My Personal Burn
By T.A. Simon Scott
As a veteran of four Burns, I have learned that every Burn is unique. The weather, the Art, the conditions of the Playa, the Man and the Temple, all different.
Here are some of my memories of Burning Man 08.Walking toward home camp in a blowing wind and white out conditions. Goggles and bandana on, figures appear and disappear into the whiteness. I can see the edge of the road if I look down at my feet and not much more. It is hot, dusty and windy, ah Black Rock City.
Watching all the talented people, both from the Boonville Camp and fellow citizens of Black Rock City, performing inside the giant TV set/stage at the Boonville Cabaret. At night, black lights are on, every ones costumes and clothing glowing with a magical light.
Waking up to fresh hot coffee and home made cookies thanks to Bruce and Jo.
Eating a wonderful meal prepared by Miro.
Sitting in the Temple Guardian Training surrounded by high holy people. Being given a crystal that was attuned to the grid of twenty four crystal set around the edges of the Playa. Helping lay out a giant yin/yang inside the inner-temple.
Walking across the City, jester’s hat on, world’s greatest bubble machine in hand. I bubble camps, people, art cars as people smile and laugh. Walking into a camp that told me to get my bubbles and my hippie ass out of there. I had found Asshole Camp.
On a mild early morning, heading for the Temple beyond the Man, I find a small booth someone had constructed. ‘Oracle’ the sign proclaims. I break out my Tarot Deck and read cards for those who wander by till the Sun heats up the space and I move on.
Reaching the Temple, an amazing structure build of scrap and junk, I find a side room with a rocking chair and small table. I spread out my Tarot deck and spend hours reading peoples cards as they pass through the room. Each reading powerful and geared toward the person being read.
Riding in an Art Car late at night with a bunch of Boonies and Rechargers dressed like Bees. Swarming people and laughing.
Trying to ride a bike across the Playa, hitting deep pockets of dust that stop all forward motion. The road ways uneven and very hard to ride of. Made me glad I had not brought a bike this year.
Sitting in the shade of main camp, watching the wonderful parade of Black Rock City citizens in all their unique dress pass by.
Helping roll a ping pong table onto the Playa. The net is made of metal and propane jets are let. People come speeding out of the darkness to play Fire Ping Pong.
A group of us walking on the Playa at night, discovering a magical tree of metal and wood glowing with blue and white lights. Two of us enter the tree and vanish, teleported somewhere else on the Playa.
Sitting in camp during another whiteout, watching people wander in and out of the Boonville Cabaret through our door. sunk deep into the Playa so it will not blow over with the wind.
Sitting in a great spot with Bruce and Jo watching the fire works and the Man burn. Then heading back to camp planning to head back out. I am so tired I fall asleep in a chair.
Watching my Son Sam and his lady having an amazing Burn. His second and her first.
Watching dark clouds over the western hills light up like fire as the sun sets and he head out and away from Black Rock City for another year.
I will be back in '09, God and Goddess willing.