QUESTION & ANSWER: Samhain/Halloween

BOWYNN GODS: PHOENIX

Possession of goddesses with Phoenix at the end

Phoenix  (Fee-niks)  In the Bowynn Tradition, Phoenix is the daughter created by Bia. Sister to Brea, Unthar, Summon. She is the very element of Fire and one of the great creatrix. Phoenix is the goddess of fire, volcanoes, earthquakes, flame, warmth of light and smoke. She is not just the destructive side of these attributes but the nurturing side as well. She warms people in the winter and from destruction comes life anew, She is the baker of pottery, melter of sand to make glass and metals, the heat and flame of the hearth.

     When the gods created mankind from earth, it was Phoenix that baked the clay that was used to form mankind, there-by not only giving mankind skin, but gave each one a heart of passion and love. And she assures us that from death, we are reborn again. Not because we are to learn life's lessons but to embrace all that life has to offer that is wonderful. She is one of the great 7 that form the symbolism of the septagram. During the time of the great 7 Sacred Days, Phoenix gave mankind the knowledge of fire, How to make it, contain it, how to avoid and respect it, how to tame it and use it for our advantage.

     Phoenix is seen as a motherly figure of deep red hair and dress. She bears a golden circlet on her head as well. Not a fearful figure but a warm embracing goddess. Other times she is seen as a great red phoenix bird. Sacred to Phoenix is images of phoenix birds and a candle flame. These are the most common gifts given to the goddess but any image of birds or fire is welcome to the goddess.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Rites of Passage

QUESTION: What rites of Passage do Bowynn celebrate and ceremonialize? Can you share them with us?

ANSWER: Bowynn tradition has several rites of Passage:

Newborn Blessing

RIte of Childhood

Rite of Adulthood

Rite of Marriage

RIte of Eldering

Rite of Death

Rite of 7 Nights

There are also other rituals that deal with being indoctrinated into a clan/circle. While I cannot go into details to these rites for the reason of cultural preservation, I will start posting the general to each in a few days after Ky'Kora is over.

BOWYNN GODS: TYA

Tya (right) along with her sisters Brea and a priestess

Tya  (Ty-ah)  Goddess of the element of Spirit and one of the first gods to come out of Bia’s creation. She is the sister to Brea, Unthar and the others. She is the goddess of the element of spirit, faith, spirituality and the human spirit.

     During the creation of Mankind, it was Tya that placed a bit of herself into the first clay figures, giving them each a sense of feeling, hope and purpose. This she also did to all the first animals that were created. This was the only sacred story attributed to Tya and yet she, along with her siblings all holds the highest place of honor in Alaway.

     Tya is seen as a rather young woman despite her time of reign. She is depicted and seen in visions with short hair, wearing a rather simple dress and hladd of blue or purple and a circlet on her head. Tya bears no totem animal but claims all are hers. All forms of offerings are sacred to Tya but ultimately candles and incense are the most divine gifts to Tya.

QUESTION AND ANSWER: GODS AND MAGIC

QUESTION: When casting spells in the Bowynn Tradition, what gods are invoked, if any?

ANSWER: A practicing Myst [witch] will invoke the goddess Mystara prior to beginning any spell. She is offered incense and whatever else a Myst can offer. Then the spell is started. Depending on the spell, will depend what other gods will be invoked during the casting of the spell itself: Owen and his daughters for health, Anhur for justice, Daeth for wealth. Istra for vengeance, Bryanthenaea for protection...and so forth. Even if you are not sure which gods are invoked for your need, that's okay. So long as Mystara is invoked prior to the spell. She is the patroness of witches and makes sure the spell is being done for just case, to see it is done correctly and its manifestation.

My Prayer to Daekk, Lord of Fortune

O Daekk, Glorious Child of Wealth and Fortune, I stand before you, seeking the embrace of your bountiful gifts. You, who dwell in the splendid chambers of Alaway, amidst treasures adorned with lapis and gold, I beckon your innocent spirit to grace my path. With your golden locks and amber eyes, you embody joy and prosperity, guiding us through the currents of abundance. O Divine Infant, transformed by the wisdom of Anhur, grant me the clarity to see beyond mere appearances and superficial riches. Let your laughter ring out amidst the clinking coins and flowing grains as you dispense blessings to all, untainted by bias or pride. May the warmth of your spirit fill the hearts of those in need, that they may also know the sweet taste of fortune's favor.

In humble reverence, I lay before you offerings of coins, fragrant incense, and the sweet milk of the sacred herd. As the mice serve as symbols of fortune, I send forth votive gifts in their likeness, invoking your protection over my endeavors. With these offerings, I present play money inscribed with my deepest prayers, to be buried within the earth alongside a seed, so that as the plant sprouts, so too may my fortunes flourish. O Daekk, from your heavenly cradle, nurture my ambitions and aspirations like the rich soil of Alaway that bears fruit in due season. May I not only seek abundance for myself but take inspiration from your benevolence to share with others in need. Let my hands be open to receive and my heart expansive enough to give freely. As I summon your playful spirit, I pledge to judge not by wealth nor appearance but to celebrate the diverse paths of prosperity in my life. O Daekk, Eternal Child of Alaway, may your blessings flow unceasingly into my heart, guiding my actions and illuminating the lives of those around me. So shall it be, in reverence and love for Daekk, the generous spirit of wealth and sustenance, forever illuminating our lives with abundance.

