Volcanoes are an inspiration to me, both artistically and spiritually. I am not able to approach them as a trained scientist, but I glory in these fiery mountains as signs of the energy which makes me alive. Volcanoes are the Presence Lights, the great Fire Altars in the cathedral of the material world. Let me introduce you to volcanic sites on the World Wide Web.

The site which first renewed my longtime interest in volcanoes was the live camera aimed at Mount Etna, in Sicily. Etna is the great Gateway to the Underworld which inspired wonder and reverence from ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and poets. Many years ago as a child I saw the orange fires on the summit of this great mountain, from a distance. I have never forgotten that vision. What a joy to re-encounter this through the modern technology of the World Wide Web!

Click here to read my meditation on Mount Etna.

More sites about Etna:

• Etna Home Page
• Etna Current Activity
• Morphology of Mount Etna

One of the best sites on volcanoes and volcanology is maintained by Boris Behncke, a German volcanologist who works at Etna and who created the original Etna Live-Cam and the Etna sites above. I highly recommend Boris’ home page, which also has the most current news on volcanic activity around the world.

Volcanoes and volcanologists around the world:

U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Page

Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution.

Jack Lockwood, Volcanologist. Meet a colorful character who has seen volcanic action on all continents.

The Electronic Volcano at Dartmouth. Serious geology.

Volcano Live by John Seach.