Thursday 30 July 2009

Dancing Northern Lights


On only one occasion have I seen dancing northern lights. It was many, many years ago in Winnipeg. Awakened by a squeaky bladder in the middle of a cold winter night, I got out of bed and sleepily made my way to the bathroom, not even bothering to put on the light. I just happened to oh so casually glance out the window. Immediately, I was stunned by an amazing light show that was going on. At least a hundred dashes of white light filled the entire night sky. They were springing and leaping all over each other with amazingly speed and dexterity, playfully dancing and cavorting.

At first, I had no idea what I was witnessing. Crazy thoughts ran through my head -- were these UFOs? Was this the Apocalypse? Surely not nuclear war with Russia? (In my defence, I WAS half asleep). Finally, it occurred to me that this must in fact be the rare phenomenon of dancing northern lights. I had heard of them but had never experienced them before.

Seeing those amazing northern lights was like receiving a special blessing. I felt privileged to have witnessed their ancient and sacred magical dance.

[This photo, taken by NASA, shows the aurora borealis hovering above the earth and filling the northern skies.]

6 comments:

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i saw the northern lights once when i was in canada. i can't remember where i was. it is a spiritual experience! good call on the german spice rack saying. i bet that is exactly what it means!

clairedulalune said...

I have never seen them, but the next best thing was seeing a rare sighting of shotoing stars. Lying on the bonnet of the car with engine on to keep us warm and gasping in wonder and delight at the amazing sight. It was my favourite time ever. Loved it.

Skeeter said...

Very cool.

Grace said...

That is so amazing. I have never seen that before. How I wish I will some day.
Thanks for sharing this to us. :)

yellowdoggranny said...

before i croak i want to see the northeren lights...so beautiful.

Haley @ Iridescent Dark said...

Wow, I am so jealous! It's always been a dream of mine (since reading Pullman's Dark Materials as a kid, lol). I'm glad you got to see them x