May Her Ladyship Bless You All This Solstice Eve

A Deeper Look into the God Aetenn

The symbolism surrounding Aetenn reveals profound layers of meaning, tightly entwined with esoteric principles and numerical significance. The ram, a recurring symbol in various mythologies, connects to themes of strength and assertiveness (often associated with the astrological sign Aries), but its horns can also symbolize stability and grounding—attributes that are essential for any protector or guardian. The duality of his nature as a guardian rather than a warrior suggests a transition from aggression (often represented by the warrior archetype) to stewardship, which can be explored through concepts like the Fibonacci sequence; just as this mathematical series illustrates growth and balance, Aetenn embodies the necessity of nurturing potential (the arms and armor of warriors) while safeguarding community.

Aetenn, as the guardian of arms, armor, and forest, embodies a unique synthesis of protection and communal harmony, reflecting deeper philosophical and psychological themes. His role as a protector rather than a warrior suggests an exploration of the concept of "strength through restraint"—the idea that true power lies not just in wielding weapons, but in guarding what is valuable and ensuring the readiness of warriors to engage ethically in their pursuits. This notion connects with the idea of inner peace before external action, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and preparedness.

The forest environment Aetenn inhabits symbolizes life’s complexities and the untamed aspects of nature, suggesting that protection extends beyond martial prowess to encompass nurturing the environment and community bonds. His drumming connection reinforces the theme of communication and rhythm in relationships—both human and nature, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. The rhythmic beat of drums can symbolize the heartbeat of the Earth itself, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony with one’s surroundings.

Additionally, the black berry wreath can be interpreted as a symbol of cycles—birth, death, and renewal—since berries signify nourishment but also decay. This cyclical nature could reflect the life of soldiers, who thrive under protection but also face the threats of mortality and transformation. Aetenn's guardianship over what is most prized underscores the significance of mindful intention in one's desires, serving as a reminder that safeguarding what one values often requires discernment and respect for the greater good.

The black berry leaves, adorned with thorns, contribute a rich layer of esoteric meaning associated with protection through hardship. This paradox reflects alchemical transformations, where something seemingly harmful can protect and empower—much like the journey through the "prima materia" to reach enlightenment. The act of guarding only what one values aligns with the principle of intention found in manifesting one's desires. This notion resonates with the Law of Correspondence in hermetic teachings, implying that one's inner state reflects their external reality.

Furthermore, the drumming aspect connects Aetenn with rhythm and vibration, fundamental elements of sacred geometry and sound healing, resonating with a numerical symbology in sacred chants or mantras that establish communion. The significance of drums as a communication tool echoes the mathematical concept of frequency and waves, where harmony can signify balance in both the physical and spiritual realms. Thus, Aetenn serves as a multifaceted archetype, embodying the necessity of protection, the complexity of nature's cycles, and the essential connection between intention and manifestation in the spiritual fabric of existence.

Exploring Aetenn through a deeper lens, one can uncover fascinating intersections between his symbolism and scientific principles, particularly in ecology, psychology, and the study of sound. As a forest god, Aetenn embodies the principles of ecosystems where interdependence is crucial; his guardianship can be likened to the role of keystone species in sustaining biodiversity. This speaks to the hidden meaning of protecting not just individual aspects of society (like warriors and their weapons) but the entire web of life, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and resilience.

In psychological terms, Aetenn might represent archetypal concepts that resonate within the collective unconscious. As a protector and guardian, he aligns with the Jungian idea of the "Self" as a harmonious balance of different aspects of the psyche. The caring nature of his duties could suggest the psychological principle of empowerment, where true strength lies in fostering the potential of others rather than exerting control or dominance, reflecting a more nurturing approach to leadership.

Scientifically, the drums associated with Aetenn can be examined through the lens of acoustics and vibration. The rhythmic patterns of drumming are known to influence brainwaves, promoting sensation alteration, introspection, and communal bonding—facilitating group cohesion and shared identity among communities, which is essential in military contexts. This reinforces deep cultural bonds and emphasizes the interconnectivity among its members, paralleling the principles of quantum entanglement in physics—where everything is interconnected at a fundamental level.

Blessed Solstice

Bowynn Gods: Issen

The giant Issen with farmers and animals working the land

Issen (Eye-sen)  Ancient giant god of the old age created by Brea and her siblings. Issen was the older god who ruled over the warmth of summer. One of the older gods, he traveled the world, with his family. His home was in the south and he would appear in the summer as a mammoth of golden fur, bringing with him the summer weather.

      Even though Issen’s attributes were diminished but the coming of the Akua, He is still a most respected god. He is said to now work with the goddess Tarna, the summer goddess, following before her in mammoth form, clearing a path for the goddess to travel. Bowynn folk will often lay blame on Issen if the summer becomes too hot. Issen’s home is the summer-lands of the south. There he has is own lodge that he built himself. Later the lodge was given to Tarna and the god Saphon. It is said that the lodge is massive in size, made of brown wood and logs, sitting on a green hill, overlooking the forested lands. Despite his diminished attributes, Issen is still widely prayed too, in hopes that the summer season is not harsh, and he will ward off forest fires.

