QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Prayers

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.

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: Brea

Part of an altar cloth depicting Brea - embroidery and paint - Created by Sheree Tsarnek 2021

Brea (Bree-ah)  Goddess of the earth and earth element. Brea is the great earth goddess born/created from Bia.  By the union of her to her "brother" Unthar,  she gave birth to the great household of gods.  Brea ultimately is the earth goddess and element. And she is part of the great creatrix of all things; for she was the one that gave the other gods the idea to create all that resides on the earth. She is the goddess of fertility, life, death, growth and represents the element of earth. She is also the goddess of evolution and creation on the planet.

Brea is often seen and depicted as a grandmother type image, with an aged caring face.

     The ancient story speaks that as a child Brea would often come down to one of the dead rocky planets and play on them. Bia warned the child to stay away from the planets but she would not listen. Finally one day Brea found that when it was time to leave one of the dead planets, she could not and was bound to it. Even with the help of all her brothers and sisters, Brea could not remove herself from the land. Bia stated that she was now that planet’s permanent resident and was free to do with the planet as she please. Working her divine will, Brea gave life to the planet with trees, flowers and grass. In time with her siblings helped mold and sculpt the landscape; Brea would create all the animal life and then mortal mankind. Eventually Brea became the very essence of the planet and gave it her name, Brea, “Earth”  

     Brea is the goddess that fashioned out of earth, the mold for all living creatures, including mortal people. But it was not with-out the help of her siblings, that these creations took life and populated the earth. This was done because Brea saw that despite trees, seas and sky, the world was silent and empty. Seeing the world was so lonely and quiet, Brea took dirt into her hand and sculpted the first beings from it. But the sculptures of dirt were nothing more than dirt, with no life and just fell apart. With the help of her brothers and sister, all beings came to be on Earth. Brea is called the ‘mother of the gods.’

     Brea is always depicted as a mother figure, a lot like Mother Nature. She often is seen wearing a crown or circlet to show her majesty and other times seen wearing a wreath of bounty of all sorts. Over these adornments she wears a veil. Her gown is green more than often and her bosoms are large, which represents fertility. Being that she is the supreme lady of life, all beings and things are sacred to her; flora and fauna and mankind. However, the most prominent gift that can be offered to her is incense; a gift she gave to mortal folk during her 7 Sacred Days of visitation.  

(Other like gods comparable to Brea are Gaea, Mama Pacha, Maka Akan, Akka, Papa, Terra, )

BOWYNN GODS: TORA

Tora  (Tor-ah)  Goddess of the night and universal darkness.  She is the creation of Bia at the beginning of time, along with her siblings Saul, Shayla and Daeth. She is not seen as a negative goddess but merely a guardian and essence of the element of night and all that night pertains to. She is particularly much a patron to people who are “night owls” or feel more attuned to work nights. Those that find a bond with Tora will often light floating lanterns to her and send their prayers to Tora using these lanterns as a form of a link between them and Tora.

     Tora was not born with her godly attribute but like her brothers and sister, had to gain it. She wrestled with a pair of great black celestial panthers that were the guardians of the night. Winning them over, she tamed the two great sky cats and made them her steeds instead of destroying them.

     To this days Tora is seen crossing the night sky with two panthers. Tora eventually wed the god Daeth and from them was born the goddess Morrighynn, which took over the control of the moon at night.  Tora also gave birth to the dream goddess Naraea.

     Tora is seen as a motherly goddess, with long black hair and garments of black with silvery accents. She is often seen with her black panthers or as a black panther or black cat herself, when mortals are close by. Sacred to Tora are votive images of black cats and black panthers, as well as any nocturnal creatures. Also sacred to her is candles and lanterns and black tea.

QUESTION & ANSWER: 3 Fold Law

QUESTION: Do people of your tradition believe in the 3-fold law?

ANSWER: The short answer is "No."

We do however believe that evil and malicious things you do will come back to you. Like a rubber-band. Action - Reaction. And that applies to all things you do in life. We do not believe that what you do will come back to you in the fashion. It may come back to you in other ways like ill-luck, sickness, loss of a friend, loss of cash, something breaks or anything else negative.

Bowynn Gods: Kauldra

Kauldra (Kol-drah)  Queen of the sea and goddess of all fresh waters. Her name in English translates to the world "Cauldron." Be it raging ocean or trickling brook, she is in charge of it. And though she is queen of the sea, her watery aspect seems to be more confined to fresh waters, while her husband Tane, is more opt to salt water. She is the daughter of Sumon and Phoenix.      Sacred stories of Kauldra are not too many. She was to wed Tane, the king of the seas but like her two sisters, she challenged Tane to prove he was a worthy husband first. Tane built Kauldra a grand sea-bound castle of beauty and grace. But she did not accept. Kauldra's postponement of the wedding went on and on till at last Tane had nothing more to offer the goddess but his everlasting love. And it was that which Kauldra accepted and agreed to marry the sea king.

Another tale says when Kauldra was born, the god Gondor fashioned a cauldron as a gift, which she could look in and see the world at her wish. the cauldron is said to hold a drop of water from every river, stream, pond, ocean, sea, fountain and waterway in the world. Kauldra was also said to have given all the animals of the sea color. Before that, they were colorless.      Kauldra is said to resemble a lady of dignified grace, tall and slender. Her robes and garments are long and flowing and the colors of blues and greens. Kauldra’s skin is said to be a bit pale, bares raven colored hair and azure eyes. Her crown is designed of silver with sea horses and shells. Sacred gifts to Kauldra are cooked fish, water, coral, shells, sachets of sand and any plants of the sea or plants like water reeds or water lilies. And of course incense.

