Many years ago, Nyoongar people believed and continue to believe that everything on this Boodjar (earth) is linked and as Maar (the wind) circulates the planet it sets the seasons and determines how we should live.

When Maar is still, it is a time for people and animals to become very worried. Often when Maar is absent there is danger about. The earth becomes too hot for plants, animals, insects, lizards and birds.

If it is too hot, plants, animals, insects, lizards and birds die because they cannot breathe or drink Kep (water) as it will have all dried up. It is also a sign to move to a safer place.

Maar is destructive when it carries Kaal (fire) that burns the land, grass, trees and the homes of birds, plants and animals. But, when Maar is strong and angry it carries seeds across the landscape creating new life on Boodjar (earth).

The new growth provides fresh food for plants, insects, animals and birds. It delivers more nutrients to the soil that would otherwise become barren and dry.

Through ceremony and song Maar is called upon to maintain the balance in temperatures by providing oxygen to the trees and to allow us to live comfortably.