Tahquitz (spirit) facts for kids

Tahquitz (pronounced like "TAH-kwits") is a powerful spirit from the legends of Native American people in Southern California. These groups include the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Luiseño tribes. While the stories change a bit, most agree that Tahquitz represents evil or even death. His home is said to be high up on Mount San Jacinto.

Some legends say that Tahquitz steals people or their souls. He then takes them to the mountain and devours them. People believe he appears as fireballs, lightning, or meteors. You might also hear his thunderous sounds on the mountain and in the canyons.

The Agua Caliente Legend

Many stories about Tahquitz involve Tahquitz Canyon. This canyon is on the land of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. It is a very important cultural spot for them. The tribe's website shares a special version of the legend:

Tahquitz was the first shaman created by Mukat, the creator of all things. Tahquitz had much power, and in the beginning he used his power for the good of all people. Tahquitz became the guardian spirit of all shamans and he gave them power to do good. But over time, Tahquitz began to use his power for selfish reasons. He began to use his power to harm the Cahuilla People. The people became angry, and they banished Tahquitz to this canyon that now bears his name. He made his home high in the San Jacinto Mountains in a secret cave below the towering rock known today as Tahquitz Peak. It is said that his spirit still lives in this canyon. He can sometimes be seen as a large green fireball streaking across the night sky. The strange rumblings heard deep within the San Jacinto Mountains, the shaking of the ground, and the crashing of boulders are all attributed to Tahquitz as he stomps about the canyon.

—Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

This legend tells us that Tahquitz was the first shaman, a spiritual leader with great power. He was created by Mukat, who made everything in the world. At first, Tahquitz used his power to help everyone. He even protected other shamans and gave them good power.

But as time passed, Tahquitz started using his power for himself. He began to hurt the Cahuilla people. The people became very angry with him. So, they sent Tahquitz away to the canyon that is now named after him. He made his home in a secret cave high in the San Jacinto Mountains. This cave was below a huge rock now called Tahquitz Peak. People say his spirit still lives in the canyon. Sometimes, you might see him as a large green fireball flying across the night sky. Strange rumbling sounds, shaking ground, and crashing rocks in the mountains are all believed to be Tahquitz stomping around!

Tahquitz in Mukat's People

Author Lowell John Bean wrote a book called Mukat's People; The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. In his book, he uses a different spelling for the name: Taqwuš. He describes Taqwuš as one of the nakutem. These were beings created at the very beginning by Mukat and Temayawt.

Specifically, Taqwuš was the first Puul, which is another word for a shaman. He could appear as a meteor or even a human-like shape that glowed with blue sparks. Taqwuš lived on San Jacinto Peak and was thought to cause bad luck. He was most active at night, traveling around and stealing people's souls.

Places Named After Tahquitz

The name Tahquitz comes from the Luiseño word Takwish. This word means "electric fireball" or "meteor." It is believed that the Luiseño people learned this story from the Cahuilla. The spelling of Tahquitz became standard after the U.S. Geological Survey mapped the area in 1897-1898.

Many places on and around Mount San Jacinto are named after Tahquitz:

• Tahquitz Peak: This is a secondary peak on Mount San Jacinto, standing at about 8,846 feet (2,696 meters) tall.
• Tahquitz Rock: Also known as "Lily Rock," this is a large granite rock formation about 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) high.
• Red Tahquitz: This peak is about 8,720 feet (2,658 meters) tall and has a reddish color.

Other features on Mount San Jacinto include:

• Tahquitz Meadow or Valley: This area is at an elevation of about 7,995 feet (2,437 meters).
• Tahquitz Canyon and Creek: These descend from Tahquitz Peak. The creek is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) long and drops about 7,900 feet (2,408 meters) in elevation.
• Tahquitz Falls: These waterfalls are inside the canyon at about 840 feet (256 meters) above sea level.

Beyond the mountain, the name Tahquitz is also used for:

• Tahquitz Canyon Way: A main road in Palm Springs that leads to the Palm Springs International Airport.
• Tahquitz mousetail: This is the common name for a type of plant called Ivesia callida, which is part of the rose family.
• Tahquitz High School: A high school located in Hemet, California.