The Bowynn Year And Holidays:

Bowynn Gods: Myliea

Myliea  (My-Lee-ah)  (Also spelled Myliea, Melia and Melea) is the Bowynn goddess of winter. She is one of the 4 seasons, daughters of Morrighynn and Herne and is the consort of the God of the North Wind, Arn. Her name literally means "Winter."

     Few tales are told of Meliea. She contested with her sisters for which season they would rule over and because Myliea granted conifer and pine trees the gift to survive the winter, she was so given the season of Winter to govern over. Thus, on the first day of winter, Myliea's sister Kora, [Autumn], departs the land, while Myliea appears on Winter's first day on a magnificent white horse, bringing the cold, frost, snow and sleep stage of the year. On the Bowynn holiday known as Kymeliea, (Candlemas and Imbolc for other traditions) it is time to celebrate the sacred and divine wedding of Arn to Myliea. Said to have been staged in a winter wonderland and decorated with all the color and mystical beauty of the season. During the holiday of Tsameliea (Winter Solstice) both god and goddess visits the homes that are decked in winter finery and have a candle lit in the window. If content that the homes is warm, safe, well stocked and filled with cheer, Arn will knock his staff on the doors and shutters, blessing the house while Myliea leaves a small gift at the door, under the door bough or hanging from it. Often these are in the form of bundles of foods; nuts, dried fruit, wine and for kids, candy and sweet cakes is left.

Several processional or Myliea and her 3 sisters

     Myliea is seen as a female figure of motherly-grand-motherly age. A woman refined with red hair laced with white, pulled back. She is clad in blues, silvers and whites. One can assume her hlad is of the same tones but it is not commonly seen because of the blue and white fur robe she wears over it, lined and trimmed in white furs. Sometimes she is said to have a Daddalo or Stola of blue laced with snowflakes over her robe. In her hand is often seen a staff of pine wood, wrapped in garland, ribbons and fillets. Her head is often said to be crowned (but not always) with a wreath of pine, conifer and/or holly. Sometimes she is said to be winged is glorious white feathers. When about mortals Myliea will take the image of a horse or deer, which are her totem animals.

     Sacred gifts to Myliea are Milk, Water, votive images of white horses, chickadees and cardinals. And of course incense.

BOWYNN GODS: RHYA

Rhya  (Ry-ah)  Queen of the gods and goddess of women’s rituals and psychics in the Bowynn pantheon. She is the daughter of Phoenix and Sumon and the sister of Kalma and Kauldra. When it comes to all things of feminine arts and persuasion, Rhya is the goddess to look to. She is the goddess that initiates girls into the temples when they are of age.

      In many ways Rhya is much like her Mediterranean counterparts Juno and Minerva, in that she is the queen of the holy family. But that’s where the similarity ends. Rhya is a most loving and devoted wife but also a motherly goddess, not just to her own children but to all of the Akua. Thus, Rhya is a patron of not just queens but mothers.

     The most epic tale of Rhya is that of her being wooed by Anhur. The handsome young go fell in love almost instantly. As did Anhur’s brothers fall for Rhya’s sisters. But Rhya refused to be taken in by fancy talk and demanded that Anhur show how much he loved her. Anhur brought Rhya the most glorious gifts from all over the earth. But each one Rhya turned down. This continued for a long time till the god was exalted and there were no other gifts on earth to bring Rhya. Finally, Anhur simply pledged his love, truly and unconditionally. This what Rhya was waiting to hear the whole time, and she accepted his hand in marriage.

     Rhya is seen in her immortal form as a well-formed woman of a motherly look. She has raven black hair that is crowned and veiled, depicting his queenly statue. Her garments are of pure white and silver. Other times it is of a lavender color and accented in some manner with a votive image of a peacock. During times where her presence is seen at weddings ceremonies, she is accompanied by the god Dhonan. Together they sanctify the couple being wed. Being that her totem is a peacock, she will take this form when in the presence of mortals. Sacred to her is the crown, staff and votive image of a peacock or its feathers.

