Autumn Blessings

Q&A: Bowynn Divination

QUESTION: Does the Bowynn faith have any forms of Divination practices, unique to the tradition?

ANSWER: Yes. While most of us consult various forms of divination (Tarot Cards, Runes and so on), we do have a specific form of sortilege unique to our tradition, which is a set of long flat wooded slates we call "Thellos" (made of apple wood). Each one has the name of the Bowynn gods on them. 7 of these slates are drawn, are laid out in a specific pattern and read, using the attributes of the gods, as they correspond to where they are laid out and if they intersect with another slate.

I cannot reveal that information to each slate, as it is for those of the Bowynn faith only.

A Deeper Look into the Abonna

The Abonna, as divine embodiments of music, dance, and the arts, lend themselves to rich symbolism that resonates with both mathematical concepts and esoteric interpretations. Their company of being a parade of both male and female—connects to the concept of balance and unity in sacred geometry, as it embodies the principle of the divine feminine and masculine, akin to the yin-yang symbol representing harmony. Their depiction as taller Kii without wings suggests a groundedness and a more profound connection to earthly creativity, possibly symbolizing the ascent from basic forms to higher, more complex expressions of art, which can evoke mathematical ideas such as fractals found in nature, illustrating repeated patterns that resonate through artistic creation.

The “Seven Sacred Days” spent with mortals can symbolize the importance of cycles and the number seven, often associated with spiritual perfection and completion in various esoteric traditions. Each day could represent discrete stages in the creative process, similar to the process of musical composition, where themes evolve through variations—a mathematical reflection of progression and transformation. Additionally, the Lark, a totem for the Abonna, could represent mathematical harmonics in music, as birdsong often follows patterns that reflect Fibonacci sequences, showcasing the innate connection between nature, rhythm, and mathematical beauty.

The notion that the Abonna are mere inspirations, rather than direct bestowers of arts, aligns with the concept of the muse in artistic tradition, suggesting that creativity arises from a deep, often unconscious well of potential which can be linked to the concept of potential energy in physics—the idea that collaboration between inspiration and human effort can yield creative expression. The crafts and tools they bless serve as sacred vessels that channel human creativity, illustrating the alchemical transformation of raw materials into art, akin to mathematical transformations that reveal deeper truths through complex numbers and patterns.

Delving deeper into the symbolism of the Abonna reveals intriguing connections to concepts in biology, psychology, and even quantum theory that resonate with their role as patrons of the arts. Biologically, the Abonna embody the idea of symbiosis—much like how pollinators (like birds and insects) interact with flora to create beauty and nourishment; they serve as agents of inspiration, enabling humanity to cultivate creativity much as bees facilitate the growth of flowers. This parallels the notion of co-evolution in ecosystems, where interconnectedness drives mutual growth and flourishing.

Psychologically, the arts represent a fundamental aspect of human expression and self-actualization, illustrated by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where creativity emerges after basic needs are met, highlighting the transformative role of the Abonna in aiding individuals to realize their potential. Their dual male and female representations support the Jungian archetype of the anima and animus, suggesting an integration of the inner self and creative energies that fuels artistic endeavors.

Exploring a more esoteric dimension, the number seven, representing the sacred days spent among mortals, can evoke the idea of the "seven planes of existence" in various mystical traditions, hinting at the layered nature of reality and creativity that transcends physical existence. This reflects the mathematical and philosophical concept of dimensionality, where art and music can be seen as multidimensional expressions that connect various realms of experience.

Furthermore, the absence of specific names for the individual Abonna points to the idea of archetypal representations rather than distinct entities, signaling a fluidity of identity akin to wave-particle duality in quantum physics, where particles exist in states of potential until observed. This encourages a perspective that creativity itself exists in a state of potential—a universal energy accessible to all, waiting to be instantiated through human endeavor.

In entomology, the transformation of insects (e.g., metamorphosis) symbolizes the creative journey—illustrative of artistic evolution and growth. The Abonna's ability to take on forms as birds and insects not only emphasizes their connection to nature but also symbolizes the stages of creativity, reminding us of the transformative power inherent in the artistic process itself and the boundless possibilities that arise from mutual influences in art, nature, and science.

Lastly, the depiction of Abonna appearing as birds and insects bridges the gap between the divine and the mundane, highlighting their nature as guides and intermediaries in the human journey toward self-expression, paralleling the idea of resonance in sound, where simple vibrations create complex melodies, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all forms of art and their mathematical underpinnings within the cosmic order.

