Bowynn Gods: Naea

The Septagram {Tau Numatam}

The Numatam or Septagram, is the most sacred of symbols. It is the symbol of our faith and of whole we are as a people. Much like the Cross is to Christians, Star of Davis is to Jews, the Pentagram is to Wiccans and the Greek Key is to Pagan Greeks. The Numatam has many stories, philosophies, and applications attached to it. In the Autumn Wood Tradition the earth symbolized the divine, as the interconnectedness of all things was the sacred message throughout their lives. Nothing was separate from the other, each life force bound to the other and explains the importance of the earth being regarded as our mother who provides for us with food, shelter, and holds water for us when we thirst. There was no one symbol that represented all their philosophies. The tree, the mountain, the river, and the animal were all symbolic and connected to the divine. To further this belief and philosophy the Numatam today represents the seven ideals which those of the Bowynn Tradition uphold and strive for in life, each a guide to daily living.

The points refer to the seven virtues prized by all who follow The Autumn Wood tradition – Peace, Charity, Love, Courage, Kindness, Spirituality and Balance.

Secondly the points refer to the seven principles as mentioned above – Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Soul, Spirit and Balance.

The Numatam also represents the 7 aspects of the forest under which we need to survive – Forest, Wind, Rain/Stream, Hearth, Sun, Moon and Balance.

The Numatam also represents the 7 guilds under which our clans come together as, and each member has a part to partake in – Warriors, Mages, Healers, Weavers, Harvesters, Bards and Librarians.

The Numatam represents the Seven Swords of the Wild Wood, Give to the first 7 chiefs of the first 7 tribes. (This will be touched on later on) – Dennon, Eurya, Kell, Ryos, Aevos, Halis and Tenlon.

The Numatam represents the 7 great rites that befalls a member in the course of his/her life (providing that they are born to the clan – Birth, Naming, Adolescence, Adulthood, Marriage, Death and Resurrection.

Each Line of the Numatam represent a sacred pathway that we follow and meditate on

Lastly, we come to the sphere that encases it all. The circle representing the connection of all of these qualities into one. The circle of life. Totality and enclosure. The embrace of arms around you by the gods.

These philosophies provided here are a general guide and each point and line can be expanded on in great lengths. The Numatam is a wonderful meditation meant to be experienced and explored. One can find even greater meanings to the Numatam through meditation and reflection. For us, and some who practice the following philosophies, feel that the points reflect values in which we choose to honor. The journey through the points is like reading a story with hidden wisdom.

A final word about the Numatam. While most other faiths feel that wearing their holy symbol brings them closer to their divine, Bowynn need not do so. While some Bowynn name were the Numatan as a bracelet, necklace, ring or have it tattooed or painted on their skin, it is not required by any divine law. We live withing the confines of the Numatam. It is with us and all about us wherever we travel. So, one need not have to feel you must by a Numatam pendant.

Bowynn Gods: The Hyndd

Hyndd (Hynd)  These people are in some aspect related to the Greek and Roman Kentaurs. But instead of the lower torso of a horse, it is a deer or elk with dark eyes, antlers and ears. The female Hyndd so not have horns. They are the guardians of deep forests where most men will dare to dwell and they hunt down those the try to destroy the woodlands. The Hyndd are the cousins of the Thurdro.

The Hyndd are not mortal by any stretch but forest Kii (spirits), They can appear and disappear as needed. Stories tell how people will encounter a Hyndd and in a flash the Hyndd with whisk away like a flurry of butterflies.

Happy Harvest Day!!

Blessed Winter Solstice

Bowynn Gods: Brand

Brand (Brand)  Brand is the god of music, prophecy and oracles. Brand is the son of Anhur and Rhya and the twin brother to Kord and brother of Brenda. His very name means “Light.” Not physical light but Light as in “Enlightenment.”

