QUESTION & ANSWER: Brooms

Bowynn Gods: Mask

Mask  (Mahsk)  Mask is the Bowynn god of wisdom, gambling and music and he is also the patron of travelers, games, puzzles, and gambling houses. He is the god of various forms of entertainment but not a patron of these arts. Instead, being more of a participant. Games of chance are his favorites. His name is derived from the word “mask,” which in Bowynn and English means the same thing. However, he is not a god of mystery, nor a malicious god, though he does have trickster tendencies at times. But most of these tricks are harmless, unless they are used as a punishment to sinners. Mask is also the god of safe travels and protection, making sure all are safe from harm and divergence, He is the god that keeps one on the right path and staying healthy along the way. In short, when you combine all his attributes, Mask could be considered the god of "road trips." Mask is also the god of discovery, treasure and scavenger hunter and a patron of Archaeologists and Paleontologists. But he is a punisher of those that are out to destroy such treasures.

     Mask is the son of Ahnur and Rhya and is said to have been playing games of chance and riddles since the day of his birth. As a child he would hide divine gifts given to his brothers and sisters and then make wagers if they could find them or not. But despite his nature, he is not a malicious god and has no intent to hurt. His participation in games of chance is often more to teach people about the etiquette of gambling and shun those that abuse it. Aside from his love of games, Mask is a god of literature, writing and collector of knowledge. His love of writing comes to no end, and it was he that formed the Bowynn alphabet and gave it to mankind. He is also the god of inspiration when it comes to writers. As a god patron of travelers Mask is a protector, making sure that travelers get to their destination quickly and safely. As this side of Mask's attribute comes forth, he is often seen on a sled carved from a rock or a wooden board, which he aptly named “Shauld” or [Speed.] In some cases its shaped more like a shield. Sacred stories tell of his "sled's" ability to float off the ground and travel as fast as the fastest bird and animal on earth. One sacred tale speaks of the time Mask challenged the fastest animal known to race him. This was the eagle. The eagle agreed and just as Mask took off he went so fast Mask crashed into a tree, thus leaving the eagle to win and taught Mask the lessons of bragging and “slow and steady.” On his sled, Mask had held many contests with the other gods as well. This included against the West and East wind gods Ryan and Lyan. Here as well, Mask lost the race but learns a variety of lessons.

     Mask is seen by many as a young agile man with long curly hair, a mask of his face and a traveler’s robe of purple with golden trims. In his hand is seen a staff or his sled, tied to his belt is a scroll case, writer’s kit and coin purse. Often seen with him is a dog, particularly a spotted Greyhound which is his totem animal, thus his animal form that he takes when he wants to mingle amongst mortals. Sacred gifts to Mask come in the form of small bundles of coins and grain, votive mice and dogs, strips of gold cloth, books, scrolls, masks, runes and of course incense.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Money

QUESTION: Is there any sort of fees Bowynn practitioners pay out for services

ANSWER: This is a general question that can cover several practices. I will do the best to cover what I can.

A Bowynn Myst [Witch] ethically and morally should never, ever, ask for any sort of fee for services rendered. We believe that the inherent gifts a Myst has, is a greater gift bestowed by the gods. As such charging a fee is unethical, immoral and sacrilegious.

The same holds true to doing divinatory help for others.

The same holds true for any religious services granted to others; like births, naming, marriage, death, 7th hour and blessings. If one feels obliged, gifts / offerings of a meal or baked goods is best. But a Bowynn priest/ess will never accept money for services rendered. Again, on the grounds of ethics.

When it comes to practitioner's gatherings, money can be offered to help find gatherings (for buying supplies that may be needed, like feast food, chairs, tables, incense and so on) But no should never feel obliged to do so. Gifts of foods, supplies and general help is much better.. In short, no, we do not collect "dues".

Often, I personally have been told that not taking money makes people question your skills and abilities. To this I say the following: Then how much do you pay your God/s when they bestow a gift to you??? What are their hourly rates??? Taking or not taking money does not demean our abilities. We do not condone other people from other faiths if they feel they must pay a tithe, but it's not our way.

Can you make a spell for "become tour desired magical girl" or place a wish of "I want to become a toyko mew mew " on ur altar? Thanks!

I am oblivious as to what a "..tour desired magical girl" If you are asking about becoming a witch, no spell can do that. Like many things in real life, to be a witch takes years of study, work, physical and mental training and focus.

