Aumakua
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In Hawaiian mythology, 'Aumākua refers to a family or personal god, often a deified ancestor. The 'aumākua frequently manifested as an animal, such as a shark or an owl. 'Aumākua were worshipped, often at localities or rocks where they were believed to 'dwell'. The appearance of an animal one regarded as an 'aumākua was often believed to be an omen, to be noted and interpreted for good or ill. There are also many stories of 'aumakuas, in animal form, intervening to save their descendants from harm. It was extremely bad luck to harm an 'aumākua animal.
Traditionally, the 'Io, or the hawk, is regarded as the special 'aumakua for the ali'i, or nobility. Consequently, to see a hawk flying overhead is a good omen for ali'i, and harming one is very bad luck.
'Aumākuas were thus animals, places or rocks, and people. Ancient Hawaiians would have seen no contradiction in a powerful spirit being able to appear as all three, switching from form to form as convenient -- as is indeed seen in many stories of gods and demi-gods.
Aumākua is also the name of a popular online gaming clan.
From "http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/6794/o-sacred.html" A symbiotic relationship exists between person and `aumākua, the personal guardians of each individual and their family and the ancient source gods from whom Hawaiians were descended.
`Aumākua can manifest in nature. The form varies family to family. Whatever its form, the `aumākua is one specific shark, owl, etc. However, all members of the species are treated with respect of family members.
If family aumākua, these manifestations were not harmed or eaten; in turn, `aumākua warned and reprimanded in dreams, visions, and calls.
"`Aumākua are intimate members of the human family, spiritual relationships with them are especially close and their presence is sought for feast and festivity, as well as in time of crisis. They act as healers and advisors, counteracting troubles and punishing faults." -J. Gutmanis
Aumākua could appear as:
pueo- owl (as at Mânoa, O'ahu, Ka'û and Puna)
manō- shark (all islands except Kaua'i)
`io- hawk (Hawai'i)
`elepaio- flycatcher bird, (goddess of canoe makers)
`i'iwi/`iwi- scarlet honeycreeper bird, (its feathers were used extensively in featherwork)
`alae- mudhen, (a black wading bird with red frontal plate; its cry is a bad omen_
he'e- octopus, (commonly known as squid)
puhi- eel
`iole li'ili`i- mice
`iole- rat
`Īlio- dog
mo'o- lizard, reptile
pe'elua/`enuhe/nuhe/`anuhe/poko- caterpillar
pōhaku- rock
leho- cowry shell
ao- cloud
mea kanu- plant
