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The Esoteric Community acknowledge and value the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands that our festival takes place on.
We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and those emerging who continue to carry on the Culture for future generations.
Womin-dji-ka (Welcome)
Words, as respectful and honest as these ones are, can only express a small tribute to the awe, inspiration, empathy and empowerment we feel today for what they experienced to ensure our survival.
The pain, sadness, confusion and unjust hardships they endured and overcame are testament to the residual present day health and wellbeing of our Country and our people, their descendants.
What happened during colonisation and the following attempts at genocide challenged and tested our resilience and resistance to the degradation of our land, our culture and our people.
We are proud of and honoured by the innovative ways in which they upheld the integrity of our once silenced lifeways, traditions and belief systems.
In a time when their voice was not heard and their stories forbidden to be shared they persevered and now we have arrived to a new day where the opportunity exists to unveil storied untold.
The strength, and wisdom of our ancestors has enabled us to walk in their footsteps towards our own healing, and walk the path of healing our Country. For this we thank you, our Martiinga Kuli Murrup (Ancestral spirits).
Today we walk our Culture knowing that when we strive for the balance of Bunjil’s creations, for us and for the future generations, you walk with us.
(Rebecca Phillips descendant of Caroline Malcolm)
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies for Esoteric 2023 will continue the story that has been told over the past 6 editions. These rituals are created to unite our tribal family, align our energy and set our collective intentions for the journey that awaits.
2017 connected us with our vision and aligned our energy as a Tribe.
2018 opened our hearts to forgive and let go – to create space for more growth.
2019 filled that space with the courage to surrender and allow us to transform.
2020 took us on a journey to the depths of ourselves and lasted long after the festival.
2022 we reunited and set ourselves free in the world of Utopia.
2023 is our time to return home
We intend for these ceremonies to be your guide inside the festival and on your return home. To share some of the knowledge you gain and shed what no longer serves you
Join us from 11am on the Ascension Stage for the Opening Ceremony, and from 9pm on Monday for the Closing Ceremony.