The Secret Science At Work
81
The Secret Science At Work
Max Freedom Long’s The Secret Science At Work offers a structured, if sometimes dated, exposition of his "Huna" system. Its strength lies in Long’s persistent effort to translate complex psycho-spiritual concepts into actionable principles, particularly his detailed breakdown of the three selves and their interactions. He successfully frames ancient Hawaiian teachings within a framework understandable to a Western audience of the 1950s. However, the book’s limitation is its inherent reliance on Long’s interpretation and systematization, which, while internally consistent, lacks independent corroboration and can feel dogmatic at times. The section on the "Aka Cord" and its energetic implications, for instance, while fascinating, requires significant leaps of faith for the uninitiated. Despite its era-specific language, the work provides a valuable window into one man’s ambitious attempt to codify esoteric knowledge. It serves as a foundational text for those interested in Huna, though readers should approach its claims with a critical, comparative lens.
📝 Description
81
Max Freedom Long published 'The Secret Science At Work' in 1953, detailing ancient Hawaiian psycho-spiritual practices.
First released in 1953, Max Freedom Long's "The Secret Science At Work" examines ancient psycho-spiritual methods, particularly those he termed "Huna." The book investigates how to access and use latent mental abilities, drawing connections between these old systems and contemporary psychological ideas. Long lays out a clear way to grasp the mind's potential, moving past simple philosophy to suggest practical uses for personal growth and spiritual understanding.
The author's goal was to clarify concepts often seen as obscure. He approached them through reasoned observation and logical thought. This volume is for serious students of esoteric philosophy, comparative religion, and ancient psychology. It will appeal to those interested in applying mental and spiritual disciplines, especially those looking to understand how different cultures explored consciousness. Readers who consider mystical subjects critically but with an open mind, seeking principles that can be verified rather than just accepted, will find value here.
Published in 1953, 'The Secret Science At Work' appeared as Western interest in Eastern philosophies and esoteric traditions was growing. While figures like Helena Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley had introduced occult subjects, Long aimed to connect these mystical ideas with a more scientific mindset. He sought to organize and explain phenomena using his own theoretical framework. This effort coincided with increased academic study of comparative mythology and religion, positioning Long's work within a broader cultural moment of seeking deeper meaning.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain an understanding of Max Freedom Long's "Huna" system, including the concepts of the three selves (Unihipili, Uhane, Aumakua) and mana, which offers a unique framework for psycho-spiritual exploration distinct from Western psychology. • Learn specific techniques for mental and spiritual development, such as the "Ho'oponopono" concept for problem-solving and healing, as presented in Chapter V, providing practical methods for personal transformation. • Explore the historical context of esoteric studies in the mid-20th century, understanding how Long attempted to synthesize ancient Hawaiian wisdom with modern thought, providing insight into the reception of such ideas in 1953.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Huna" as presented in Max Freedom Long's book?
"Huna" in The Secret Science At Work refers to Max Freedom Long's systematized interpretation of ancient Hawaiian esoteric psychology and spiritual practices. He presented it as a "secret science" focusing on the mind, energy (mana), and subtle bodies (aka).
Who was Max Freedom Long and why did he write this book?
Max Freedom Long (1890-1971) was an American writer and esotericist who developed the "Huna" system. He wrote The Secret Science At Work to share what he believed were hidden psychological and spiritual principles derived from ancient Hawaiian traditions, aiming to make them accessible.
What are the 'three selves' in Huna according to the book?
The book describes three main aspects of the self: the lower self (Unihipili), the middle self (Uhane), and the higher self (Aumakua). Long's system details their functions and how to harmonize them for personal growth.
Does 'The Secret Science At Work' offer practical exercises?
Yes, the book outlines various practical exercises and techniques derived from Huna. These include methods for healing, improving mental clarity, and spiritual development, focusing on the manipulation of psychic energy or mana.
What is 'mana' in the context of this book?
Mana, as explained in The Secret Science At Work, represents spiritual energy, life force, or psychic power. Long's system emphasizes understanding and directing mana for healing, manifestation, and spiritual advancement.
Is this book related to modern psychology?
Max Freedom Long attempted to draw parallels between his Huna system and concepts in Western psychology, particularly regarding the subconscious and consciousness. However, it is an esoteric interpretation, not a scientific psychological text.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Huna System
This volume introduces Max Freedom Long's interpretation of "Huna," a system he believed encapsulated the "secret science" of ancient Hawaiians. He presents it as a holistic psycho-spiritual framework, detailing its philosophy, psychology, and practical applications. Central to Huna are the concepts of mana (life force), aka (subtle body), and the distinct functions of the three selves (Unihipili, Uhane, Aumakua). Long frames these not as mere beliefs but as observable energies and psychological forces that can be understood and manipulated for personal growth and spiritual advancement.
Three Selves Psychology
A core component of Long's Huna is the delineation of three distinct aspects of the psyche. The Unihipili (lower self) is associated with the subconscious, emotions, and physical body. The Uhane (middle self) represents the conscious mind, logic, and speech. The Aumakua (higher self) is the divine or ancestral spirit, the source of intuition and guidance. The book explores how harmonizing these three selves, particularly through understanding their unique roles and interactions, is key to unlocking inner potential and achieving balance.
Mana and Psychic Energy
Long extensively discusses "mana," interpreted as vital life force or psychic energy that permeates all things. The Secret Science At Work explains how mana can be accumulated, directed, and utilized. This energy is central to Huna practices, including healing, influencing events, and spiritual communion. The book suggests that by understanding and consciously working with mana, individuals can tap into greater personal power and achieve desired outcomes, moving beyond the limitations of ordinary physical and mental faculties.
