Reviews

This deck and book set is a very special treat for the eyes, hands and mind. I received this set as a gift...and I have been savoring and enjoying them for a long time. Decks that explore Hawaiian spirituality and cultural wisdom are rare and unusual; this makes this deck even more of a gem. However, in addition to its rare subject matter, the deck is beautifully created and the book is very informative, so the set is useful, attractive and anyone can learn to work with it...I absolutely recommend this deck and book set to anyone who has any interest in Hawaiian spirituality and culture... Gina M. Pace

Becker has spent many years connecting "with the natural and spiritual worlds of Hawai'i" according to the biography in the almost 200 page book that accompanies this deck of 44 cards. The artwork on the cards defies description--it's wonderful and accurately portrays Hawaiian cultural concepts and values while maintaining a definite aura of mystery and intrigue. The book is a virtual primer on the Hawaiian culture... There are extensive end notes that provide excellent resources for further exploration of the Hawaiian culture, and an addendum that describes all of the symbols on each card, including their Hawaiian names...It's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai'i... Bill Taylor, Hawai'i Island Journal

The beauty of Hawaii and its traditional wisdom create the exquisite Mana Cards... forty-four dazzling cards and an insightful 204-page companion book...Author Catherine Kalama Becker, Ph.D....has spent years compiling these traditional treasures and presents them in a fascinating and wise light. She also draws upon traditional beliefs from cultures worldwide, creating a cross-cultural bridge empowering to all... Karen Crane, New Age Retailer

...When the copy of the set of Mana cards was sent to me for review, Catherine Kalama Becker had pulled a card with me in mind. The cards had been mailed out days after I had moved from Baltimore to the San Francisco Bay Area, and the one that had been chosen for me was Hulu 25. The chant for this card, which depicts a feather in a lush grove is, "A he nani ke ao nei" ("Behold this lovely world".)...The interpretation of the teaching discusses how the goddess Kaiona would help people who were lost by sending a bird to guide them out of the forest. Feathers are a symbol of elevating your consciousness so you can see where you are heading... "Feathers remind us to pay close attention to where we came from, where we are and where we are going." No wonder I've been tripping over feathers wherever I've been in my new state! ... Stacy Meyn, Whole Life Times

Mana Cards
The Power of Hawaiian Wisdom
by Catherine Kalama Becker, PH.D. and Doya Nardin

This very special set of cards comes directly from Hawaii, bringing with it the ancient wisdom of Hawaiian spirituality, the lush beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, and the gifted insight of author Catherine Kalama Becker. Named Mana, for the "spiritual power that flows through the universe," these cards share with us a resonating sense of the sacred and the blessing of pure spirit.

The Mana Cards incorporate Hawaiian cultural symbols, language, religious chants and prayers, and divination techniques inspired by spiritual customs. Titles on the forty-four cards are in Hawaiian. English translations for card names are given with card descriptions in the guidebook, and a pronunciation key is provided for ease in reading the cards, as well as for using the chants in ritual divination work or meditation. Each card description in the guidebook includes Hawaiian and English titles, a Chant, the Teaching (which explains Hawaiian wisdom and the background behind the card), and Interpretation. There are eight useful and interesting spreads. The book is fully footnoted, and includes an appendix of symbols and their meanings, as well. Each of the cards has a light coral pink background. Card images portray people in traditional Hawaiian dress, birds, fish and sea animals, many flowers and green plants, lizards and other animals, icons, drums, and significant symbols. They are each colorful and beautifully done. Human figures dance, drum, and divine. They swim, speak, and share love. Some of the cards are quite mysterious, like the card titled "Iwi," which means "bones," and refers to true respect, as bones were considered to be a sacred place where the spirit of the deceased dwelled. Others are quite straightforward, such as the card of "Naupaka," which shows two lovers sitting unhappily, back to back. The card points to separation, as is very clearly depicted. Still others are sweet - the card called "Aloha" is an image of an adult hand, gently holding the hand of a small child. Through this card we learn that the familiar greeting of Hawaii actually means, "love." Despite the fact that these cards are so lovely and often portray positive human emotions and experience, they do also share with us the shadow sides of creation, and of ourselves, and five of the cards have reversals, which point to darker qualities. All of the cards look gorgeous in layouts, and their meanings are directly presented through the skilled artwork and symbolism. The guidebook is wise and direct, and effectively assists us in discovering what lies at the core of our personal issues. With an approach that is more psychological than it is esoteric, the Mana Cards bring us true understanding and the power to make positive change and enlightened decisions. The reflections experienced through these cards are meaningful and real. This is a set to keep handy, by your bedside or at your desk, reminding you to regularly take the time to stop and look within. The book and cards come packaged in a wonderfully designed box, that keeps both book and cards safe and secure.

Review Copyright by Nellie Levine - IlluminationTarot.com