Journey to the Sacred Mountains is a culturally respectful journey to all of the four Navajo sacred mountains that mark the boundary of the traditional Navajo homeland. The aim is to experience these mountains with due respect to their cultural, spiritual, and physical significance.
Journey to the Sacred Mountains headed north during the final days of winter's embrace. Hesperus Mountain, Dibé Nitsaa (Big Mountain Sheep) is the Navajo Sacred Mountain of the North. Said to be fastened to the earth by a rainbow, it is impregnated with jet black stone (obsidian) and covered in darkness. Associated with night, winter, and the twilight years of life. Of the four Sacred Mountains that mark the border of the traditional Navajo homeland, Dibé Nitsaa seems the most aloof to western ears. Beyond the mention of its association with north and jet stone, it's as if there is an unspoken hush when discussing the mountain in idle conversation. Nightfall, darkness, and the northern direction are said to hold mysterious and almost ominous importance for traditional Navajo. It is with this imperfect understanding that we approached Hesperus Mountain with humble respect for its rugged beauty and unique position in the Sacred Mountains mandala.
