Hina

ORIGIN:

Polynesia

Hina is the moon. She has countless aspects, but her lunar connection remains consistent. Allegedly when the moon is full and shining, you can see Hina sitting on its surface making tapa cloth from the branches of the lunar banyan tree. Hina rules the procreative powers of women.

Hina is the subject of complex, mythic cycles. There are multiple Hinas or aspects of Hina who may or may not all be one. Hina is the first woman. She is the guardian of the land of the dead. Hina dispenses both life and death.

The different aspects of Hina include:

• Hina-Hau-One: “The Earth-Formed Girl,” the very first woman, created by Kane from red beach sand

• Hina-Titama: “Dawn Maiden,” first child of Hina-Hau-One and Kane

• Hina-Nui-Te-Po: “Great Goddess of Darkness

• Hina of the Scented Herbs, who is invoked by firewalkers during fertility rituals

• Hina Lau Limu Mala: mermaid Hina, most gorgeous of all mermaids, who lives on the sea floor

• Hina-the-Canoe-Pilot: who sailed off around the world with her brother; once, during a full moon, she visited the moon and liked it so much that she stayed, evolving into:

• Hina the Watchwoman: guardian of travelers

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Hina is the matron of all artisans, especially those who create crafts traditionally associated with women; she is the matron of women in childbirth and guardian of the dead. Hina is also the matron of traditionalhealers (kahuna) who specialize in medicines derived from the sea.

Manifestations:

Woman, mermaid, coral reef

Spirit ally: Ku

Trees: Banyan, breadfruit tree

Plant: Sweet potato

Creature: Anae (mullet), dogs

Bird:

Mud hen

Tree:

‘Ohi’a lehua (Metrosideros macropus)

OFFERINGS:

Lei made from ‘ohi’a lehua flowers.

SEE ALSO:

Haumea; Kane; Ku

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.