Bowynn Tradition Virtues {Hylin}
Bowynn Tradition Virtues {Hylin}
The following are the Sacred Seven virtues {Hylin} of the Bowynn faith. These seven virtues are one of many attributes of the Bowynn Holy Symbol, the Numatam:
Peace {Del}
Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm. It comes especially in quiet moments of reflection or gratitude. It is getting very quiet and looking at things so you can understand them. Peacefulness is a way of approaching conflict with others so that no one is made wrong. It is being fair to others and yourself. Peace is giving up the love of power for the power of love. With peacefulness, everyone wins. Practicing peacefulness helps to create a calm mind free from worry. When you are peaceful, you respect others and their differences. People around you feel calm and safe. Without peace, no one is safe. People get hurt. Fighting doesn’t solve problems, and no one every really wins a war. With peacefulness, any problem can be solved. Peace in the world begins with peace in your heart. To find inner peace, become very still and think peaceful thoughts. Observe and think about your feelings, like anger, instead of acting with anger. To be a peacemaker, use peaceful language instead of name-calling, yelling or gossiping. Avoid aggressive or violent actions. Talk things out and listen to the other person too. Then look for a peaceful solution. Peacemakers find there are lots of creative ways to solve any problem.
Charity {Artaejen}
A person in need of charity is somebody who risks the loss of some very strong and stable desires. These include basic desires such as a desire for a warm place to sleep on a cold winter’s night, a desire for food and clean water to drink, a desire for health, and, in some cases, a desire to go on living. When a person has a desire to help fulfill the particularly strong desires of others, then an act of charity fulfills not only the desires of those to whom he gives, but his own desires as well. Some people state that part of the value of giving to charity is the pleasure that it provides to those who do the giving. However, this pleasure is contingent. This is a learned desire – a desire brought about by the use of social tools such as praise (of those who are charitable) and condemnation (of those who are selfish). People in general have many and strong reasons to praise those who are charitable, and to condemn those who are selfish. Any one of us could end up in a situation where some of our strongest and most stable desires are at risk – where we are without a home or suffer some severe threat to our health and long life. But we must remember to give because it is the right thing to do. Not because we expect good things in return.
Love {Brend}
We often think of love as an emotion we experience, an emotion characterized by the desire to be close to another person, the sense of cozy pleasure we feel in a relationship. This emotional aspect of love is usually perceived as warmth, attraction, intimacy, closeness and excitement. If we limit our understanding of love to the experience of transient emotions alone, we are on extremely unstable ground. Whether we enjoy someone's company or not, whether we admire their character or not, we can still honor a person from a spiritual perspective simply because, we are all created from the same spirit. In this definition of love we make a commitment to remember the truth of our oneness and treat others with respect and kindness no matter if they are worthy of such sentiments or not. Loving another person in this way is respecting their divinity, which is the same as ours. This is a reliable foundation for a positive relationship. When we find ourselves angry or fearful, all love is not lost. We must turn our attention to the principle of love, which calls us to be gentle, kind and to treat others with respect despite the life-constricting emotions of anger and fear. This concept of love is what the ancient Greeks called Agape love -- a love that honors all others. When we have love to give, we can express it with respect, kind words and actions, even when the conditions don't seem to warrant loving-kindness. To foster love, we have to be honest in little and big matters. To demonstrate love, we can give our undivided attention whether we are at work or at home. Just silently listening and being present can be a loving gesture. Never forget that love can be applied to any problem. Since this life is short, savor moments by being fun-loving and relishing connections with others. Each day, make a conscious choice to live lovingly and express love to yourself and others.
Courage {Baraej}
Courage is one of those virtues necessary to living a good life. Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of courage is bravery in the face of a threat, yet it is so much more. It is the ability to choose the point that lies between cowardice and recklessness in any circumstance. Courage takes many forms. Examples include the courage to do what is right, the courage of facing a personal fear, the courage to accept unpopularity, the courage to endure physical or mental pain for the sake of self-improvement, the courage to push forward through frustration,
the courage to tell the truth, the courage to change, the courage to act, the courage to trust, the courage to love, the courage to commit, and many more. How do you make a habit of courage? This is not an easy undertaking, as you will have to overcome years of habits associated with making uncourageous decisions. First, let me suggest that you have to believe that practicing courage is a worthy pursuit. Developing courage will allow you to be more in control of your life as opposed to letting outside circumstances dictate your actions. Another place to start is by developing the habit of being truthful. Telling the truth often requires courage because it may get you or someone you care about into trouble. Yet we inherently know it is the right thing to do. There is a selfish benefit to this strategy and that is people will respect you for this virtue. They may not always like it, but they will respect it. They will come to know that you are always telling them the truth and they will appreciate you for that quality.
