A Circle Within the Abyss: Chumash Metaphysics

The Chumash Indians were once the largest cultural group in California. Within the Abyss provides an overview of their rich and enigmatic religious teachings. It begins with a discussion of the 'encircled circle' and 'encircled cross' images, which play significant roles in Chumash rock art. Through an assessment of these ritual icons, the reader is introduced to the complex subject of Being, i.e. how the world came into existence. (J. Anderson, 1993) A Circle Within the Abyss is a very fine introduction to one California Tribe's way of knowing their place on earth and within the larger universe. John Anderson gives us special insights into the meanings of ancient Chumash sacred stories and integrates them in such a way that they are most understandable for contemporary women and men. He has taken the words of both native informants and cultural specialists and made their wisdom and knowledge 'user-friendly' for all of us. (Rev. Scott McCarthy, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carm