On May 27 2001, 32 people enjoyed a very special indaba on Mt
Wolvi. Guests included Grey Wolf, an Alaskan Indian who did a "smoking"
ceremony, and Errol from Brisbane.
The weather was perfect as we began the day with a leisurely morning tea. There was much
chatting and light hearted banter. Brett Green then gave us a rundown on the
formation of this Society, and explained the Aboriginal significance ot the region, as
well as the myths and legends surrounding "outside visitors" prior to the time
of Captain Cook. Grey Wolf told of his meetings with Aboriginal groups in NW Western
Australia, and of the similarities between their sacred symbols and those of his tribe.
Errol, who is of Aboriginal blood, told of the "signs of the zodiac" and their
meanings, and some explanations of Aboriginal symbols.
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Click a pic for a larger image |
We had a fairly quick lunch as we were all anxious to visit "the
caves", a long forgotten Aboriginal initiation area....
The convoy made it's way back down the hill a little to a spot near the cave. We left
the cars and headed into the bush. We all made it through the fence and headed down the
steep slope until Brett called a halt. Here he performed a simple ceremony to ask for
permission to enter the area.
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Downwards to the "gateway" |
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Not all of us made it.... |
Eventually we made it down to the "Wizards Cave".
It is believed that this was an initiation area.
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The Wizard's Cave |
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Note the light patch just right of center at the top....... |
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Errol enjoyed the company and the
spirits |
We then made our way round the mountain a bit further to the
"medicine cave"...
This cave has 2 entrances and lots of eroded patterns. We explored and tested it's sound
resonance, with some of the girls doing a bit of "toning". By now the
group had spread out, and eventually made our way along the base of the steep rock cliffs
and came back onto the road.
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The Medicine Cave |
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On the way back |
With hugs all round we departed this magic mountain, tired and (some)
sore, but all very satisfied with our wonderful day.....
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Future Indabas |
