Huna Books

I recently visited the Hawaiian Islands. The moment I stepped off the aircraft and the air hit my face I felt the magic. I started researching and reading everything I could get my hands on to discover the secrets of the islands. Pila's book was the most helpful in explaining the incredible energy of Hawaii. His book is not only a guide to the magical places you can visit, it is also a guide to connecting with spirit and healing your life. A wonderful book that I highly recommend. Although it was written over ten years ago, it is even more relevent as we watch our world rapidly changing. Mahalo Pila!

There are a couple of places where the author veers off a bit but for the most part he draws the reader into the mystical side of Hawaii that captivates the imagination and adds a new layer of "must do" items for ones next visit to the big island.

I particularly enjoyed the parts where he explores the subtleties expressed in the Hawaiian language and how they relate to place names and metaphysical practices and experiences. I think the author does a good job of connecting modern places and practices to traditional Hawaiian belief and faith practices. His chapter on the Big Island's place of refuge is exceptional in this regard.

The book is written in an easy to read fashion... But don't be fooled! Even if you gobble the words down like a good meal.. there is much more you will me digesting...
The essence remembering Joy is something that will forever remain in my heart..!

Pila of Hawaii takes you on a journey through paradise, all around the Big Island, but also through paradiscal realms within us all, while also sharing with us some of his own amazing journey. Pila opens the door to the little known esoteric world of Hawaiian spirituality, making it accessible to anyone willing to take to look and to open themselves. And he does all this in a style that is easy and fun to read. He leads the way joyously with a descriptive style that has you humming along as you follow his courageous. Thanks Pila. Whenever I get homesick for the islands, I just pick of the "red book" and I am back home again.

After reading many amazing books on Hawaiian Philosophy and more specifically Huna and Kahuna teachings, I must say - this is one of my favourite books. This book is so much fun to read and has many, many secrets to share.

The information printed within thesepages have absolutely transformed me. I was able to open my heart, see, and believe with confidence and authority that anything is possible. Moreover, he gives you the ablility to begin making your wildest dreams come tru. In addition to his work I suggest that you also check out Abraham-Ester Hicks. I am forever changed and this man has my unwavering appreciation. Thank you for writing this book!

I must Say, that this book is among my "most used" books. I read it often because it holds so very many Answers to things that I question, or have that troubles me, or a dear friend, or my Son.
The "healing" procedures Absolutely WORK (for me). They have, on several occassions that I would have had to "have stiches", otherwise!
Also, the connections it "opens up" with other beings (and matter) and their Energies, on this Planet, and beyond, are nothing short of Fantastic. You will surely notice a stronger connection with all Animals as a result of reading this book.
I "Identify" with the "Merlin Falcoln", on the cover of the book. I see one "visit", flying above my head, or my car, or nearby, just "watching" me. ....Life is so Incredible!

This is an amazing little book by an amazing man. I found much in it that felt utterly familiar, and many new wonderful things which I'm pondering, trying, and incorporating into my daily shamanic practices. Some of them I'd already been doing, or had been heading that direction anyway. The teachings and methods described here go hand in hand with much Celtic shamanic practices and teachings that I've been reading elsewhere. Subtle, and an alternative to improperly coopting Native American spirituality practices.

Urban Shaman is a great book with a lot of very interesting, effective techniques. I have applied several of the techniques contained within this book to my life and have been surprised at just how truly effective this stuff is.

The seven laws as taught in this book as well as some of the exercises are very useful to know...and very effective when used.

Anyone can take something useful from this book if they actually apply the techniques before judging their worth. This book is a definite must read for anyone who is interested in a spiritual approach to improving their life.

Insightful teachings of Aloha. "In Hawaiian the meaning of love is very clear and it provides a useful guideline for loving and being loved. Aloha is the word for love. Alo means to be with, to share an experience, here and now. Oha means affection, joy." {wwwhunaorg}

Serge King has articulated seven principles of Huna:

The world is what you think it is.
There are no limits.
Energy flows where attention goes.
Now is the moment of power.
To love is to be happy with (someone or something).
All power comes from within.
Effectiveness is the measure of truth.

Useful practice for modern shaman students and those seeking ways of exploring new ways of being.

