In the Bowynn tradition, there are 7 Great Rites.
The Rite of Birth: This is normally held 7 days after birth. Blessing the newborn, welcoming him/her into the world and on this rite, he/she is given his/her name officially.
The Rite Childhood: This rite is held at the age of 5, when the baby steps into the age of Childhood.
The Rite of Coming Forth: The is the great rite when one officially allows themselves to come to the circle on their own accord and pledging themselves a believer of the Bowynn Faith. This is not based on Age. Anyone at any point can "Come Forth". Normally if it's a child, tradition says the right should not take place till the child is 10 years old.
The Rite of Adulthood: Held at the age of 20. He/she steps out of the role of Child into the role of adulthood. Their days of recklessness are behind, and the rolls of responsibility are at hand.
The Rite of Marriage: This is, as it says, the 2-day ritual of Marriage.
The Rite of Death: This is the ritual of those that depart this world and leave onto Daunnat. It's a 7-day ritual.
The Rite of Resurrection: This ritual is held 14 days after the departed has left. It's a time of remembrance. A memorial.
Under these rituals are many more including Rite from becoming a Myst, ritual for blessing a new home and/or garden, Ritual of Knighthood, and so forth.
Being these rituals are considered personal; I cannot share much detail of the rites themselves with those outside the faith. What I can say is that these are rituals that do not take precedence in the eyes of one's state, providence nor nation. These are rituals that are held between those involved and the presence of the gods almighty.
Jakk (Ja-k) In of the many types of Kii. Jakk are diminutive kii of autumn. It is said they make their homes in gourds and in their vines. They are said to have deep red hair and wear black clothing. Jakk are most prominent during the Kykora or Samhain holiday. During this time, they take pleasure in jumping over candles that are lit in pumpkins. The role of Jakk is that of ripening of gourds and late harvested food. They are drawn to decorated gourds, and if hung in the house and pleasing to the Jakk, they will bless the home.
O Abbennaea, Radiant Daughter of Phoenix and Sumon, Keeper of Offerings and Purifier of Hearts, grant us thy benevolent presence as we gather in humble devotion. With deep red tresses like the evening flame, illuminate our paths with thy love and wisdom. As we place before thee our blooms and fragrant herbs, transform our gifts into nourishment for all souls, casting aside the hollow and ill-given. Teach us anew the sacred ways, that our altars may be cleansed, and our offerings accepted in purity. O Gentle One, in thy embrace of incense, envelop us in peace, and may thy spirit soar among us as a tender bird, guiding our hearts toward the divine. In gratitude, we honor you, Abbennaea, our cherished goddess, now and forevermore.
O Abbennaea, Beloved Guardian of Alaway's Sacred Halls, we bow before your radiant spirit, wrapped in the warmth of your loving essence. Daughter of the Flame and the Waters, weave your gentle touch upon our offerings, transforming our humble gifts into the blessings of the divine. As we raise our libation pitchers and scatter fragrant blooms, may your grace descend upon us, purging our hearts of doubt and filling our souls with light. Teach us the sacred art of connection, that our incense may rise like whispers of love, touching the realms above. In your presence, let joy flow and harmony reign, as we honor your eternal beauty in all that is pure and good. O Abbennaea, our nurturing goddess, we embrace your guidance with open hearts, now and always.
Syember!
Meave us to start with some very simple Bowynn words you may find throughout my blog:
Mystra: (Magic / Magick) The arts of the witch.
Myst: (Witch) A Myst pertains to anyone that practices the mystical, arcane, esoteric arts.
Baear: (Altar) The sacred table/tablet where one prays to the divine and leaves offerings.
Tymon: (Shrine) A smaller and more secure form of a Temple and Altar all in one.
Alm: (God) Male deity
Almaea: (Goddess) Female deity
I will leave it here for now. in future posts I will insert other words throughout my text within Brackets { } At some point I may include and dictionary depending on whatever time is allotted to me.
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.
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.
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
Ion (Eye-on) Ion is the God patron of knights and god of knighthood virtues. The son of Anhur and Rhya, Ion is the right hand of Anhur, the god king’s eyes, ears and messenger. But foremost, Ion is the god that keeps the sacred virtues in check and sees that people are adhering to the virtues set down by Bia and Anhur. While these days Ion can also be seen as a god patron of all soldiers, he would he would be more leaning towards those that whom serve high and special ranks. Especial those like the Guard of Unknown Soldiers, Guards of Kings, Queens and Presidents and other prestigious positions.
