QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Skyclad

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: YORMELL

Yormell  (Yor-mel)  Mammoth god of the weather, wind, air and rain. He is the creation of Brea and the other gods of creation. In the time of the giants, before the Akua ruled the world, Yormell ruled over the winds and the weather. When the Akua took over the world and the wind gods took over. The 4 brothers of the winds felt sorry for old Yormell and so he became their eyes of the world and instructor as to where the winds should blow. And at time Yorell would help them out, stirring up the clouds to induce rain and storms. In the winter Yormell will assist the gods of winter Arn and Myliea in their travels across the world, making sure it's cold and snow is falling, creating winter wonderlands for the gods and mankind alike.

     Yormall is seen most of the time in his divine storm; that of an old man in white winter robes. In his hand he carries a staff that’s topped with a deer antler or a long mammoth tusk that is said to help provide snow. In his totem form Yormell appears as a white mammoth of great size. Sacred to Yormell is a milk libation, bowls of water, incense and wicker fans.

Bowynn Gods: The Abonna

Abonna  (Ah-bhon-nah)  The Abonna at a multitude of gods and goddesses of music, dance and all of the fine arts. In some cases, the Abonna are considered a division of the Kii. {Fairy/Spirits/Nymphs} In other cases they are considered gods themselves, though there are no individual known names for each of the Abonna. And their number seems endless. Among their many attributes, the Abonna are the patrons of dancers and musicians, crafters of all sorts and fine arts.

The Abonna are both male and female and both sexes are depicted as patrons of the arts. As Kii (if so that they are Kii) they are the taller type and bare no wings as their diminutive cousins. Unlike the Kii, the Abonna did spend the “Seven Sacred Days” with mortals after the Great Migration. During this time each Abonna taught mankind the arts of dance, song, music, the arts of drawing and painting, carving and so many other arts and crafts. In Alaway, the Abonna are often scene decorating the many halls and during the nightly feasts, the Abonna will be seen dancing and playing for the other gods joyously as they meal together. Some are seen accompaning the god Drautmer as he played his drum of the assembly of the Nykua. Others will accompany the God Kane in his workshop. While they are divinities of the arts, they are not bestowers of the arts but instead merely the inspiration behind them. Being Kii, the Abonna are guardians of all the great and wonderful things in the world. And if indeed they are Kii, then they too were created by the gods Brand and Kord to ward off the malicious spirits known as Tii. No other parentage has been spoken of.

      Sacred symbols and objects to the Abonna are the tools of the trades, such as musical instruments, paint and brush, carving knives, sewing kits and so on. Also sacred to the Kii is the Lark bird

      The Abonna are depicted most of the time as young spirits in look. However there are older and elderly Abonna as well. Often the Abonna will appear in the guise of birds and when among mortals.

Bowynn Gods: Ortsall

Ortsal  (Or-tsal)  Ortsall is the God of the 3rd Gate of Daunnat and of eternal love and self love in the land of Daunnat.  Ortsal like the other gate guardians of Daunnat are the children of Chumash and Kalma. He is one of the older of the sacred seven gate keepers.

     As with all the gods of Daunnat, Ortsalt is not an evil god, nor a god of judgment.  His role is that of a guardian of Daunnat. He is the bestower of self love to spirits, as no spirit can enter Daunnat without this virtue. And he is also the god that units souls back together whe were in love and wed during their lifetime. However, it is common for the living to call to Ortsal who are suffering from the lack of love, but he is not the bestower of such love. These attributes are gifted from Brenda, Dhonnan, Shane and Onaur. As god of the Gate of Love, Odjett 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 and souls in Daunnat.

     Ortsal has no known totem animal, instead always staying in his godly form. He is seen as a man black leather jerkin and purple tunic under that with silver trimmings. At times he is seen carrying a heptagram tile or a hunter’s horn, which is blown when he allows a soul past his gate. It is said by the god Brand, Ortsal bears long brown hair and something of a beard and moustache, giving him something of a fatherly look.

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

Bowynn Gods: Alaway

Alaway  (Al-lah-way)  Alaway is the great house of the gods. To be more precise it is the "nightly" hall of the gods. Alaway was created by lord Anhur on earth, built alone, by his own hands, as asked by his bride-to-be Rhya. This she asked to prove his love to her, demanding the building be completed in 7 days. With godly strength, speed and skill Anhur did in fact complete the great structure.