My Personal Prayer to Aetenn

O Aetenn, Ram-Crowned God, protector of arms and armor, I invoke your sacred presence as I stand before you with a humble heart. In the woodlands of Alaway, where the echoes of drums resonate, I seek your divine vigilance over that which I hold dear. Hear me, O Aetenn, son of Anhur and Rhya, guardian of warriors who tread the path of honor. I call upon your spirit, adorned with ram horns and the protective thorns of the black berry wreath. May your strength shield me as I navigate the challenges that lie ahead, that I may face them with the courage you impart. I lay before you the symbols of my devotion—swords and shields, crafted by the hands of mortals, and drums that carry the rhythm of my heart. Accept these offerings, O great Aetenn, as I seek your blessing upon my arms and the gear that I cherish. Let the resounding beat of your drums echo my intent to honor and protect all that I prize.

Grant me, Aetenn, your vigilance over my possessions, especially those that are most precious to me. As you guard the soldiers before battle, let your protection extend to my heart’s desires, ensuring they remain safe from harm. May your watchful eye preserve the integrity of what I cherish, standing steadfast through trials and tribulations. In gratitude, I celebrate your spirit, O Aetenn, the drumming god whose rhythms unite our souls. As your drums once communicated across campfires, may my prayers rise like the beat of your sacred drums, melding into the whispers of the forest, proclaiming my trust in your divine care. O Ram-Crowned God, I honor you with these words, pledging my loyalty and reverence. May your spirit protect me as I venture forth and may the arms and armor I wield bear the strength of your guardianship. Let my path be illuminated by your wisdom, as I carry your essence in my heart and in my actions. So shall it be, as the echoes of your drums resound throughout the realms of the living.

Syember!

Bowynn Gods: Lomaun

Lomaun  (Lo-maun)  Lomaun is the son of Hern and Morrighynn. But he seems to have been born a mortal for reasons unknown who later became a god after his quests and adventures were over. This assention is not common in Bowynn faithn, as much as it is in Greek, Roman, Nordic and other faiths. As a god, he presides over forests, wildlife, protecting travelers, discovery, and guardianship of bears.

     Lomaun is worshipped as a bear god, a protector of travelers in general. Often prayed to before taking a trip for a safe journey and then again when the journey is complete. He is the guardian of the wild wood and all its creatures. He is the protector of hunters and their prey. Lomaun is also the god that helps those discover lost and new items but more importantly discover we all are deep inside.  

     Born a mortal child, Lomaun was raised by a bear till he was found and raised by a loving mortal family. However, he knew he was not the same as them, seeing he could do small feats that others simply could not do. In one instance he took on and defeated a giant boar that was terrifying travelers. The quest to slay the beast, lead Lomaun on a quest to find out who he really was and who his parents were, taking his bear mother with him. Along the way he encountered a series of tests of strength, skill, love, devotion, wisdom, cunning and learning the 7 virtues through trial. In the greatest of these tests, he ran into a tribe that was starving and on the brink of death. With bow in hand Lomaun trudged into the woods and there he spied a great elk. Lomaun was all ready to slay the beast when he was suddenly overcome with divine energy and realized he could not kill the animal. Lomaun realized that the elk in question was his father Herne's great steed. Lomaun slew the immortal elk and for this crime His immortal spirit, souls and body was turned mortal.

His last great feat was to take on a huge mountain of a man that was challenging men to a battle and killing them. In the battle Lomaun's bear companion was mortally wounded. Lomaun slew the warrior and raced to the bear’s side to find her transformed into a mortal. She was so beautiful and her dying breath she revealed that her name was Teega and that she did not love him as a mother would but as a lover. Lomaun wept so much that Herne and Morrighynn took pity and gave Lomaun and Teega immortality and allowed into Alaway to sit with the other gods. Their mortal lesson was etched into the night sky by Unthar, lord of the skies, as the Great Bear and Little Bear constellations.