I`ve read this book and did the lessions and I feel this infinite feeling of "everything is possible, just let it happen!" Being the observer, being with my heart, connecting with all dimensions and let go.
My wish is to learn more of what Vianna Stibal has to give. She is a great gift to the world.
There is more to learn, more to'experience, more to trust the process and God.

warmly
Kerstin Warkentin/Germany

I have recently taken the course in Theta Healing and find this book very good to help with information regarding belief work. This is easy to do on yourself and is very enlightening to see via muscle testing a form of kinesiology. I found that even though mentally i believed i was good enough my body told me i held beliefs opposite to this which was why I was not moving forward. Also i carried beliefs from past lives which were affecting me in this life. I would recommend this to anyone seriously willing to look at and change their belief patterns. Excellant book and guide, worth a read for healers and people already working on their beliefs. People with no realisation in their beliefs will also find it interesting information.

Vianna is one of the most remarkable healers that I've ever met. I highly recommend her book and seminars to anyone interested in the healing arts.

I had previously purchased Vianna's book "Go Up & Seek God". I had difficulty with the technique because visualization doesn't come easy for me - I am more of a "feeler". Plus, the word "God" was a barrier for me. However, I loved the possibilities of the technique enough to purchase this book. In this book, she seems to have expanded her concept of the source of creation and healing which is very appealing to me. I also appreciated her emphasis on self-help. She doesn't seem to have any of that 'guru' mentality. To me, the most important feature of her growth and expanded vision is her use of muscle testing to discover weird beliefs that are stuck in your energy field! That alone was worth the price of the book. I even bought a copy for a friend. There are many other ideas she explores in a very 'non-creepy' way such as mysterious implants, spirits, indigo children, etc. This book and the book "The Parallel Universe of Self" will change how you view life and its possibilities.

This book contains a healing technique that is very effective. By using meditation one is able to connect with God and facilitate healing.
Good reading for those interested in healing work,and those new to healing and meditation.
Vianna Stibal did an excellent job in sharing her techniques and knowledge. I could not put the book down, once I started reading.
I highly recommend this book.

Thanks,

Franklyn Holder

I am not into cards or tarot at all, but I was struck by these cards! The illustrations are so simple, yet beautiful. The interpretation book is informative about Hawaiian culture (chants, mythology) and full of wisdom that you can integrate into your life. I highly recommend these!

Love the Mana Cards. They have an awesome story and always a deeper meaning!

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai`i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. The artwork on the cards defies description - it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue.

The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

Pacific Voyager Cards - Journey to Kanaka Makua - Rediscovering the Light of Island Wisdom, by Greg Scott, Self Published, Kea`au.

This deck is very different from the previous two. The cards are made of inexpensive patterned beige cardstock instead of slick, coated paper. And the printing is in monochrome brown ink. And the deck doesn't come with a book (which is a work is in progress, Greg tells me), but only with a large folded sheet (which wraps around the cards and protects them) with only two layouts and a brief explanation for each card. These aren't shortcomings; it's a great deck for fortune telling!

There is a simplicity and authenticity about this deck that is appealing. Each of the 48 cards encompasses a basic Hawaiian concept that is illustrated with a single Hawaiian word, a simple phrase in both English and Hawaiian and a simple graphic. One of its special attractions is that once you have read the information sheet on the cards, the interpretation of a reading is pretty intuitive and can be done without having to look up definitions. This is a real asset for using this deck for its intended purpose of guiding you towards becoming a Kanaka Makua, a "complete human being." This is a great deck to use to get started and for quick readings (but don't confuse "quick" with "simple")

I've been looking for a deck of tarot cards that I could really work with, these cards are wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone who is learning or a novice at tarot reading as well as experienced readers.

Hawaiian wisdom has the power to heal and mana is something that everyone has. It connects people with the ability to heal physically, emotionally, spiritually. These cards will not heal you, but they will inspire you, as you will see, the author was inspired when she created these cards. After handling these cards for several months, or however long it takes, they will become "yours." If you handle someone else's deck, you may find yourself choosing cards that pertain to issues surrounding that person, or your relationship with that person.