      In his immortal form, Issen is seen as an older god, fully bearded and long hair flowing down his back. His hair itself is brownish tainted with white. Issenn is known to always be wearing a heavy brown hide on his back and his clothing is of brown and golden leathers. In his hands are seen a staff and horn. It is with this horn that he blows on, issuing in the summer season. When not in this form, he is a magnificent golden mammoth. Sacred gifts to Issen are incense and votive mammoth images. Like all of the old giants, his totem was the mammoth.

My Prayer to Brea, Earth Mother

O Divine Brea, Mother of the Earth, I stand before you in humble reverence, wrapped in the embrace of your fertile soil. From the essence of your being, all life springs forth, a testament to your boundless creativity and nurturing spirit. I honor you, the great earth goddess, who breathed life into the barren and brought forth the bounty of the world. O Brea, sacred nurturer of flora and fauna, may your green gown and wreath of abundance inspire my soul to recognize the beauty in every flower, every tree, and every creature that graces the earth. Fill my heart with gratitude for the gifts you bestow, and let me walk softly upon your land, tending to your creations, as you tend to us all. In recognition of your divine majesty, I offer you incense, a fragrant gift that carries my prayers skyward, rising as a humble token of my devotion. May its smoke mingle with the gentle breeze, whispering my gratitude and love into the vastness of your realm. With every offering, strengthen the bond between your spirit and mine, guiding me to honor the sacredness of all life.

O Brea, Goddess of Fertility and Creation, bless my endeavors with growth and vitality. Let the seeds of my aspirations take root in your nurturing soil, flourishing under the warmth of your embrace. As the cycles of life flow through me, may I carry forth the legacy of your creativity, crafting a world filled with harmony and abundance. In the echo of the passing seasons, I celebrate your divine decree, O Brea, as you give birth to Herne each spring, restoring warmth and life to the world. May this cycle of renewal inspire me to embrace change and transformation, as I, too, am a part of your grand design. Let your rhythm guide me through the dance of life, reminding me to cherish each moment of growth and decay. O Mother of the Gods, as the earth and her creatures are sacred to you, may I learn to honor and protect the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Let my actions reflect your teachings, embracing the interconnectedness of all beings. Together, as children of Brea, may we foster a world imbued with peace, love, and respect for the marvelous tapestry of life. So shall it be, as I stand in the light of your nurturing presence, the Earth Goddess Brea.

Syember!

BOWYNN GODS: Tii

Tii  (Ty)  Spirits of ill nature, ill luck and destruction. These evil spirits were created by the god Mano, in his attempt to raise an army to war with his cousins Kord and Brand. These destructive spirits were counter-acted with the creation of the Kii by Brand and Kord, to protect mortals from the wrath of the Tii. While many were destroyed, they could not defeat all and spread throughout the world, bringing with them many of the ills of mankind.

     Tii, unlike Kii only come in one size. They are diminutive folk, much like popular fairies, with black bird with and black hair. Like their creator Mano, Tii are not called forward, invoked, worshipped or prayed to. They are destructive and if summoned will not do what they are asked to do but do as they wish. Tii are the manifested powers of all that is evil in the world. Instead, there are many rites and spells to ward these destructive Tii away.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Prayers

QUESTION: Are there any set prayers to each god in the Bowynn faith that all read and follow

ANSWER: This is tricky to answer. In general, no. We find it best to speak from the heart and at the moment. However, we to have a standard order of how prayers are spoken:

We speak the gods name and attach to it their general attribute. "O' Anhur, King of kings."

We mention the god's parentage. "Son of Brea and Unthar."

We mention many of the god's attributes "Sovreign, Father, Judge and lord of law and order."

Next, we speak out who we are. Sometimes we will add our own parents. "It is I ________, daughter/son of ________, daughter/son of ___________."

Then we go on to thank them or speak on about why we call them.

The last lines pay homage to the god in some way. "For all you have done and do for me and _________, I am forever grateful."

Prayers and rite and sacred lines are always ended with the word "SYEMBER". It is a Bowynn word with no English meaning. It can be VERY LOOSELY associated with "amen" but it is far beyond that. Syember is a word that has many meanings all in one. A word that binds us to the divine. A word that means "It is done." "Hear me." "These are my words." "Immortal." A divine "Thankyou." "Blessings." "We are one." And so much more.

This is the general outline for a prayer in the Bowynn tradition. One can make it as long or short as one wants.

