#chumashculture

[secondridgepublishing]

"Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" ~ Captivating from Start to Finish

"I was captivated by Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote from the very first chapter. The author's deep knowledge of the Chumash people shines brilliantly throughout the story, blending historical richness with an engaging narrative style. Although Amazon lists the book as geared toward ages 10-18, the storytelling and "wordsmithing" are wonderfully engaging for readers of all ages.

The seamless integration of the past and present drew me in, sparking my curiosity about the Chumash culture and history. This book doesn’t just entertain—it inspires a deeper appreciation for an often-overlooked part of our shared heritage. I am eagerly looking forward to the author’s next historical work.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking an enthralling and enlightening read!"

—Frank M., Attorney at Law, Altamonte Springs, FL

[secondridgepublishing]

The reviews are coming in for "Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote"!

Have you read it yet? If so, let us know your thoughts!

Discover the enchanting legend of "Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" ~ perfect for readers ages 10 and up, blends the mystery of the cosmos with the enduring magic of human connection.

Join Chnawaway on an adventure that reveals the deep-rooted wisdom of his ancestors and the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.

Available in English and Spanish language versions, in paperback, hardcover, and eBook on Amazon.com

[secondridgepublishing]

Celebrating One Year of the Sky Coyote Discovery at 'Alaxulux'en: A Special Holiday Gift

This December 23rd marks one year since a groundbreaking discovery at the Chumash Painted Cave site, also known as 'Alaxulux'en, in the Santa Ynez Mountains of California. On December 23, 2023, author H.A. Bustos unveiled the stunning revelation of the Sky Coyote rock formation—a towering 40-foot image of the legendary Coyote, found on the cliffside near the Painted Cave. This discovery provides a profound new perspective on the cultural, astronomical, and geological significance of the site, offering a connection to the stars and the land that had remained hidden for centuries.

The Discovery That Changed Everything

For over a century, the Painted Cave itself has captivated visitors with its vivid, ancient images. Yet, the true mystery of 'Alaxulux'en lies beyond the cave, etched into the natural rock formations outside. The Sky Coyote rock formation, resembling an unmistakable coyote with perked ears, sniffing nose, and distinct eye, remained overlooked until now. Even prominent research groups like CyArk, which spent thousands of dollars studying the cave’s interior, had missed it.

This extraordinary discovery suggests that the placement of the cave—and the very landscape surrounding it—holds deeper cultural and astronomical significance, intricately linked to Chumash mythology and their observations of the cosmos. More than just a discovery, it’s a testament to the connection between the Chumash people and their environment, a relationship that transcends time.

The entrance to the Painted Cave itself is shaped like a bear—an important symbol for the Chumash, representing Ursa Major, the Great Bear constellation.

This "bear" entrance points directly to the Sky Coyote formation, indicating a deliberate alignment between the two. It’s a rare glimpse into the ancient knowledge and wisdom of the Chumash people, where the land and stars were intertwined in their cultural and spiritual practices.

A Heart-felt Legend for Children of All Ages

This revelation inspired the creation of Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote, a historical fiction novel by H.A. Bustos. The book weaves together indigenous history, Chumash mythology, and the legend of the Sky Coyote, offering readers a thrilling journey into the heart of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

The book is more than just a captivating tale; it’s a means of giving back to the Chumash community. A portion of the proceeds from each sale supports the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, helping to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Chumash people.

Celebrate the Season: Buy One, Give One Free

In honor of the one-year anniversary of this incredible discovery, we’re launching a special holiday campaign. This season, when you purchase Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote in paperback or hardcover (available in both English and Spanish), we’ll send a free copy to a school of your choice. Share the gift of storytelling and cultural heritage with young readers, and introduce them to the timeless traditions of the Chumash people.

How to Participate:

Buy a Copy: Purchase Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote on Amazon (Paperback or Hardcover only).

Send Us Your Details: Email us your Amazon order number, the date of purchase, and the number of books bought.

Nominate a School: Provide the name and address of the school to which you’d like us to send the book(s).

Recognition: Your name will be included as the gift giver with the donated book(s).

Note: This campaign is limited to schools only—no daycare centers, childcare facilities, or homeschool programs are eligible at this time.

By participating, you’re not just gifting a book; you’re helping to spread the knowledge of Chumash culture, lore, and wisdom to the next generation of learners.

Why Readers Love Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote

A Tribute to Cultural Roots: This story honors the traditions, mythology, and history of the Chumash people.

Engaging Storytelling: With vibrant storytelling, readers will be captivated by Chnawaway’s journey and the rich world he inhabits.

Perfect for All Ages: Whether in English or Spanish, Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote is suitable for readers ages 10 and up.