     There was always a special friendship and bond between Brand and his brother Kord. This was clear from their birth. So close were the two that their cousin Mano became enraged with jealousy. Often Mano would pick on the brothers. Brand in particular for Brand was considered the most handsome of the male gods. So, it was more than often that Mano would play practical jokes on the two. This went on for many years. However, one day, one of Mano’s jokes went too far and backfired on himself. So enraged, Mano wanted revenge on Kord and Brand more than ever.  He took Brand’s sister Brenda, the goddess of love and hid her in a cave and trapped her there. This started a long war between the three young men. Then one day while Brand was sleeping in a field, Mano attacked and slew him. Kord in the meantime, not knowing this, snuck into Mano’s home and freed Brenda.

     When they got back to Brand, it was too late, the handsome god was dead. While Brenda wept for her brother, Kord went on a mad hunt and after a long battle, defeated Mano and imprisoned him. Back at his brother’s side, Kord and Brenda wept and begged the gods of the world of souls to bring Brand back. Anhur said that to bring Brand back, Kord and Brenda would have to go to the underworld and bargain with Chumash. This Brenda and Kord did and the god was taken back with Brenda's plea that Chumash brought Brand back to life.

      It was also during this war against Mano that Brand and his brother Kord created the Kii in order to protect the land that battled on and mortals. Some of the Kii they created were small and others large, depending on the attribute they were bestowed to protect. Not to be outdone however Mano created the Tii, spirits of ill repute.

Since Brand's resurrection Brand took up less of a role as a warrior and more of a god of wisdom. He built, with the help of the god Kane, the first Vlanato Thanto {Oracle's Temple}, blessed and sanctified the first Vlanatos {Oracles} and gave instructions on the design for Bowynn Thantos {Temples}. He also created the strict codes by which all vlanstos need to live by. By taking the Bowynn alphabet he devised a divination system for people to use.

      Together with his brother Kord, the two represent the epitamy of brotherhood and friendship. One being the defended and protector and Brand being the thinking and voice of wisdom. The two together see over friendship and the rights of blood-brother making. They guard well over such friendships. Brand’s harp and voice is said to be that which brings such friendships together.

     Brand is considered of all the gods, the most handsome. This beauty is called ‘radiant’, and some say his presence and beautiful radiance has a sort of hypnotic power. Brand and Kord’s deep friendship are considered the very symbolism of true brotherhood. In art and in visions Brand is at most times depicted as a handsome young man, clean shaven, with light colored hair and carrying either a lute or flute. Brand has two immortal golden gryphons as steeds, which are his companions. Their names are Amber Wind and Honey Wind. Sacred to Brand are the Gryphon, Cattle, the harp, flute, amber stone and wreath of oranges or limes.

Kord and Brand Bronze of Brand

Bowynn Tradition Virtues {Hylin}

The following are the Sacred Seven virtues {Hylin} of the Bowynn faith. These seven virtues are one of many attributes of the Bowynn Holy Symbol, the Numatam:

Peace {Del}

Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm. It comes especially in quiet moments of reflection or gratitude. It is getting very quiet and looking at things so you can understand them. Peacefulness is a way of approaching conflict with others so that no one is made wrong.  It is being fair to others and yourself. Peace is giving up the love of power for the power of love. With peacefulness, everyone wins. Practicing peacefulness helps to create a calm mind free from worry. When you are peaceful, you respect others and their differences. People around you feel calm and safe.  Without peace, no one is safe. People get hurt.  Fighting doesn’t solve problems, and no one every really wins a war.  With peacefulness, any problem can be solved. Peace in the world begins with peace in your heart.  To find inner peace, become very still and think peaceful thoughts. Observe and think about your feelings, like anger, instead of acting with anger. To be a peacemaker, use peaceful language instead of name-calling, yelling or gossiping.  Avoid aggressive or violent actions. Talk things out and listen to the other person too.  Then look for a peaceful solution. Peacemakers find there are lots of creative ways to solve any problem.

Charity {Artaejen}

A person in need of charity is somebody who risks the loss of some very strong and stable desires. These include basic desires such as a desire for a warm place to sleep on a cold winter’s night, a desire for food and clean water to drink, a desire for health, and, in some cases, a desire to go on living. When a person has a desire to help fulfill the particularly strong desires of others, then an act of charity fulfills not only the desires of those to whom he gives, but his own desires as well. Some people state that part of the value of giving to charity is the pleasure that it provides to those who do the giving. However, this pleasure is contingent. This is a learned desire – a desire brought about by the use of social tools such as praise (of those who are charitable) and condemnation (of those who are selfish). People in general have many and strong reasons to praise those who are charitable, and to condemn those who are selfish. Any one of us could end up in a situation where some of our strongest and most stable desires are at risk – where we are without a home or suffer some severe threat to our health and long life. But we must remember to give because it is the right thing to do. Not because we expect good things in return.

