A Southern Imbolc: Mt Buninyong

Looking towards Mt Buninyong from the approximate location of Scott's Swamp

Mount Buninyong, an extinct volcanic mountain 745 metres above sea level, is a great landmark of the district. Standing out from the vast Western Plains next to its sister Mt Warrenheip, it is visible from the Grampians, the Otways and the sea-cliffs at Barwon Heads, providing a sure sign of home to countless generations of local people.

..and so, after many long, weary miles traipsing over hills, wading across creeks and ploughing through the slough of despond, the weary travellers faced a final uphill trudge, crossing the foothills formed over a million years before by the volcanic eruptions of Mt Buninyong. For many miles they would have seen its profile rising before them as they walked or rode, slowly drawing closer.

Making ancestral tracks and songlines

IMBOLC IN MELBOURNE

WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE DURING THIS TIME?

According to the six-season calendar we are now moving into 'Early Spring' and it is slowly warming up. On the seven-season calendar for the Upper Yarra Valley, we remain in Wombat Season until the end of August.

The Skies

Days The air is warming and the fragrance of flowers becomes increasingly noticed by our senses. The temperature averages between 6 and 13 degrees C. Sunrise ~ 7:15 a.m. Sunset time ~ 5:30 p.m. Throughout the wintry time, north-westerly breezes prevail over Melbourne, whereas the summer winds are more likely to be southerly.

Nights

The temperature can hit zero degrees C on the mountain and snow may fall. While he was alive, my aboriginal friend, Gaparingu Naputa would tell the tale of The Eagle for August. Called Totyarguil, (the constellation we call Aquila) is visible throughout this time, in the Northern Sky, along with the other bird constellations. The Eagle includes the star Altair, which is also sacred in the Vedic System. Throughout spring the constellation of Scorpius ranges across the southern sky.

Elkie, The Melbourne Grove