Cajete's Words on Sun

Cajete relates the story of Scar Face, the grandson of the Sun who scarred his grandson's face as punishment for the Moon's (Sun's daughter) disobedience. Scar Face overcomes his adversities so well that he impresses the Sun, who then gives Scar Face the knowledge of rituals and of the Sweat Lodge and Sun Dance.

"The tale of Scar Face is an archetypal hero myth that reflects the perception of the Sun as the cosmic father, as a giver of life, health and knowledge. The Sun inseminates, illuminates, nourishes and sustains life. The myth of Scar Face personifies the central role of the Sun as a life giver while reflecting the Sun's power to destroy and punish if not properly respected.

"Among the Chumash, the Sun, or as they refer to him, Old Man of the Crystal House, was considered a powerful spiritual being who carried a torch across the sky to light and warm the earth. He lived in the East in a house made of crystal with his two daughters, Morning and Evening Star, who could be seen sometime in the pre-dawn morning waking him, or the evening bidding him to return. Although the sun ensured life with his light and warmth, he was also known to cause death. During his travel across the sky, he would collect people, plants and animals to eat for his supper. Every Winter, the Sun would grow weary and want to stop his traveling. He could be seen moving further and further south and giving less light and warmth. Chumash astronomer/priests would gather their people and hold elaborate ceremonies to pull the sun back for another year and thereby restore the world to its rightful orientation."

(Cajete, 1994, p. 36-37)