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Lakota Winter Solstice Stars: Sacred Sky Guide

The winter solstice holds deep meaning in many cultures across the world. Including in Lakota tradition, where it is seen as the marking the sun's triumphant return north after its southern journey.

Around December 20–21, the Sacred Circle, seen by the Lakota as symbolizing the Black Hills, align perfectly overhead at midnight., rising due east and setting due west only during the Solstice.

This celestial event is a reminder to the observers that longer days and renewal lie ahead. On moonless nights, the Milky Way, known as Wanagi Ta Chanku or "Spirits' Road," is very visible stretching north-south across the circle, with the Crab Nebula (M1, from the 1054 supernova) glowing faintly at center as "Old Baldy."

Lakota Constellations 

http://www.kstrom.net/isk/stars/starwint.html
https://web.archive.org/web/19990224233406/http://indy4.fdl.cc.mn.us/~isk/stars/starwint.html

#Lakota NameMeaningWestern Counterparts
1Wichapi OwanjilaStar that stands stillPolaris
2WakinyanThunderbirdGamma Draconis + Ursa Minor
3WichakiyuhapiBig DipperUrsa Major
4Fireplace---Leo's Sickle
5Mato TipilaBear's LodgeGemini (Castor/Pollux)
6------Capella (Auriga)
7TayamniAnimal (Buffalo?)Orion + Sirius + Pleiades
8Canshasha IpusyeDried WillowTriangulum + Aries
9HehakaElkPisces
10KeyaTurtlePegasus square
11ZuzuechaSnakePuppis + Canis Major
12Wanagi Ta ChankuSpirits' RoadMilky Way



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