Ussen was understood as fundamental and benevolent, the foundation of the world rather than an interventionist deity in the Abrahamic sense.

The specific ceremonies and powers associated with the Apache spiritual tradition were understood as the specific ways in which Ussen’s power was channeled through particular individuals for particular purposes.

Lozen’s power to locate enemies was understood within this framework.

The ceremony she performed — standing with upturned palms, turning slowly, praying to Ussen — was not a piece of theater or a psychological technique.

It was the specific form in which her power manifested: the position of prayer, the opening of the self to the power that could provide information the ordinary senses could not reach.