| Many people came this time to help us build the ephemeral cathedral.
We had to leave the coals from the bonfire heaped in the center, because
Starwood devotees felt it would be sacrilegious to put them out.
This made for a larger opening at the center of the rangoli, and a dangerously
hot center ... but we managed. The rangoli extended nearly 20 feet
radially around the center stake. We used 40 pounds of rice flour,
8 pounds of turmeric, and then used 20 pounds of corn meal to do the footprints
at the perimeter. This was physically the most arduous of the rangoli.
It was huge and the day was fiercely hot, 100F or 37C in the noonday full
sun. Sweat burns and stings when it drips into eyes. I worked on my hands
and knees, stroking every line into the sand, then the rest of the women
filled those lines with flour. By the time I had put half the footsteps
around the perimeter, I just couldn't keep going. Other women finished
them. The momentum, the beauty of the creation, the joy of work kept
them working.
People brought in cameras. People climbed the deer tower to take
pictures from above. People put sparkly fairy dust on the 4 paths
to the center. People brought fragrant herbs and flours. Dozens
of people came in and out every hour to see what was going on, commenting,
curious. The "ownership" of the dance and drum area was contentious,
and most people held one opinion or another on how the space "should" be
used. Many people have intense experiences in that space, with trancing,
dancing, and drumming into the night. That often translates to a
sense of 'connection" to the space and perhaps a sense of protectiveness
and territoriality about it.
By the end of the day, everyone seemed to approve highly of the "energy"
of the rangoli, and regarded it as a beautiful and positive influence upon
the space and relationship between people and that space. People
calmed and quieted when they came into the rangoli area. People relaxed,
became introspective and peaceful.
People began to interact with the rangoli and "use" it. They walked
the four corridors to the center and deposited offerings. Looking
out from the center, the spiraling lines seemed "trippy", similar to visual
mandala effects caused by some recreational pharmaceuticals. One
firm footed soul tried to stand at the center ..... but the coals were
still smoldering. After demonstrating his bravery, he moved on fairly
quickly.
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