There is nothing threatening in these cards, there is no "death" card, or any cards marked, "the unknown." These cards give evidence of our intimate connection with the world and the freedom that is involved. For example, the Hawaiian word for waves is "nalu." The card for nalu gives the reader perspective through the analogy of experiencing a wave on an emotional/spiritual level. Sometimes we duck under the wave where the current is calm or sometimes we ride it out. The richness of the Hawaiian wisdom presented in these cards is derived from Hawaiian language, chants, beauty, and culture.

If you want a deeper understanding of the power and beauty of Hawaii, these cards will put you in touch with your mana.

This book is PHENOMENAL! Unbelievably phenomenal! It was so good that I recorded myself reading it aloud so I could ride around in my car and absorb every single morsel of its delicious brilliance. The entire world should read David and Nick's book!!!! IT IS TIME. It is time for the superheroes to catapult life and our amazing planet to new levels of unbelievable brilliance! I had the pleasure of meeting David personally the other week when he spoke at Rawvolution in Santa Monica. It is incredible to shake hands with a genius who is inspiring all of us to find the genius within ourselves. I recommend this book with utmost praise and bless its beautiful grace with all the unbelievable love in my exploding heart!!! IT'S TIME TO FLY!!!!!

This is one of the best books ever! I love it! It brings forth positive messages in such cloudy times as these.
The sun shines through as you flip from page to page and the day begins to clear up. I love everything from beginning to end. It has given me tools to deal with on a daily basis to strengthen my faith in the now. It is a book based on sacred truths preached in the days of old but made current to our situation today. It is a must read for anyone who seeks truth, who asks questions and who wants positive solutions. Thank you very much David and Nick! You guys are superheroes!! Read this book and pursue the sunfood lifestyle....that is the way to live! May the force be with you!!

Be prepared if you are gonna take on this book-not likely for you if you are not receptive and open. I put this in my top 2 books out of my personal library of more than 1200 books (last count!) This is co authored by David Wolfe but is not all about the raw life (although it is a topic, as it should be!) but more into deep consciousness, if you can even call it that. This book I feel I can't even describe-that being a good thing. When words won't suffice only the experience will do. I had a very "special" nights sleep after reading this before bed-one of the strangest (meaning good, as strange usually defines out of the ordinary and that is always good!) sleeps I have ever had. I would love to meet and join those that read this and get it,love it and live it! Love you ALL!
-Harmony G.

This book seems to me the book next in line for David to publish based on his past books and his current knowledge base coupled with his excitement for gathering sacred knowledge and truth. I was really excited to open this book and see that he addresses topics that we who are fans of David can see he is interested in but perhaps hasn't really had the opportunity to take on, and really, i suspect he wanted to tackle them in a manner that was positive and shows a constructive means of dealing with issues (life difficulties on every level) that are other than the best ever. There is a lot of talk about conspiracy theories, big companies, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and it tends to lead us into a negative conversation with really no sustainable methods to solving these problems because we end up in a battle of destructive ego rather than spirit centered awareness. They are huge problems that trickle down and effect us all in different ways. The way to begin change is within ourselves, our hearts, our intentions, our mindset and our CHOICES! Amazing Grace sheds light on this topic and, if taken in, it can be a powerful tool in transforming our thought patterns and making change in our lives which in turn stimulates universal change. For me it is powerful to see truth looked at so positively. And I don't think we live in a society where it has been on our map of possibility to recognize that we have the choice to make changes and have an opinion that is different from the path set before us by the powers that be, and we can smile and love the process, not hold onto anger but we can listen and take on a whole other energy that is transformative and sustainable, rather than destructive and closed off. Part of what makes this book and David extraordinary is that everything he's discussing can be valued on a literal level, but typically with truths, and with David's mind/life-path, there are deeper layers and interconnected truths that really bring about an awakening if one is available at that point to see it. And when one is ready one will, but either way these topics and bits of knowledge are priceless. Thank you for this book, Avocado. I really hope that it is the beginning, an introduction, and I look forward to the next one. Have the Best Day Ever!!

I bought this book a little less than a week ago when I heard David speak at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution in Santa Monica. I started reading it immediately and could not put it down! So many things written here are synchronistically lined up to things occurring in my life that I had ectsatic chills many times over...Kudos to you David and Nick, and a huge Thank You for the work you are doing for all of us!

