Salamander

szeliga@soils.umn.edu
09 Jun 1993 14:37:32

Last weekend at the Rainbow regional gathering, we built a sweat lodge,
chanted, prayed to the four directions, and huddled in the lodge. After
washing off and dressing, I banked the coals and tossed dirt over the coals.
Someone noticed movement in the fire and shone the light. A salamander
wriggled among the dirt and hot coals.
Why do I feel like a 13-year old who saw the planchette on the ouija
board move? Any comments? What is the mythological connection between
salamanders and fire?

On a similar note, soon after arrival, I stood holding hands in a circle
of fifty people chanting Om. Noticing people looking up to the sun, I
saw a rainbow halo around the sun. The rainbow circle was in the usual
22 degree position as described by M Minaert in "Light And Color in Open Air"
(1954, Dover Books). Regular attendees regard these phenomena as commonplace.
This is the second time I've personally witnessed this phenomena, again
at a Rainbow Gathering.

Tim Szeliga Org: National Weather Service / Hydrologic Remote Sensing
Internet: tim@snow.nohrsc.nws.gov
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(Just because I mention a product in a post does not mean it is endorsed by
the United States Government. You gotta be at least cabinet level before you
can do that.)
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#include <std_disclaimer.h>
"My words are nearly always an offense. | Robert Frost
I don't know how to speak of anything | from
So as to please you. But I might be taught, | "Home Burial"
I should suppose. I can't say I see how." |
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