The Journey to the Land of the Dead
In Hopi tradition, the journey to the land of the dead begins at the sipapu in the Grand Canyon. The spirit travels westward, following the path of the setting sun, to the land of the ancestors. Along the way, the spirit encounters various challenges and must have the proper knowledge, gained through ceremonial instruction during life, to pass safely. The spirit is judged by Masauwu and the Kachinas who determine its fate. Good souls pass into a land of plenty, while those who lived badly face difficulties. The dead eventually become cloud people who can bring rain to their living descendants.