This is an informative and fun to read book. It will improve your life if you let it.

From uncovering the inner powers of Hawaiian healing methods to putting these powers to practical use, The Adventurer's Quest provides an important key to specialty Hawaiian healing methods which blend spiritual insights with a focus on underlying powers of the mind. An involving presentation which offers many practical applications for the reader/user.

The Adventurer's Quest: Discovering The Inner Powers Of Hawaiian Healing is an informative and enlightening survey of a key aspect of Hawaiian metaphysics. Author Paul Waters draws upon his many years of experiences in teaching and practicing the Polynesian healing tradition known as "Huna kupua". He is a Reiki master, reflexologist, and Hawaiian lomi-lomi massage practitioner who shows that the Huna principles can reveal buried emotions and provide tremendous insight for new paths in personal healing and self-mastery. The Adventurer's Quest is a remarkable and welcome addition to the study of alternative medicine, metaphysics, and the mind/body connection.

I have lived and practiced the principles of Huna philosophy for several years, and have read numerous books on the subject. Paul Waters has written a clear and comprehensive guide that is useful for both beginners and long-time practitioners. Each Huna principle and concept is accompanied by a meditation which clarifies and deepens your understanding as you do it. From increasing your awareness to learning the most effective ways of manifesting your desired intentions, you are led on a journey of awakening and growth that could radically change your life for the best. One of my favorite things about it is that it is very "readable" - never dull - and Paul has come up with some new and very interesting ways of working with the Huna principles. I especially recommend this book to healers of every sort.

I certainly can't add much to Storm Faerywolf's review below, but I would like to add my voice in praise of this extraordinary volume.

The teachings herein strike me as so fundamental and so profoundly important that it is a mystery to me how other Craft authors, with the exception of other Feri and/or Reclaiming Witches like Thorn Coyle and Starhawk, have failed to grasp the vital role they play in any spiritual practice. This slim volume gives more food for thought than most Craft works ten times the size.

With beautiful prose, the author penetrates body and soul, and offers extraordinary insight into the etheric body and the aura, as well as very important insights into the marriage of sex and spirit, which "transcendant" spirituality often portrays as being exclusive one from the other.

Lovely and true, it is indeed a must have for any Witch, not to mention anyone who hopes to know the God within.

Poet, mystic, and visionary are words often used to describe Victor H. Anderson. Ecstatic seeker, wise elder, grand high priest, and beloved witch would also be accurate. Victor and his wife Cora are the founders of the highly influential Feri tradition of Witchcraft. A mixture of Hawaiian mysticism, European folk magic, Pagan spirituality, and Wiccan theory, it is one hundred percent Witchcraft. In "Etheric Anatomy" one of the central teachings of Feri is presented in Victor's and Cora's own words, supplemented with an informative preface and a list of further books to explore.

Feri witchcraft teaches the theory of the tripartite self: each of us has three distinct spiritual bodies that together make up the human soul. This book explains the three parts of the soul, describing their composition and function, explaining them by drawing on a variety of spiritual and mystical traditions in a logical synthesis. Victor and Cora use poetic yet straightforward language. As you read the book it's easy to imagine you are sitting next to them on a porch gently rocking in rocking chairs as they talk to you. Cora and Victor speak like loving relatives sharing their knowledge; they do not talk down to their students or lecture as some nonfiction authors do. Their genuine, practical mysticism comes across clearly in what they say and teach.

Sensual experience is celebrated in Feri teachings rather than denigrated or rejected as a distraction as in some spiritual paths. Sexual expression, Victor and Cora assure us, exists on the spiritual planes and in fact is freely shared without the social stigma present on the physical plane. The book explores the topic of astral sex with honesty and tact. Astral work is an integral part of existence in the mundane world, complementing and enriching our regular lives rather than replacing them.

"Etheric Anatomy" is an engrossing glimpse into the core teachings of a vital spiritual path. Students of Feri will find a lot to consider in this book, and initiates of other spiritual paths will find ideas and inspiration that can help them deepen their own personal spiritual practice. Unfortunately Victor passed away in 2001 but his teachings live on, surviving in his wife Cora and the many initiates of the Feri tradition.

