"Pele and the Galaxy" - 36" x 36" Original Oil on Canvas with Koa Frame

Pele and the Galaxy

In Hawaiian culture, the goddess Pele symbolizes the power and spirit of volcanoes, particularly Mount Kilauea on the Big Island. She represents the fiery, transformative force of nature, as well as creativity, passion, and the life-giving and destructive aspects of volcanic activity. Pele is also associated with change, renewal, and the dynamic energy of the earth, embodying both its ferocity and its nurturing qualities. She holds a central place in Hawaiian mythology and spiritual beliefs, symbolizing the raw power of nature and the importance of respecting and honoring the land.

In Hawaiian culture, the Milky Way Galaxy is often considered a sacred and celestial symbol associated with navigation, guidance, and spiritual connection. It is viewed as a pathway or a bridge that connects the earthly realm with the divine or ancestral spirits. The Milky Way, known as "Haleyala" or "Hoku-lei" in Hawaiian tradition, is thought to represent the route taken by ancestral navigators and the lifeline linking the living with the spiritual world. It embodies the idea of guidance, protection, and the enduring connection between humans, nature, and the cosmos.