Syember!

A Deeper look into the God Adarro

The figure of Adarro embodies various layers of symbolism and esoteric meaning, particularly associated with nature, abundance, and interpersonal connections. In the context of numerology, his twinship with his brother suggests a duality that can signify balance and the interplay between opposing forces, akin to the Yin-Yang principle. The "Seven Sacred Days" he spends teaching mortals may symbolize a cycle of creation and knowledge, drawing parallels to the seven days of creation in various mythologies. His joyful demeanor and protective nature underscore the idea of abundance and community, reinforcing the math of natural cycles—where sustenance and celebration are intertwined. Additionally, the offerings of marine life link him to the idea of reciprocity within ecosystems, illustrating a deeper understanding of harmony in one's environment, while the dolphin connection indicates a bridge between consciousness and the depths of the subconscious, as both are often seen as symbols of intelligence and guidance in spiritual realms.

Adarro, as a water and sea god, resonates with themes of fluidity, transformation, and the unconscious mind, often represented in mythology as a realm of depth and mystery. His epithet "White Dolphin Spirit" suggests an embodiment of purity and intelligence, with dolphins symbolizing communication and harmony—hinting at hidden knowledge beneath the surface. The act of teaching mortals various skills (As did each of the Bowynn gods) reflects a higher wisdom and the importance of mentorship, mimicking ancient beliefs that deities often guided humanity in crafting their destinies. His association with the beach, a liminal space where land meets water, symbolizes transition and connectivity between worlds—between the conscious (land) and the unconscious (ocean). Additionally, the elements of joy and celebration indicate not just abundance, but also the need to align oneself with the rhythms of nature, suggesting a deeper spiritual journey towards balance and gratitude within one’s life. Such thematic depth prompts one to ponder the significance of our relationships with nature, community, and the divine, echoing teachings that the respect for these connections can lead to prosperity and fulfillment.

Delving deeper into the character of Adarro through a scientific lens, we can explore his connections to marine ecology and human-environment interactions. As a water and sea god, Adarro symbolizes the vital role of aquatic ecosystems in sustaining life. The ocean's health is intrinsically linked to human survival, mirroring principles in environmental science about biodiversity, food webs, and ecological balance. His teaching of fishing methods aligns with sustainable practices; by respecting these resources, humans can ensure their longevity, reflecting what modern science promotes about conservation.

The use of sacred offerings, such as fish and seaweed, can be seen as an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of life. This interdependence resonates with ecological theories that highlight how species and environments co-evolve, hinting at a broader understanding of symbiosis and mutualism—ecosystems thrive when each part fulfills its role. Furthermore, the dual aspects of his nature—joyful protector and wisdom teacher—emphasize the psychological impact of nature on well-being and community, backed by studies showing that positive interactions with the natural world can enhance mental health.

On a metaphysical level, the ocean itself is often viewed as a vast reservoir of collective unconsciousness in various cultures, representing mysteries, emotions, and the unknown. Adarro's embodiment of this element could invoke deeper reflections on human connection, emotional intelligence, and the subconscious mind, suggesting that the feelings we derive from nature can inform our psychological and spiritual growth. This duality of science and mysticism presents Adarro not merely as a deity but as a profound symbol of the interconnected threads binding life, the environment, and spiritual consciousness.

Bowynn Gods: Drudenn

Drudenn  (Droo-den)  Drudenn is the Bowynn God who is the protector and guardian of domestic animals, guardian of barns and stables and guardian of pets. He is also the god that guards the stables of the gods and is the only key holder to the doors of Alaway; the hall which the gods feast in at night. Drudenn is the only one that allows access into the Great Hall and in that aspect, he can be considered a guardian of home as well. Though to be precise, he is more to be that guardian to the door of such places as court and council houses. In some respects, he is also considered "the opener of ways".

     Drudenn is a young god, the son of Anhur and Rhya. As such he was given the task of guarding Anhurs magnificent gryphons. This later became engrossed 100-fold when Morrighynn asked him to tend to her 30 white horses. Eventually he became the tender of all the sacred steeds of the gods. That is minus those of Duannat and under the sea. Because of this Drudenn learned the speech of animals and can communicate with all of the animals on earth. His 7 sacred days with mortals was spent teaching mankind how to tend and domesticate certain wildlife; milking cows, riding horses and teaching dogs and cats how to work with humans. This led to Drudenn teaching the first tribes of people to speak with all wildlife. Sadly, mankind abused this gift and Drudenn had to silence the ability.