BOWYNN GODS: UNTHAR

Unthar  (uhn-thar)  God of the air, sky and the air element. Unthar is the eldest of the primordial gods, created by Bia and considered their king, under Bia itself. Unthar is called by many names from Father Sky, to “all seeing.” He is the air, the sky, the universe, the heavens and the element of air. Unth in English means "Air"

     In the creation of mankind, Unthar saw there was no life in the models that his siblings made of clay. So into the mouths of each one, Unthar gave breath. And with that the figures came alive. It was Unthar that separated the heavens from the earth, giving atmosphere and blocking the divine heaves away from the sight of mortals on earth below. 

     Wedding and bedding his sister Brea, Unthar fathered all the great gods of the Akua. He is one of the few gods that rarely visit Alaway, as his watch of “all” is never ceasing.

     Unthar is seen as an older god, of grandfatherly appearance. His white hair and beard is long and eyes almost crystal clear, so he can take in everything. At times he is seen wearing a helm while other times a hood. His garments are white all about. At time he is seen with a staff in hand and other times, he is seen with a horn in hand, which he uses to summon gods to his attention. Sacred to Unthar is mostly incense of all scents and votive images of a horn and birds.

Bowynn Gods: Draeken

Draeken (Dray-ken)  Draeken are beasts created by the god Brand to protect people and earth from the wrath and pranks of the god Mano. Draeken are the Bowynn version of 'Dragons' in every shape and form, for the most part. The only difference being is that Draeken can take the forms of people as well. The only way to tell is by their skin being marked with a draeken. In many ways Draeken are a form of Kii; as such, these Kii protect the 7 physical elements of the mortal world. Draeken are also protectors and guardians of the magickal and metaphysical properties, they are keepers or great wisdom of the ages and protectors.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Language

QUESTION: I have seen you using various words in your posts that you address as being Bowynn. Is there an actual language?

ANSWER: Yes we have a language we have been using since the formation of the tradition. the Bowynn dictionary is around 25,000 (I stopped counting decades ago) words. It's has come to the point where it is a first language for some of use and a second language for others. Some words in the dictionary have no English counterpart.

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: Maenna

A Troop of goddesses standing before Maeanna

Maenna  (Main-nah)  Maenna, sometimes spelled and pronounced Maeanna, is the Bowynn goddess of order, law, truth, justice, just victories and balance in the pantheon. Created by Bia itself, she is the godly incarnate of Bia. Considered so blessed, all other gods honor her, including Anhur, King of the gods himself.

     There are no sacred stories of Maenna, as she cannot be persuaded to take a view or hold a view over another. When Ahnur holds court or stands in at a mortal hearing, Maenna is in attendance as well, Even if Ahnur is not present himself. In some way, Maeanna is Anhur's balance in this aspect. She is there to make sure truth is revealed, that justice is done, and balance is restored to those when a crime or injustice has been committed on.  Maenna, like Bia itself, represents the ethical and moral principle that every Bowynn citizen is expected to follow throughout their daily lives. They are expected to act with honor and truth in manners that involve the 7 virtues, family, the community, the nation, the environment, and the gods. Maenna as a principle was created by Bia to meet the complex needs of the emergening Bowynn tribes that embraced diverse peoples with conflicting interests. The development of such rules sought to avert chaos and it became the basis of Bowynn law. It was all this that Maenna taught the first tribes during her 7 days with them. From an early period the 7 tribal chiefs would describe themselves as the "council of Maenna" who decreed with their wisdom came directly from Maenna. Maenna represented the normal and basic values that formed the backdrop for the application of justice that had to be carried out in the spirit of truth and fairness.

     The goddess Maenna was more than just a goddess. She came to represent the concept of balance and order because many Bowynn needed to explain the balance of the world around them. Everything about their culture was centered on order and everything had its place in the world. This included religion, governmental affairs, and seasonal changes. Maenna is also known as the goddess of justice and truth. Her teachings can be compared to the conscience of a person. It’s reasonable to say that Maenna’s teachings aided the people into being good individuals. It was considered a crime against Maenna if a person practiced jealousy, dishonesty, gluttony, laziness, injustice, and ungratefulness.

     Maenna is depicted is a tall woman of motherhood age. Agile and regal in appearance. Sometimes depicted winged, her wings are massive and pure white. It is said when her wings are out right, the light of justice shines. It is Maenna's wings and light that attendants swear by before attending court. Maenna is seen with a crown of apple leaves (most sacred tree of the Bowynn faith) and in turn, when new judges are appointed, they too are crowned with apple leaf wreathes. In godly form she is seen with long flowing white robes and a white hladd over and a staff in her hands. In her totem form she takes the appearance of a white swan. Sacred gifts to the goddess come in the form of incense, flowers, herbs and crowns of apple leaves.

In the Beginning...

