My Prayer To The Dorro, The Guardians

Aelles Tau Mystaras

Today I will jump ahead a bit as today is Holy Day. Precisely, today is the holiday called Shae vo Tau Mystaras {Day of The Mysteries} More commonly called Tau Mystaras.

The Mysteries are celebrated on the days of April 15th-17th. While some think the holiday is just celebrated for and by Mysts {witches} the holiday is really devoted to all worshipers. It's a most divine holiday. A time of rest, meditation, cleansing, looking inward and reflecting on one's faith. It is a time when people spend the 3 days at their home altars, shrines and reading their codex. Many like to just use the day and spend it in silence, in vigil, prayer. The days are used to clean one's shrines, altars, religious tools, divination tools. Those that attend groves will find the areas incased with plumes of incense. Bathhouses, saunas and Taranoms {sweathouses} are in wide use when they too are not being cleansed and cleaned.

Religiously, Tau Mystaras is dedicated to the gods Mystara and Ehlrik. Mystara being the goddess of Magic and Ehlrick, the god of shamanism and bards. At least they are the main focus, but all Bowynn gods are deeply respected this holiday. Tsa'heka-non {100-fold} bundles of incense are burned these days as offerings, mass libations of milk, water, juice and wine are gifted, grosses of flowers, plants, garlands and wreathes if bestowed to the gods, whole dinners are cooked for the holy family.

For Mysts and those that practice the arts of magic and shamanism; the holiday is especially celebrated as a great time of cleanings and is the date new initiates are blessed and welcomes into groves and temples. It is also the most sacred day to consult priests and priestesses for wisdom and consult oracles. Many will spend the days is deep though over tools of divination. And spells are cast endlessly on these 3 days. Nights of great divination practices, spell casting and a day for new practitioners to start.

Traditionally 7 candles are burned during these 3 days in reverence for the gods. And the colors of Black, Purple, White and Gold are displayed. Wreathes and garlands are hung up on and around doors in homes and temples. Soft religious music is played. Fasting is common but not culturally nor religiously demanded. But the abstinence of a frivolous foods of some sort is common: Coffee, Sugar, Alcohol, Candy, Pastry. It is up to the person.

Personally, I like to just use the day in prayers and to read my codex. I may do a divination reading. I spend the first day, cleansing my home, altar and take a LONG soak in the tub. I spend the second day in deep reverence and vigil and depending on the weather, I may take a long walk. Day 3 I like to do some spell casting and take a second soaking. Sometimes I will make special herbal cookies are a lemon cake. And I do make an offerings of the 7 Sacred Offerings (Meat, Vegetation, Incense, Herbs, Fire, Libation and Votives). If I am up for it, I will even spend time crafting and drawing something divine or magically in nature. And incense is always burning. And I normally will fast the first two days and day three I FEAST! LOL.

Aelles Tau Mystaras {Happy Holiday}

Blessed Winter Solstice

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Triple Dieties

QUESTION: Are there any Goddesses that form a triune/trinity in your faith?

ANSWER: No. But that's not to say one may pray to three gods at the same time. But that is more likely because at that moment someone needs to help of the three gods in question. Particularly when it comes to health. But there are no Bowynn gods/goddesses that are seen as a "Divine trinity" like the Greeks and Kelts.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Myst

QUESTION: What exactly is a "Myst"?

ANSWER: "Myst" is the Bowynn word for "Witch" and other names for those that practice the arts. These is not gender difference. Male or Female, they are all Mysts. Crafters and casters of spells and other esoteric talents that fall within the profession.

The Vlenndra

The Vlenndra Devotional is a special act of praise that is done at the start of any religious act.  It is much like a Christian will draw a cross with their finger across their body as they chant "To the father...". The Vlenndra Devotional is a form of attunement with the spiritual. There is no true English word nor term for "Vlenndra." Though some have interrupt it to "devotional" but it is really so much more beyond that.

Before the start of any prayers, rite or magic spell, be it alone or with one's clan, the Vlenndra Devotional is performed. It is an opening to your prayers, a way of preparing oneself, a separation from what you were doing in your mundane time and your spiritual life. The Vlenndra act is sort of a key to unlocking a door to the divine world and a reminder of that which is holy. Many use the Vlenndra devotional by itself as a morning affirmation. The Vlenndra devotional need not be done at one's altar but anywhere: Facing the morning or setting sun, at the rise of the moon, over a meal, at a moment when things go wrong.