Kindness {Skirnlee}
Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a person treats others. Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years. The attributes of thoughtfulness and kindness are inseparably linked. Kindness is not a duty or an ethic either; it is an expression of personal virtue that flows from and is rooted in love, which is at the heart of all virtue. Kindness begins in the heart. In fact, many languages have words that are translated as "loving-kindness" or "kind-heartedness," which is kindness that goes beyond the minimum requirements of civility. Kindness is really more than being nice, polite or agreeable, but instead has more to do with our being than our behavior. It cannot be faked. Kindness softens hearts, lifts spirits and molds relationships. The value of our lives is best measured not by the material possessions we've acquired, but by the hearts we've touched, because who we are is far more important than what we have. Everything we do affects not only our own life, but touches other lives, too.
Spirituality {Tya'oamima}
A person with Spirituality will have firm beliefs about the meaning of the universe. Such people attach their life to something higher than themselves. Being spiritual may make it easier for a person to cope with difficult life events. Spirituality is not just about religious beliefs although the two are closely connected. People with religious beliefs have been shown to be able to cope with stress and handle difficult events when they arise. In religion, transcendence refers to the aspect of a god's nature and power which is wholly independent of the material universe, beyond all physical laws. This is contrasted with immanence, where a god is said to be fully present in the physical world and thus accessible to creatures in various ways. In religious experience transcendence is a state of being that has overcome the limitations of physical existence and by some definitions has also become independent of it. This is typically manifested in prayer, séance, meditation, psychedelics and paranormal "visions". It is affirmed in the concept of the divine in various religious traditions, and contrasts with the notion of a god, or the Absolute, existing exclusively in the physical order or indistinguishable from it (pantheism). Spirituality can be attributed to the divine not only in its being, but also in its knowledge. Thus, a god may transcend both the universe and knowledge (is beyond the grasp of the human mind). Although transcendence is defined as the opposite of immanence, the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Some theologians and metaphysicians of various religious traditions affirm that a god is both within and beyond the universe; in it, but not of it; simultaneously pervading it and surpassing it.
Balance {Bia}
Balance is defined as “stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis,” “equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements,” or “an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements,” according to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Balance is that spiritual straightness and stability that resists all influences to turn or deviate from the right path. It is the characteristic of righteousness that refuses to be allured, intimidated, or bullied into diverting from the assigned course. It resists reducing or exaggerating the truth, recognizing that error or excess in either direction, for any reason, remains error and excess. It is important to remember that balance is a godly virtue. It is clearly displayed in the nature of Bia itself. Bia is absolutely perfect in all holiness. Bia is pure and just in judgment, yet Bia’s mercy endures forever. Bia’s law reveals this virtue, calling for separation from the heathen, yet to love strangers, remembering they are strangers to others. Finally, it must be understood that balance is an attainable virtue. That is not to say anyone will achieve perfect balance, but real and lasting progress can be made to achieve greater balance in life. If we keep our eyes on one unchanging, immovable focus, if we strive to become only what the gods want us to be and all that they want us to be, we will live with greater balance. Thus, we work to achieve balance for ourselves and others. Where the scales of balance are overweighed, we attempt to restore them into place, be it with physical labor, spiritual or metaphysical.
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My Prayer to Briathenaea, Goddess of Inspiration
O Mighty Briathenaea, Daughter of Anhur and Rhya, I stand before you, a humble child of the Bowynn, seeking your divine protection and wisdom. Guardian of all, you who don armor yet wield your shield not in malice but in nurturing strength, I honor your presence as my guiding light. O Briathenaea, Great Protector, encircle me with your steadfast shield, granting me courage in the face of adversity. As you shielded our ancestors on their Great Migration, let your unwavering support guide me through the journeys of my life. Bestow upon me your wisdom, that I may forge my path with the strength of invention and the clarity of thought. In your name, I offer gratitude for the blessings of nature you bestowed upon us—the bounty of apple trees that nourish body and spirit. As you taught our forebears the art of cultivation, may the seeds I sow in my life flourish under your sacred guidance. May I harness the creativity that flows from you, crafting tools and words that serve the greater good.
O Divine Briathenaea, your sacred owl flies high in the sky, a symbol of your ever-watchful presence. When I find myself in need, may I see your reflection in its wise eyes, reminding me of your eternal support. And let me always cherish the horses you gifted us, powerful companions in both work and battle. Train my heart to ride with grace and strength, to face challenges boldly. O Warrior of Sage-Green, as you walk amongst us, may your wisdom inspire my actions and words. I honor the sword that remains sheathed, a reminder that true strength lies in protection, not aggression. In the image of your shield, bright with the sun and the owl, I find hope and resilience. In your honor, I lay before you votive owls, apples rich with promise, and tools of the earth. May these gifts speak to your spirit, intertwining our fates as we strive towards wisdom and unity. Allow my heart and mind to remain open to the teachings you so graciously impart. So shall it be, enveloped in the blessings of Briathenaea, the Patroness Goddess of the Bowynn.
Bowynn Gods: Drudenn
Drudenn (Droo-den) Drudenn is the Bowynn God who is the protector and guardian of domestic animals, guardian of barns and stables and guardian of pets. He is also the god that guards the stables of the gods and is the only key holder to the doors of Alaway; the hall which the gods feast in at night. Drudenn is the only one that allows access into the Great Hall and in that aspect, he can be considered a guardian of home as well. Though to be precise, he is more to be that guardian to the door of such places as court and council houses. In some respects, he is also considered "the opener of ways".