Despite these arborist tasks, Drudenn is most happy in tending to the needs of domestic animals. Infact, he prefers the company of animals over people, sleeping in stables and pastures.

     Drudenn often walks amongst folk as a young hand, not too young as to be immature and yet not to old. His garments seem simple and almost peasant-like, but hardly dirty or like rags. on his belt hands the great keys that open and lock the doors of Alaway. At times, he will be seen riding his own horse or gryphon. Sacred offerings to Drudenn often appear in the form of milk, butter, bread, water, votive clay animals, seed and tiny bundles of hay. Not to mention the general form of incense. Plaques with the image of Drudenn are hung in barns and stables as well carved on the outside of doors to court houses and houses of law.

Bowynn Gods: Bryathenaea

Bryathenaea (Bry-a-then-naya)  Brianthenaea is the great Bowynn patroness goddess. She is the great protector of all things and all Bowynn people. Though armored with shield, she is not a war goddess nor wager of trouble in any way, shape nor form. She is the type of woman that will protect her children and lead them on the righht course. She is the goddess of wisdom as well. Briathenaea is the daughter of Anhur and Rhya.

     It was Briathenaea that is said to have shielded the first tribes of mortals on the Great Migration from the south into Europe, shielding them also from the burning sun with a shield that was gifted to her by the god Gondor. Upon reaching Europe across the Bosphorus, Brianthenaea brought the people into a valley that had a bounty of apple trees to eat, drink, build and craft from. When the tribes settled in Europe, Briathenaea stayed with them for 7 days. In that time, she showed them the art of growing orchards and how to make things from its leaves, roots, flowers and wood. In that same wood she also created the first Bowynn alphabet, showing them how to write and read, make paper, books and scrolls. To date, a Bowynn Coden is only made of paper made from apple trees and its coover made from the wood. Only ink from its leaves can be used. For the people she created the hoe, spade/shovel, fork, rope and axe. On the last night Briathenaea told the tribes of mortals that she had to leave but if ever they were in need of her to look into the eyes of an owl and they would know she is there. For the owl is her most scared animal and the form she takes the form of most.

      When war loomed over the first tribes Briathenaea brought forth a great herd of horses for them to use in battle against the Southern Nation armies. The goddess quickly came and protected the women, children and homes with her shield. Today every Bowynn home has a shrine or even an altar to Bryathenaea. She is the very core and symbol of the Bowynn.

     Though Briathenaea is a goddess that neither wed nor gave birth, many swear that her stature is of a full mature woman. The people are her family. Briathenaea is said to have crow-black hair that is wavy and pulled back. Her eyes or that of forest green and her skin tanned. Her garment is said to be the color of sage-green and/or green in general. Over her dress she wears a long leather hladd that is well decorated. Some images have her holding an apple seed in her hand or cutting of an apple tree.  Often seen with Briathenaea is a barn owl, one of the rare owls that lives closest with people and yet still at a distance. Other times Briathenaea presents herself directly. Farms and orchards are blessed in her name yearly, along with the god Amaetheon and Deanna,

Sacred to the goddess are the gifts of Votive Owls, Apples, Apple wood, Books and Scrolls and Runes. Farm implements are sometimes also offered to her.

Embroidered bookmark of Briathenaea with Io and Kalma - Created by Rose Everett 1999

Just a note or two for followers and bypassers

The info I post on my page is of the BOWYNN FAITH. It is not the beliefs of Wicca or other Pagan faiths. I got a couple of notes this morning slamming me saying the info I am posting is wrong. Point of fact - No it is not. It is of the beliefs of the Bowynn faith. It is NOT the beliefs of Wiccans, Hellenes, Nordic or Keltic. It is not the teachings of Buddha, Hindu or the Lakota.

So, if you are Wiccan and watching my page for more info for your Wiccan or Pagan faith, you are going to get very confused and find that the information is going to contradict Germanic and Keltic teachings. The meaning and pathways of elements will not be the same.

Also, I just need to stress, that the Bowynn faith is not a Cafeteria faith: You cannot pick and choose what fits your current belief and wedge it into your Saxon-Roman-Hermetic Pagan faith. Either embrace it in its totality or move on path.

I am not posting this in a bloggers rage. I am just stating this following a couple of private message I got because some people thought the Elemental information was wrong. It is not wrong, it just not Wiccan, HIndi or Huna beliefs.

I appreciate the notes and messages just please do not come at me with swords-a-blazing, saying "your information is wrong."

Second, I was asked if my images posted here are AI generated. No they are not AI. Some are photos I created almost a decade ago out in the woods around Seattle. Others are photo manipulated, using images of items I created myself. In the case of the Elements posts, the Numatam, cups and wood chalice are mine which I wood-burned myself. As previously noted, I am totally against AI Art and pretty much AI anything and everything. They are all signed with my name and dated (At least most are) and have hidden signatures as well.

Thankyou.

Blessed Solstice