The 9 stars of Matariki hold specific meanings: Matariki (health/wellbeing), Pōhutukawa (memories of the dead), Tupuānuku (food from the earth), Tupuārangi (food from the sky), Waitī (freshwater), Waitā (saltwater), Waipuna-ā-rangi (rain), Ururangi (winds), and Hiwa-i-te-rangi (wishes). Together, they form a complete system guiding environmental practices and spiritual reflection for the Māori New Year.
Introduction to Te Kāhui o Matariki
The rising of Matariki in the mid-winter sky marks a pivotal moment in the Māori calendar, signaling the beginning of the New Year (Te Mātahi o te Tau). While known globally as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, for many iwi (tribes) across Aotearoa New Zealand, this cluster is comprised of nine distinct stars, known as Te Iwa o Matariki.
Understanding the 9 stars of Matariki meanings is essential for grasping the depth of Māori astronomy (tātai arorangi). These stars are not merely celestial bodies; they are environmental indicators, predictors of harvest, and spiritual guardians. Each star holds dominion over a specific aspect of the natural world, from the winds and rains to the food we grow and the memories we cherish.
Why Are There 9 Stars of Matariki Instead of 7?
A common source of confusion regarding the cluster is the discrepancy in the number of stars. In Greek mythology and many Western astronomical traditions, the cluster is referred to as the “Seven Sisters.” Even within te ao Māori (the Māori world), some iwi traditionally acknowledge seven stars.
However, the resurgence of traditional knowledge, championed by experts like Dr. Rangi Matamua, has highlighted that many narratives include nine stars. The visibility of the stars often depends on the observer’s eyesight and atmospheric conditions. The two stars often omitted from the seven-star count are Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.
From a scientific perspective, the Pleiades cluster contains hundreds of stars, but only a few are visible to the naked eye. The distinction of nine stars provides a more granular ecological map, covering all aspects of the environment necessary for survival and wellbeing. Recognizing all nine allows for a complete acknowledgement of the balance between the earth, the sky, the waters, and the human spirit.
Matariki: The Mother of the Cluster
What is the meaning of the star Matariki?
Matariki is the central and brightest star in the cluster (known astronomically as Alcyone). She is viewed as the mother, surrounded by her eight children. Her name is often translated as “Ngā Mata o te Ariki” (The Eyes of the God) or simply “Little Eyes.”
Her domain is health and wellbeing. When Matariki rises brightly and clearly, it is interpreted as a sign of good fortune and health for the coming year. If the star appears hazy or shimmering, it may predict sickness or a difficult winter. As the conductor of the ensemble, she gathers the information from her children to predict the overall outlook for the iwi.
Pōhutukawa: The Star of Remembrance
Which star connects to those who have passed away?
Pōhutukawa is the star connected to the dead. This is the eldest child of Matariki. Its name reflects the pōhutukawa tree, but specifically, it refers to the spiritual connection between the earth and the afterlife.
This star carries the spirits of those who have passed away since the last rising of Matariki. During the New Year ceremonies, names of the deceased are called out (whāngai i te hautapu) to Pōhutukawa, releasing them to become stars in the sky. It serves as a reminder that life and death are cyclical, and remembering our ancestors is vital for the health of the living.
Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi: The Sources of Food
Two stars in the cluster are dedicated specifically to food sources, distinguishing between what is harvested from the ground and what is harvested from the sky/trees.
What does Tupuānuku represent?
Tupuānuku represents food that is grown in the soil. The name can be broken down: ‘Tupu’ means to grow, and ‘Nuku’ is short for Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). This star governs edible plants such as kūmara (sweet potato), rīwai (potatoes), and other root vegetables. A bright Tupuānuku indicates a bountiful harvest season for crops.
What is the domain of Tupuārangi?
Tupuārangi represents food that comes from the sky and above the ground. ‘Rangi’ refers to Ranginui (Sky Father). This domain includes birds (manu), berries, and fruits hanging from trees. Historically, this star was vital for hunters and gatherers, signaling the abundance of kererū (wood pigeon) and forest fruits.
