[Spiral of Lightning in a Thunderstorm] 1886

Charles Moussette captured this image of lightning sometime in the 1880s. The spiraling streak against the dark sky is a symbol laden with meaning. Think of Zeus, brandishing thunderbolts, or the Norse god Thor, whose hammer commands lightning. These deities wield power that both creates and destroys. We can trace the spiral back to ancient labyrinths, representing journeys, transformation, and the unknown. The lightning's path is like the chaotic, unpredictable flow of life. It strikes a chord deep within our psyche, reminding us of the raw energy that courses through the universe. We are drawn to the sublime, an experience of awe mixed with terror. Like a serpent, it has shed its skin and reappeared, transformed. This potent symbol continues to evoke fear, respect, and a sense of wonder.