The Elements {Tau Retammas}

Bowynn Gods: Adarro

Adarro  (Ah-dar-rho)  A god of friendly water and the sea. He is sometimes called “White Dolphin Spirit.” Adarro is the son of Sumon and Phoenix. Adarro is called the fisherman’s god, as he brings good fishing to men and protects them as well. He is a joyful god and when not swimming about the waves can be seen joyfully dancing about the beach, celebrating with mortals. In this way he can also be seen as a god of abundance, to those that depend on the sea for food. And some attribute the skill/sport of surfing to Adarro. He is often summoned before a beach gathering, to bless the celebration and asked to join in on the fun.

    There are little sacred tales of Adarro, as he seems to avoid trouble, instead enjoying his times in the water and beaches. During the Seven Sacred Days, Adarro spent his time with mortals, teaching them how to catch fish, build boats and weave nets and trap-baskets. He also showed mortals how to avoid the waters when they could be destructive.

    Adarro is seen as a most handsome youthful sea god; his hair is blond and curly, and his body is lean and tanned by the sun. Often, he is seen without clothing or just a wearing a long “stola.” Sacred offerings to the god come in the form of meals of fish, star-fish & dolphin votives, water lilies, seaweed and of course incense.

BOWYNN GODS: SAPHON

Saphon  (Saf-fon)  God of the south and south wind. Saphon is the son of Herne and Morrighynn and the brother to Arn, Lyan and Ryan. As lord of the south, his home was what some may call “The Summerlands” but this is not the next world, more like deserts lands of the south..

     Saphon is one of four sons to Morrighynn and Herne. Like all his brothers, Saphon is winged with great golden majestic wings. It is Saphon who blows the hot winds of the summer and southlands. His wind turns leaves on the trees green and changes the hue of grass. Saphon is seen as a father-like figure with longish blond hair and beard and moustache, his eye color is that of either green or amber, depending who you talk to. His garments are of yellows, tans and gold. He is said to wear a wide brimmed leather hat on his head to shade himself from the summer heat and sun. Often he is seen on the first day of summer with his consort Tarna, Goddess of the summer season. It is said that of the four wind gods, Saphon is the second eldest after Arn. Some claim that they can see Saphon walking with a winged lion or cougar. Which would make sense as these animals are sun and heat related and is Saphon’s totem animal.      Sacred symbols to Saphon are summertime symbols like ferns, sun symbols and the hat he wears. Shrines to Saphon often have wind chimes hung in them as well as clear glass suns. Common gifts and offerings to Saphon are bowls of milk, fans, votive images of lions and incense.

Blessed Winter Solstice

BOWYNN GODS: QUATT

Quatt  (Kwhat)  God of the 5th gate of Daunnat, of faith, in the land of Daunnat.  Quatt like the other Gate guardians of Daunnat are the children of Chumash and Kalma.

     As with all the gods of Daunnat, Quatt is not an evil god, nor a god of judgment.  His role is that of a guardian of Daunnat. He is the bestower of faith to souls, as no spirit can enter Daunnat without this virtue. However it is common for the living to call to Quatt who are in need of eternal. As god of the Gate of Faith, Quatt is one of the 7 gods of the sacred septagram. He sustains from visiting Alaway, instead preferring to live and feast with the spirits and other gods in Daunnat.

     Quatt has no known totem animal, instead always staying in his godly form. He is seen as a young god dressed in a long sleeve purple tunic with simple white trimmings. At times she is seen carrying a septagram tile and a horn which is blown when she allows a soul past her gate. Other times he holds a staff of ivory. It is said by the god Brand, Pedjed bears short brown hair and earthly green eyes.

     Sacred to Quatt is the Septagram and riding blow horn. During funeral services, a bowl of milk is left to her, as customary and a statuette of the departed, so the god will recognize the departed’s soul, which is identical to his body.

The Elements {Tau Retammas}

Earth {Bia} - The Forest {Tau Sellen}

The first point represents all the elements of Earth (Strength, Practicality, Endurance, Perseverance, Skill/Ability, Stability, Foundation) It concentrates on the life, fertility, powers of abundance and generosity of the Forest (undeveloped, untamed) environment. As captivating and beautiful as the earth is, all forests around the world have always been a very important part of life. The trees not only give us shade on hot days, but they recycle the air into a breathable form which our bodies can accept. They give us shelter when we need, and fire for when we are cold. Some bear fruit while others just look beautiful on a dusky morning as dew glistens within the tall grass. Many who follow the Bowynn faith feel a deep connection to forests and woods in general, with trees considered as both kin and home for all living things. The trees have supported them firmly in the rich, dark, soil of the forest floor with deep strong roots. Trees which have stood for thousands of years have secrets within their rings. We seek deep secrets hidden in the branches of trees and understand the power and nature of trees and woods. We see a canopy that is our roof shading is from the blaring sun, rain and wind. We see the trunks supporting it and from them find our strength. We see the roots that feeds the tree and stabilizes and the earth itself that supports our home - the forest. We see the plants that feed us and the animals we may feed upon. Plants we turn into incense to offer to the gods in thanks for our home. And from the plants we feed on we gain abundance. When they die, they fade into the earth and nourish the earth with its remains. Crystals also come from the earth, deep within the ground vibrating to the energies within them. From deep within the earth, we find ores and from the rocks we find gems, all from which we make tools, riches, and money, thus giving us wealth. From the totality, we recognize the physical body of the earth and ourselves. The Virtue we learn from Earth is that of Charity, for with Abundance we must learn to share, no matter what that abundance may be. The path of the earth is a deep forest green.

