The Gardener’s offering

The Gardener gives an offering of ‘ōhelo berries to the volcano goddess Pele at Kīlauea volcano, on the island of Hawai‘i. Folklore says that it is kapu (forbidden) to pick ‘ōhelo berries on the way to the crater of Kīlauea. Doing so will cause one to get lost in the rain and fog. It is permissible to pick and eat ‘ōhelo berries on the return journey, only after offering the first berries to Pele.

Pele is the lava of Kīlauea. She is an ancient ‘aumakua and powerful akua to the people who live in the district of Ka‘ū, below the volcano. People reinforce their connection to the land by going up Kīlauea to visit the Halema‘uma‘u caldera. They pay respect and give offerings to Pele at her home.

The superstition that it’s bad luck to pick ‘ōhelo on the way to Kīlauea is a reminder to be reverent toward the land. The journey to Kīlauea is a exercise in reinforcing a spiritual connection to the ‘āina. Pilgrims are reminded to concentrate on the purpose of their journey to Pele, and not be distracted by what they might encounter on the way.

Stories of Pele’s wrath are reminders to always be aware of the lava. Ritual recognition of Pele is a reminder that lava can burst out of the ground near Ka‘ū at any time. People need to heed signals from the goddess to avoid disaster.

It’s important to listen to why things are said as much as what is being said. Some rules and superstitions are about political control and power. Some words are about personal growth and spiritual connection. Some words are practical and functional wisdom.

There is a famous story of how in 1824 Chiefess Kapi‘olani went up the volcano of Kīlauea and into the crater of Halema‘uma‘u, the sacred home of Pele. Kapi‘olani defied the kapu of Pele by eating ‘ōhelo without making an offering, as a demonstration of her Christian faith. Kapi‘olani did not die lost in the fog, nor was she consumed by lava.

It was important for Chiefess Kapi‘olani and the young Hawaiian Kingdom to assert its new authority over the old ways. It’s also important for the people of Ka‘ū to always be wary of the volcano. In the end, Hawaiians took a pragmatic approach and gave political authority to the kings in Honolulu. They accepted Christianity and the authority of a central government. The people of Ka‘ū also continued to show reverence to Pele.

Hawaiian akua connect people to the land of Hawai‘i. The akua are the ‘āina. Indigenous traditions help people thrive in the places where they live. Christianity and Hawaiian religion can exist in parallel when their purposes are different.

The Gardener cultivates aloha.

The Hawaiian tradition of making an offering to the gods before taking anything from nature is a reminder to always be aware of your impact on your surroundings. Making and wearing lei is well known and beloved Hawaiian practice. Lei are necklaces and garlands made of natural materials. They can connect the wearer to the beauty and abundance of the land. Giving and receiving lei can be an act of aloha ‘āina.

A traditional lei maker follows the same protocol as the pilgrim to Kīlauea when gathering materials from nature.² The lei maker will go to her destination in the forest and make an offering to the akua of the forest before gathering leaves and flowers. The Dancer chants an oli to Laka the goddess of the forest before entering. These are ritual reminders to always give before we receive.

The Gardener is aware of her connection to nature and how she affects her surroundings. She can live sustainably by nurturing the growth of beneficial resources. She cultivates her surroundings to produce what she needs. Part of taking care of ourselves is nurturing life around us.

The skill and effort of the creator is reflected in her creation. The Hawaiian proverb “hele no ka ‘alā, hele no ka lima,” means, “the stone goes, the hand goes.” It refers to the process of making poi. Cooked taro is pounded with a stone, and gathered together with the other hand, then repeatedly pounded, and gathered, and pounded to make a smooth paste. The task of pounding poi for the daily meal is something that takes skill to do well. The proverb is a reminder to focus on the routine everyday tasks, and do them skillfully.

The Gardener lives a purposeful life, where each action is done on purpose. She focuses on doing the best in her consistent daily habits. She carefully considers the most beneficial way to act. She applies equal attention to everything she does in a day. It’s the small everyday actions that are most important for the Gardener do well. If we’re sloppy with the things we do most often, our whole lives end up being sloppy and dysfunctional.

The Gardener always acts with aloha. Doing good does not need a reason; the benefits are self evident. The Gardener cultivates the space around her to provide for her community, in order to provide for herself. The traveller on Kīlauea gives ‘ōhelo to the gods first, before taking for herself. The preparer of poi makes poi for everyone before taking her portion. The lei maker gives to the akua before gathering from the ‘āina.

 The Gardener cultivates a garden where each plant supports the health and function of the entire garden. Likewise, each part of your life should support the health and function of your entire life.

The Gardener continually feels fulfilled because her work is done with aloha. She works with love and respect for her own needs. She recognizes her needs and those of her surroundings, like the Listener. 

The Gardener loves and respects the products of her work because it is a reflection of what she values. She has aloha for the people she works with and the people who benefit from her work, because they create a community that supports her. She is always living in alignment with her aloha.

Everybody cultivates the space around themselves with their own thoughts and actions. Thoughts and actions that are in alignment with your nature create an environment that aligns with your goals. Any thoughts and actions that are not in alignment with your nature and goals are like invasive weeds and pests that will work against you. They may become addictions and harmful habits will take over your life and spread to those around you.

The Gardener is focused, conscientious, and consistent in pursuit of her goals, like the Navigator. She is not distracted with grand plans, or quick results. Every part of the journey toward a goal is as important as the goal itself. She does what she wants, and does it well. The Gardener appreciates every moment she is alive.