Happy Halloween

Kodex Naeth

Today, May 23 and 24th, is the Bowynn lesser Holiday of "Kodex Naaeth," - {Codex Night} Despite not being a sanctified 'holy night' in the grander scheme of things, it is important to Bowynn devotees and practicing mysts alike. For it was on this day that the first Kodex was printed and displayed for public eyes.

The day, more properly, the evening in devoted to time with one's codex, to sit and take serious study. I time for reading and contemplation of its life lessons, words and how it effects others. For practicing mysts, it is a time for great spell workings, cleaning, cleansing. The day is devoted to the gods Mystara and Erhlik, those who gave the gifts and arts of witchcraft, barding and shamanism. to mortals, to better our life's, physically and spirituals.

Traditionally, Bowynn devotes will cleanse and re-sanctify their holy books this night. A special candle will burn all night through as magic works. Spiritual music plays the night through, while mysts, bards and shamans will use this night to take long spiritual cleaning baths. Offerings and tsa'hekas of incense are burned to Mystara and Ehrlik. Some will use this night to just sing hymns to the gods

How ever you spend your Kodex Naeth, my it be a special night for you, filled with wisdom and wonder. Aelles and Syember.

Question & Answer: Books / BOS

Question: Does a Bowynn Myst have a Book of Shadows like Wiccan's have a Book of Shadows?

Answer: A Myst MAY have a journal or reference book. But it is not called a BOS nor Book of Shadows. This depends on up to the Myst. If he/she has a great memory for spells and spells components, they may not have need for one. Other people may have a book or library of books with spell references. Like-wise a Myst may or may not have a journal book, to record their works. It is up to the individual.

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. 

The Bowynn Gods: The Entenn

Entenn  (Ah-ku-ah)  The Entenn are the great tree and forest Kii. [spirits] They are literally “Tree folk” that guard great forests. The Entenn are made up of trees so unlike other Kii, they are not mobile, as they have no legs nor feet. Being of a tree, they are naturally huge in size, but one can assume that there are small Entenn as well. Most Entenn will never reveal themselves to mortal men; instead, they will stand perfectly still and mix in with the normal trees.         

BOWYNN GODS: TANE

Tane  (Taen)  God king of the sea, horses, shape-shifting and prophecy. He is the son of Brea and Unthar and the brother to Anthur and Chumash. His reign over the saltwater oceans and seas is powerful. Tane is also the great god with the power and grace of shapeshifting and scrying. As a god of scrying, he uses a great size pearl which he gazes in to see the world.

     As a child Tane always had a natural gift for the waters of the world. Thus his role as a god was determined right from his birth. But it was not till he contested with his brothers was his kingdom claimed; launching and arrow that landed in the sea. For the longest time Tane had ruled the oceans from the halls of Alaway so he could spend time with his family. But he was getting tired of the long treks to the sea and back, he chose to build his own home in the sea itself. It was formed in the shape of a great spiral shell. In the end he gave this great hall the name Tennaet and invited all the sea gods to reside there. After this test Tane fell in love with the goddess Cauldra. For Cauldra, Tane fashioned on most glorious of throne and crown of the sparkling of the sea. These he gifted Cauldra on the eve of their wedding. The second day Tane created horses for Cauldra so she could travel the seas and land equally. On the third day of their wedding, Tane formed a pair of hand maidens for Cauldra made from pearls.

     Tane is seen in his godly form as a fatherly figure with a beard and long blond hair, sometimes with white streaks and his eyes are sea blue. He is state to be a tall stately god, taller than his two brothers. His clothes are long and flowing with the colors of the sea. He is naturally crowned with gold and holds a staff of gold as well. In his totem form he is seen as a magnificent white horse. Sacred to take is images of horses, shells, fish and sea foods, sea plants, coral, pearls and abalone.

Happy Halloween

Due to a very negative incident that happen this past night, I will not be engaging in any information today. Instead I shall leave you with just images. I still wish you all a very blessed and fun-filled holiday. All good. no bad.

