RISING FROM THE ASHES. The legend of...

RISING FROM THE ASHES. The legend of the phoenix is the image Alfred and Bernice Ligon are keeping in mind after their landmark Aquarian Bookshop was destroyed in Los Angeles’ recent civil unrest. The shop has served the African-American community for 50 years, playing host to a galaxy of African-American literati as well as being a learning and cultural center. Alfred Ligon’s studies have persuaded him the store was struck by the force of a 500-year cosmic cycle, he told The Times recently. “I realized that these things had to be destroyed to give us an opportunity to move to a higher stage.” His perspective may sound curious, but not for a man who has been studying metaphysics since he came to California in 1936. Though the timing of the destruction may have been an act of fate, the Ligons think their strip mall location was a definite disadvantage: Strip malls appeared to be targeted by arsonists. As a consequence, they are scouting another location for the shop. Business, academic, literary and community organizations are rallying to rebuild the Aquarian. Donations for rebuilding may be sent to P. O. Box 62125, Westvern Station, Los Angeles, Calif. 90062.