A digital illustration of a Route 66 road stretching into the horizon with a yellow sky. A hot air balloon with stained glass design featuring two yellow birds inside is superimposed over the scene. Text on the image reads '27 Singer' and a small Route 66 shield is in the bottom right corner.

27     SINGER  

KEY CONCEPTS:   the unseen, confined spaces, using your talents to benefit others, warning, danger, alarm, going beneath the surface.

MESSAGE:  Singer warbles early warning of unseen dangers.  Quest for material gain drives humankind below the earth, plummeting to perilous depths.  Route 66 mining communities like those in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona once kept canaries to detect toxic gases before they hit lethal levels underground.  These beautiful birds symbolize invisible protection and heightened sensitivity; their rhythmic, high-pitched chirps uplifted spirits as they stood guard.  Pitmen grew fond of canaries, adopting them as pets; they were known to whistle, sing or talk to feathered friends throughout long shifts.  A sudden halt of canary song alerted all to deadly peril.  Miners immediately made tracks to the surface when deadly silence fell.  Avian sentinels commanded such regard that specialized resuscitator cages were employed to revive birds losing consciousness in the line of duty.  Despite efforts to protect these feathered allies, many canaries sacrificed their lives before they were phased out in 1986. 

If you pulled this card today, pay attention. As a sensitive soul, you must undertake to protect the unawakened. Virtue grows frail when surrounded by unseen, toxic negativity. Until your eyes adapt to see in darkness, listen for voices of experienced miners alerting you to hidden disaster. Once your eyes adjust, you can discern precarious situations with newfound vision.  Where before you were blind you now can see, so gently call out to warn naive newbies.  Singer urges you to use your authentic voice to caution others before they stumble.  If cohorts fall prey to false teachings, squabbling or gold fever, pipe up.  It’s good to speak the truth…but quit singing if you see they’re wearing earplugs.  

You don’t need to lay eyes on another to be touched by their magnificent talent.  Singer serenades you to break out of your cage and share inspiration.  These whistle blowers’ voices rang clear and true even in the darkest depths. Cheerful accompaniment lifted burdens of underground labor;  bars failed to contain their powerful gifts.  How many times has a beautiful song elevated your mood, dear traveler?  Did a colleague’s thoughtful advice ever lift you from the pit of despair?  When Singer alights, find ways to share your insight in beneficial ways.

RELATED SITES: ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 MINING MUSEUM, GODLEY, IL; PACIFIC, MISSOURI MINING CAVES (VISIBLE FROM ROADSIDE), PACIFIC, MO; GALENA MINING AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM, GALENA, KS; GOLD MINING GHOST TOWN AND HOMESTAKE MINE TOURS, OATMAN, AZ; S & T HAUNTED MINE, ROLLA, MO(SEASONAL); JOPLIN HISTORY & MINERAL MUSEUM, JOPLIN, MO; KNEELING MINER STATUE, WEBB CITY MO; MERAMEC CAVERNS, SULLIVAN, MO.