Love {Brend}

We often think of love as an emotion we experience, an emotion characterized by the desire to be close to another person, the sense of cozy pleasure we feel in a relationship. This emotional aspect of love is usually perceived as warmth, attraction, intimacy, closeness and excitement. If we limit our understanding of love to the experience of transient emotions alone, we are on extremely unstable ground.  Whether we enjoy someone's company or not, whether we admire their character or not, we can still honor a person from a spiritual perspective simply because, we are all created from the same spirit. In this definition of love we make a commitment to remember the truth of our oneness and treat others with respect and kindness no matter if they are worthy of such sentiments or not. Loving another person in this way is respecting their divinity, which is the same as ours. This is a reliable foundation for a positive relationship. When we find ourselves angry or fearful, all love is not lost. We must turn our attention to the principle of love, which calls us to be gentle, kind and to treat others with respect despite the life-constricting emotions of anger and fear. This concept of love is what the ancient Greeks called Agape love -- a love that honors all others. When we have love to give, we can express it with respect, kind words and actions, even when the conditions don't seem to warrant loving-kindness. To foster love, we have to be honest in little and big matters.  To demonstrate love, we can give our undivided attention whether we are at work or at home. Just silently listening and being present can be a loving gesture. Never forget that love can be applied to any problem. Since this life is short, savor moments by being fun-loving and relishing connections with others. Each day, make a conscious choice to live lovingly and express love to yourself and others.

Courage {Baraej}

Courage is one of those virtues necessary to living a good life. Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of courage is bravery in the face of a threat, yet it is so much more. It is the ability to choose the point that lies between cowardice and recklessness in any circumstance. Courage takes many forms. Examples include the courage to do what is right, the courage of facing a personal fear, the courage to accept unpopularity, the courage to endure physical or mental pain for the sake of self-improvement, the courage to push forward through frustration,

the courage to tell the truth, the courage to change, the courage to act, the courage to trust, the courage to love, the courage to commit, and many more. How do you make a habit of courage? This is not an easy undertaking, as you will have to overcome years of habits associated with making uncourageous decisions. First, let me suggest that you have to believe that practicing courage is a worthy pursuit. Developing courage will allow you to be more in control of your life as opposed to letting outside circumstances dictate your actions.  Another place to start is by developing the habit of being truthful. Telling the truth often requires courage because it may get you or someone you care about into trouble. Yet we inherently know it is the right thing to do. There is a selfish benefit to this strategy and that is people will respect you for this virtue. They may not always like it, but they will respect it. They will come to know that you are always telling them the truth and they will appreciate you for that quality.

Kindness {Skirnlee}

Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a person treats others. Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years. The attributes of thoughtfulness and kindness are inseparably linked.  Kindness is not a duty or an ethic either; it is an expression of personal virtue that flows from and is rooted in love, which is at the heart of all virtue. Kindness begins in the heart. In fact, many languages have words that are translated as "loving-kindness" or "kind-heartedness," which is kindness that goes beyond the minimum requirements of civility. Kindness is really more than being nice, polite or agreeable, but instead has more to do with our being than our behavior. It cannot be faked. Kindness softens hearts, lifts spirits and molds relationships. The value of our lives is best measured not by the material possessions we've acquired, but by the hearts we've touched, because who we are is far more important than what we have. Everything we do affects not only our own life, but touches other lives, too.

