Part One, Stopping The World: Chapter 8, Disrupting The Routines Of Life. Summary and Analysis

On July 16, 1961, the two spend an entire morning observing the habits of water rats. Don Juan points out their speed and agility at escaping danger. He notes their habit after outrunning a predator of stopping on their hind legs to groom themselves. Don Juan shows Castaneda how to make traps, adding that a hunter must observe all eating and nesting habits to decide where to place the traps.

Castaneda is so absorbed making traps, and he loses track of time. Don Juan looks at his wrist pretending to have a watch and announces lunch time. Castaneda readies for lunch. Now Don Juan blows a pretend siren sound announcing lunch is over. This confuses Castaneda, who returns to trap building. Don Juan...