In the legends of the old gods of Hawaii, the Aumakua are the spirits of your dead ancestors, turned into gods, who exist purely to help you in your times of need.
Family Gods
Description: Ancestral spirits; guardian angels whose only mission is to help their descendants if asked. Everyone in Hawaii has an Aumakua. In the legends of the old gods of Hawaii, the Aumakua are the spirits of your dead ancestors, turned into gods, who exist purely to help you in your times of need.
A popular belief in Hawaii is that not only does the Aumakua ahelp you, it also guards you, your family, your animals, and even your plants.
The word “Aumakua” is a combination of “au”, which means ‘far travelling’ and “makua”, which means ancestors. A good example of an Aumakua is that the volcano goddess, Pele, is considered to be an ancestor, and therefore, she is an Aumakua. You can therefore ask her for favours and protection.
The Aumakua is summoned with gifts of energy (mana), by a respected family member called a Kupuna. Should you lose contact with your Aumakua, the Kupuna can help you ask your deceased relatives to help you find the link.
Put together by Ashley Hall 2014