There are a lot of theories going around about what’s happening at Skinwalker Ranch, and some of them are pretty out there. But one theory that is getting a lot of attention is this:
Supposedly, these shapeshifting witches possess supernatural powers and are near-impossible to kill. They can transform into coyotes, wolves, bears, and other animals, and even wear animal skins. They can also read minds and control weather.
Origins
The concept of shapeshifters is one that has long permeated folklore. From werewolves and vampires to witches transforming into cats or other animals, it’s a motif that is found in many cultures throughout the world. One creature in particular, the skinwalker, has sparked curiosity and fascination for generations of people. This mysterious, shadowy creature is a creature that is said to have the ability to shapeshift into various animal forms and even into human form.
The legend of the skinwalker traces its roots to Navajo culture. It is believed that a person becomes a skinwalker after being initiated into an evil society that requires the most taboo of deeds – the killing of a sibling. After completing this task, the individual gains supernatural powers and the ability to shapeshift into various animals. Most often, the skinwalker is seen as a coyote or wolf, but they can take the form of other animals as well. In addition, they are said to wear the hides of the animals they transform into. Often, the skinwalkers will also wear animal skulls or antlers on their heads to gain more power.
In a human form, the skinwalker is described as a quiet, distant being that seems unnerved or confused in human company. They are often said to act as though they are not native to this land and disregard many of the customs and mannerisms of humans.
Like other creatures with the ability to shapeshift, skinwalkers are known to kill. Their motives for murder vary, but it is usually because of greed, anger, envy or revenge. They are also said to rob graves for money and ingredients for black magic.
While it is thought that skinwalkers do kill, they are not always responsible for cattle mutilations and other paranormal phenomena that plague the land. However, they are often blamed for sicknesses, drought, and bad crops. They are also sometimes blamed for the vanishing of livestock and the sudden deaths of family members. The Navajo will not discuss these creatures with outsiders for fear of being attacked by a skinwalker. They believe that bullets dipped in white ash can kill these beings, but only when they are shot in the neck or head.
Forms
Those who are familiar with the legends of skinwalkers have heard stories of malevolent witches that can transform into animal forms. They are said to have a deep understanding of the natural world and use their powers to cause harm. Their presence is always accompanied by an aura of darkness and evil. Their appearance is usually gaunt and emaciated, although they can appear to be fully human. They are usually naked except for a skin of an animal and they are often seen in the form of a coyote, fox or bear.
The Navajo believe that men or women can become skinwalkers when they commit a heinous crime, such as murdering a family member. The act of becoming a skinwalker gives the individual supernatural powers that allow them to change into a variety of animal forms at will. The skinwalker chooses to wear the skin of the animal he or she wishes to take the form of, and the choice is often made according to the needs of the task at hand. For example, if the skinwalker is in need of strength, it may be necessary to shift into a bear.
For this reason, many people outside the Native American communities are not aware of the existence of skinwalkers. Those who are aware of their existence, however, tend to be frightened and fascinated by them at the same time. This can contribute to the demonization and marginalization of these tribes, re-enforcing the historical traumas and injustices they have suffered.
It is also important to note that the depiction of skinwalkers in popular culture can be harmful, as it can reinforce a variety of negative stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans. In addition, it can have a negative impact on mental health in those who believe in these beings.
While many individuals have a natural inclination to fear the monsters that lurk in the shadows, it is important to remember that these beings are a part of the spirit world. As such, they are not to be treated like horror movie characters or cryptids. Rather, they should be viewed as the embodiment of a certain type of otherworldly power.
Behavior
Like Werewolves and other paranormal shape shifters, skinwalkers can transform into many different animals. They are also able to take on the form of humans, and they may choose to do so when they feel it is necessary. According to Ute folklore, these creatures are most active at night and are often heard before they are seen. They are also believed to mimic the sounds of animals, making it easier for them to blend in with their surroundings.
While skinwalkers maintain the intelligence of a Human, they tend to act more like the animal they are currently in form. They also typically lose empathy and compassion and act more primal. These traits are what makes them so feared. They are also said to be very strong, and they can kill or posses humans.
Many Navajo people do not speak openly about skinwalkers or their activities for fear of retaliation from these dark witches. They are also known to eat Human flesh, and they have been accused of committing crimes such as cannibalism, incest, grave robbing, and murder, especially of family members. Some of them practice dark magic to gain more power and strength, and they are regarded as a threat to the people who live in their territory.
Some shamans believe that it is possible to become a skinwalker through the use of ritual and a connection with spirit animals. This is similar to the experiences of Inuit shamans who have been reported to have animal guides that they can adopt into their own form when needed.
Generally, it is believed that a Skinwalker can transform into any animal in their realm of control, but it is most common to be a predator or prey animal. These powerful creatures are believed to have a profound understanding of the natural world and are often found in forest areas where they can hide more easily. They are also said to be able to move faster and run long distances while in Animal form.
It is thought that a Skinwalker can be killed by using the power of a shaman, which will turn the evil spell back upon it. However, this is extremely difficult to do and is usually not successful. Other methods include using a gun dipped in white ash or sand, and it is believed that a Skinwalker will disappear if it is shot in the head or neck.
Powers
According to legend, skinwalkers have a variety of powers. They can telepathically read human minds, control the behavior of people and animals, and cause disease and death. They can also turn their victims into skinwalkers by suffocating them or cutting off their head. In animal form, they have superhuman strength, agility and speed. They are able to run faster than cars and leave tracks larger than those of animals. They can also leap over fences and other obstacles that would normally stop a normal person.
Many tribes believe that a man or woman becomes a skinwalker after committing a heinous act, such as killing a family member. Once a skinwalker, they can shapeshift into animal form at will, and typically become coyotes, wolves, foxes or bears. They can also change into any animal, but they must first wear the pelt of the creature they wish to transform into. This is to ensure that they take on the appearance of the animal properly.
They can move as fast as their animal forms and are almost impossible to catch. Their bodies are also tough enough to withstand blunt trauma that would severely injure or kill a normal human. They can also create fire and cast shadows. Some skinwalkers are said to be able to call up spirits of the dead and reanimate them to attack their enemies.
Another ability that these creatures possess is the ability to hypnotize humans. They can even make people commit heinous crimes or murders. They are able to deceive others into believing that they are human, which is why the belief in skinwalkers is considered to be one of the most sinister in Native American mythology.
While some tribes believe that a person can become a skinwalker by performing certain rituals, most of the time, becoming a skinwalker is considered to be a curse. In Navajo tradition, the Naagloshii were helpers of divine beings who were originally sent to earth to train humans in the Blessing Way. However, when some of these Naagloshii decided to stay behind on the mortal plane for their own greedy reasons, they became malicious semi-divine beings known as skinwalkers.
