Queen Marau: The Last Queen Consort of Tahiti and Her Unique Human Design

Queen Marau, the last queen consort of the Kingdom of Tahiti, was a woman of remarkable history and cultural significance. Born on April 22, 1860, in Papeete, French Polynesia, she became the consort of King Pōmare V, who ruled from 1877 to 1880. Her name, meaning “Much-unique-cleansing-the-splash” in the Tahitian language, reflects her vibrant and dynamic nature. Her life, rich in royal tradition and personal turmoil, can also be explored through the lens of Human Design. As a Generator with Emotional Inner Authority, her journey was shaped by her Strategy to Respond and her Profile as a 1/3, with an Incarnation Cross of the Right Angle Cross of the Unexpected.

Early Life and Royal Lineage

Marau was born into a family considered royalty by Tahitian society. Her father, Alexander Salmon, a British Jewish merchant, and her mother, Princess Oehau, later known as ari’i Taima’i, had ten children in total. Marau was their third daughter and seventh child. Her mother was the adoptive daughter of Queen Pōmare II’s widow, further entwining Marau in the royal lineage.

Growing up in a family with strong connections to both European and Tahitian cultures, Marau and her siblings received education in Europe or Australia. From the late 1860s, she was educated in Sydney, Australia, which exposed her to a diverse cultural environment at a young age.

The Union with Pōmare V

On January 28, 1875, Marau married Crown Prince Ariiaue, the future King Pōmare V, in Papeete. At only fourteen years old, Marau entered this union with a man who was significantly older and had been previously married to Teuhe, the future Queen of Huahine. The marriage, fraught with discord, saw constant clashes between the couple.

Marau’s Human Design as a Generator with an Emotional Inner Authority meant that she often needed to wait and respond rather than initiate, potentially clashing with the demands of royal life. Her Profile of 1/3, as an investigator and martyr, reflected her need for a secure foundation and her tendency to learn through trial and error, which influenced her relationships and personal growth.

Reign as Queen Consort

Following the death of her mother-in-law, Queen Pōmare IV, on September 17, 1877, Marau and her husband were crowned as the rulers of Tahiti on September 24, 1877. Her husband adopted the name Pōmare V. As queen consort, Marau was involved in the social and cultural life of Tahiti, albeit her personal relationship with the king remained tumultuous.

With the Right Angle Cross of the Unexpected as her Incarnation Cross, Marau’s life was filled with unforeseen events and opportunities, shaping her reign and personal experiences. This aspect of her Human Design underscored her adaptability and resilience amid the challenges of royal life.

Life in Paris and Personal Transformation

In 1884, Queen Marau traveled to Paris, where she was received with great admiration. Her fashion sense became the talk of the town, inspiring Parisian society women. This period marked a significant transformation for Marau, as she embraced a new cultural milieu and personal identity.

During her voyage back to Tahiti, Marau met and fell in love with a French naval officer, a relationship that resulted in the birth of two children. This unexpected turn of events aligned with her Right Angle Cross of the Unexpected, showcasing her openness to life’s surprises and her willingness to embrace change.

Divorce and Later Life

Marau’s marriage to King Pōmare V ended in divorce on July 27, 1887. The king disowned her two younger children, prompting Marau to deny his paternity of all three children in retaliation. This period of her life was marked by personal upheaval and the search for identity, a journey consistent with her 1/3 Profile’s theme of trial and error.

In her later years, Marau became acquainted with American writer Henry Adams, who documented her life and that of her mother. Her circle of friends included notable figures such as Paul Gauguin, Pierre Loti, Somerset Maugham, Rupert Brooke, Robert Keable, Alain Gerbault, and Robert Louis Stevenson. She lived a life full of rich experiences and meaningful connections until her death at the age of 74 on February 2, 1935, in Papeete Hospital following an operation.

Human Design Insights

Marau’s Human Design Type as a Generator indicates that her energy was best utilized when she responded to life rather than initiating actions. This aspect of her design played a crucial role in her ability to navigate the complexities of her royal duties and personal life.

Her Emotional Inner Authority meant that decisions for Marau needed to be made from a place of emotional clarity, which may have contributed to the challenges she faced in her marriage and personal relationships. The Strategy to Respond in her design suggests that her most effective approach in life was to wait for stimuli or opportunities to which she could respond, rather than actively pursuing change.

The 1/3 Profile, often referred to as the Investigator/Martyr, indicates a personality driven by a desire to understand the world deeply and a willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes. This aspect of her design may have influenced her willingness to embrace new experiences and people, from her time in Paris to her friendships with renowned cultural figures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Marau

Who was Queen Marau?

Queen Marau was the last queen consort of the Kingdom of Tahiti, married to King Pōmare V. She was a Tahitian princess and significant cultural figure, known for her royal lineage and influence in Tahitian and Parisian society.

What is the significance of Queen Marau’s Human Design?

Queen Marau’s Human Design as a Generator with an Emotional Inner Authority offers insights into her approach to life and decision-making. Her Strategy to Respond and 1/3 Profile highlight her adaptive nature and her tendency to learn through experience, which shaped her personal and royal life.

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