It is often the places most distant from us that seem the most magical and enticing. And indeed, from where I write this, the islands of Hawaii are as remote as a storybook land. But even if Hawaii was not quite so far geographically, I can't imagine that it would lose any the mystical aura that the very names of the islands conjure up.
Hawaii is synonymous with tropical paradise, with flower garlands and joyful celebrations. However, it also seems to be a deeply spiritual place, rich in myth and legend. I recently read Cloud Atlas, a novel that includes a post-apocalyptic Hawaii among the shifting settings. Here too, in this fictional future world, the lives of the island inhabitants were not only rooted in spiritual beliefs but seemed to co-exist with these good and evil forces.
Reading Haunted Hawaii - Sprits of the Pacific, an account of real-life encounters with the spirits of Hawaii, I came to the conclusion that where Hawaii is concerned fiction and truth are not far removed. KonaGirl describes a land in which spirits are simply another element of the environment. One to be wondered at, yes, but also respected. Whether ghosts or goddesses, there is always the chance of a meeting (though invariably on the spirit's terms, as KonaGirl points out), and the Goddess Pele in particular is a great force in this volcanic land. Living memory holds tales of the swift and merciless outcome of provoking her displeasure. Chance eruptions weaved into bedtime stories for children, or proof of greater forces at work?
Sceptical readers will find the myths and sightings that are recorded here interesting in spite of their fantastic nature. However, you may yet be persuaded to open your mind as you read these tales. KonaGirl herself has encountered Pele not once but twice. Her hitchhiker story gave me chills. Discover too her own story of the Night Marchers -- no hand-me-down story embellished over the generations to delight the kids, but a first-hand account.
There are several other ghost stories here, including a couple of gory ones (definitely NOT bedtime stories!). There are also plenty of photos and videos, both scenic and ghostly, and a whole host of links to further resources. Whether your interest is Hawaii itself, a fascination with the spiritual realm, or you just enjoy a thrilling read, this article will well reward a reader with time to dwell on its many offerings.
And, if you do visit Hawaii, remember KonaGirl's warning: never remove rocks from around Pele's volcano realm -- or risk bringing the wrath of this goddess down on your own head!
Visit: Haunted Hawaii - Sprits of the Pacific
[amazon-slideshow height="250" tracking_id="worsqu-20" width="300"]cf98a572-d597-435e-a950-2733bc2ffe36[/amazon-slideshow]
Image Credit: Hawaii Volcano National Park by ebroskie1234
Nicki thanks for pointing out this lens...what a wonderful read! Now to shake off the goose-bumpies ;)
ReplyDelete.-= Correen´s last blog ..Two Peach Lover Recipes =-.
My goodness that was a fascinating read! I'm not sure I would have ever found it without your suggestion, Nicki. Now I want to read that book you just read.
ReplyDeleteMahalo Nui loa for this wonderful lens review and for leaving your Squid Angel blessing. It is greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMy home is a strange and wonderful place. Many visitors to the Hawaiian Islands leave Hawaii and go back home with a new belief system after experiencing their own strange encounters.
Warning taken! Nicki, you really set the tone for KonaGirl's article on the spirits of the Pacific, which is quite extensive and intriguing. She is a very good writer.
ReplyDelete