Ancient Healing and Influence
The book details specific techniques derived from Huna for healing ailments and influencing circumstances. Long describes methods involving the manipulation of mana and the aka body, often through focused intent and visualization. Concepts like "Ho'oponopono," presented as a method of reconciliation and problem-solving, are explored for their potential to restore balance. These practices are framed as practical applications of the "secret science," offering adherents tools to affect their reality through subtle energies and mental discipline.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The three selves must be understood and harmonized.”
— This statement expresses a central tenet of Long's Huna system. It suggests that personal well-being and spiritual advancement depend on recognizing the distinct roles and interconnectedness of the lower, middle, and higher aspects of the psyche.
“Mana is the spiritual energy that can be directed.”
— This highlights the concept of 'mana' as an active, controllable force within Long's framework. It implies that this life force isn't merely passive but can be consciously channeled for specific purposes, such as healing or manifestation.
“The Aka Cord connects the physical and subtle bodies.”
— This refers to the energetic link between the material form and its etheric counterpart, the 'aka' body. Understanding this connection is presented as crucial for comprehending phenomena like psychic influence and spiritual transmission.
“Ancient Hawaiians possessed a practical science of the mind.”
— This interpretation reflects Long's core thesis: that the esoteric traditions of Hawaii were not mere superstition but a sophisticated system of psychological and spiritual understanding, a 'secret science' he sought to reveal.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Healing involves restoring balance through psychic means.
This paraphrased concept underscores the book's emphasis on the energetic and mental aspects of wellness. It suggests that true healing, within the Huna framework, goes beyond the physical to address imbalances in the psychic and spiritual realms.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Long's work positions itself within the Hermetic and esoteric traditions, specifically by attempting to systematize and reveal "secret sciences." While drawing heavily on Hawaiian indigenous practices, his presentation—focusing on mind-over-matter, energy manipulation (mana), and layered psychic structures—aligns with Hermetic principles of correspondence and mentalism. He sought to extract universal principles from a specific cultural context, a common practice in esoteric movements aiming to synthesize disparate traditions.
Symbolism
Within Long's Huna system, key symbolic concepts include the three selves (Unihipili, Uhane, Aumakua), representing distinct psychological states and levels of consciousness. Mana, the vital life force, functions as a pervasive energetic symbol, akin to chi or prana, crucial for all spiritual and healing work. The Aka body, or subtle form, symbolizes the energetic blueprint connecting the physical to the spiritual, vital for understanding psychic phenomena.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of Hawaiian Huna, particularly those involved in self-help and spiritual healing, often reference Long's systematization, even while acknowledging its interpretations. His concepts of mana and the three selves continue to influence modern discussions on energy work, consciousness, and psychological integration within various New Age and esoteric communities. His work provides a foundational, albeit controversial, link between ancient Polynesian spirituality and global esoteric thought.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of comparative esoteric traditions seeking to understand unique systematizations of indigenous wisdom, like Max Freedom Long's Huna framework. • Individuals interested in practical psycho-spiritual techniques, particularly those focused on harnessing mental energy and understanding the self's multiple aspects as presented in the 1953 text. • Researchers of 20th-century occult and metaphysical movements, examining how ancient philosophies were reinterpreted and disseminated to Western audiences.
📜 Historical Context
The Secret Science At Work emerged in 1953, a period marked by a Western fascination with non-Western spiritual traditions and esoteric philosophies. Following the impact of figures like Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society, there was a growing appetite for alternative knowledge systems. Max Freedom Long's work on "Huna" tapped into this interest by presenting ancient Hawaiian psycho-spiritual practices in a structured, almost scientific manner. This era also saw the rise of figures like George Gurdjieff and P.D. Ouspensky, who explored similar themes of consciousness and hidden human potential, though often from different cultural and philosophical starting points. Long's attempt to codify Huna, framing it as a "secret science," distinguished his approach, aiming to bridge the esoteric with a more empirical, though still mystical, worldview, distinct from the more overtly occult movements of the time.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on the distinct functions of the Unihipili, Uhane, and Aumakua as described by Long.
Consider the concept of mana and how it might be perceived or cultivated in daily life.
Analyze the potential applications of Ho'oponopono for resolving personal conflicts.
Explore the idea of the Aka body and its connection to physical and energetic well-being.
Evaluate the historical context of 1953 and its influence on Long's presentation of Huna.
🗂️ Glossary
Huna
Max Freedom Long's term for his systematized interpretation of ancient Hawaiian psycho-spiritual principles and practices, presented as a "secret science."
Mana
In Long's system, mana refers to spiritual energy, life force, or psychic power inherent in all things, which can be accumulated and directed.
Aka
The subtle or etheric body, conceived as an energetic double of the physical form, connected via an Aka Cord. It is considered a medium for psychic influence and healing.
Unihipili
The lower self or subconscious aspect of the psyche in Huna, associated with emotions, instincts, and the physical body.
Uhane
The middle self or conscious mind in Huna, representing logic, reason, and the faculty of speech.
Aumakua
The higher self or divine spirit in Huna, considered the source of intuition, guidance, and ancestral wisdom.
Ho'oponopono
A traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and problem-solving, adapted by Long as a method for harmonizing the selves and clearing negative influences.
🔮 Readers Also Liked
Browse all →
More by Max Freedom Long
All books →
More Free Occult Philosophy Books
View all →
