation Leo. (From Orion to Leo is 5 hours east)
Long Sash was a brave and wise warrior, and the people trusted him very much. They turned to him when, year after year, their villages were destroyed and warriors killed by neighboring tribes. They said to Long Sash, “Take us to a land where we may live in peace.”
“The journey will be difficult,” answered Long Sash. “We will have little food and we must travel a long way on the Endless Trail. We must go into a land that even I have not seen. Are you willing to endure the hardships?”
The people assured him that they wanted to go, and packed their few belongings. They began the long journey. Long Sash had to instruct them in how to hunt and make clothes, as they had little to eat or wear. Babies were born and old people died. Quarrels broke out and there was much fighting.
Long Sash halted and said, “We cannot continue. There is violence among you. You do each other more harm than your enemies ever did to you. Let us rest here. There are women whose time is due. Let them give birth and then you can choose whether you want to follow me or go another way.” They stopped by two bright stars, now called the Place of Decision. (Castor and Pollux) Even today, people look to these stars when making important decisions.
After the people had rested, they said, “We want to continue with you.” Long Sash watched them closely to see if what they said was true. He believed them and they again set out on the Endless Trail. But Long Sash was growing old, tired, and doubtful. He had never been in this land, and he was unsure of which way to go. He asked for a sign. He closed his eyes and appeared to sleep, but when he awoke he told the people that he had been given many promises. They had already completed the most difficult part of the trip, he said. “There are times in each person’s life when there is a Place of Doubt. (Cancer) You must seek help from the Above Persons when this happens.” He laid his headdress down to mark the Place of Doubt and to remind people where they can seek guidance when they need it.
With the rest and Long Sash’s new strength, people stopped quarreling and were kinder to one another. Two young men, for example, made a drag on which to carry not only their own belongings but also those of an old woman. (Leo) All of the People continued on the Trail and at last came to the end of their journey. They made their home in the Middle Place and have lived here forever.
If the sun moved 180° east for Joshua or on the many other Bible and Chinese accounts, the night sky in the americas might continue 90° more before daybreak. Thus the long journey. Then the earth kept turning.