What is a word that means "periodically purged" or "cleansed by
fire"? Swailing is the term used by the forestry community to
describe the process of using intentional controlled burns to
reduce the hazards of forest fires and to encourage new tree
growth. Usage of swailing appears particular to wooded parts of
the UK (except, naturally, Scotland, where it is called muirburn
or moorburn). Controlled burn is more common in the US.
Prescribed burn is also common in Australia. An elegant pen
could make fine use of swailing in a literary context, but it
may send readers running for a dictionary -- and, unfortunately,
the reputable entries for swailing seem to be few. The word
salamanderize has been used with that sort of meaning
(regenerate, rejuvenate), but I think in more recent usage just
means to burn up without regeneration. There are several
mystical terms that reflect the concept, named with catch-
phrases like fiery rebirth, Phoenix rising and star fire cycle.
Less-mystical phrases include fire cycle (mean