Pele’s Sacred Breath

“Pele, the sacred living deity of Hawai‘i’s volcanoes, controls the limitless power of creation through her perseverance, molten strength, and unearthly beauty. Her passion emanates from her ancient existence. Revered and honored is the fire goddess. She is my spiritual guardian and forever the heartbeat and soul, continuously giving life to her land and its people.” –Pele Hanoa (August 8, 2004, her 81st birthday)

Aloha!

If you have been fortunate enough to explore the Big Island of Hawai’i, you know firsthand its untamed beauty. From black sand beaches to active volcanoes, the Island’s wildness is a breathtaking experience you will never forget.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to explore the beautiful Island and experience the wonders of Kīlauea National Park. The breathtaking scenery and unique geological features left me in awe and made my visit unforgettable.

While on an island shaped by volcanoes, I immersed myself in the healing energy of wild nature, where Mana (the spiritual life force) radiates and dominates my senses.

Hawaii is a place where you can feel the sacred energy of Aloha. Like most indigenous peoples, the ancient Hawaiians felt a deep connection with nature. Through the stories of their gods and goddesses, they explained everything from the creation of the Earth to the lava flowing from volcanoes.

In this blog post, I will share my experience of hiking the Kīlauea Iki trail and my process of creating the Ritual Essence known as Pele’s Breath.

My sacred purpose of creating a new essence from nature anchors me in the sweet arms of the Goddess Pele.

Sacred Cultural Landscape

The Big Island displays the geological and meteorological forces that shaped our planet. Throughout history, volcanic eruptions have shaped and altered the natural landscape, both in the past and in the present.

Moreover, fires erupted from the trembling Earth, spewing rivers of molten lava into the ocean and pushing the sea away from the coast. As the lava cooled, it added to the land mass and was transformed into the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii.

These eruptions have continuously changed over time, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving environment.

Land is central to Native Hawaiian spirituality, health, and well-being. They believe all the land is alive! It is to be respected, treasured, praised, and even worshipped.

Did you know that the Big Island of Hawaii boasts the highest mountain on Earth? Mauna Loa is the largest and most massive volcano, rising to 13,681 feet above sea level and 9,600 cubic miles in volume. It covers half of the Island. When I visited, I saw that the summit was covered in snow.

With more than 10,000 cubic miles of rock, Mauna Loa has a volume 100 times greater than Mount St. Helens in Washington and 300 times greater than Mount Fuji in Japan.

The Island has one more active volcano, Kīlauea. Estimated to be 300,000 to 600,000 years old, Kīlauea is the second youngest volcanic hotspot and the current center of the eruption chain in the Hawaiian Islands Archipelago. This volcano rises to 4,000 feet above sea level and has a volume between 6,000 and 8,500 cubic miles.

Mauna Loa and Kīlauea are more than just physical landmarks; they hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for most islanders. Hawaiians know the magical Big Island as “The Healing Island.”

Hawai’i Volcano National Park

The summits of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are located within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park. They are shield volcanoes covering around 333,000 acres and formed as a result of frequent volcanic activity.

A shield volcano is a type named for its low profile, resembling a shield lying on the ground. It is formed by the eruption of highly fluid lava, which travels farther and forms thinner flows than the more viscous lava.

Geological dynamism forms the Park’s natural theme, followed closely by evolutionary biology. Thousands of unique species have evolved on the isolated Hawaiian islands.

Scientists are learning more about volcanoes on our planet by preserving access to the volcanoes that create new land.

Structurally, Kīlauea has a large, relatively recently formed caldera at its summit and two active rift zones. Its current eruption, which dates back to January 1983, is by far its longest-lived historical period of activity and one of the longest-lived eruptions in the world. 

The Hawaiian name, Kīlauea, means “spewing” or “much spreading” because of its frequent lava outflows. Halema’uma’u is located in Kīlauea caldera. Due to its immense significance as the home of Pele, it is recognized as the center of the world.

The Land Where the Goddess Dwells

The Goddess Pele, or Pelehonuamea, is the Goddess of all things volcanic. As the Hawaiian volcano deity, she is an elemental force and the creator of the volcanic landscapes.

The word for the Goddess (or god) in Hawaiian is Akua. Akua can refer to different entities, whether forces, people, or things that possess spiritual power, also known as Mana.

According to tradition, Pele personifies the natural forces associated with volcanic eruptions. Described as “She who shapes the Sacred Land,” her function is culturally understood as clearing the way for land and the future.

Pele’s legend tells us that her breath sprung the lavas of the Hawaiian Islands. From her bones came both old destruction and new life in equal measure.

Her fiery and feminine essence serves as a potent symbol of Mother Earth. She is a striking manifestation of nature’s presence, might, and creative and destructive potential.

Pele is a creative, passionate Akua with an explosive personality who has earned the respect of generations of people in Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and worldwide.

Those who visit her volcanic domain can feel the depth of Pele’s presence. Her unpredictable and volatile nature has been visible throughout the centuries through glowing lava lakes, earth-shaking fountains, and incandescent ribbons of fiery lava flowing down Kīlauea.