As to the Mew Mew, I am sorry real magic does not work that way. What you are asking for only exists in the realms of cartoons, movies and roleplaying games.

I am sorry I cannot help you. I am sorry.

The Elements / Tau Retammas

Water / Sumon ---- The Rain / Tau Reye

(Sometimes "Rain" can be substituted with "The Stream" {Tau Fold} )

The next point represents all the aspects of Water (Imagination, Forgiveness, Sensitivity, Easy-going, Blood, Tears, Emotions, Cleansing, Creativity, Healing), but concentrates specifically on waters elements of the forest. Water flows and ebbs within our oceans and weaves its way through various terrains. We use it every day from drinking to cooking, we swim in it on hot days. It gives our bodies comfort from aches and pains, as steam rises from the hot water soothing the stresses of the day. From the forest's waters we see the waters within the womb and the blood that flows through our veins. The rain nurtures the forest and us, quenching our thirst, and within the rain we also find our emotions- specifically tears of sorrow, pain and joy. The mist and dew cleanse the forest and us each morning, so we can start the day anew. In water we can scry into the depths and see what needs to be seen. The waters of the forest cool us down when we get too hot, both physically and emotionally. It is an element which supports all life, not just sea creatures and freshwater fish. One of the great forces on earth encompasses the earth with its wondrous colors and covers the vast, virtually unexplored, deep terrain below the water's surface. With water we are given the chance to create - inks, paints, clay, thus bringing out our creativity. It is the element associated with Faith – immutable and ever present, our emotions and beliefs change even if ever so slightly following what we feel to be right and true for ourselves and the world around us. From the rapids of the stream, we learn how to navigate our ways towards stillness. Faith, like water, fills us with peace and serenity if we let it wash away all our troubles and pains. We constantly seek peace in the faith that life will continue onward and that the Gods (or whatever we choose to believe in) are out there watching over us and protecting us from harm while guiding us on our life's journey. Water flows where others disdain, where it is in harmony with all things. The path of water is shaded in the hue of blue. The lesson of ecology was important to our Ancestors and should instill sacredness for our planet today. All life - every being, should strive to co-exist and live in harmony as nature intended, as the earth does. The virtue associated with the earth is Peace, because water gives us a chance to calm and relax. The earth path is one that is richly green.

Bowynn Gods: Drautmer

Drautmer (Drawt-mer)  Drautmer is the god of music and more importantly drumming and the patron of drummers. At first this attribute and patron of drums and drummers may sound insignificant; however, to the Bowynn people, drumming is so much more than just entertainment. Drums are a form of communication and defense. Drautmer’s parents are Anhur and Rhya .

     In the early days of the first tribes, they were scattered about the landscape. It was drumming that was used as a for of communication between tribes, be it to signal if there was a death, enemy approaching, plague or other issues that could affect other neighboring Bowynn tribes. Drautmer was the creator of the first drums. Inspired when the young god, he heard the knocking of a woodpecker against a tree. At first the god talked with the bid by knocking against the tree. But then got the idea of finding a hollow log and a stick. Thus, the god created the first drum. He then later stretched a leather skintight over one end of the log that greatly improved the sounds. Son the god was making great drums for the gods and mortals alike. it was his seven days living among mortals that he taught them the art of drumming. it is at night at Alaway that Drautmer entertains the gods with his music.     

Drautmer is seen often as a young man, for a god, with long honey colored hair, with drum and beater in hand or at his side. Sometimes more than one drum of various sizes. His totem animal is the Woodpecker, which he as well takes the form of when mortals are about. it is said that if one listens to the knocks of a woodpecker, one can decipher a message from the god, much like divination. Sacred gifts to Drautmer or of course drums of all shapes and sized, votive woodpeckers, incense and milk.

BOWYNN GODS: Saulnat

Saulnat  (Sawl-nat)  God of the light in Daunnat, the next world. He is the son of Shayla and Saul, the god and goddess of Light and Day.

     When first created by the lord Chumash, Duannat was a very dark and foreboding place where the dead would go, much darker than the night. Thus it was a dismal place to be. He asked Saulnat, the son of Saul if he would be willing to bring his inherited light to Daunnat. In turn Chumash promised him the great feasts of Daunnat and his own home. Saulnat agreed to this and took a part of the essence of the sun with him to Daunnat. With the sun light now in Daunnat, light filled the land, crops grew and forests came into being, thus turning Daunnat into a much glorious place.

