Hawaiian Religion & Magic

by Scott Cunningham

This is the first book solely devoted to the spirituality of the Hawaiian people and how taboos, superstitions and magical practices permeated and defined every aspect of their lives. With a historical and sociological perspective, it examines in detail their beliefs: the structure of their society; the names and ways of the deities; the practice of deifying ancestral spirits; the importance of dance, colors, water, stone and plants; and the concept of Mana, the spiritual power in all things.

Genres: Spirituality, Paganism, Magick, Magic, Nonfiction, Religion, Occult

231 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

Scott Douglas Cunningham was an American writer. Cunningham is the author of several books on Wicca and various other alternative religious subjects.
His work Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, is one of the most successful books on Wicca ever published; he was a friend of notable occultists and Wiccans such as Raymond Buckland, and was a member of the Serpent Stone Family, and received his Third Degree Initiation as a member of that coven.

Reviews

[Steve Cran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Cunningham most noted for his works on Wicca and witchcraft had spent considerable time in Hawaii and became enamored with the culture. What follows is an informative easy to read book that gives the reader insight into some of the ways of Hawaii's spirituality. At best the book An in depth overview that could leave one hungering for more. Fortunately for those with more than a passing interest there is a nice sized bibliography in the back .

While much of Hawaiian spirituality may have been lost with the coming of Christian missionaries there is still plenty that remains. I am willing to wager that Scott Cunningham knew more then what he put in the pages and the potential magician may have found a world view that he or she can apply to their magic but the book is sparse I magical techniques. Still it provides a very enjoyable and informative read.

Some of the subjects discussed are the history of the Hawaiian people and their deities. Most known is Pele but there are others and they are known as the akua. The amakua are the deified ancencestors Hawiian families. Sometimes the Amakua take in animal forms or simply appear to guide their descendants. Kapu were prohibitions or taboos. If a certain families amakua came back as sharks it would be forbidden fir that family to eat sharks. Not all the deceased became amakua. Some ghosts found their way to the after life by finding to right cliff to dive off of. Those that did not find their way remained to haunt others and steal their food ,

Chiefs were called Ulii and were considered to have possessed more mana then regular people . People did not defile their shadow and oft time prostrated themselves before the chief. The chief like others had their clothing guarded so sorcerers could not curse them . On fact every one protected their cothing. Kahunas were priests or experts. Beneath them were prophets. After that were the common folk .

The Hawaiians believed that everything possessed mana or life energy. Different types of people had differnt types as did plants, animals and stones.

The book discussed some sacrifice to the gods for different thing. It also discussed magical uses for stones and plants. The lunar month and important days was elaborated upon and the astrology was touched upon.

The book serves as a nice introduction into Hawaiian spirituality .

[Wanda Paryla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little glimpse into something we don't know a lot about. There's not many books out there based on anything Hawaiian. It was refreshing.

[Baroness · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun Summer read. Excited to return to Maui.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a good picture of what life was like in Hawaii at different points in its history, and how religion was part of everyday activities, not separated off into special times and places. Learned a lot about the broader scope of spiritual life by looking at one ancient tradition. Author describes well the cross-cultural differences, dispelling some of the misunderstandings Westerners often have about more “primitive” religions, giving a fuller, deeper understanding of the positive and negative aspects of the culture.

[Ronda Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Captures the feel and wonder of the islands, was wonderful to come home to this after our honeymoon on Maui

[Suyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory book to Hawaiian spirituality.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful and quite interesting to read.