“A very colorful and captivating story interweaving the traditional myths and culture of the Chumash peoples into a new legend that brings to life the discovery of the rock formation of the Sky Coyote at the Painted Cave of 'Alaxulux'en.” — Joseph E. Ciotti, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Hawai'i

“This illuminating tale transports you to the world of the Chumash people, offering a respectful and engaging glimpse into their traditions and beliefs, while each character draws you into their thrilling adventures, leaving you eager to learn more.” — Gloria Lopez, Elementary School Educator, Napa Valley, California

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

This anniversary marks only the beginning of the journey to uncover the full depth of this discovery. Stay tuned for the release of Beyond 'Alaxulux'en: Starry Secrets, Sacred Connections, a non-fiction book that will delve deeper into the archaeological, anthropological, and astronomical implications of the Sky Coyote formation and its connection to Chumash culture.

We’re excited to extend this campaign through 2025 and beyond, continuing to celebrate the Chumash people's rich heritage and the wonder of the Sky Coyote.

Join the Journey: Share the Gift of Storytelling

This holiday season, help us share the story of Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote with the world. Buy one book, give one book—spread the magic of the Chumash people, their culture, and the profound wisdom of the Sky Coyote formation.

Buy Now on Amazon and make this holiday season one to remember!

[secondridgepublishing]

The Adventure Begins: A First Look at "Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote"

Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote by H A Bustos

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H A Bustos seamlessly blends storytelling with practical knowledge, bringing stories to life through his unique perspective and passion.

In this latest fictional tale, inspired by a unique discovery in the hills above Santa Barbara and rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Chumash people, H A Bustos aims to provide an enjoyable reading experience while imparting knowledge about the Chumash Indians and their myths.

"Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" serves as the origin story for his upcoming non-fiction book, "Beyond 'Alaxulux'en: Starry Secrets, Sacred Connections", to be released in the fall of 2025.

CHAPTER 1

Long, long ago, before the sun painted the sky and the ocean sang its lullaby, there was only Hutash, the Earth Mother. She was big, bigger than the tallest mountain, with skin like warm clay and eyes like sparkling obsidian, but she was lonely too.

Then, one day, Shnilemun, the often-mischievous Sky Coyote, whispered in her ear. "Hutash," he chuckled, "why don't you fill the world with laughter and stories?"

Hutash's heart swelled with joy. She gathered the finest clay from the earth, soft and pliable like dough. With her strong hands, she shaped tiny people, each one special and unique. Some had eyes like the sky, others had hair like fire. She breathed life into their lungs, and they giggled and squirmed, waking up for the very first time.

But they were tiny, and the world was so vast and empty. So Hutash looked up at the starry sky and asked 'Awa'y, the Moon, and Father Sun for help. 'Awa'y gifted them with the magic of fire, to keep them warm and cook their food. Father Sun shared his laughter, teaching them to play and dance.

And then, Hutash remembered the mischievous Coyote. "Oh, Shnilemun," she called, "what gift do you have for these little ones?"

The Sky Coyote winked and flicked his tail. "Seeds, of course!" he replied, scattering hundreds of colorful seeds across the land. "Plant them, care for them, and watch them grow into food, medicine, and beautiful stories."

So, the very first people, filled with gratitude and wonder, planted the seeds. They learned to hunt and fish and to build 'aps - houses round in shape, with a frame of long poles interwoven with grass and reeds. They also learned to weave baskets, called 'apuqwni and 'antas, which were made either from three slender rods of Juncus rush or from whole Juncus rush stems or split tule or bulrush. Although members of a tribe had their own roles to fulfill, together they would sing songs to the mountains and dance with the wind. And as they grew, so did the world around them, bursting with life and color, just like the dreams of Hutash, the Earth Mother.

Chnawaway hugged his grandfather and slowly drifted off to sleep in his arms. Grandfather smiled and watched the embers glow as they made their way up to the sky.

It wasn't that long ago on a night like this, Grandfather warmly remembered, that young Chnawaway arrived full of love and life.

Under a sky dusted with a million stars, his voice cried out from .inside the 'ap, the gentle ocean breeze welcoming the newborn into the world. As firelight darted across the woven walls, the aging 'alchuklash, cloaked in ceremonial feathers and revered wisdom, approached and cradled the child, his old and weathered hands gentle against the baby's smooth skin.

To the Chumash Nation, the 'alchuklash was held in high honor. He was a weaver of knowledge spun from starlight and the whispers of the wind. He was a vessel, chosen by the spirits themselves, his eyes and ears tuned to the whispers of the cosmos, interpreting the language of the stars and the dance of constellations, translating them into wisdom, and serving as a living memory of the ancestors, ensuring that the tribe would never stray from the path illuminated by generations past.

"This little one," he announced, placing a seashell adorned

with intricate symbols beside the baby boy, "this little one arrived on a night when the constellations sang of exploration and hidden meanings. From here forward, the boy shall be named Chnawaway, discoverer of profound mysteries". He kissed him tenderly on the forehead, looked deeply into his eyes, and rendered softly, "The world has been waiting for you, Chnawaway."

The seashell held the whispers of the ocean, a reminder of Chnawaway's connection to the natural world, for the Chumash believed that children arrived on seashells, carried by currents guided by Hutash.

One by one the tribal elders painted his tiny body with ochre, symbolizing the sun's warmth and protection. Throughout the village that night laughter and music filled the air, celebrating the child who would one day bridge the gap between heaven and earth.

