Moana's ritual

lorenzo borghi

Sep 17

We got invited to visit Tahiti sacred sites. Two dozens of students from Hawaii join our reportage group to perform the Ritual of Fire in the central caldera of Tahiti. A 4 hour-long off-road along the river Papenoo is waiting for us.

Before starting the exploration up into the valley, we have to ask the river Papenoo to grant us a safe entrance. Water from Big Moana (Pacific Ocean) is collected and our bodies and minds are cleansed with it.

Our first stop is at the Marae of the Lower Valley, to perform the Ritual of Fire. Marae are prehistoric temples, witnessing human sacrifices up to a few centuries ago. Today only flowers and leaves are placed on the altar.

A Maori Shaman shares the trip with us, she comes from New Zealand. Maori Shamans have great power and their lips are tattooed with blue ink.

We then drive towards the Upper Valley and reach the central caldera of Tahiti, where traditional houses are flanked with bread trees with giant fruits

There, the rock of Displacement, our final goal, is presented to us. This rock allows shamans to displace their mind in space, up to Hawaii, just by touching this ancient whirlpool sign carved in it. She puts her hand on the whirlpool sign and ...

Each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the following episodes will be published and links will be active after 11AM CEST of the scheduled date:

- September 2023-
French Polynesia: My displacement in time - from 6.9.23
1. Dots in the ocean - from 8.9.23
2. With wet ankles in Big Moana - from 10.9.23
3. Would you mind bringing the fruit? Be quick! - from 13.9.23
4. Coconut split - from 15.9.23
5. Moana's ritual - from 17.9.23
6. On the road to the Rock of Displacement - from 20.9.23
7. A dangerous hug - from 22.9.23
8. It's war! - from 24.9.23
9. Heiva nights: dancing the myth- from 27.9.23
10. Catch the fight - from 29.9.23

- October 2023-
11. Another portion of fruit, quick! - from 1.10.23
12. Lift it if you can - from 4.10.23
13. Keep Moorea always in your mind - from 6.10.23
14. Allons enfants de la Patrie a Tahiti! - from 8.10.23
15. Return to the Spear Age - from 11.10.23
16. What's on in Papeete - from 13.10.23
17. Teahupo'o, surf for the gold medal - from 15.10.23
18. Papeete open air - from 18.10.23
19. Heiva nights: back to the origins - from 20.10.23
20. Va'a: the displacement in time - from 22.10.23
21. Va'a: the competition - from 25.10.23
22. Heiva nights: across time - from 27.10.23
23. Heiva champions - from 29.10.23