     Lomuan is seen with wild brown hair and sporting a short beard and moustache. On his hip is a sword, on his back a quiver of arrows and in his hand a staff. He is seen in normal hunting cloths or a traveler’s wayfarer robe but over these he always have a bear skin for a cloak or large mantle. Despite his Heraklian-like mortal tasks, he is not depicted powerfully strong. Most of his mortal deeds being accomplished with brains over brawn. And at his side is either depicted his love in either bear or mortal form. Sometimes he will be seen as a bear himself, as the bear is his totem animal. Sacred offerings best suited to Lomaun are votive fetishes of bears, spear and arrowheads, tree saplings, fish, berry cakes (and berries in general) and of course incense.

Bowynn Gods: Mystara

Mystara  (Mis-tar-ah)  Mystara is the Bowynn goddess of all forms of magickal, mystical and esoteric arts. This includes Divination, Healing, Dream Work and all arts that can be filed in the term of being esoteric. Mystara is also the patroness to Mysts [witches,] diviners and oracles. All those that deals with the arts of mysticism falls in the realm of the goddess Mystara. She is the daughter of Ehrlik and a mortal woman, [supposedly] whose name is unknown.

     Most of Mystara’s life is spent working with witches and other mystics, be it in temples, covens, circles, groves or solely in their homes. It is said that the goddess travels from town to town looking for the "wise ones" in the form of a cat. Accompanying her are sometimes the Hii, fae folk of the mystical and magical arts. Hii are also said to attend her in any workings she may labor over. Mystara has no sacred tales spoken about her or known. But she is spoken more than often in the here and now, attending Mysts [witches]in their own work, granting spells to manifest and making sure the spells cast are justified. Yet despite all this, she is a most important goddess in the Bowynn pantheon. She is revered by women and men equally, not just as a goddess of magick but also a goddess that protects Mysts and blesses new Mysts in rites of initiation and empowerment. For it is Mystara that raises young Myst's minds and bodies, to that of being a learned and powerful. Despite all this, Mystara is NOT a dark goddess. She is not clad in all black, she does not harbor wicked and evilness. There is nothing dark nor mysterious about Mystara. She will however attend to those who use the arts of magic in a malicious manner justly. Casting curses, hexes and binding spells will catch Mystara's attention quickly and she will make sure it is not done recklessly nor unjustly. Calling on Mystara before casting a spell is beyond common practice, so she may witness all goings-on. Mystara will punish those that cast spells wrongfully and vengefully.

     Mystara is seen as a mother figure in appearance, with black hair that is veiled. Her clothing is said to be is purple and autumn-like colors, with gold or copper embroidery and jewelry. Encircling her brow is a crown that bares the runes that make up the Bowynn alphabet, which is also used for divination. When not in her godly form, she is seen as an elegant black cat with glowing blue eyes; the cat being her totem.

     Sacred to Mystara are all the symbols of magic, divination and other such arts, as well as votive images of cats. Though the most gifted offering one can give to her is bundles of incense. Traditionally on certain holidays of the year, Incense sticks in the multiples of 100 are burned to Mystara as offerings. the numbers 100 and 7 are a most sacred number to her, so any offering given in amounts of 100 and 7 appeases Mystara a great deal. And 7 is the most scared number in the Bowynn faith.

Blessed Winter Solstice

My Prayer to Death, of Darkness

O Daeth, God of Darkness and Shadows, I humbly approach your sacred presence, seeking solace in your embrace as the night descends. You, the primordial force born from the will of Bia, illuminate the balance of existence, where light yields to the beauty of darkness. In your gentle shadow, I find comfort and reflection as I explore the depths of my soul beneath the shroud of night. O Handsome Wielder of Shadows, whose hair flows like the void and whose eyes shimmer with the light of distant stars, guide me on this journey of self-discovery. In the stillness of the dark moon, I call upon your wisdom to confront my shadow self. Let your presence soothe my fears and illuminate the hidden truths that dwell within, revealing the paths that lead to greater understanding and harmony. With reverence, I offer the darkness of my heart, for it is in shadows that I encounter my authentic self. I lay before you tokens of respect—black stones from the earth, incense of night-blooming flowers, and images that symbolize the shadows I wish to embrace. May these offerings find favor in your eyes, reminding the world that darkness is not to be feared but celebrated as a vital force in the tapestry of life.

