A Shamanic Journey: The Hei-Tiki and the Curse of Air
“A life of high strangeness pt.4”
An experience from my life.
I would like to share another story—a remarkable encounter that reveals the power of ancient connections and the unseen dimensions of spirit. This experience centres on a dear friend, Henry, whose life had been touched by unimaginable tragedies and the intervention of a gifted Tohunga (Maori shaman-priest).
You may remember Henry from our last Echo. By this time, he was well aware of my life of "high strangeness" and had grown curious about the spiritual realms that so often intersected with my world.
A Family Plagued by Tragedy
Not long after the devastating loss of Henry’s parents and aunts in an airplane crash, another calamity struck his family. His youngest brother, John—a bright soul often described as an "angel" for his kindness and unflagging positivity—tragically died in a hang-gliding accident.
It was an ordinary Sunday when Henry waited on his property to greet John. Without warning, John’s hang glider folded mid-flight, plunging him to his death. As if this tragedy weren’t enough, yet another brush with disaster came when their sister’s plane narrowly avoided crashing while landing on her way to attend John’s funeral. The family had already suffered enough, but now it seemed they were plagued by an inexplicable pattern of air-related tragedies.
Seeking Answers
Overwhelmed by grief and searching for answers, Henry asked for my help. He wondered aloud if a curse might be responsible for the strange and terrible accidents. Knowing of my connection with Peter, a local Tohunga, Henry asked me to bring him to his property to uncover the truth.
The Spear and the Song
As Peter and I approached Henry’s home, an eerie moment unfolded. Just steps from the entrance, Peter froze, his attention drawn toward a dense patch of bushes. Without a word, he began to sing—a hauntingly beautiful lament, equal parts greeting and sorrow. His voice resonated with a power that seemed to ripple through the air itself.
When the song ended, Peter stepped into the foliage and retrieved a tall Maori spear, entirely hidden from view. “This belonged to a Maori warrior,” he said softly, cradling it with reverence. “It carries great mana (power).” He placed the spear back in its resting place with another brief chant, addressing the spirit of the warrior.
The Hei-Tiki's Curse
We entered Henry’s house, but as we approached the closed door to the living room, Peter froze again. This time, his chant was longer, imbued with deep sadness and an almost tangible power. His arms trembled as he raised them, his lament reverberating through our bodies like a physical force.
When we opened the door, the source of Peter’s distress became clear. Displayed on the wall was a collection of pounamu (greenstone jade) objects: a war club, intricately carved ornaments, and a large Hei-Tiki (a traditional Maori pendant). Peter took the Hei-Tiki reverently into his hands, his expression sombre.
“This Hei-Tiki,” he whispered, “belonged to a Princess of the local iwi (tribe). It was buried with her, and spirits were appointed to guard her and her treasures. Anyone disturbing her grave would be subject to curses. This has been stolen—her peace disturbed.”
Henry, shocked, explained that his great-grandfather had been “gifted” these jade objects, entirely ignorant of their origins. He asked Peter what could be done to lift the curse.
Peter replied, “I will need to sleep with the Princess’s Hei-Tiki and dream of her. Only then can I ask her to lift the curse.”
The Princess’s Tears
Some days later, I drove Peter back from his home, where he had spent nights dreaming with the Hei-Tiki. He shared his experience in quiet tones: “The Princess appeared to me in my dreams. She wept tears of blood, mourning the desecration of her grave and the loss of her treasures. She asked that her Hei-Tiki and the other objects be honoured by her people and returned to their safekeeping.”
While the family wanted to respect the Princess’s wishes, complications arose. The jade objects, “gifted” across generations, were now claimed by various competing iwi. To resolve the matter, the Hei-Tiki and its accompanying treasures were entrusted to a museum. There, they could be preserved, honoured, and seen by all, with their origin stories carefully documented.
An End to the Curse
Since the Hei-Tiki and its companions were returned to a place of honour, no more air-related tragedies have plagued Henry’s family. The once-ominous pattern has lifted, leaving behind only the echoes of a powerful story—one that bridges history, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all things.
This experience reminded me of the depth of respect owed to the artifacts of the past. Objects imbued with history and spirit are not just relics; they carry the weight of ancestral energy, bound by the intentions and protections of those who came before.
Curses on Objects Buried in Graves: A Historical and Cultural Exploration
The idea of curses being attached to objects buried in graves is a concept deeply rooted in the intersection of spiritual belief, cultural tradition, and human psychology. This phenomenon has been documented across a wide range of cultures and time periods, often as a form of protection for the deceased and their belongings.
1. Historical Context
The Purpose of Burial Curses
Curses associated with grave objects served multiple purposes in ancient and traditional societies:
1. Protection: To safeguard the deceased from being disturbed or their possessions stolen.
2. Deterrence: To discourage grave robbing or desecration of sacred sites.
3. Spiritual Binding: To ensure that the spirit of the deceased remained at rest, undisturbed by external forces.
Examples in History
Ancient Egypt: Tomb curses were famously inscribed in the tombs of Pharaohs and nobility, warning of dire consequences for intruders. The tomb of Tutankhamun, for example, was said to be protected by a curse, with the deaths of archaeologists who excavated it often attributed to this belief.