In this much anticipated volume, the late Grandmaster and teacher Victor Anderson discusses in detail astral phenomena and the psychic structure of the human being, including an introduction to the Three Selves, a foundational teaching of the Feri Tradition of Witchcraft.

The book itself is presented in three parts. Part one deals with the human energy bodies and related phenomena. Drawing from his vast experience with several indigenous shamanic practices, Victor delves into the metaphysics of the human energy field, and gives examples of the different layers of auric energy, including his personal understanding of colors commonly perceived in the aura.

Part two deals with astral travel and the Three Souls, contributed by Victor's wife Cora Anderson, author of "Fifty Years in the Feri Tradition". Here we are taught traditional Feri exercises, such as the Ha Prayer (used to raise energy), the Kala Rite (to clear energy blocks), and the Flower Prayer (to contact one's Personal God). Simple exercises to develop one's own etheric sight are presented, along with a discussion of some common ailments and their psychic causes. Further teachings include techniques to facilitate astral awareness and travel.

Part three is a collection of transcribed recordings made by Victor as far back as the late 1970's detailing his own astral experiences of a sexual nature. For the first time in print, here are described personal accounts of sexuality on the astral plane as experienced by the author. Victor offers a frank discussion of human sexuality, both physical and non-, presenting views quite progressive even today, but especially for the time in which they were originally recorded.

The information presented is sound and diverse. In true shaman's style, discussions of larger topics are often peppered with commentary and personal examples, making this more than just an information manual. It is the product of personal experience and as such is an invaluable tool to anyone who wishes to understand and experience deeper levels of consciousness, regardless of one's chosen spiritual path.

This is a must have for any Pagan, Witch, healer, or practicing occultist.

"Etheric Anatomy" is a book that should be required reading for any magical practitioner. This slim volume is full of valuable information for soul development and alignment - information that Witchcraft has largely been without, though other magical systems have stressed this type of knowledge for years.

If you are a Witch, get this book. If you are a Magickian, wanting information to complement Middle Pillar or HGA work, get this book. If you are a serious spiritual seeker, get this book.

Know Thyself.

These cards are beautiful and original! The accompanying book gives card info as well as mythical background and stories on each. I did some readings for my friends and they were perfect!

"Once we knew a great happiness that resonated all around us. We lived in brightness. We knew how to fly and loved our families, which included creatures of the air, land and sea, as well as our spirit families...That land some of us know as Lemuria, and it can be remembered through the magical Hawaiian language and the myths of her creatures." - From the companion book

With its warm beaches, palm trees, vibrant colors, and swaying native dancers, the enchanted land of Hawaii is one of the most visited travel destinations worldwide. Consisting of eight main islands formed by underwater volcanoes, Hawaii became the 50th state of the U.S. in 1959. Despite its popularity, Hawaii happens to be most isolated population center on Earth.

Hawaiian mysticism, known as Huna, is animated by flamboyant gods and goddesses--known as Akua--and many natives look to their aumakua for guidance. According to anthropologist and author Rima Morrell--who holds the world's only Ph.D. in Hawaiian shamanism--the Aumakua are spirits that provide guidance to humans and help us by taking on the body of an animal.

Dedicated to the magical spirit of the Land of Light, The Hawaiian Oracle kit includes a 144-page guidebook and 36 gorgeous divination cards illustrated by Steve Rawlings.. Providing both encouragement and warning, these animal spirit cards represent indigenous creatures that predate white settlers. For each Aumakua, Dr. Morrell presents the Hawaiian name, imagery, keywords, upright and reversed interpretations, complex mythology, and a message of illumination.

Some of the animals found in The Hawaiian Oracle include:

* Albatross
* Bat
* Caterpillar
* Crow
* Dog
* Dolphin
* Frigate Bird
* Green Turtle
* Hawaiian Monk Seal
* Humpback Whale
* Lizard
* Octopus
* Pearl Oyster
* Rat
* Sandpiper
* Spider

The oracle cards consist of beautiful photography, vibrant colors, and digitized enhancements celebrating the spirit of each animal. An easy to use index facilitates finding the card/s chosen for contemplation or divination.