The 7 Sacred Offerings

Within the faith of the Bowynn tradition it is said that the gods ask for only 7 basic types of offering. These seven became the staple of offerings and are called "Tau Numa Abennes", literally The Seven Offerings. The list is as follows

Flowers, Plants, Flora and Foliage. (cut, potted, wreath, garlands)

Uncooked foods. (Fruits, honey, veggies, nuts, grains, herbs,)

Cooked foods. (Meats, cakes,)

The light of a Candle

Incense

Libations of all sorts (Anything liquid from water to brews)

Votive offerings and objects (clay, wax, cloth, wood figures. Objects)

There is technically and 8th form which is personal self, often meaning cuts of hair, nails and drops of blood. These are only used to bless and bind with a sacred religious tool and even then, very minimally. The gods otherwise abhor the sacrifice of life and the disrespect of the body. "Your body be a gift from us immortals, defile it not but instead keep it clean and pure.)

Once a year on New Years {Then Ohenn} a great complete set of all 7 offerings is displayed on Altars and is offered to the gods.

During the Holiday of "Kodex Tor" it is costumery to burn what is called a "Tsa'heka" of incense, which is 'bundle of 100 incense sticks." Sometimes a myst will off a Tsa'heka to the gods when casting a particularly powerful spell that is in dire need.

Unlike Wiccans, the gods of the Bowynn do NOT have any one set of particular offerings they require. That is to say there is no need to attribute only certain scents, colors and food to a particular god or goddess. they will accept any offering if given with all respect and love.

As to why offerings are gifted to the Bowynn gods, it's out of love and respect. For they have given some of the greatest gifts to mankind, its only right to give a gift in return. Brea, the goddess of the earth speaks very clear in this when she replied ...

"For all this that I have given on to you, for the life you live, the air you breath and that land you walk on, the light the lets you see the beauty of the day and the night that lets you sleep, would not you give the same to me? Gift to me a stone, a cutting a grass, a plate of your meal, light, waft of smoke. Kind comes in kind my beloved children and in circle again. Give what you can in love and hurt nothing that I have life to. Give to us, your beloved parents, and in kind we will give to you."

As to the "post offering" or to say what happens after offerings are gifted. the goddess Abbennaea clarifies this in her own words.

"Precious child, fret not because that which you offered is still on the plate. For you see, I take not that which you give to us in the mortal world but instead I take its divine essence, its spirit and love that you have given. And I bring it to those of us who you have offered it to. In turn, we the immortals, turn your gifts into that which is good for all, mortal and immortal alike. Only the scented herbs that you burn for us, we receive directly, as it rises and flies to our presence. Then within the turning of a full day and night, dispose of the mortal husk of your offering into a pit in the earth, into the waves of the sea, the waft of the wind or that is most befitting of such a gracious gift. And take heart knowing your gift has pleased us."

So, in a word, the gods take the divine essence of your gifts to them and after 24 hours you may dispose of the food or plants in a respectable manner, as best one can.

With this, we close with the basic outline of the Bowynn faith. Posts beyond this point will deal with the Holidays that the Bowynn celebrate and the Gods themselves in detail.

Bowynn Gods: Ikarro

Ikarro  (Ih-kar-ro) The Milky Way. The bridge that lead the gods to earth at the beginning of time. The bridge was removed after the creatrix goddess Brea descended to earth and became trapped there. The Ikarro is a divine symbol of where there was chaos and sadness, balance and happiness will come. 

My Personal Prayer to Amaetheon

O mighty Amaetheon, steadfast patron of shepherds and cultivators of the earth, I humbly raise my chalice in reverence before your bounteous spirit. You, who traverse the orchards heavy with fruit and the meadows lush with blossoms, bless us with the fruits of your labors, pouring abundance into our lives like honey from the comb. O Amaetheon, adorned in the colors of harvest, crowned with ivy and the sweet essence of abundance, lend me your ear. In your presence, I bear witness to the wonders of life—the honey's golden glow, the grape's rich sweetness, and the milk's nourishing touch. My heart overflows with gratitude for the gifts you bestow upon us. With hands outstretched, I bring forth offerings from my table—cheese crafted with care, fruits plucked in their prime, and the assured bounty of the land. I place these before your likeness, hoping to see our pantries overflow with your blessings. May your wisdom guide my hands as I toil in the fields and honor the sanctity of your divine gifts.

