New Alchemy

Stirring the Waters

In the early afternoon the air above the lake becomes well organized.  The masses of clouds stretch out over the lake like flocks of grazing sheep. It is then that a curious phenomenon can be observed. The forms of the currents of the water begin to become furrowed and curved resembling a plowed field. Seen from the shore, the furrows appear like large S shapes extending into the middle of the lake. The flocks of clouds appear guided in a mystical syncopation with the furrows in the water, their movements resembling some solemn esoteric ballet. Perhaps the angel at the pool at Bethesda stirring the healing waters might be an appropriate image.

The mystery of the forms and cadences of these striking and strangely evocative patterns can be understood with a fortuitous view from a commercial jet liner that is either landing into or taking off from Sacramento, California. The approach path to Sacramento puts the plane in a position to pass over the lake. If the Sun is just right, the surface of the lake can be seen as a network of shimmering swells engraving the water into a corrugated surface of light and shade. Large circular vortices can be seen on the surface of the lake slowly rotating under invisible columns of rising warm air. The flock-like groups of clouds can be seen wending their way into the arms of the invisible vortices while the surface of the water slowly rotates in languid pinwheels. Two, three or more giant gyres can be seen slowly interacting over the surface of the lake while the clouds play and flow along the edges of the invisible vertical streams of rising warm air.  The placement of the vortices is guided by the currents of air moving along the mountains that ring the lake. The prevailing winds determine the placement of the ensembles for the present moment. The elegant dance can then suddenly disappear as if guided by an unseen director, or perhaps once the angel has stirred the waters it must move on.