The Sacred Power of Huna: Spirituality and Shamanism in Hawai'i

by Rima A. Morrell

When Rima Morrell first went to Hawai‘i as a young anthropology student from Cambridge University, she was surprised to find a lighter brighter world where trees talked to her in ancient temples and magic regularly happened. She found the system of ancient Hawaiian wisdom known as Huna, a system that teaches us how to focus the light of our own being to make magic. Following her Higher Self--and overcoming resistance to its rainbow guidance--she discovered we are each responsible for our own power. Through practicing Huna, we can consciously create our own reality, for we are each the navigator of our own soul canoe.

Following her years in the islands, and Ph.D. in Huna, Rima reveals new knowledge about this sacred tradition. Citing the work of earlier researchers such as Max Freedom Long, as well as native kahuna , Rima reveals knowledge about Huna that has not previously been available: the role of emotion in gaining true wisdom, the magical elements of Hawaiian language, the sophisticated system of lunar astrology, and the hula as a system of shamanism. Rima also shows how the principles of a society woven with love can shape our own lives.

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2005

Reviews

[anh thư · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a solid 4.5, it's incredibly well researched and well written. I read this in preparation for a trip to the islands. My past experiences there were that of the typical tourist and I wanted to try something different this time.

In particular, I enjoyed reading about Hawaiian magic and the author's ideas on pilgrimage, especially their personal story with Kīlauea. I did feel there was a bit of putting Hawaiian spirituality on a pedestal at times, with the darker parts of Hawaiian history and customs only mentioned in passing (though they argue their focus is on ancient Hawaii..)

There are hints in this book that the author is in the process of writing more on Hawaii but I couldn't find any of those books. I would love to read their book on Hawaii and star beings, if it ever gets published.

[Ravyn Jazper-Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the only books I have ever found regarding spirituality and religion in Hawaii. It was actually written by a British woman who was so intrigued with Hawaii, she moved there without ever having been there. Certain places on different islands seemed to effect her and when she tried to figure out why, she found Huna.

I am always interested in reading about magic, religion, and spirituality but I had never had any manner of real interest in Hawaii or histories/mythologies until I began to read this book. Learning about Hawaiian astrology really made my heart happy! Also, I am forever a fan of Pele now.

[Geoffrey Deacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book about the spiritual and sacred landscape of Hawaii. Certainly worth reading, but a little frustrating since she doesn't really deliver on a lot of things she hints at, like the tantra like sacred sexuality of the Hula, or the real spiritual dimensions of the Hawaiian language, make you want something that goes into a lot more depth on these and other issue. The Pila of Hawaii book does some of this but it still makes you want more (and to get out those Hawaii language books and tapes I bought a few years back.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book, written by a woman who studied shamanism in Hawaii. Need to sit down & really get into reading it, but the topic is quite intriguing.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for everyone!!!