The Aboriginals have very few rights to Uluru other than on paper, but this has given them the ability to post signs and fences restricting access to very specific areas where they do ceremony. Photography was prohibited and the signs spoke of large fines if the areas were entered. These sites were considered especially sacred, and the signs describing them usually stated that they were either men or women's sites. Apparently, the sexes and prayers don't mix well in the aboriginal culture, which is quite rule bound.  We heard it joked that very soon almost the whole rock would be off-limits to tourists; segmented off by warning signs and fences.  We were relegated to the winding, paved trail that snaked around the great monolith.

Tourists are, unfortunately, granted access to climb Uluru, though signs encourage them to honor the local's custom of never setting foot on it. At least 35 people have died attempting the climb, and this is said to sadden the indigenous people terribly. Due to the extreme heat during our late February visit, climbing was only permitted in the early morning hours. We did not enter the park early enough to witness any climbing. There are metal poles drilled directly into Uluru supporting chains that are handholds for those that do choose to climb the sacred red dome. It seems a sacrilege. We were told that the sacred, spring-fed waters of Uluru are now considered foul by the locals. The water's sources are soiled by climber's shoes on the ancient rock.

Many of the locations that spoke to me I could not enter due to restricted access. The sacred mountain itself called out to me, and spoke of having no boundaries; of being owned by no one. I did choose to enter a small rock cave with a mouth-like entrance in an outcropping next to Uluru that was marked as a restricted area.  I opened my heart and prayed in the remarkable site’s energy. 

No fence had yet been erected restricting access to the cave so I ignored the ominous sign and followed my guidance.  Daniel and I walked hand-in-hand after leaving the cave and began saying a prayer that had actually come to him in a dream. It was a simple, yet deeply meaningful blessing: "I come in peace and love to serve all people, all life, all things." As we spoke it out loud joyously, we were guided to walk around the rock outcropping in the shadows of the formidable Uluru.  Behind it we were blessed to find a water hole in the arid and parched desert sand.  It seemed Spirit's way of saying “thank you” to us for following our guidance and not letting fear stop us.  There was a huge eagle-like bird perched atop a branch beyond the water watching our every movement.  This sentinel silently acknowledged our presence and our prayer. A light and gentle rain graciously fell on our faces as we reverently left the area, another gift that we received with open hearts.