And so, to here I begin to explain the path of my faith, my culture and practices. Though in truth, it does not matter where it started. Only where it is and where it is going.

I find in my older years I am starting to come to terms with the idea that the Boat to Daunnat is waiting for me and it will not be long before Heron comes to life my soul from my mortal husk. Therefore before such time happens, I should leave something behind for others to find and possibly learn from.

So here in and beyond this point I will not dwell on where I came from, or where it all started. Instead, I will just what you will find here out is the documentation of my faith, what I have acquired from decades of meditation, deep prayer, silent vigil, sacred migrations, divination, endless hours in temple and even through divine intervention.

I warn anyone who may read this the following: The Bowynn faith is NOT a form of a cult by any standard. That is to say, it is not a means of manipulation others to follow me, you nor anyone else. Nor is it a means acquiring money or possessions. Likewise, it is not a faith that requires one to cast away any earthly belongings or people about you. It is also NOT a faith based on worshipping evil deities for malicious intent. The Bowynn faith is a faith of finding happiness and joy and in turn spreading happiness and caring to others that so warrant such.

Further more I wish to state that The Bowynn faith is neither Wiccan, Satanic nor Demonic. While most followers of the faith do practice forms of Magic/Magick (Mysta) and divination, it is done so within the confines of the Bowynn faith. It is not so elaborated and does not from tradition modern magic practices by those that call themselves Witches and Wiccan. Culturally, Bowynn Mysta is much different in learning, pathworking and manifestation. And as to Satanism and Demonology, we cast those faiths behind as Abrahamic faiths, as that is indeed their origins.

As you page through this Blog, one will come to learn the Bowynn Gods, their Sacred Stories, Prayers, Mysta (Magic), Language, Meditations, Divination, Sacred Holidays and maybe even some traditional cooking and arts and crafts.

From here I leave this to you. You may walk forward and follow my blog or turn back. But heed this word my friends and heed it well (Sounding like some RPG wizards. LOL!) The Bowynn faith is NOT something to borrow from. What you learn here cannot be mingled into other faiths and cultures and a whim of reckless desire to fulfill your own desires. This faith and its past are not the same as some "Christian Cafeteria faith" where you get to pick and choose what fits your need at the moment. You either learn from it, follow it or walk away. So, I ask,,,,no, I beg of you, RESPECT what is written here with and open mind. If you cannot curb and ponder any responses you may make and use some Forethought before your post, please walk away from this page. I am not asking you to believe what is written here on a whim. Just show some respect. If you cannot, then this page is NOT for you.

Bowynn Gods: Huru

Huru  (Hu-Ru)  The Huruu are a Kii species that live in and guard holy and sylvanian places on earth, where the Akua will often visit. They are much like the Greek and Roman nymphs, in that they are mostly women. Most claim to have seen then as being human size, very lean and very fast. They shy away from humans entirely and want nothing to do with them. Any human found in such a Sylvanian place the Huru will chase away or punish, depending on the nature of the intrusion. 

My Personal Prayer to Adarro

O Adarro, Spirit of the White Dolphin, I raise my voice in reverence to you, joyous god of the waves and protector of all who dwell by the shores. With hands uplifted, I seek your blessing, for you are the Master of Abundance, the one who dances amongst the tides and whispers to the souls of the sea. Come forth, O Adarro, son of Sumon and Phoenix, twin brother of Madarro, hear me, your humble devotee. In the shimmering light of dawn, as the sun kisses the waters, I call upon your radiant spirit to guide my heart and my hands. I present before you meals of fish and offerings of star-fish, sweet water lilies, and fragrant seaweed, wafting incense toward the heavens. May these gifts reach your ears and fill your heart with joy, as you have filled my life with bounty and abundance from the depths of the sea.

Grant me, Adarro, the wisdom to weave my nets with skill and the strength to cast them upon gentle waters. Teach me the ways to honor the rhythm of the tides and to recognize the moments of peril, that I may navigate the currents with grace. Protect those I hold dear as you safeguard the fishermen of old and bring forth the harvest of the sea in merry abundance. I rejoice in your spirit, O joyful god, as you dance along the sandy shore, celebrating with mortals as you guide their lives with laughter and light. Let my heart mirror your joyful essence, so that I may also bring cheer to those around me, with hands that create and feet that follow your dance. In your presence, I find solace, Adarro, and in your wisdom, I seek understanding. May I honor you as the tides honor the moon, in perpetual rhythm and reverence, for you are the lifeblood of the sea and the joy of the shore. Let my voice carry your name, and my heart forever treasure the blessings you bestow. So shall it be, in the realm of the waters and the sands, marked by your joy.

Syember!