Balakai Mesa, Arizona

    Article

    A 7,300 foot mountain peak that spans across the borders of the Apache and Navajo counties in Arizona. It sits to the southeast of Black Mesa and is important to the Navajo Blessingway ceremony. As opposed to the other Navajo (Diné) Chant Ways, which are used to effect a cure of a problem, the Blessingway (Hózhójí) is used to bless the "one sung over," to ensure good luck, good health, and blessings for everything that pertains to them. It is also thought of as being "for good hope." The Navajo also view Balakai Mesa as the feet of Pollen Mountain, when interpreted in human form.

    Photo Credit

    "Black Mesa, South of Kayenta, Arizona, June 23, 2014" by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA.

    Published Works
    References

     
    Linford, Laurance D.
         2001   Tony Hillerman's Navajoland: Hideouts, Haunts, and Havens in the Joe Leaphorn
              and Jim Chee Mysteries. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press.

    Peakery
         N.d.   Balakai Mesa. http://peakery.com/balakai-mesa-arizona/, accessed March 11, 2015.