Meticulously researched, The Hawaiian Oracle offers the ancient wisdom of Huna for answering contemporary dilemmas and fostering awareness for the connection of all beings, particularly humans and animals. If you're interested in Hawaiian shamanism and Polynesian mysticism, this tool will likely inform and illuminate.

On a personal note, I found it hard to relate to the text and oracular interpretations, but perhaps this is because I don't resonate with Huna as a spiritual path. However, The Hawaiian Oracle will no doubt delight those fascinated by the spiritual traditions and creatures permeating the enchanted islands of Hawaii.

Note: The information posted here on Amazon is incorrect. There is NO correlation with Tarot in this stand-alone oracle, nor is there a card-for-card comparison with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. There COULDN'T be, because this 36-card oracle has nothing to do with a standard Tarot deck.

(To see 10 images from The Hawaiian Oracle, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

"You were once there -- and there you are returning."

This is the feeling that lights inside me every time I pick up these beautiful cards or read an excerpt from the accompanying book. Each card is a shamanic journey unto itself, containing layers of color and mystery that are slowly revealed, as the great remembering takes place. This is the deck I was seeking and I am slowly, respectfully, getting to know the cards and their deep meanings. It is like re-acquainting myself with trusted old soul-friends.

My personal favorite and a permanent resident of my shamanic altar is Kohola, the humpback whale card. Kohola is about following the true song of your soul. Having journeyed with Kohola, I was delighted to find that what is given in the accompanying book matched my experience almost exactly; it takes great courage and belief in your divine path, to seek the ancient call that is Kohola. The rewards of this journey are infinitely worthwhile, and this Great and Honored One will be a vital part of the new book I am writing [untitled, as yet]. Kohola is of the deep, and of the old knowledge; the knowledge and wisdom of Huna that is filtering divine light into our consciousness at this pivotal time in our history.

The other resident of my shamanic altar is Kala, the surgeonfish. The gift of Kala is forgiveness. I had chosen this card when I received the deck as a gift for my birthday last March. This card talks about family ties and the conflicts that arise that must be forgiven. At that time, there were many conflicts within my birth family, so the oracle really hit the mark. The accuracy of this card and the advice given were divinely guided; my mom crossed over in April, bringing any and all conflicts within the family into a new light and new perspective. Forgiveness is the true path to harmony with All Our Relations and I keep this card on my altar as a reminder of this fact.

This deck continues to inspire me daily. As I meditate with each card, light filters through the vibrant colors used in the artwork, and a sense of wonderment is reawakened that I hadn't realized I have been missing for a very long time. Thank you, Dr. Morrell, for this rainbow.

Walk in Beauty
Louisa StrongBear, author of Journey By Night: A Solitary Journey
Journey By Night: A Solitary Journey

This is the first time an oracle depicting the animal spirit guides of Hawaii have been used in a spiritual guide: any with a special affection for Hawaii will thus find THE HAWAIIAN ORACLE: ANIMAL SPIRIT GUIDES FROM THE LAND OF LIGHT a unique presentation, pairing a 36-card divination deck with a 144-page guidebook. Hawaiian mythology is replete with gods and goddesses and animal life of the islands, so the cards and book are perfect for any who would infuse spirituality with the grace of aloha.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This new edition of the classic book is simply wonderful. As the editor of the Bishop Museum book Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: The Traditions of Hawaiian Massage and Healing, I look first to the lineage of information provided. This book is based on in-depth interviews with members of the Kame'ekua family of the island of Moloka'i. The author worked as a researcher for the Bishop Museum where she first learned of Kaili'ohe Makaweliweli Kame'ekua, the matriarch of the family. Although traditions vary among the people of different islands, and not all Hawaiians will agree with everything in this book, it beautifully recounts the oral history of this family.

The book has 10 chapters: Time Before Time, Mana, 'Ohana, Kahuna, 'Aumakua, Pono, History and Mythology, Huna, Aloha Is, and 'Imua. It begins with one of the most wonderful stories in Hawaiian tradition, the bowl of light. "Every child born has at birth a bowl of perfect Light. If he tends his Light during his life it will grow in strength and he can do many things..." This parable is a precious teaching that gives us a new way to look at life.

