Hawaiian spirituality originated with the ancient Polynesians who first settled on the majestic archipelago. Myths related to the creation of the universe, deity and ancestral worship, the perpetuation of the aloha spirit, healing practices and energy (mana) philosophy were central aspects of their belief system. Amid these ideologies was the understanding that the world was composed of the constituent elements: earth, fire, water, air and space. These five facets were often linked to the human body and had an appreciable effect on how health and the self were perceived. True balance between the elements was thought only achievable when man and nature co-existed harmoniously, a goal which required reverence and devotion to the ancestral spirits and the gods. Though the ancient practices have declined in recent years, the knowledge that has been passed down for generations is of profound significance to the evolving culture and the historical foundations of the great islands.

Elements of Nature

Early Hawaiians were aware of the importance of the natural world in sustaining life. They revered nature and attributed each element to a specific deity. The sea-faring people built large shrines, or heiaus, as places of worship where adoration could be shown in the form of offerings and prayers. The gods were given full recognition and their connection to nature and prosperity were never forgotten. Before going out to sea, the ancient Hawaiians would pray to the gods and ask for their guidance while traversing the unpredictable pacific waters. They both feared and revered nature. They understood its potential to promote prosperity in times of consistent rainfall and too its capacity to induce destruction in times of drought. Yet, they maintained their reverence despite the capriciousness of the natural world and respected each elemental force which constituted it.

The elements of nature are attributed with different qualities. They are considered in terms of their literal and metaphorical meanings. Fire, earth, wind, air and space are not limited to their corporeal manifestations. Fire is as a much a source of heat and energy as it is a symbol of passion and the abdomen. Each element is connected to different body parts, emotions, personalities and states of existence.

Earth
Earth in its literal sense defines the different types of surfaces found throughout the world including soil, sand and rock. It signifies rigidity, stability and being grounded. It is typically associated with the legs, feet, toes, teeth and bones.

Water
Water is considered among the most important of elements. The substance which makes up more than 70% of the human body is seen as a vital force essential to life. It is associated with several body parts including the head, heart chest and blood. The element purifies, conducts messages throughout the body, nourishes and provides oxygen and is viewed as a source of great energy and direction.

Fire
Fire is considered the most forceful of all the elements. It has the power to change the state of substances, water into gases and solids into liquids. It is both a tool of modification and destruction. It is attributed with the qualities of passion, love and strong emotions. It is representative of the abdomen and organs toward the center of the body.

Air
Air is often connected to fire. It is the fuel needed to allow the flames to burn and is a natural provider of oxygen. It is essential to life and the breathing processes and is associated with the arms and feet.

Space
The fifth element space is universal. It transcends the earth and is considered the major constituent force of the planets, asteroids, stars and other celestial bodies. It is symbolic of life as it unfolds and represents everything that happens in the past, present and future.

Hawaiian spirituality and Healing
Hawaiian spirituality is as much about the deities as it is about the maintenance of health and prosperity. Several healing practices emerged from the combined belief systems, which meant health and well-being were invariably connected to the incorporeal world. The great Kahunas were given the serious responsibility of performing healing sessions. These focused on the use of prayer, rituals and herbs to aid the process. Ceremonies could be elaborate or brief dependent on the situation and the extent of the affliction.

The Kahuna, who spent decades perfecting his art, was able to manipulate the elements to encourage healing. Through appealing to nature and its constituents, he aimed to restore the correct balance of energies and elemental forces to address underlying health problems. He would also treat the symptoms of the disease by applying special concoctions derived from plant based sources. Yet, the affliction was not merely seen as the physical symptoms that manifested. At the root of all illnesses, were the external forces which played a part in creating them. Jealousy, resentment, anger, spite and hate, among other negative emotions, were thought to fuel the development of ill-health. The Kahuna, therefore, worked to physically and spiritually heal his patient, a task which depended on the patient's openness and desire to be healed.

Ho'omanamana Element
Ho'omanamana is considered a form of Hawaiian mysticism. It involves the manipulation of the elements and energy (mana) to create good or evil. It has both a dark and peaceful side. It is seen as a form that can induce positive influence when used to heal and restore the true balance of the self and as one of pure negativity when used to cause spiritual possession, death and pain. The act consists of gathering the life force and elements of nature in esoteric ceremonies that are believed to have the power to alter the real world. Ho'omanamana is revered as both good magic and also a dangerous form of sorcery.

Hawaiian belief systems have been around for thousands of years. They are representative of an earlier people who were set on understanding the world through observation and experience. The elements of nature were of great interest to the vulnerable inhabitants who knew firsthand how unpredictable they could be. They stood in awe and admiration of these forces while integrating each into their core spiritual belief systems. Although in modern times the ancient forms have lost much of their popularity, their residual teachings and philosophies are still viewed with interest by natives, visitors and scholars alike.

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