And so, under the vast canvas of the coastal sky, where the ocean met the land in a breathtaking embrace, the journey of Chnawaway, the discoverer of profound mysteries, began.

Buy it TODAY!

CHAPTER 2

From early childhood onward, Chnawaway was nurtured in all things by his loving and devoted grandfather.

On warm, clear nights young Chnawaway would sit on his grandfather's lap in front of the fire and, under a sky full of stars, would listen and learn about how the earth and all that was in it came to be.

Grandfather taught him about the Sky People - Father Sun; the Golden Eagle named Slo'w; Venus, the Morning Star; and Shnilemun, the Sky Coyote - and how they ruled the light. He taught him how each star was significant as was each constellation it was a part of, just like each of the members of their tribe.

Chnawaway found enjoyment in the stories about the stars his grandfather was fond of telling hin1. Each one became a comforting bedtime tale, gently lulling him to sleep.

"In the time before time," his grandfather began, pointing up to the heavens, "the sky was nothing but an endless expanse touched by light, while down here on earth lived the 'alchuklash, keepers of the tiny bright lights called stars.

One night, as they gathered around a warm fire, they decided, 'Let's wake up the sky, with twinkling stars, like fireflies!' And so they went about carefully choosing special spots, high up in the sleepy sky, gently placing each star so that the sky could one day tell the stories of gods and heroes. One by one, they chose their spots, tracing inv1sible lines across the heavens, placing each star into its destined place forming the constellations.

"Like the mama bear and baby bear?" said young Chnawaway, pointing towards the Big Dipper, Ursa Major, the Little Dipper, Ursa Minor, and the North Star that glittered like scattered diamonds.

"Just like those," acknowledged his grandfather.

"But then, along came Shnilemun, the Sky Coyote!" Grandfather playfully exclaimed. "He hopped and skipped, his ears twitching with mischief. 'Why paint the sky so slow?' Shnilemun whined. 'Let's play with the stars!' And just like that, Shnilemun scooped up a handful of twinkling lights and tossed them up high, scattering them like fireflies across the darkness.

We hope you enjoyed this excerpt of “Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote”. “Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote” by H A Bustos is now available in Paperback, Hardcover, and eBook on Amazon.com.

More books like these can be found on the Second Ridge Publishing website at www.secondridgepublishing.com

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to support the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.

Thank you for your support.

[secondridgepublishing]

Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote

Embark with us on a journey of discovery to a world brimming with mystery, wonder, and the enduring magic of human connection to the cosmos!

Legends whisper of an enigmatic formation, a hidden wonder, lying deep within the Santa Ynez Mountains: the towering head of a coyote with its facial features seemingly thrusted outward from the mountainside. Its timeless imprint intertwines with the story of a young Chumash Indian brave named Chnawaway and the mysterious Chumash Painted Cave of 'Alaxulux'en.

The tale of Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote is woven from threads of indigenous history, myth, and tradition, creates a captivating story that celebrates the mystery and rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and the Chumash people.

On Sale NOW! Order Your Copy Today!

Click Here to Order

* A percentage of the net sales of each book purchased will be donated to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation

"A very colorful, captivating story interweaving traditional Chumash myths & culture into a new legend, bringing to life the discovery of the Sky Coyote formation at the Painted Cave of 'Alaxulux'en." ~ Joseph E Ciotti, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii - Windward Community College

"Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" is published by Second Ridge Publishing and available now on Amazon.com and at bookstores everywhere.

[secondridgepublishing]

An amazing review of “Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote” on the Deep Dive podcast!

The historical fiction novel, "Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" by H.A. Bustos, is a beautiful story of a young Chumash brave named Chnawaway who learns about the Chumash culture and beliefs from his grandfather.

The story explores the balance between the physical and spiritual realms, and the importance of respecting nature. It includes elements of Chumash mythology, such as the Sky Coyote and the Sun.

Our hero, Chnawaway, embarks on a journey to uncover a mystery at the Chumash Painted Cave and is ultimately tasked with delivering a warning from the Sky Coyote, a mythical deity also known as the North Star, to his tribe. The Sky Coyote warns of a coming drought caused by the anger of Father Sun, who is upset about losing a cosmic game to the Sky Coyote.

Chnawaway is initially doubted by his tribe, but he eventually proves his visions and stories to be true by the appearance of a fiery sign in the night sky. After a series of amazing discoveries, high-action drama and adventure, the story concludes with a grand ceremony on a sacred mountain to appease the spirits and restore balance to the land.

Published in July of 2024, this 155-page novel tells of legends inspired by the Chumash Painted Cave in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Southern California, incorporating Chumash mythology and exploring the themes of balance, tradition, and the importance of listening to the whispers of the natural world.

Through a combination of storytelling and folklore, the book explores the relationship between the Chumash people and the cosmos, focusing on their belief in a cosmic game between the Sun and the Sky Coyote that influences the cycles of nature.

"Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" is published by Second Ridge Publishing and available now on Amazon.com and at bookstores everywhere.