Many sacred tales of Ion and his exploits are told. The most famous being the days when Ion spent his seven days with the first mortals to teach them might and right and to honor the virtues set done by his father. Another tale speaks of a troop of 10 soldiers that fought for ten days straight without food, water or rest against invaders. After the long battle was at-last won, their deeds were caught by Ion. In turn he knighted them with special titles and blessed them. This was mortal man’s first knighthood. Another tale speaks of a time many years later; a knight that was blessed by Ion had grown to see over 100 years. And in all those years, he had ever held vigil over the god’s temple and fought to protect his hometown. On his death bed Ion came to the old man. He asked who would watch over his town. Ion gave the knight his greatest blessing, that of immortal sight, turning the old man into a star and naming him Arnmor, The North Star. That way, even though dead, he could always watch the good people, year round.
Ion is often seen and depicted as a young man, a warrior. And he is dressed as such, partially armored with a long sur-coat over his armor. In one hand Ion bears a shield, in the other a sword. But he is not to be feared and is not a god to wage war. In Alaway his position is next to his father Anhur. When not in his godly form, Ion takes the form of a greyhound. Sacred offerings to Ion is incense and votive images of dogs
O Glorious Arn, Lord of the North Wind, hear my voice as I raise my heart to your sacred presence. You, the elder of the wind gods and master of winter’s embrace, bless me with the chill of your wisdom and the warmth of your benevolence. As the Winter Wizard, guide me through these frosty months, wrapping me in the mantle of your northward winds. O Arn, with your staff adorned by an acorn lantern, illuminate my path amidst the cold shadows of the season. Bestow upon me the clarity of thought that I may navigate the icy trails of life. Like the white wolf and cardinal that accompany your spirit, may I find strength in my journey and joy in the beauty of the winter landscape. With reverence, I lay before you the offerings of milk and fresh water, humble tokens of gratitude for the life you nurture. I present snowflakes, white flowers, and treasured feathers, symbols of your dominion over the wintery realm. As the days grow shorter, may these gifts express my gratitude for the blessings you shower upon our hearths and homes.
O Mighty Arn, as the Yule season approaches, may your gentle spirit grace my dwelling with warmth. Bless all homes with the light of candles in their windows, as you ride with Myliea across the darkened sky. Bestow upon each home the delights of your gifts—nuts, dried fruits, and sweets for the children—in kindness for the hearts you cherish.I n the spirit of Ky' meliea, I celebrate your wondrous union with Myliea, and all that your presence brings to the turning of the seasons. Let the joy of Yule resonate within my heart and among my kin, as we gather under the boughs adorned with winter's finery. May the laughter and love shared during this time echo through the ages. O Arn, guardian of peace during the long winter nights, may your gentle winds soothe my spirit and grant me serenity. Guide me to understand the cycles of nature and my place within them, as I seek to live in harmony with the world around me. Let your spirit reside within as a reminder of resilience and hope as we await the sun's return. So shall it be, as I walk this earthly plane under your watchful gaze, the Winter Wizard of the North.
Syember!
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.
Today is the Bowynn last day of the year. "Anj Ohenn. Literally meaning "Old Year." Which falls on August 31. It is followed by Then Ohenn "New Years".
Unlike western/mundane New Years (December 31/January 1st) It is not just a holiday to get drunk, kiss a girl and call it good. Anj Ohenn has a greater significance. The year is over in the Bowynn tradition, it is the transition of Summer months to Autumn months. Anj Ohenn is the eve before the birth of the god Ohenn, the god of Time itself. It is a 2 day holiday to reflect on how one's time is spent. A time of beginnings and ends. Old projects end and new projects begin. It is also the official first day of Harvest and great offers are made to Deanna on Anj Ohenn and Then Ohenn.
Instead of a glass of wine or other alcohol beverages, the holiday is celebrated with feasting and fun all day long. But it is all done in respects to the gods of the Harvest and Time. Foods of the harvest. In the morning homes are swept clear with chants to be rid of old energy. And on Then Ohenn, a plant or tree seedling is purchased or harvested and brought into the house. In Altars, images of Mice and grain are placed to insure abundance for the new year. Turquoise coins are kissed and then given as gifts, as wishes for others to have a new year. Twelve or Twenty-Four small poppets filled with grains of all sorts are also gifted to young girls and displayed, representing the Nauidd; the daughters of Ohenn and goddesses of the hours. All sorts of time pieces are given as gifts. It is also a holiday to clean and maintain such time pieces.
In the last few years a character has been created to help children understand the true meaning of the holiday, named "Orry." the story tells of Orry as he learns how time is often wasted throughout the year and not used wisely. But in the end he gathers enough seed to give to the birth of baby Ohenn and the magic of the birth increases his meager cluster of grain 100 times over. Enough to get him through the year.
However you spend the Holiday, Aelles Then Ohenn and peace to you all.
Exploring the Faith, Sacred Way and Mystical Arts of the Bowynn Tradition
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