Mesopotamia: Grave inscriptions often contained curses directed at those who would disturb the dead, invoking the wrath of deities.
Indigenous Cultures: In many tribal traditions, grave goods were imbued with spiritual significance, and their removal was believed to anger spirits or ancestors.
2. Spiritual and Cultural Beliefs
Spirits as Guardians
Many cultures view spirits as protectors of the dead and their belongings:
Maori Culture (Aotearoa/New Zealand): Hei-Tiki and other jade objects were often considered sacred and could be accompanied by spiritual guardians. Disturbing these objects was believed to invoke a curse.
Native American Tribes: Grave goods were integral to the spiritual journey of the deceased, and tampering with them could disrupt the balance between the living and the dead.
Hindu Tradition: Objects used in death rituals were considered impure or "possessed" by the spirit of the deceased, making their removal taboo.
Objects as Vessels of Power
Grave goods, often made from materials like jade, gold, or stone, were believed to carry mana (power) or spiritual energy. These objects could:
Act as conduits for the spirit's influence.
Retain the energy of the person to whom they belonged.
Serve as a binding force between the spirit and the physical world.
3. Mechanics of a "Curse"
Energetic Imprints
In metaphysical terms, objects placed in graves are thought to absorb the energy of their surroundings, particularly if they were significant to the deceased. This energy can become activated if the object is disturbed.
Curses as Intentions
Many burial curses are not supernatural in nature but rely on the power of belief. A curse functions through:
The Fear Effect: Belief in the curse can manifest as psychosomatic symptoms or misfortunes.
Energetic Resonance: Those who interact with the object may feel its negative energy, which can influence their experiences.
Spiritual Contracts: In some traditions, curses are seen as spiritual agreements that bind the object and its guardians to protect it.
4. Modern Examples and Interpretations
Famous Cases
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond: Believed to be cursed, this diamond brought misfortune to many of its male owners. Some legends claim it was stolen from a sacred statue or burial site.
The Hope Diamond: Associated with a string of misfortunes, this gem was reportedly cursed after being removed from a religious statue in India.
The "Mummy’s Curse": Popularized by the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, the supposed deaths of archaeologists were attributed to a curse, despite logical explanations like fungal infections.
Scientific Perspectives
Psychologists attribute many "curses" to the nocebo effect, where belief in harm causes real physical or mental symptoms.
Archaeologists point to environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or pathogens in ancient tombs, as potential causes of illness or death.
5. Ethical and Practical Considerations
Respecting Cultural Beliefs
In modern archaeology and museum practices, there is growing recognition of the need to respect the spiritual significance of burial artifacts. Key considerations include:
Repatriation: Returning sacred objects to their rightful cultural custodians, as seen in the case of Indigenous Australian remains and grave goods.
Documentation and Preservation: Ensuring that artifacts are properly contextualized, with acknowledgment of their cultural and spiritual origins.
Avoiding Desecration
For spiritual practitioners and historians, the consensus is clear: disturbing graves or sacred objects without permission is both ethically wrong and spiritually hazardous.
6. Symbolism and Lessons
The concept of grave curses offers several universal insights:
Interconnectedness: The idea that the energy of the deceased continues to interact with the living.
Sacred Responsibility: A reminder of our duty to honor and protect the sacred.
Cautionary Tales: Stories of curses often serve as warnings about greed, disrespect, or the disregard of cultural boundaries.
Conclusion
The practice of placing curses on objects buried in graves underscores the deep respect and fear many cultures have for the dead and the spiritual world. While some stories may be exaggerated or misinterpreted, they remind us of the enduring power of belief and the unseen forces that shape human experience. Whether seen through a spiritual lens or examined scientifically, the phenomenon of burial curses invites us to approach the mysteries of life and death with reverence, caution, and humility.
Reflection for Fellow Travellers
As we navigate overlapping realities, let this story serve as a reminder of the unseen forces at work in our world. Whether through the mana of a warrior’s spear or the tears of a Princess, these experiences teach us reverence for the sacred and the importance of restoring balance when it is disturbed.
Have you ever felt the presence of something ancient or powerful in your life?
Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your reflections as we continue exploring the mysteries that bind us all.
“A Life of High Strangeness Pt.4”
~Written By Elizabeth S
Each “Echo” is prepared in the following format:
Experiential
The first section will always call from experience and introduce a topic
Scientific/Research
The second section will detail any research and findings relating to the topic
Opinion/Conclusion
The final section will be the writer’s own conclusion about the topic based on their experience and the scientific components combined
Sources:
Budge (1971), Fletcher (2004), Mauss (2001), Elia, 1994, Radin (2006)
