In this special episode of The Woman’s Almanac, we continue our walk through the autumn woods and arrive beneath the hemlocks — where the hush of the forest gives way to the stories written in the stars.

I share “The Hunting of the Great Bear,” a traditional Cayuga (Haudenosaunee/Iroquois) legend that tells how a bear came to live among the constellations, forever circling the night sky.

This story has been preserved and shared through the educational nonprofit Native-Languages.org, which works to protect and promote Indigenous languages and oral traditions. I’m deeply grateful for their work and encourage you to visit their website to read the story in full, learn more about the Haudenosaunee people, and support their ongoing efforts.

🕯 Links & References:

* Read the full story: The Hunting of the Great Bear — Cayuga Legend (Native-Languages.org)

* Support Indigenous language preservation: Donate to Native-Languages.org

* Learn more about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Haudenosaunee Confederacy Official Site

🎧 About this episode:This episode pairs with the field note “A Walk Through Deep Autumn,” where we wander through the oak groves and into the hemlock woods — following the turning of the season and the quiet wisdom of the land.

Until next time, may you find a moment to look up at the night sky and imagine the stories that have always lived there.

— RachelWriter & Keeper of The Woman’s Almanac

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