     Despite Saulnat’s great gift to Chumash, the souls of the dead and Daunnat itself, he is not a widely worshipped god. Only in the hymns chanted at a death is Saulnat spoken of, that his light never be extinguished and act as a beacon. But despite this, he is revered greatly as a bastion of hope for the living and the dead, a symbol of life eternal. Saulnat is seen as a much older man than his father; a man is his elder years with a man of white hair and a long white beard. Saulnatt us said to wear ling white robes and has a most decorative staff in hand that the light of Daunnat is contained in.

     Sacred to Saulnat is a simple white candle. No totem animals are associated with him. 

Bowynn Gods: Naea

Naea  (Nay-ah)  Naea is the Bowynn goddess of springs, wells, lakes, rivers, streams and other small fresh bodies of water. She is the daughter of Tane and Kauldra and is one of the very few multi arm gods. As such she is a spider goddess. Her multi limbs represent the many rivers of the world.      Naea is a free spirited goddess, spending much of her time wandering the sides of wells and ponds and weaving away in her godly or animal form on the side of streams and rivers. Her prime domain is to make sure such bodies of water are protected from pollutants and destruction as much as possible. As such, Naea is one of the very few gods of the Bowynn pantheon to seek revenge on mortals that destroy her realm. One sacred story speaks of the fisherman that was so filled with joy when he caught a fish as soon as his hook hit the water. He became so happy that he kept fishing till the lake was depleted of fish. Naea found out about this and that night as he and his family gorged out on the fish the man caught, there was a knock on the door of a beggar woman. She asked for a fish to get her by. The man and woman gave her the smallest fish in the batch, so small it would not fill a cat. The old woman ended up being Naea and for the couple's lack of moderation and charity, Naea made all the other food in the house disappear till all that was left saw the fish. The couple quickly became sick of eating fish all the time and thus learned their lesson. There are many legends of mortals abusing wells and springs then suffering Naea’s wrath but never death.      Despite this and other such sacred tales Naea is not a vicious goddess. Infact she is a most gentle goddess. She only seeks out those that have done wrong with her gifts. So she should not be feared. Other times she is most giving, as the sacred stories of her creating a well for a family that had nothing to drink for days. Because of her watery realm, Naea's temples are often nothing more than a well surrounded by a gazebo.      Naea is depicted in her godly immortal form as a delightful young woman with short hair and 4 - 6 arms. Her garments are of blues, purples and greens and silver or glass baubles as jewelry. Sometimes she is seen with a pitcher of fresh water and other times with a loom. In her totem form Naea is seen as an elegant spider. Sacred gifts to Naea come in the form of glass pieces, fresh water, river and lake plants and flowers, spoons of white and blue yarn and votive images of a spider.

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

BOWYNN GODS: TARNA

Tarna with her sisters, Myliea, Quilla and Kora

Tarna  (Tar-nah)  Goddess of the summer season. She is the daughter of Morrighynn and Herne, sister of Kora, Myliea and Quilla and the consort to the god Saphon. Her name literally means "Summer."      Few tales are told of Tarna and her sisters as her role in nature keep her busy. She was born on the first day of summer. Tarna and her sisters were always bickering and contesting against each other over various things since their birth. Tarna contested with her sisters for which season they would rule over. In this contest Tarna created a field of sunflowers up from the ground. Tarna’s folks granted her the season of summer to govern over, judged by her gift. Thus, on the last day of Spring, Quilla departs the land, while Tarna appears on the first day of summer on a magnificent golden horse; bringing the greens and gold to the summer season and growing of sunflowers, marigolds and daisy.  The other sacred story tells of Tarna’s sacred marriage to Saphon, God of the South.

     Tarna is seen as a motherly female figure, refined with golden blond hair laced with a crown of ferns and sunflowers. She is clad in summer green colors and golden trim. Her hlad is of the same tones. Sometimes she is said to have a Daddalo [Stola] of golden yellows. In her hand is often seen a staff of Maple with ribbons wrapped on it of summer colors. Other times she is seen with a basket of summer flowers. Sometimes she is said to be winged with golden or yellow feathers. When about mortals she will take the image of a horse or a golden finch, her totem animals.

     Sacred gifts to Quilla are Milk, daisies and sunflowers, votive images of gold/yellow horses, sparrows, finch and of course incense. Most common gifts are wreathes and garlands of summer flowers.

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.