Hina Lau Limu Kala

'Hina' by Joanna Carolan

The Polynesian Great Goddess Hina is an all embracing concept that has many facets. It is said that the term ‘Hina’ means a personification of the feminine creative and manifesting force, which is why there are so many Hinas in the mythology of islands populated by Polynesians. In Hawaii, when Hina Lau Limu Kala is spoken of it is Hina in her mermaid aspect: she who governs the kahunas (indigenous shamans) who heal with medicines from the sea and first ancestress from whom all Hawaiians descend. She is also known to appear in the form of limu kala seaweed – hence her name.

Of the many myths about her, the most well known is when she was a mortal woman living on earth. One day when bathing in a secret, hidden pool, she was made love to by a very attractive eel. When her relatives found out, they grew fearful and destroyed the eel, who happened to be a god. Resourceful Hina took the head of her lover and buried it in the sand. Thus was born the first coconut tree.

Like all Hinas, Hina loves music and dancing the Hula, which is a traditional dance of shaman-priestesses in honour of their Goddesses. Hina is happy to assist you with healing and work-related issues.

Excerpt from Mermaid Magic by Amy Sophia Marashinsky (HarperElement, 2005)