O Daeth, bearer of the night, bestow your blessings upon those who seek rest and dreams in the embrace of Naraea. May your gentle whispers guide them through the realms of consciousness, bringing forth visions of wisdom and tranquility. In your union with Tora, may the realms of night flourish under your protective shadows, weaving a sanctuary for all who dwell beneath your stars. As I recognize the pivotal role you play in the balance of existence, I pledge to honor the darkness as I do the light. O Daeth, may your elegance remind me that every shadow carries the promise of illumination, and in every dark moment lies the potential for renewal. Let me wear the cloak of acceptance, acknowledging the beauty in all aspects of life, for without your essence, the tapestry of creation remains incomplete. So shall it be, in reverence and love for Daeth, the gracious God of Shadows, forever guiding and nurturing the delicate balance of our universe.

Syember!

Bowynn Gods: Boquinn

Boquinn (Bow-kwin)  (also Soquinn) The Boquinn are the Bowynn are Kii giants of the forests and mountains and the protectors of them. Boquinn are hairy ape-like spirits, they are often solitary wanderers of the unlike other Kii that often work together. They were created by Brand to keep the woodlands safe from Mano’s wrath and pranks and the destructiveness of the Tii. Unlike other Kii, they do not speak like humans but more like animals. Legends say that for a person to see a Boquinn, will bring the person great blessings. The Boquinn are in general, peaceful, unless people get too close. When a Boquinn does present itself as vicious, it is normally a warning that some great change is about to take place that will disrupt their homeland.

Bowynn Gods: The Kii

Kii  (Ky)  Kii are protective spirits of nature, home, work, the arts and various places. There are many types of Kii, large and minuscule and they all preside over different areas of nature. But all Kii are of good persuasion. And their appearance varies greatly. The three common type of Kii often seen and talked about are the small ones, which are described as no bigger than someone’s hands and have bird wings. There is a second type of small Kii that do not have wings. The third type are human size and have no wings.  And then there is the large type, which can be as big as trees and mountains. Some are humanoid in shape, some monstrous. The Bolquinn/Solquinn are big hair forest dwelling beasts.

The Kii were the creation of Brand and his siblings Kord and Brenda. They were created to guard and protect people and places during the destruction and seductive reign of Mano, who was starting to play nasty tricks on the gods. After Mano was destroyed, his minions the Tii were still causing havock, so Kord dictated the Kii were to remain, watching over the earth and its people.

Kii, like the gods, try not to interfere in human lives. Some try to avoid mortals at all cost. While some may protect the home or other such places, they do not get involved in mortal activity. One does not summon a Kii, as it is considered rude and can lead to mishaps. But if asked politely, a Kii may help. The Kii are not immortal but they do have a long lifespan. Some have been said to like about 200-300 years. No sacred story exists that mentions an individual Kii's name.

     Here is a list of some of the different types of Kii, some of which include:  Golderay (lightning, electricity and storms) Morrqua (stars, sleep, dreams and night) Sanna (waters) Chappa (mountain) Suni (wind and clouds) Maukol (harvest, wheat and grain) Gorto (forge) Jakk (domestic fire and flame) Heather (flowers and gardens) Aetin (cemeteries) Hii (magickal arts) Laukel (trees and woodlands) Tayo (houses, hearth, children) Solquinn (Forests)

     The Hii, Abonna and Kobbatti are often considered not Kii but instead as gods, even if they do not have individual names. Some folk do not consider the divisions of the Kii and just speak of them just as “The Kii.”

Blessed Solstice