Interwoven with the stories from the family are Pali's personal reminiscences of her life in Hawai'i. My favorites are the ones about her husband, Koko Willis. Koko was 100% menehune, as he liked to say, and "coincidentally" a member of the Kame'ekua 'ohana. Indeed, the story of how they met and eventually married is one "coincidence" after another.

This book is especially important for anyone interested in Huna to learn more about authentic Hawaiian traditions.

Readers of this book will experience a delightful journey to old Hawai'i that will give them new perspectives on how to live their lives in balance.

*****
This book was an outstanding introduction to Hawaiian culture, told through the eyes of the author. It is a personal book, part memoir, and filled with Hawaiian mo`olelo (stories) that describe the true Hawaiian culture. It is more personal than comprehensive, and does indeed discuss "the Hawaiian way", helping me to understand the intricacies of this complex (and, paradoxically simple, too) and precious way of life, and how and why it has conflicted so with the Euro-American way of living. The author does this through personal stories and gentle explanations, showing more than telling, and helping the reader to appreciate the beauty of an exotic and wonderful culture.

The author discusses the concept of mana, the importance of the `ohana to Hawaiians, `aumakua...and popular misunderstandings as well, including much about huna. It is a beautifully illustrated book with simple black-and-white drawings that add beauty and some personal photos as well. Most importantly, it is a Hawaiian book, done in the Hawaiian way (which is non-linear), including genealogy, and most importantly, stories...it was a treasure to read. It includes a glossary for the many unfamiliar Hawaiian words.

Reading this book felt like a privilege. I feel like the author's culture was being shared with me in a vulnerable and gentle way that gave me so much insight and appreciation for her and for the Hawaiian people.

Highly recommended.
*****

This book helped me to understand more about Hawaiian ancestral roots.
It os writing in a very sweet way.

This book not only gives plenty of history of Hawai`i, and Moloka`i specifically, but it teaches you how to live your life as it should be lived. With aloha, with unconditional love. It teaches respect for the `aina, respect for the moana, respect for kupuna, respect for the keiki, respect for ke akua, for all people and all things. And, more importantly, it teaches respect for your own self.

This book shows how to be what we all should aspire to...pono.

Must reading for EVERYONE.

When I picked up Na Mo'oleo Lomilomi at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, I had no idea what I treat I was in for. As a massage practitioner who works from the heart, it struck every resonant cord in my body. Somehow, after reading this book, I was given permission to take my work to a higher level. The intuition, the knowing, the love just expanded. I so very much appreciate this book and share it with everyone who is interested in this work.

Bless you Makana Risser Chai ... you are my Angel.

Robin Garrison
Maui, Hawaii

Nä Mo`olelo Lomi is a blessing! It feels sacred. I love all the history, descriptions, definitions, and stories. It's full of wisdom and teachings. It's especially alive for me, and probably to everyone who practices or receives lomi massage and Hawaiian herbs or to anyone who loves the Hawaiian culture. The presence of the küpuna (elders, ancestors) is strong; they're sharing in their own talk story way. This book teaches deeply by evoking images and feelings of Lomi in the old days. I can feel Makana Chai's sincerety and respect for the people, their culture and the `äina (land). Mahalo nui loa for her aloha.

For anyone interested in the roots of Hawai'is healing arts "Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi" has a wealth of information about the historical and cultural background of lomilomi which wasn't available like this before Makana Risser R. Chai compiled it.

If you're serious about lomilomi or Hawaiian culture in general, you will find the book is a joy to read and offers comments and insights from Hawaiian elders and historic sources which you couldn't find elsewhere unless you ploughed your way through countless documents like the author did.
Mahalo Makana for this labour of love.
Simone Kalla
Lomilomi Practioner

Hawaiian Kupuna(elders) and authentically-trained lomilomi practitioners applaud this book as a needed reference for serious students of the Hawaiian healing arts. This book is a compilation of edited historical material, not a training manual. It serves our local teachers rather
than seeks commercialization. Mahalo, Makana Chai and the Bishop Museum, for publishing this historical gem.
Brenda Mohalapua Ignacio
Kumu Lomilomi