Pele’s Symbols

Symbols, colors, plants, and animals intricately weave together to capture the essence of Goddess Pele in the natural landscape. Her unwavering presence in Hawaiian mythology and culture is prominent.

The primary symbol representing Pele is the volcano itself. Red symbolizes strength, passion, and transformation, reflecting the Earth’s interior and intense heat.

‘Ōhi’a Lehua tree holds a significant connection to Pele. Its vibrant red blossoms are said to be sacred to the goddess and are considered an offering to honor her presence. This is one of the rare plants to emerge out of the lava.

Island Drive to Meet Pele

It was a gorgeous day! The scenic two-hour drive from the small hamlet of Captian Cook, where my friend Sage lives, along the southern coast past black sand beaches toward Volcanos National Park, was beautiful.

During the drive, I was filled with anticipation of experiencing the volcano, home to Pele, the Hawaiian Fire Goddess. It was to be my first up-close encounter. I held my intention to create an essence from her breath close to my heart.

Along the way, we stopped at one of the Island’s Island’sartesian spring water sources to fill the bottle I had acquired for making the essence. This water comes from deep earth aquifers within ancient lava rock. It is naturally alkaline and loaded with life-enhancing minerals, electrolytes, and Mana. It is smooth, soft, slightly sweet-tasting, and precious, perfect for making a vibrational essence.

On Kīlauea

We arrived at the Kīlauea crater rim trail mid-afternoon. From the overlook at Volcano House, I had a fantastic view of the steam billowing from Halema’uma’uu.

Witnessing her power from this vantage point reminded me of my connection to the natural world and the importance of approaching Pele with reverence and respect. I sensed the depth of her power, a life force emanating from this primeval source.

I felt the power and force of Pele pulsating through the ground beneath my feet with awe. Tapping into Kīlaupele’s potential, honoring the Pele’s magnificence, and connecting with her beauty, I was touched by an inner aliveness.

There are times when we feel a calling that we cannot ignore. Such was my experience when I felt the call of Pele. It was a powerful and undeniable feeling I knew I had to honor. When the Goddess calls, one must listen.

Kīlauea Iki

Kīlauea Iki, or “Little Kīlauea,” is a pit crater adjacent to Kaluapele. It was formed during significant summit collapses between the late 1400s and 1790.

In 1959, it erupted with lava fountains up to 1,900 feet (580 m) and a scorching rain of cinders. The ʻŌhiʻa forests were buried, and trees were stripped of their leaves.

Although the Kīlauea Iki crater appears tranquil today, it eerily resembles a moonscape. From the trail’s overlook, its size is deceptive. It is a mile long and 3,000 feet across, and the floor is 400 feet below. Mauna Loa looms beyond.

The trail descends to Kīlauea Iki crater, which is adorned with lush tropical ferns. Connecting with Pele became more than a passing thought for me. I walked on the hardened lava rock infused with Pele’s potent Mana, feeling the power of her call.

With each breath and step, I repeated my heart’s intention, asking Pele for permission to be a conduit for her blessing.

Ho’okupu Offering

Hoʻokupu is a Hawaiian term for gifts or offerings. Offerings are traditionally made at sacred sites and volcanoes.

Ho’okupu is a gift given in exchange for spiritual Mana or energy. It must be offered with the proper innermost attitude of respect and reverence, which invokes grace and blessings. It is an offering of the heart and not the head.

Any person can make an offering without leaving behind any tangible item. In native Hawaiian culture, the highest-value offering is one’s word!

The word “Hoʻokupu” means “to cause growth or sprouting” through one’s intention.

This is the sacred Hawaiian way of abundant flow, honoring Ke Akua—the breath of life! It offers one’s Aloha – ha (shared breath) and olelo (spoken word).

To express love for a place by speaking from the heart is a precious gift.

Creating an Essence from Pele’s Breath

It was already late afternoon when I reached the Kīlauea Iki crater floor. The charred lava was blackened and fragmented, but sprouts of ferns and ‘Ōhi’a Lehua were emerging in certain spots along the crater floor.

I set out across the terrain, guided by my heart. I was led to a crack in the lava, where warm, soothing steam gently emanated from a fissure, inviting me to approach and explore.

I placed my bottle filled with artesian spring water into a lava crevice with rising steam.

In my mind and heart, my ritual formed a vortex between myself, the sun, the water, and the place of Kīlauea Iki, where the essence of Pele breathed.

‘O Pele lā ko‘u akua! (Greeting Goddess Pele)

During my invocation, I asked for the blessings of the ancient ones and Pele. I called upon the six directions: East, South, West, North, Heaven, and Earth. I offered my prayers and humbly asked her to share the energy and essence of her breath.

Sitting on Pele’s lap, I immersed myself in deep meditation, seeking her divine blessings. Despite the sharp rocks beneath me, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and inner peace. Pele’s powerful presence filled me with awe and reverence, leaving me with an indelible impression of her strength and grace.

