Australian fire ceremonies : Gadjari and Buluwandi among Warlpiri

This articie examines the symbolism of flre in the Gadjari higher initiation ceremonies and Jardiwanpa ceremonies among the Warlpiri. Fire is used in these ceremonies in three forms: high flame torches called witi/wanbanbirri, wandabi projectiles made out of bark, and djindjimirimba sticks. The analysis of the myths connected to bre reyeals that the Waripiri associate it with the motif of cosmic catastrophe in which their ancestors, manipulating high, sacred paraphernalia, cut through the Milky Way. The resuit ofthe separation ofthe stars is a huge bush fire. According to the myth, the sight of a flame failing from the sky forced the ancestors to conduct initiation ceremonies. The patron ofthese ceremonies is associated with the Coalsack DarkNcbula in the Milky Way, and the wanigi paraphernalia used with the Southern Cross. Fire is of ambiyalent significance for the Warlpiri - on the one hand it brings death and destruction, and on the other it proyides cleansing and brings to life that which is dead.