Waitī and Waitā: The Water Domains
Just as the food sources are divided, so too are the water sources. These twin stars ensure the health of the hydrosphere is acknowledged.
What is the difference between Waitī and Waitā?
Waitī watches over fresh water bodies. This includes lakes, rivers, streams, and springs. It is inextricably linked to the creatures that inhabit these waters, such as eels (tuna) and freshwater crayfish (kōura). If Waitī is clear, the water flow will be healthy, sustaining the ecosystem.
Waitā watches over the ocean and salt water. This star represents the vast food basket of the sea (kaimoana). It signals the abundance of fish, shellfish, and the safety of the tides. The pairing of Waitī and Waitā emphasizes the connection between the mountains (where rivers start) and the sea (where they end), reminding us that the health of one impacts the other.
Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi: The Weather Elements
These two stars are critical for weather forecasting, a skill that was essential for navigation and agriculture in traditional Māori society.
What does Waipuna-ā-rangi predict?
Waipuna-ā-rangi translates to “Water that pools in the sky.” This star is associated with rain, hail, and snow. It governs the hydrological cycle of evaporation and precipitation. Observing this star helps predict rainfall patterns for the coming winter and spring, allowing tohunga (experts) to advise on planting schedules.
What is the meaning of Ururangi?
Ururangi means “The winds of the sky.” This star determines the nature of the winds for the year. It is associated with the wind family (Hau), including the prevailing westerlies or the cold southerlies. Ururangi’s appearance can signal whether the year will be calm or battered by storms.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi: The Wishing Star
Which Matariki star is for making wishes?
Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the youngest star in the cluster. Her name is connected to the promise of a prosperous season. She is the star to whom you send your wishes, dreams, and aspirations for the coming year.
Similar to the Western concept of “wishing upon a star,” Māori would send their desires to Hiwa-i-te-rangi. This creates a forward-looking mindset. While Pōhutukawa looks back at the past and those we have lost, Hiwa-i-te-rangi looks forward to the potential of the future. It is a time to set goals, resolve conflicts, and plan for growth.
Connecting the Stars to the Environment
The 9 stars of Matariki meanings are not abstract myths; they are a codified system of environmental science. The rising of Matariki occurs in mid-winter (typically June or July), a time when nature is dormant, and the storehouses should be full.
By observing the brightness, color, and clarity of each individual star within the cluster, tohunga could formulate a long-term weather and harvest forecast. For example:
- If Tupuānuku was dim, it might suggest a poor kumara harvest, prompting the tribe to ration food supplies more strictly.
- If Waipuna-ā-rangi was particularly bright, it might predict heavy flooding, warning the iwi to move settlements or strengthen defenses against water.
This holistic view integrates astronomy, ecology, and spirituality. It teaches that human wellbeing (Matariki) is entirely dependent on the balance of earth (Tupuānuku), sky (Tupuārangi), water (Waitī/Waitā), and weather (Waipuna-ā-rangi/Ururangi), while respecting the cycle of life and death (Pōhutukawa/Hiwa-i-te-rangi).
What are the names of the 9 stars of Matariki?
The nine stars are Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi, Ururangi, and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.
How do I find the Matariki cluster in the sky?
To find Matariki, look low on the northeast horizon before dawn. Find the three stars of Orion’s Belt (Tautoru), follow the line to the left to find a bright triangular cluster (Te Kokotā/Hyades), and continue left to find the smaller, twinkling cluster of Matariki.
Is Matariki the same as the Seven Sisters?
Yes, astronomically they are the same cluster (the Pleiades). However, while Western tradition counts seven stars, Māori tradition often identifies nine distinct stars with specific meanings.
What is the difference between Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi?
Tupuānuku governs food grown within the earth (like kumara and potatoes), while Tupuārangi governs food obtained from the sky and trees (like birds, berries, and fruit).
Why is Pōhutukawa associated with the dead?
Pōhutukawa connects Matariki to the afterlife. It is the star that guides the spirits of those who have died in the past year to become stars in the sky.
When is the best time to view Matariki?
Matariki is best viewed in the early morning, just before sunrise, during the Māori month of Pipiri (usually June or July). It rises in the northeast.