Spirituality {Tya'oamima}

A person with Spirituality will have firm beliefs about the meaning of the universe. Such people attach their life to something higher than themselves. Being spiritual may make it easier for a person to cope with difficult life events. Spirituality is not just about religious beliefs although the two are closely connected. People with religious beliefs have been shown to be able to cope with stress and handle difficult events when they arise. In religion, transcendence refers to the aspect of a god's nature and power which is wholly independent of the material universe, beyond all physical laws. This is contrasted with immanence, where a god is said to be fully present in the physical world and thus accessible to creatures in various ways. In religious experience transcendence is a state of being that has overcome the limitations of physical existence and by some definitions has also become independent of it. This is typically manifested in prayer, séance, meditation, psychedelics and paranormal "visions". It is affirmed in the concept of the divine in various religious traditions, and contrasts with the notion of a god, or the Absolute, existing exclusively in the physical order or indistinguishable from it (pantheism). Spirituality can be attributed to the divine not only in its being, but also in its knowledge. Thus, a god may transcend both the universe and knowledge (is beyond the grasp of the human mind). Although transcendence is defined as the opposite of immanence, the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Some theologians and metaphysicians of various religious traditions affirm that a god is both within and beyond the universe; in it, but not of it; simultaneously pervading it and surpassing it.

Balance {Bia}

Balance is defined as “stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis,” “equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements,” or “an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements,” according to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary.  Balance is that spiritual straightness and stability that resists all influences to turn or deviate from the right path. It is the characteristic of righteousness that refuses to be allured, intimidated, or bullied into diverting from the assigned course. It resists reducing or exaggerating the truth, recognizing that error or excess in either direction, for any reason, remains error and excess. It is important to remember that balance is a godly virtue. It is clearly displayed in the nature of Bia itself. Bia is absolutely perfect in all holiness. Bia is pure and just in judgment, yet Bia’s mercy endures forever. Bia’s law reveals this virtue, calling for separation from the heathen, yet to love strangers, remembering they are strangers to others.  Finally, it must be understood that balance is an attainable virtue. That is not to say anyone will achieve perfect balance, but real and lasting progress can be made to achieve greater balance in life. If we keep our eyes on one unchanging, immovable focus, if we strive to become only what the gods want us to be and all that they want us to be, we will live with greater balance. Thus, we work to achieve balance for ourselves and others. Where the scales of balance are overweighed, we attempt to restore them into place, be it with physical labor, spiritual or metaphysical.

BOWYNN GODS: TAYNON

Taynon (Tay-non)  Kii of the home, hearth and children. These are probably the most reveres of all the kii. They are invoked when a new home is built and over the door of the home is built a small shrine or shelf where images of the Taynon sit. In other cases they are cared in the frame of the door. They are diminutive in size and said to have bird wings. The Taynon protect the home from all that can befall it. They also are guardians of the family and guardians of children.

Bowynn Gods: Owenn

Owenn  (Oh-when)  Owenn is the Bowynn god of healing, good health, surgery, recovery, medicine and herbalism and all other skills and attributes of mortal health. He is the patron god of Doctors, nurses, surgeons and those of the healing and health care professions. This includes shamans, druids, witch doctors and medicine men.

     Owenn was raised amongst the first tribes in childhood where he learned why people got sick and died. He was not a god but very much mortal. Owenn was one of those of the Great migration. And upon reaching Europe and settling in, he taught the first tribes of people the arts of medicine and healing and was beloved by all for his gifts. Sadly, on his travels, Owenn encountered a great snake, he was bit by the poisonous vermin and it was that which killed him. His body was found and cared for where he had fallen and a shrine was built in his honor. And yet, instead of the custom of cremating the body, the people found they could not carry out the task. Instead, the people wrapped his body in the most glorious of clothes and placed his body in the inner shrine. For 7 long months everyone from every tribe came to mourn Owenn’s tomb. Moved by this, the gods held a special council and answered everyone’s prayers. By Chumash and Kalma, with their grace and blessings, Owenn was resurrected as a god on the 7th day of the seventh month after his fall. He emerged from the shrine as a god and one of the Akua. In this form he has continued to bless mortals with his talents and divine gifts of healings.

Owenn and his 3 daughters of healing and health    

As a god and in time with the Akua, Owenn fell in love with a garden Kii and the couple had wed soon after. From their union, came forth three daughters who together were named "The Sisters." It is they who work with their father, Owenn, in his arts of healing. Not just for humans and the gods as well.