Breathe With Me

As Pele breathed her essence upon me, I heard her words echoing through my mind.

“Breathe with me! Be renewed with my vigor. Allow my healing breath to balance you with love.”

Every breath I took was conscious of surrendering myself to a powerful and living Goddess. By doing so, I allowed myself to tap into the full potential of my being and unleash a force within me that opened up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities.

As I breathed, I became more attuned to and aligned with Pele’s warm breath. In those profound moments, feeling her warm breath all around me, I felt comforted by her presence. Her calming energy invigorated me, leaving me with a deep desire to share her essence with others.

Afterward, I was left with a sense of awe and wonder. It was a transforming experience that I will never forget, and it reminded me that there are forces in this world that are greater than ourselves. I was able to capture Pele’s essence, power, and purity.

Pele’s Sacred Breath

Breath is the sacred foundation at the core of Hawaiian spirituality.

She comes as the Bliss of the Breath, the Sacred Ha, the Breath of Life.

As Within, So Without.

She Is Divine Protection. She Is Divine Guidance. She Is Divine Love. She Is Divine Right Action.

She Is Divine Alignment and Right Relations. She Is Beyond Appearances.

And as the Sacred Breath, she cleanses and transforms

That Which Would Be Toxic Into All That Is Not PONO.

May it be neutralized to Balance Life and raise our vibration to live together in harmony.

The sacred steam vents belong to Pele. As long as steam comes out of the Earth, Pele lives. It moves and breathes, inhaling and exhaling in rhythm as fire and steam.

Pele’s breath is empowering me to harness my inner strength and soul potential, allowing me to inspire and uplift those around me.

Please join me in preserving Pele’s ancient beliefs and traditions while honoring and respecting her transforming qualities.

The Halema’uma’u Crater within the Kīlauea Caldera

As dusk settled, I hiked up the trail leading out of Kīlauea Iki crater, carrying my precious gift. Since the light was fading, it was time to see Pele dancing in HaHalema’uma’uurater.

Due to recent eruptions, the HaHalema’uma’uurater within the Kilauea Caldera was filling with lava. In the setting sunlight, the clouds had turned pink, and a firey glow was visible in the sky, drawing a moving crowd of people awed by the breathtaking sight.

Looking across the vast open expanse, I could see the opening where Pele billowed in the distance. I wondered how many people had come to make offerings at this sacred place over the years.

As I stood there, looking into the navel of the world, the caldera glowed a warm, rosy red like an opening to the pulsing heart of the Earth herself. I was mesmerized by the dancing flames.

Besides myself, all around me, visitors were quietly murmuring their prayers and squealing with delight at witnessing such immense power and beauty.

I was completely immersed in the present moment. I couldn’t help but sense that I was integral to something much grander than myself. Holding Pele’s gift in both hands, I raised it high for Pele to witness—an offering of the Goddess who was alive, present, and active!

Nā Wāhine Kapu – Sacred Feminine

Mana Mauli Ola o Nā Wāhine: The power of healing women is in the “Breath of Life.” 

Within the Hawaiian worldview, feminine power is steadfast and generative. Although my heritage is not Hawaiian, I deeply revere their teachings.

Wāhine (women) traits of strength and resilience are woven into contemporary culture. Honoring nā wāhine kapu (sacred women) and reconnecting with Pele’s sacred stories helps us achieve our sacred potential. Being complete in self as wahine kapu (sacred woman) and being known as such anchors us in Mana (divine power).

Pele’s archetype encompasses strength, determination, and unwavering resilience, inspiring individuals to harness their own inner fire and channel it toward transformative endeavors.

Just as Pele shapes the landscape with her fiery essence, her archetypal presence empowers us to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and tap into our innate ability to manifest and create.

 

May we Inspire Each Other in this Tradition

“E Pele e! He akua o ka pohaku enaena, Ele‘ele kau mai!

O Goddess of the burning stones, may awe possess me!”

Pele lives within the hearts and minds of those who experience her power. With great respect and conviction, I share Pele’s transformative breath with all those in need.

This vibrational essence captures Pele’s shapeshifting abilities. The spirit of Pele, the passionate life-giver, brings all forms of expression to life. As a symbol of nature, chaos, ceremonies, and passion, Pele’s Breath fuels transformational growth and evolution.

Use Pele’s Breath Ritual Essence when you feel energetically depleted, unenergized, or exhausted and need extraordinary vitality, potency, and strength to carry on.

• To breathe life into your ideas and physical manifestations.
• Ignite the spark of potential, inner strength, determination, and willpower when life gets tough.
• Authentically stand up for yourself.
• Cleanse and transmute destructive toxic emotional upheavals into all that is Pono and honorable.
• Nurture balance between instinct and caring.

 

May you be Empowered to Ignite your Pono

Aloha Ia O’Koa Pa’a Pono!!!

“When we meet in love…we shall be whole!!!”

All my aromatic love, Mahalo.

Vidya