The Rainbow Serpent in Aboriginal culture is a Dreamtime or Creation spirit associated with water. It travels between waterholes and can move inside rain clouds. People treat him with great respect as his powers are considerable. He is able to call up great storms with thunder and lightning, flooding rain, driving winds and hail. The Rainbow Serpent is represented in many different forms by artists in different Aboriginal communities. By talking to the Rainbow Serpent, people approaching a waterhole can let him know they are friendly and that they bring no harm. The links between water, the people and the guardian spirit ensure that these important sites are conserved and protected.