NaWahine (Uli-Uli)
Associations: Na' wahine, also known as Uliuli or Uli, is the heavenly daughter of Keawe, manifested from Io's divine essence. She is revered as the consort of Kane, embodying the highest manifestation of universal feminine energy. Uli is celebrated as the Goddess of Serenity and is deeply associated with magic, healing, and nature. She holds a pivotal role in Hawaiian mythology as the mother of Kanaloa, Ku, and Lono, the first three sons of Kane. Additionally, she is honored as the mother of three daughters: Tapo, Hina, and Laka, who wed Kanaloa, Ku, and Lono respectively. Uli's divine presence symbolizes the nurturing and life-giving qualities inherent in the feminine energy, essential for the sustenance and vitality of existence.
Offerings: Offerings dedicated to Uli often include symbolic items representing healing, nature, and transformation. These offerings are made with reverence and gratitude for Uli's ancient wisdom and mystical powers.
Pule (Prayer): "O Uli, mystical healer, we honor your ancient wisdom. Grant us healing, connection to nature, and the magic of transformation. E hoʻomākaukau i ka mālama!" (Translation: "Prepare the care!")
Kinolau (Forms): Uli's kinolau, or physical manifestations, encompass various plants and natural elements associated with magic, healing, and transformation, including:
ʻAʻaliʻi plant
Lama tree
Maile vine These forms symbolize Uli's connection to the healing power of nature and her ability to facilitate spiritual transformation.
Other Forms: Uli is also linked with rainbows and the healing properties of plants, further highlighting her role as a mystical healer and guardian of nature.
Additional Information:
Uli is a goddess of sorcery, healing, and transformation, revered for her ancient wisdom and magical abilities.
Her lesser-known counterpart is associated with darkness, depths, and mysteries, embodying the hidden realms and secrets of the universe.
Uli's forms are often tied to the underworld, deep forests, and hidden realms, where her influence permeates the unseen forces of nature.
The vine ʻieʻie (Freycinetia arborea) is closely associated with Uli, symbolizing darkness, depths, and mysteries, and serving as a physical embodiment of her enigmatic essence.
ULI NANA PONO Adapted from Julius Rodman, 1970
Uli, also known as Uliuli, stands as the revered goddess, wife to the creator Eli Eli, thus holding the esteemed position of our Heavenly Mother.
Throughout ancient Hawaii, Uli was hailed by various titles, each reflecting her divine attributes. Some priests and priestesses referred to her as "Uli a na na," signifying "The peaceful Flame of Serenity," or as "A Na I Malu," translating to "The Infinite Serene Flame of Love and Protection." She was universally recognized as "Kahuna ao Na Wahine," "The Serene Woman," "The Lady of Peace," or simply, "Goddess of Serenity" and "Goddess of Peace." Many regarded her as "Na Wahine o Na Lani," "The Peaceful Lady," "The Queen of Peace," and "The Serene Woman of the Tranquil Heavens."
To the High Priests, Uli was hailed as "Na Wahine o ke ao," "The Resplendent Lady of the Sky," embodying attributes such as "The Lady of Light," "The Lady of Wisdom," and "The Lady of Enlightenment." High Priestesses bestowed upon her the title of "Kea Kea Lani Wahine," "The Heavenly Goddess of the Cross of White Light." Temple Priests, with reverence, addressed her by her consecrated name, "Na na I A E." Only those attaining the highest spiritual enlightenment dared to address her as "Ka Wahine Ke La," signifying "The Lady That" or "The Goddess That," with "Ke la" holding esoteric meaning as "The Sun."
Uli symbolized the female generative force of the Sun, hence the title "Ka Wahine Ke La." Across various Eastern religions, the Supreme Being is often referred to as "That," echoing Moses' encounter with God in Genesis where He declares, "I am That I am." Ancient Egyptians revered Ra as the Spiritual Being behind the Sun, reflected in the modern Hawaiian pronunciation "La." The origins of "amen" trace back to "Amen-Ra" in ancient Egyptian theology. These beliefs, deeply rooted in the sacred teachings of the Holy Mu of Ka Lua, suggest that Hawaiians derived their spiritual philosophy from this ancient source.
As the mother of gods and goddesses, Uli played a pivotal role in Hawaiian mythology. She released the Living Water, essential for life, and was revered as "the goddess with the discerning eye," perceiving all that unfolded on Earth. Known as "Uli Nana Pono," she beheld all justice and righteousness, ensuring that no injustice escaped her vigilant gaze.
Even after the abolition of traditional Hawaiian religion in 1819, Uli remained a powerful and revered figure. The destruction of temples and wooden symbols did not diminish her divine presence, as she transcended mortal destruction. A growing belief among modern Hawaiians suggests that Uli awaits the day when her children will once again honor her, allowing her to bestow blessings upon them as she did for countless generations before.