The Vlenndra devotional is simple in itself and yet within its simplicity, atones one with our faith. It is started by taking up a simple incense stick of any scent. When the tip glows, blow out the flame and let it smoke. Then in the air draw a septagram with the tip. As you do this, speak the following:

“By Earth, By Air,

By Fire, By Water,

By Soul, By Spirit,

By Bia.”

Finish each septagram off by encircling it. Done as a daily practice, this is repeated 3 times in total. However in some remote cases one may wish to do this as much as 7 and 9 times. A Myst {witch] will use the common 7 times before casting a spell, during a holiday or during a vigil, 9 times is the norm. After which the incense stick is placed in its holder. The Vlenndra Devotional is done. One should never rush through the Vlenndra. You should think about your actions, its words, what each of these elements mean to you, absorbing each element as you speak the Vlenndra and how you plan to incorporate them throughout your day.  At the same time, the devotional need not be done too slow either. The main thing is that when done, with the devotional you should feel spiritually attuned for moment.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Thanksgiving

QUESTION: Do Bowynn celebrate Thankksgiving (Canadian or American)

Answer: No. That for two reasons. The first being out of respect for the people's whose land North and South America belonged to.

The second reason is because we have a sacred holy festival day on the days of November 14-16th, Emberfest. It is the most holy of Feast and the celebration/preparation of Winter. Sacred candles are lit in the home praying that its warmth light and glow will never fad throughout winter, protecting house and home. Stoves, hearths, ovens and fireplaces are cleaned. Then the officiating priest and priestesses come to the home singing hymns to the Goddess Phoenix, the goddess of primeval and element of fire. The officiants then gift a single blessed charcoal to the home owners. It is lit and there is a roar of joy and love, hoping that abundance and protection lasts the home and family the winter through.

During the festival homes are decorated with autumn leaves, candles, lantern, gourds carved into bird houses and images of Phoenix birds are everywhere. Small and large. The gourds houses are invites for Phoenix's children to come stay in the house and protect it. While it seems this holiday is a feast day, it is more than that. It is a time to give praise and thanks to the goddess Phoenix for bestowing on mankind the gift to domesticate fire for light, warmth, cooking food and casting spells.

BOWYNN GODS: UNTHAR

Unthar  (uhn-thar)  God of the air, sky and the air element. Unthar is the eldest of the primordial gods, created by Bia and considered their king, under Bia itself. Unthar is called by many names from Father Sky, to “all seeing.” He is the air, the sky, the universe, the heavens and the element of air. Unth in English means "Air"

     In the creation of mankind, Unthar saw there was no life in the models that his siblings made of clay. So into the mouths of each one, Unthar gave breath. And with that the figures came alive. It was Unthar that separated the heavens from the earth, giving atmosphere and blocking the divine heaves away from the sight of mortals on earth below. 

     Wedding and bedding his sister Brea, Unthar fathered all the great gods of the Akua. He is one of the few gods that rarely visit Alaway, as his watch of “all” is never ceasing.

     Unthar is seen as an older god, of grandfatherly appearance. His white hair and beard is long and eyes almost crystal clear, so he can take in everything. At times he is seen wearing a helm while other times a hood. His garments are white all about. At time he is seen with a staff in hand and other times, he is seen with a horn in hand, which he uses to summon gods to his attention. Sacred to Unthar is mostly incense of all scents and votive images of a horn and birds.

My Prayer To Chumash, Lord of the Deceased

O Chumash, King of Daunnat, benevolent Lord of the Passage, I beseech you in the light of love and kindness. You, who have crowned yourself with mercy, watch over the souls that traverse the realm between life and the afterlife. May your presence bring comfort to those who mourn, as you guide the spirits from their mortal husks into the embrace of eternity. O Keeper of the Eternal, with your ebony hair like the night sky and eyes glistening deep as the most sacred earth, I appeal to your loving heart. Grant repose to the restless souls, separating them with gentle hands, ensuring they find solace in the beauty of Daunnat. May your wisdom guide the spirits to the lessons once unlearned, returning them anew to the cycle of life. With devoted heart, I lay before you the sacred gifts of Votive dogs, faithful companions that guard the seven gates of your realm. In honor of your beloved queen, goddess Kalma, I present iris and poppy flowers, symbols of our love and remembrance. May these offerings blossom upon the graves of the departed, signifying our eternal connection to you and the afterlife you cherish.

