Customer Reviews

Mana Cards: The Power of Hawaiian Wisdom

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3 star:		(1)
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The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai`i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. The artwork on the cards defies description - it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue.

The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

Pacific Voyager Cards - Journey to Kanaka Makua - Rediscovering the Light of Island Wisdom, by Greg Scott, Self Published, Kea`au.

This deck is very different from the previous two. The cards are made of inexpensive patterned beige cardstock instead of slick, coated paper. And the printing is in monochrome brown ink. And the deck doesn't come with a book (which is a work is in progress, Greg tells me), but only with a large folded sheet (which wraps around the cards and protects them) with only two layouts and a brief explanation for each card. These aren't shortcomings; it's a great deck for fortune telling!

There is a simplicity and authenticity about this deck that is appealing. Each of the 48 cards encompasses a basic Hawaiian concept that is illustrated with a single Hawaiian word, a simple phrase in both English and Hawaiian and a simple graphic. One of its special attractions is that once you have read the information sheet on the cards, the interpretation of a reading is pretty intuitive and can be done without having to look up definitions. This is a real asset for using this deck for its intended purpose of guiding you towards becoming a Kanaka Makua, a "complete human being." This is a great deck to use to get started and for quick readings (but don't confuse "quick" with "simple")

Hawaiian wisdom has the power to heal and mana is something that everyone has. It connects people with the ability to heal physically, emotionally, spiritually. These cards will not heal you, but they will inspire you, as you will see, the author was inspired when she created these cards. After handling these cards for several months, or however long it takes, they will become "yours." If you handle someone else's deck, you may find yourself choosing cards that pertain to issues surrounding that person, or your relationship with that person.

There is nothing threatening in these cards, there is no "death" card, or any cards marked, "the unknown." These cards give evidence of our intimate connection with the world and the freedom that is involved. For example, the Hawaiian word for waves is "nalu." The card for nalu gives the reader perspective through the analogy of experiencing a wave on an emotional/spiritual level. Sometimes we duck under the wave where the current is calm or sometimes we ride it out. The richness of the Hawaiian wisdom presented in these cards is derived from Hawaiian language, chants, beauty, and culture.

If you want a deeper understanding of the power and beauty of Hawaii, these cards will put you in touch with your mana.

I've been looking for a deck of tarot cards that I could really work with, these cards are wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone who is learning or a novice at tarot reading as well as experienced readers.

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai`i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. The artwork on the cards defies description - it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue.

The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

Beautiful cards, artwork, symbolism and interpretation. Will keep and use for many years to come.

I'm not usually one for this kind of thing, but after visiting Hawaii a couple of years ago I got interested in the culture. These cards are not only beautiful, the descriptions that accompany them are fascinating and informative. They are fun to use, too, and often spookily on target.

Love the Mana Cards. They have an awesome story and always a deeper meaning!

I uploaded some pictures of the cards. Sorry, I am not much of a photographer. Please note the cards have Hawaiian words on them not English. Perhaps I am biased coming from Hawaii, but I enjoyed this deck and book. Some of the legends I grew up with about Lono and Pele came back to mind. I enjoyed the tropical illustrations on the cards. The book was a great information resource. Reading each card description was a learning experience. I appreciated the back of the also contained an alphabetical index of the cards for easy reference, pronunciation guide, and addendum of the illustrated symbols to explain the images used. The suggested spreads were also based on Hawaiian themes. Most of the cards have no reverse meaning, but some do so my only qualm about the cards is the backs make it plain whether the cards are upright or reversed. Other than this small thing Catherine Kalama Becker did a wonderful job of putting together the book for this set and Doya Nardin's illustrations are charming. If you are prepared to learn about Hawaiian culture you will enjoy this set. Aloha Pumehana.

I got this deck off the recommendation of a new friend. I have used many oracle decks over the years and have loved some, not cared for others. But this deck of cards resonated with me instantly from the moment they were out of the box!

If you have drawn to investigate Hawaiian culture, if you have delved into shamanism, I strongly recommend you give this deck a thorough look over. You will not be disappointed.

The book tells a bit of the mythology of what each card represents so the meanings of the cards come alive. The suggested layouts are also well thought out with the meanings of the placements. A wonderful tool to use on the journey into your inner being!

These cards are wonderful. You get a nice lesson in Hawaiian Mythology and wonderful insight on their culture and your own journey of self discovery and guidance.