    While Alaway was originally only meant to be a dining hall of the gods, there are individual chambers for sleeping as well, though there are some gods do not use them, as their positions on are require them to be elsewhere, even Anhur at times. The Ano-Taya, goddesses of fate, reside in Alaway all the time, never leaving their work. They, and a small handful of other gods, reside in Alaway almost all the time.

     Alaway is described as a grand building standing over the river Muet. There are said to be many posts holding up the roof, carved from solid trees. The windows are made of cut crystals, each one depicting the first 7 days of creation and divine weddings. At the double doors that lead inside stands young Drudenn, who is the key-holder to Alaway. The whole of inside of Alaway is said to be painted in a magnificent colors, with white decorative trim. Inside the great hall there is a magnificent hearth, encircled in green marble and lanterns made of amber hang everywhere; the great hearth is tended by the goddess’s Io and Phaenixx and the god Hyu. About the hearth are many mats, cushions and seats for each god. The great kitchen is maintained by a series of Kii, entrusted with cleaning and cleansing, preparing mighty feasts for the gods. In the great hall, the walls are lined with the four tapestries of life woven by the Ano Taya. The palace is said to be lit with alabaster and ivory lamps, decorated in the most highest of fashion. The bed chambers are said to be decorated with great tapestries and the beds covered with woven blankets and furs.

    Though built on earth, Alaway is no longer visible nor reachable by mortal man. Very few mortals have ever found or been invited to Alaway mostly due to disbelief or other reason due to their individual sins. But it's really not a place for mortals.

Bowynn Gods: Abbennaea

Abbennaea  (Ab-bhen-nay-ah)  Goddess of all sorts of offerings and libation. She is the daughter of Phaenixx and Sumon. Abbennaea is a rather young goddess, mother-like in appearance, said to be graced with deep red hair. She is the goddess that receives the spiritual essence of the offerings sent to the gods by mortal men and in turn, turns them into “that which is good for all beings.” After the “Great Migration” of mankind, Abbennaea was said to have spent her “7 sacred nights” among the first tribes and taught them the arts of making incense and what offerings were allowed to be offered to the Akua. After the god Mano tricked mankind to sacrifice blood to the gods, it was Abbennaea that had to come back to mortal man, cleanse their altars and re-teach them all that what was acceptable.

    In Alaway, Abbennaea is not only a messenger of the gods but has the duty to purge and cleanse the halls with incense daily; burning Tsa'hekas of incense to dispense the energies from the night before. It was Abbennaea that cleansed the great hall after the battle between Mano and his cousins after one fight took place in the halls of Alaway.

    Abbennaea is said to be of a most loving face and of natural beauty, her garments often of reds and she is depicted always with either a single stick of incense in one hand (or a bundle of sticks). And in the other hand, a libation pitcher. She is often said to take the form of a bird or butterfly if she does mingle among men. The butterfly being her totem

Blessed Winter Solstice

My Personal Prayer to Aleglea

O Aleglea, radiant patroness of the Bowynn, I raise my voice in reverence before your divine essence, the embodiment of happiness that dances upon the breath of life. Your name is a melody that fills the air with light, and in your presence, joy blooms like the flowers of spring, casting away shadows of sorrow. O Aleglea, goddess of beauty and mirth, I honor you, adorned in saffron and ruby, your hair crowned with a bounty of blossoms. Your green eyes gleam with the laughter of the stars, and I bask in the warmth of your glorious light. Let my heart awaken to the pure joy you inspire, showering my spirit with the gifts of song, dance, and festivity. In heartfelt gratitude, I gather fragrant blossoms to weave a garland for your divine presence. Let the sweet aroma of honey offer my love, as I lay before you butterfly images, symbols of transformation, and resilience. The incense of my devotion rises like an invocation, calling forth the benevolence of your sacred spirit.

O dear Aleglea, guide my steps as I walk upon this earth, barefoot like you, feeling the heartbeat of life through the ground. Bestow upon me the lightness of being, a spirit filled with laughter and connection to the beauty that envelops us. I seek your blessing in every festive gathering, every celebration of life, and every shared moment of happiness. As garlands of flowers adorn the paths we tread, I join the chorus of your devoted followers, dancing in rhythmic unison to celebrate the joys of existence. Under your watchful gaze, may we foster community, laughter, and shared delight, reveling in the magnificence of your gifts. O Aleglea, though I am but a humble mortal, let my life reflect the spark of joy you ignite. As I take each step in your honor, may I carry forth the spirit of abundance and cheer, spreading happiness wherever I go. For in the glory of your name and the beauty of your creations, the world becomes a tapestry of pure delight. So shall it be, in the embrace of the goddess of happiness.

Happy Halloween

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