     As a god, Owenn is seen as a fully mature man, a father figure, with long teaming hair and thick beard. His head crowned with a copper circlet in the shape of a snake, symbolizing change from illness to health. Owenn’s demeanor is always gentle, never baring an ill word or hand to neither man nor animal. He is seen wearing a wayfarer’s robe of crimson and robes under that of various greens, representing the herbs he uses. His staff is wrapped with vines of herbs he uses in his healing brews. Often seen in his hand is a wood bowl which he makes medicine. In his totem form Owenn often appears in the form of a snake or frog, which is most sacred to him. Bowynn homes with altars and shrines to Owenn sometimes bare an image of a frog or snake with a coin in the mouth. Coins and herbs are the most divine of offers gifted to Owenn. Bowl bowls of herbs, clean water and incense are also the most common of gifts.

Bowynn Gods: Dylan

Dylan  (Dil-lan)  Dylann is the God of harbors, shores, ports and beaches. A sea god he is the protector of boaters and fishermen and anyone that depends on the sea for livelihood or entertainment.

     Son of Tane and Kauldra, Dylan is seen in one of three forms; either a bash handsome young man; A horse; or what is known as a Hippo-Ichthiocampus (The torso and head of a man, lower part of a dolphin and the front legs of a horse.) Dylan is the supplier of fish for those that are fishermen and shells for those that use them as craft. He is also the controller of tides and waves. One sacred tale speaks of a witch that stole Dylan’s powers to metamorph into his sea forms and he was kidnapped as a boat hand to row and maintain the large vessel. However, he fell into favor with the ship's captain, and they sailed to the island where the witch lived to steal his powers back. This they accomplished but at the cost of the mortal fishermen’s lives. Once he had his immortality back, Dylan changed all his friends into Dolphins and thus populated the sea. Dylan is also the herdsman of Lord Tane's sacred steeds, which are horses of the sea.

     Sacred to Dylan are all the abundances of the ocean; fish, shells, coral, sea mammals, sea birds, sea plants and these all make wonderful offerings to him, as well as incense, of course. Often Dylan is seen enjoying his days on the beach, fishing, swimming and running about, either in human or horse form. At evening Dylan sometimes can be seen camped on the beach by a bonfire, feasting and watching the boats and sunset.

My Prayer to Daunnat: The Eternal Land

O Daunnat, Blessed Realm of Evermore, I stand before you, yearning to bask in the light that flows from your enchanted shores. You are the sacred bridge between life and rebirth, a paradise where souls are cleansed and renewed. As I honor the transitions of existence, I invoke your spirit, connecting with the divine waters of Muet that carry souls to your gentle embrace. O Mysterious Tsellet, guide my spirit as it journeys through the gates of courage, kindness, and love. Let each threshold I cross, governed by the wise guardians, strengthen my heart and enrich my soul. May the blessings of Odjett's balance guard my steps, and Quatt's unwavering faith illuminate the path before me as I seek peace through the realm's verdant valleys. With a humble heart, I offer the essence of my past, casting away all guilt and sorrow into the divine waters. I lay forth my intentions, like petals upon the flowing Muet, as symbols of my growth and aspirations for a life filled with kindness and compassion. As I seek the grace of Chumash and Kalma, may my offerings serve as tokens of respect, honoring those who have walked before me in Daunnat.

O Kalma, Keeper of Nature's Abundance, bless me with the wisdom of your gardens and streams, nurturing my spirit as it journeys toward rebirth. May the spirits of my ancestor's dwell beside me, guiding my actions in this life, reminding me of the love that binds us across realms. Let each star in your luminous skies serve as a beacon of hope, connecting the past to the promise of a brighter future. In solemn reverence, I pledge to honor the cycle of life, to learn from my earthly experiences, and embrace the redistribution of my soul's lessons. O Daunnat, my heart sings for the beauty of your realm—a flourishing sanctuary where each soul is celebrated, and where love transcends the boundaries of time. So shall it be, in adoration and faithfulness to Daunnat, the sacred land of renewal, forever nurturing and guiding the spirits of all who pass through.

Syember!