Bowynn Gods: Briora

Briora  (Bry-or-rah)  The Briora are Kii (spirits, fairies, nymphs) of wisdom, organizers of books and protectors of buildings like libraries and other places where tomes of knowledge and records are kept. The Briora are diminutive spirits a lot like their European Fae cousins but do not bare wings at all. They take up residence in libraries among the books, where they indulge in reading, cleaning, maintaining and sorting books that are out of place. The Briora are the immortal essence of the term “A treasure in books.” In Bowynn libraries, images of the Briora and a shrine to them are kept. Most heavy readers will even places small images of Briora on their own bookshelves. Gifts to them are generally simple like a candle and incense. Even candy. 

Bowynn Gods: Gondor

Last Image: Kalen and Gondor standing together.

Gondor  (Ghon-door)  Gondor is the Bowynn god of smith crafting, fire and patron god to blacksmiths, goldsmiths and silversmiths. (Metal smiths in general) Particularly, he is the god of blacksmithing; Iron-forging.

     Gondor is the son of Phoenix and Sumon and the brother of Kalen, god of architecture. When it comes to all metal craft, Gondor is the master. But unlike other pantheons, his talents are not limited to just weapons and armor. Gondor makes all the feast ware and cooking utensils of Alaway. He was challenged at a young age to make a pot big enough for the goddess Io to cook all the daily meals of the gods of Alaway. Of course this was impossible. So instead, he forge-crafted a magickal cauldron that would never run out of food till each god had two helpings. Gondor was also commissions but Anhur, king of the gods to craft all of the weapons and armor of the gods. When the first tribes of mankind founded their homes in Europe, Gondor spent seven days with mankind teaching them the arts of smith-crafting. Not only to make weapons to hunt but farm tools.

     Gondor’s home and forge is not in Alaway but instead deep in the woods; A large home where he shares with his wife, brother, and his brother's wife. It was there where Gondor forged the great Seven Swords of the Wildwood, to give to mankind. Sadly, the first kings used them to start war and Gondor took them away and hid them till mankind was ready to find them again.

     Gondor is a fully mature god. Unlike other smithy gods, of other pantheons, Gondor is most handsome with wondrous long hair and strong in stature.  He is rarely seen with a shirt or tunic on. Instead, he wears a leather apron or is bare-chested. A circlet about his head keeps his hair back as he works, and a pair of leather gauntlets protects his hands. Sacred to Gondor are the tools he uses; hammers, forge and tongs. Also, all metal work and charcoal. Bunches of nails are a common gift to Gondor. When Gondor is around humans, he often takes the form of a dog, which is his sacred totem.

The House of Gondor Tablet. Gondor stands in the center of the second row on top of the platform with his brother Kalen and the goddesses Panu and Vella. Around him are his helpers and gods waiting for wares to be made.

Bowynn Gods: Istra

Istra  (Is-tra)  Istra is the Goddess of the 3 fold law, respect, retribution and lawful vengeance. She sits on the left hand of her mother Rhya; her father being Anhur. Istra is the sister of Ion and together they guard over the sacred laws of Bia and the laws of their father, given to mankind. She is not a vengeful nor destructive goddess. In fact, she is rarely seen, only stepping forward to people who call to her help who have suffered great injustice by the acts of others. If the mortal asks her to help them, they must be completely innocent and have been wronged by others. Istra will then seek out those that have hurt said person unjustly and bring balance to the damage that was done. However, if the person who calls to her is lying, Istra will see through the person and purge him with ill times.

      Istra is something of a huntress. But instead of animals, she hunts wrong doers. It is said her sword and arrows do not kill. They have been blessed by Bia and so, when her sword or arrows strike her target, the arrows bring about the justice so fitting the person's crime. Tales of Istra’s justifiable powers are endless. Yet none ever talk about bringing about death. To Istra, death is a coward’s way out of receiving the 3-fold law. Even those that commit murder. If death does come to a person that Istra is asked to hunt, it is not by her doing. Some question if the goddess every does what others pray to her for, when it seems people get away with so much bad things. To this the goddess Istra said that justice will always come in time.

      Despite her attributes, Istra is not a fearsome goddess. In fact, those that have been graced by her divine presence, describe her as most beautiful, long jet black hair and emerald green eyes. Her garment, bow, arrows and circlet are golden. When not seen in her immortal form, she takes the form of a butterfly, her totem. All truly offered gifts are welcomed by Istra: food, flora, flame, votive and more. It is also highly suggested that receive Istra's help, that it be followed up with a plethora of offerings and a card or script of thanks.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Samhain/Halloween

QUESTION: Do Bowynn Celebrate Halloween and Samhain?

ANSWER: No, we do not celebrate the Keltic/Wiccan Samhain. We do celebrate Ky'Kora, which is a rather loose equivalent to Samahain. A three-day holiday from October 30 to November 1st. But that is about all Ky'Kora has in common with Samhain.

We do celebrate Halloween as a total separate holiday. But we celebrate it on November 1st, as the 31st is a most divine and holy day, set aside for spiritual worship.