The author's desert experience...

When I was invited to attend an inma* with Aboriginal women in the remote deserts of Australia, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for.




I had been warned of the severe elements; the night cold, the harsh sun, the absence of water. But nothing could have prepared me for the privilege of experiencing the oldest living culture on earth.

Meeting with the women who keep the Aboriginal culture alive had a direct impact on me. I was struck by their wisdom, clarity, confidence and psychological freedom. They still knew who they were, despite the horrific invasions of their homelands, their food sources and their complex, family structures. And they knew what was needed for their traditions to be secured: ceremony, celebration and sharing – women’s business.

Ancient women’s business - the business of preserving life - is sacred. Ceremony is secret. So I have written only of ceremonies that are already in the public arena. Apart from the iconic Uluru and its surrounding resort, I have kept locations secret, as well as personal identities.

Although my main character is fictitious, she does follow my personal journey into the women’s ancient world, and she does discover as I did, a healthy absence of the image issues which afflict our modern world.

My book, Finding Artemisia: a journey into ancient women’s business invites you the reader, to take the same journey and make your own discoveries.

* inma a gathering of people to celebrate culture; including traditional dance, music, painting up, ceremonial song, camping out, fire ceremony, singing up country.

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