Bowynn Gods: Ion

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

Aelles Tsa'Tarna and Merry Solstice

Her lord and ladyship have arrived and Summer is walked through the door.. May your Solstice be bright, merry and a blessed one.

Today starts the 3 day Holiday of Tsa'Tarna for those of the Bowynn faith. The celebration of the first day of Summer. Tsa'Tarna literally translates to "1st of Summer." At the break of dawn on this day horns resound everywhere ushering in the epiphany of the Goddess of Summer, Tarna and her beloved Saphon, the god of the south and southern wind. Their rise and migration across the northern half of the earth begins, bringing all the joys of summer. At the same time it is the holiday celebrating the union of the God Hern (sun) to the Goddess Morrighynn (moon)

Boughs, garlands, bouquets and wreaths of Daisies Morning Glories, Sunflowers and Daffodils and displayed everywhere. White, Yellow and green flags and sheets blow in the wind, feasts are on full scale, A parade in which a veiled icon statue of Morrighynn is carried to a central temple or location and placed next to the icon statue of Hern. Bouquets of the flowers of the holiday are offered in abundance along with endless amounts of incense. Fruits, veggies, salads and fish are the main focus of feast meals.

the first day of Tsa'Tarna is devoted to the cleaning of homes and sacred spaces, cooking holiday foods and decorating. After which a bath or a swim in a lake or ocean is common. a cleansing. the evening is usually devoted to prayers and vigils at scared spots, temples and shrines. First offerings in all sorts of gifts of offered to the 4 primary gods: Tarna, Saphon, Hern and Morrighynn.

The second day is devoted strictly to the gods. In the morning the Epiphany is started with the blowing of horns and flutes, signaling that Tarna and Saphon have arisen and Summer is at hand. The parade/Procession of Morrighynn is held about noon followed by great rites and ceremonies all day and night.

the 3 day is devoted to celebration and feasting, with carnivals, sporting events, parades, picnics and fun times in general.

However you celebrate the holiday of the summer solstice, may you have a most blessed one. May the Epiphany of Summer and the southern wind bless and keep you cool and safe. May you find love, and joy in the days ahead and may you all celebrate in peace and harmony. Syember and Aelles.

My Personal Prayer to the Aetennii

O Aetennnii, Guardian Kii of the Bowynn cemeteries, I raise my voice in reverence to you, protectors of the sacred tombs, vigilant spirits that dwell amidst the resting places of the departed. With wings like the breeze and hearts firm as stone, you guard the hallowed grounds. Hear me, O cherished Aetennnii, your forms small yet mighty, circling the thresholds of the departed. I call upon your presence to shield the graves from harm, natural and man-made alike, lending your vigilance to the bones that lie beneath the earth. Together with Heron, deliverer of the dead, may you guard against decay and disturbance. In homage, I offer these sacred words, placing images of your essence at the gateways of remembrance. May the likeness of your wings inspire serenity in the hearts of mourners and honor those who have returned to the soil. I lay my gratitude at the entrance of each tomb, seeking your favor upon the treasures of memory contained within.

O Aetennnii, I beseech you, protect this sacred ground, ensuring that the sanctity of the resting places endures beyond time. When spirits wander, let your watchful eyes remain vigilant, preventing sorrow and safeguarding the peace that dwells among the stones. As I walk among the graves, may I feel your gentle presence guiding my respect and reverence. I celebrate your essence, O Aetennnii, protectors cloaked in feathers, embodiments of vigilance in the face of forgotten peril. Let the souls who find their peace beneath the earth be cradled in your care, their stories whispered through the rustling of leaves and the songs of the wind. In your sacred duty, may I find solace, O Aetennnii, for you are the guardians of history and memory. As I honor the departed, I pledge my respect to the grounds you protect. May the Aetennnii thrive in their charge, forever gracing the cemeteries with love, vigilance, and the whisper of wings. So shall it be, in the realm where the living and the departed coexist in peace.

Bowynn Gods: Naddas

Naddas  (Nahd-das)  God of the 2nd Gate of Daunnat, of kindness and one of the gods of Daunnat, the land of spirits. Of all the Gate Gods, Naddas is the eldest. He, like the other Gate Guardians of Daunnat, is the son of Chumash and Kalma.

     As with all the gods of Daunnat, Naddas is not an evil god, nor a god of judgment.  His role is that of a guardian of Daunnat. He is the bestower of Kindness and welcomeness to spirits, as no spirit can enter Daunnat without this virtue. However, it is common for the living to call to Naddas who are suffering from the lack of Kindness in their lives. As the god of the Gate of Kindness, Naddas is one of the 7 gods of the sacred heptagram. Naddas sustains from visiting Alaway, instead preferring to feast with the spirits in Daunnat.

     Naddas has no known totem animal, instead always staying in his godly form; an elderly man dressed in a robe of deep purple trimmed in gold. At times he is seen carrying a heptagram tile or a staff, entwined with ivy.

     Sacred to Naddas is the Heptagram and ivy plant. During funeral services, a bowl of milk is left to him and the other Guardians of the Gates, as customary and a statuette of the departed, so the god will recognize the departed’s soul, which is identical to his body.