Burning Man: Beyond Belief
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Burning Man 2003 is now a delightfully dusty memory that, once again, has filled my tank with the special sauce that only experienced Burners understand.
Themed "Beyond Belief", this year's
was a spiritual theme that promised to inspire, enlighten and uplift the spirits
of all participants on a soulful level. With 
30,000+
citizens, this one-week town (called Black Rock City) grew quickly as all manner
of structures and art popped up like colorful mushrooms on a completely barren
desert floor.
More esoteric than last year's aquatic "Floating World" theme, Beyond Belief goaded participants to challenge the mundane logic of our day-to-day existence. What is the essence of the belief systems of the many cultures throughout history? What symbols have been present during these times? What grand questions have haunted the collective experiences of so many?.
Fittingly,
the moonless, new moon, sky was dominated by our neighboring Red Planet whose
belligerent presence had not been so close in 70,000 years ('before' belief?).
With the God of War eyeing our dusty oasis, the town soon grew into the living,
throbbing entity that has become so dear to so many. As usual, the city bristled
with interactive theme camps offering free diversions, goods and services while
each citizen was encouraged to experience all.
At the City's Center, the Man stood
atop an Aztec/Mayan Pyramid for a combined height of 70 feet. With the year
to year advancement of man-building visions, this was, by far, the most 
amazing
Man structure yet created. More so than in years past, this monument embodied
the Beyond Belief theme and truly dominated the event despite all the other
moving creations.
Still under construction, the pyramid,
ribs exposed, came to life with the city. Initially, one could climb the steep
stairs but, once the ancient designers' purpose was demonstrated (someone took
a header), there was less access until completion. At the Pyramid's base, one
of the events' most inspired attractions was featured. At ground level, there
were pyramid shaped nooks where suitably costumed "icons" engaged BRC citizens
with spiritual discussion, random dogma and faux-abuse.
In preparation for this wonderful feature, I had created the first thought that had come to mind when this "icon nook" concept was announced. As Anubis, the jackal headed Egyptian God of the Dead, I enjoyed some most unique interactions. With electro-luminescent (glowing) wire laced throughout the headpiece and costume, mine was a spectacle that drew out many curious and informed souls.
Perched within my icon hole, I was approached by BRC's full assortment of beautiful, zany and knowledgeable folk. In my position of power, I was offered various baubles (placed in the nook's offering bowl), strange observations and completely random silliness. At the pyramid and elsewhere, being well costumed empowered me in a way that I had not anticipated. Sporting such a creation in this enthusiastic place brought forth the most engaging folk. As a glowing mythical beacon, my precious few Burning Man hours were filled with hysterical theatrics and bonding with some truly great people.
As
the week sprinted down the homestretch, I found myself leaving a dance club
just before dawn on the day that the Man would burn. Noticing the full bottle
of wine that had somehow stayed undrunk in our glow-wire adorned shopping "art
cart" - I surveyed the situation.
Costumed as an Egyptian God, I was about to see the sun come up on the day a Pyramid would burn…. The choice was idiotically obvious… Ripping the bottle from the cart, my destiny lay before me…
TO THE MAN! The sunrise and the morrow beckoned.
With the appropriate swagger, I strode
towards the man riding an adrenaline pumped sense of purpose. As the playa surface
crunched beneath my boots, the pre-morning peacefulness mixed with the sounds
of distant mayhem. Ahead, a pyramid grew to fill my field of vision. I slurped
wine and flexed my soul as I strutted towards the world's most obvious destination.
Was there any choice?… TO THE TOP!
With warmth and encouragement, the gathering crowd parted as I climbed the stairs to what would surely be a memorable moment…. Shimmying out onto the ledge at the foot of the man, I found myself sitting amongst others who shared my vision. The Man and the coming day were toasted as genuine affection passed with the wine.
Then the most glorious thing happened…
Sitting just below this modern craven
image - on top of a symbol so ancient history has forgotten its inspiration,
the sun hit our faces. 
The first ray of brilliance anointed the day that would end with the Man's conflagration. At that moment, a collective cheer arose and was soon followed by tribal drumming. First just a few, then more, then many - smacked the side of the pyramid with a familiar beat--- THUMPthumpthumpthump - THUMPthumpthumpthump - THUMPthumpthumpthump…
As the Pyramid vibrated, the burning orb pushed more fully into view - a bloodshot eye awakening from its slumber. THUMPthumpthumpthump - THUMPthumpthumpthump… continued until the last sliver was liberated from the horizon…
And then… SILENCE.
The
peace and brilliance of that moment stood in pregnant pause. The sun bathed
the pyramid as a soft wind blew. Angels sang and devils danced. The crowd stood
in awe - somehow liberated from time.
Were the ancients watching? Does time really exist? What significance do these symbols have on our squishy human psyches? Despite the goosebumps, I suppressed the urge to sacrifice a virgin.
With my BM03 pinnacle achieved, I strode forth…Wide awake and fully joyful, I knew one thing for sure… Nowhere on this planet does this type of significance exist.
While
I love the Lama and am sure the Pope is a really nice fella', this Burning Man
"religion" offers a spiritually fulfilling community experience like no other.
Not a cult in a shave your head, drink koolaid sorta way, this is a place where
individuality is celebrated and unique expression is encouraged. "Thou Shalt
Not" is trumped by "You Can Do" and inner spirits are liberated to dance with
the gods.
Ultimately the following two nights, including the Man's Burn and the more soulful Temple Burn, flew past in their usual dreamlike way. Somewhere in there, a friend flew us around the site in a plane, plans were made, numbers were exchanged and, before we hit the asphalt, grandiose schemes were being hatched for next year.
Welcome conflagration. Reality and belief are what you make of it.
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