general

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. 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 acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. 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. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes 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.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.

Pacific Voyager Cards - Journey to Kanaka Makua - Rediscovering the Light of Island Wisdom, by Greg Scott, Self Published, Kea`au.

This deck is very different from the previous two. The cards are made of inexpensive patterned beige cardstock instead of slick, coated paper. And the printing is in monochrome brown ink. And the deck doesn't come with a book (which is a work is in progress, Greg tells me), but only with a large folded sheet (which wraps around the cards and protects them) with only two layouts and a brief explanation for each card. These aren't shortcomings; it's a great deck for fortune telling!

There is a simplicity and authenticity about this deck that is appealing. Each of the 48 cards encompasses a basic Hawaiian concept that is illustrated with a single Hawaiian word, a simple phrase in both English and Hawaiian and a simple graphic. One of its special attractions is that once you have read the information sheet on the cards, the interpretation of a reading is pretty intuitive and can be done without having to look up definitions. This is a real asset for using this deck for its intended purpose of guiding you towards becoming a Kanaka Makua, a "complete human being." This is a great deck to use to get started and for quick readings (but don't confuse "quick" with "simple")

The author of this captivating deck is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Hawai`i in Hilo who specializes in intercultural communication. 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 acompanies this deck of 44cards. It shows. 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. Each card's description consists of three sections: a brief relevant chant, a thorough explanation of the cultural concepts that are pictured on the card in a teaching section and an interpretation section that explains the card's meaning in a layout. Becker also provides the reader with 8 different spreads to use for different purposes. Becker's book has several other important features. There are extensive endnotes 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.

My only criticism of this deck for fortune-telling purposes is that some of the cards' interpretations are complex and difficult to connect to the image on the card. Again, this can interfere (initially) with intuitive use. But whether you actually use the deck for fortune telling or not, it's a "must have," and studying all of the information here will teach you a lot about Hawai`i. I did give them a try, and my first reading produced some pretty incredible results (chicken skin kine). This deck will take a lot of study for a non-Hawaiian to use effectively, but I think the effort will pay off.