O Chumash, Lord of great feasts, as you gather the souls within your realm, may no spirit go hungry and no voice go unheard in the joyous revelry of the night. Let laughter and music echo throughout Daunnat, binding together the threads of family and love that stretch across the veil of existence. As you have transformed the kingdom of Daunnat into a sanctuary of light, I vow to honor your efforts by living with love and compassion in my own life. May I cherish the memories of those passed while embracing the lessons of the living. So shall it be, in reverence and devotion to Chumash, the gentle guardian of souls, whose laughter lights the darkened path to eternity.

My Prayer to the Briora, Keepers of Wisdom

O Wise Briora, Spirits of Knowledge and Order, I call upon you, revered protectors of our cherished tomes and sacred scrolls. In your diminutive forms, you embody the vast wisdom of ages, and I bow before your eternal essence, forever entwined with the treasures of literature. O Briora, guardians of the libraries, bring forth your light to illuminate my mind and heart. As you wander amongst the shelves, sorting and reading, infuse my thoughts with understanding, and guide my quest for knowledge. Let your whispers steer me towards the truths hidden within the pages of the books, where wisdom dwells like a precious gem. With humble reverence, I offer thanks for the peace and order you bring to our sacred spaces. O Briora, as you lovingly arrange the volumes that tell our stories, grant me the wisdom to organize my own life, bringing clarity and harmony to the chaos that often arises. May my path be as well-ordered as the books upon the shelves you adore.

O Gentle Spirits, may my heart always seek knowledge as a treasure waiting to be discovered. In times of doubt and confusion, may I remember your presence as I turn each page, feeling your guiding hand in every word. As you dwell among the whispers of our histories, inspire me to listen, learn, and grow. In honor of your tireless work, I lay before you simple gifts—candles to illuminate the dark corners of wisdom and incense to waft the fragrant essence of devotion. May these offerings please your spirits, for they are but small reflections of my respect and appreciation for your guardianship over the knowledge we treasure. So shall it be, enveloped in the blessings of the Briora, the wise protectors of books and guardians of knowledge.

Syember!

Bowynn Gods: Unthar

Wooden pog of Unthar with eyes drawn in - created by myself , Made in 1987

Unthar  (un-thar)  Is the Bowynn God of the air, sky and the air element. Unthar is the eldest of the primordial gods, created by Bia and considered in some way as their king, under Bia itself. Unthar is called by many names from "Father Sky", to “all seeing.” He is the air, the sky, the universe, the heavens and Unthar is the primal element of air. His name "Unth" translates to the word "Air"

     In the creation of mankind, Unthar saw there was no life in the models that his siblings had made of clay. So, into the mouths of each one, Unthar gave breath. And with that, the figures came alive. During creation it was Unthar that separated the heavens from the earth, giving atmosphere around planets and blocking the divine heavens away from the sight of mortals on earth below with clouds. Unthar is also considered the first lord of the winds and weather. Unthar is spoken of as "Ever embracing" as well, as he is all around. Unthar's totem animal is the Hawk, Eagle and other large birds.

     Wedding and bedding his "sister" Brea, Unthar fathered all the great gods of the Nykua, the divine family. He is one of the few gods that rarely visits Alaway, the hall of the gods, as his often too busy watching over “all” of earth's denizens. So, his duty is almost never ceasing.

     Unthar is seen as an older god, of grandfatherly appearance. His white hair and beard are long and eyes almost crystal clear, so he can take in everything. He can be attributed to the idea of the "wise and kind Grandfather". His garments are often seen as white and somethings with a blue or grayish hue. At time he is seen with a staff in hand and other times, he is seen with a horn in hand, which he uses to summon gods to his attention. Sacred to Unthar is mostly incense of all scents and votive images of a horn and birds.

(Matching gods would be gods like Ouranos and Varuna)