O benevolent and every giving Amaetheon, guard us against the perils of excess! Let not the wine or ale blur our vision or lead us astray into the thorns of folly. Instead, teach us the art of balance, that we may enjoy your bounty without losing ourselves in debauchery. May your wisdom shine brightly in our hearts as we celebrate, ensuring our revelries are filled with joy, not chaos. In the spirit of harvest, let us gather together in joy and gratitude, sharing the fruits of our labor as a testament to your divine provisions. May our voices rise in songs of praise, echoing through valleys and fields as we honor you. With every shared morsel and clink of tankards, let the spirit of community flourish under your caring gaze. O Amaetheon, as I walk this path of cultivation and care, may your spirit be my guide, ensuring the cycles of life continue with harmony and prosperity. May every venture I undertake be blessed with abundance, and may your presence imbue my hands with the gentle strength of the harvest. So shall it be, under the watchful eye of the god of abundance.

Syember

Bowynn Gods: Mask

Mask  (Mahsk)  Mask is the Bowynn god of wisdom, gambling and music and he is also the patron of travelers, games, puzzles, and gambling houses. He is the god of various forms of entertainment but not a patron of these arts. Instead, being more of a participant. Games of chance are his favorites. His name is derived from the word “mask,” which in Bowynn and English means the same thing. However, he is not a god of mystery, nor a malicious god, though he does have trickster tendencies at times. But most of these tricks are harmless, unless they are used as a punishment to sinners. Mask is also the god of safe travels and protection, making sure all are safe from harm and divergence, He is the god that keeps one on the right path and staying healthy along the way. In short, when you combine all his attributes, Mask could be considered the god of "road trips." Mask is also the god of discovery, treasure and scavenger hunter and a patron of Archaeologists and Paleontologists. But he is a punisher of those that are out to destroy such treasures.

     Mask is the son of Ahnur and Rhya and is said to have been playing games of chance and riddles since the day of his birth. As a child he would hide divine gifts given to his brothers and sisters and then make wagers if they could find them or not. But despite his nature, he is not a malicious god and has no intent to hurt. His participation in games of chance is often more to teach people about the etiquette of gambling and shun those that abuse it. Aside from his love of games, Mask is a god of literature, writing and collector of knowledge. His love of writing comes to no end, and it was he that formed the Bowynn alphabet and gave it to mankind. He is also the god of inspiration when it comes to writers. As a god patron of travelers Mask is a protector, making sure that travelers get to their destination quickly and safely. As this side of Mask's attribute comes forth, he is often seen on a sled carved from a rock or a wooden board, which he aptly named “Shauld” or [Speed.] In some cases its shaped more like a shield. Sacred stories tell of his "sled's" ability to float off the ground and travel as fast as the fastest bird and animal on earth. One sacred tale speaks of the time Mask challenged the fastest animal known to race him. This was the eagle. The eagle agreed and just as Mask took off he went so fast Mask crashed into a tree, thus leaving the eagle to win and taught Mask the lessons of bragging and “slow and steady.” On his sled, Mask had held many contests with the other gods as well. This included against the West and East wind gods Ryan and Lyan. Here as well, Mask lost the race but learns a variety of lessons.

     Mask is seen by many as a young agile man with long curly hair, a mask of his face and a traveler’s robe of purple with golden trims. In his hand is seen a staff or his sled, tied to his belt is a scroll case, writer’s kit and coin purse. Often seen with him is a dog, particularly a spotted Greyhound which is his totem animal, thus his animal form that he takes when he wants to mingle amongst mortals. Sacred gifts to Mask come in the form of small bundles of coins and grain, votive mice and dogs, strips of gold cloth, books, scrolls, masks, runes and of course incense.