My Prayer to the Chappa Kii

O Great Chappa Kii, Behemoths of Stone and Guardian of Peaks, I lift my voice to thee—mighty spirits dwelling from the shimmering foothills to the towering heights. Your monumental presence watches over the realm of earth, as steadfast as the mountains themselves, lending strength to those who tread upon your sacred ground. O Chappa, titans forged of rock and resilience, grant me your protection as I journey through the hills and valleys. When lost amidst the wild, let your guiding spirit illuminate my path, leading me towards safety and clarity. With your immense power, may I find courage in the face of adversity, standing tall like the mountains that cradle your essence. In reverence, I recognize the balance you hold between creation and retribution. O Mountain Guardians, may I embrace the harmony of the earth, honoring your realm with care and respect. Let my hands build, not destroy; let my presence nurture, not diminish. As you watch over the land, may I learn to walk gently upon it.

Grant me the blessings of your wisdom, O Chappa, for you know the ancient secrets woven into the fabric of your stone. Bestow upon me your strength, fortitude, and understanding, that I may navigate life’s challenges with the grace of the mountains. With a humble heart, I offer tribute to you: stones gathered from the rivers, flowers that bloom at your feet, and simple songs sung in your honor. May these offerings please the Chappa, whispering my dedication to your guardianship. In return, I seek your watchful gaze upon my journey. So shall it be, with reverence and gratitude, sung within the sacred echoes of the mountains, in the name of the Chappa Kii, eternal guardians of the earth.

Syember

Bowynn Gods: Kalma

Kalma (right) sitting in Daunnat with her beloved Chumash

Kalma  (Kal-mah)  Queen of the Daunnat, divination and oracles. She is the consort of Chumash, the king of the dead. Unlike many faiths of the ancients, Daunnat is not a place of damnation or fear. It is a most blessed place. And it was Kalma who made it as such. By her will she let the great fields grow green and orchards filled with eternal and ever plentiful foods and valleys carpeted with wildflowers. Kalma is the daughter of Phoenix and Sumon and the sister to Rhya and Kauldra.

     Amongst Kalma's duties as queen of the land beyond is that of calming the soul and spirit, showing there is no need for fear death nor the beyond. Her very name means 'Calm'.

     Kalma and sisters were charmed by the three kings of the immortals and in particular it was Chumash that wished Kalma to marry her. But Kalma refused his hand unless Chumash proved his love. Of all the gifts Chumash bestowed on her, its was acrown of nettles that Kalma loved the most. She finally accepted his hand only after Chumash promised her equality as Queen of Duannat.

     Kalma is seen as a mother-like goddess in appearance; she is elegantly dress and wears a crown of nettles made of gold on her head. Other times, it is a plain crown, like that if her sisters. Being a queen, she is seen most wise, bearing a small scepter in her hand. Kalma very rarely leaves the comforts of Daunnat. Yet when she does, she will often appear as a cat, her totem animal. Sacred gifts offered to Kalma are that of flowers, incense and votive images of cats.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Clothing/Garb

QUESTION: In the Bowynn tradition, is there any special robes mysts and practitioners wear?

ANSWER: Technically no. That is to say that no one is required to wear any particular clothing. Especially black witch robes. We kind of shun away from wearing the iconically (and non historic) black robes and conical hat. That said. Over the decades of weekly gatherings, we found that we were all gathering in our Fantasy/Ren Faire garb. Which eventually became something of a common occurrence amongst all of us. While no there is no requirement to wear such clothing, it has become what it is. (Side not to this is that; so many times I have remarked "We all look like we stepped away from filming 'Robin of Sherwood'. LOL)

Mysts [witches] in the tradition do not commonly wear black unless its is there desired comfort clothing. I personally like to wear blue jeans and a blue T-shirt. It's up to the person.

Bowynn Gods: Sumon

Wood carved Pog of Sumon - Created by myself 1987

Sumon  (Su-mon)  Sumon is the ancient and primordial god of all of earth's waters and the water element. "Sumon" means "Water". He is the creation of Bia and one of the creators of mankind. Sumon is the consort of the goddess Phaenix. Through which they produced a lineage of other gods.

     In the creation of mankind, Brea, goddess of the earth, had tried to form mankind with earth from the ground. But the earth was dry and would not stay together. It was Sumon that added his gift of water to the dirt and made it moldable and gave mankind blood. It was also Sumon that filled the earth’s canyons and chasms with water, creating oceans, seas and rivers, thus dividing lands into continents.

     Sumon is seen as an older man of grandfather years, with a beard and long white wavy hair. His eyes are said to be a deep sea green. In his godly form some have seen Sumon in a simple himation wrapped about his body. Others however have seen him more fully dressed, in royal garments of blues and greens, embroidered in silver and jeweled with abalone and other sea shells. In hand Sumon is often seen holding an ornate staff of silver, laced with pearls, shell and turquoise. Sumon’s totem form is that of a great whale. Sacred to Sumon are sea and fresh water fish, water, sea plants, pond plants and flowers and votive images of fish and sea life. 

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.