Drudenn is a young god, the son of Anhur and Rhya. As such he was given the task of guarding Anhurs magnificent gryphons. This later became engrossed 100-fold when Morrighynn asked him to tend to her 30 white horses. Eventually he became the tender of all the sacred steeds of the gods. That is minus those of Duannat and under the sea. Because of this Drudenn learned the speech of animals and can communicate with all of the animals on earth. His 7 sacred days with mortals was spent teaching mankind how to tend and domesticate certain wildlife; milking cows, riding horses and teaching dogs and cats how to work with humans. This led to Drudenn teaching the first tribes of people to speak with all wildlife. Sadly, mankind abused this gift and Drudenn had to silence the ability.
Despite these arborist tasks, Drudenn is most happy in tending to the needs of domestic animals. Infact, he prefers the company of animals over people, sleeping in stables and pastures.
Drudenn often walks amongst folk as a young hand, not too young as to be immature and yet not to old. His garments seem simple and almost peasant-like, but hardly dirty or like rags. on his belt hands the great keys that open and lock the doors of Alaway. At times, he will be seen riding his own horse or gryphon. Sacred offerings to Drudenn often appear in the form of milk, butter, bread, water, votive clay animals, seed and tiny bundles of hay. Not to mention the general form of incense. Plaques with the image of Drudenn are hung in barns and stables as well carved on the outside of doors to court houses and houses of law.
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.
My Prayer to Deanna, of Abundance
O Deanna, Radiant Goddess of the Harvest, I humbly approach you, cradle of the earth’s abundance, as your golden light bathes the fields in warmth and fertility. Daughter of Anhur and Rhya, you are the seed planter, the nurturer of life, who graces our world with fragrant blooms and nourishing grains. In the cycles of nature, I seek your guidance and blessings, that our labors may reflect the beauty of your divine gardens. O Benevolent Deanna, I beckon the spirit of growth to envelop my endeavors, teaching me the sacred arts of planting, tender care, and reaping the fruits of my toil. In your sacred stories, I find inspiration; for through your wisdom bestowed upon the first clans-folk, humanity was gifted the sustenance needed to thrive. Let your teachings echo through the earth, reminding me of the profound bond between all living things. With sincere heart, I present before you a bounty from my table—grains, fruits, and herbs borne of my labor. May these humble offerings serve as tokens of my reverence for the gifts you provide. As I gather the harvest, let me honor the sacred connection between soil, seed, and sustenance, acknowledging the sacred divine that breathes life into every grain and petal.
O Divine Deanna, bless our homes with the warmth of your daughter Io, the hearth of nurturing, and the artistry of your son Hyu, who brings sustenance to our tables. May their grace flow through my kitchen, enriching my meals with love and wisdom. As I partake in the blessings of your cornucopia, let each bite be a celebration of the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. In your presence, I pledge to honor the earth and respect the gifts bestowed. May I tread lightly upon the soil, cultivating harmony between humanity and nature. O Deanna, I am forever in awe of your intricate dance of life, and I vow to share your wisdom with those around me, ensuring that the knowledge of harvest endures through generations. So shall it be, in reverence and love for Deanna, the cherished Goddess of the Harvest, forever nurturing and guiding the fruitful paths of our existence.
Syember!
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Myst's Tools of the Trade
QUESTION: Do Myst's use wands and staves like Witches?
ANSWER: In short the answer is "Yes." However a true Myst learns at the starts of knowing that the roof of all magic is in themselves and that should be enough. In the Bowynn Tradition a Myst may have a wand to amplify their powers. So, a Thavos [wand] Vlest [rod] or a Thald [staff] is commonly used. Usually a Myst will have two: one of projection and one forwarding & drawing out. However, mysts know very well, they have this power in them already. A wand is used in more urgent needs, like healing, injustice, cursing and warding off a malicious person or Tii.
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.
Bowynn Gods: Mura
Mura (Mur-rha) Daughter of Chumash and Kalma, Mura is a goddess of the 1st Gate of Daunnat, the Gate of courage. She is one of the goddesses of Daunnat, the spirit world. It is her gate that spirits reach first on their walk towards the “Fields of Forever.” Mura is not an evil goddess, nor a goddess of judgement. Her role is that of a guardian of Daunnat. She is the recognizer and bestower of courage for spirits who are afraid of entering Daunnat. And at times even the living will call to Mura for courage. Especially those that have lost a loved one and do not know how to and scared to move on in life.
Mura (4th in line) leading souls along the path of Daunnat
As goddess of the Gate of Courage, Mura is one of the 7 gods of the sacred septagram, which is the symbol of the Bowynn Tradition. She also abstains from visiting Alaway, instead she spends time with her folks and the spirts of Daunnat feasting and making merry. Being Daunnat is endlessly vast souls will sometimes get lost and scared. When that is the case Mura is there for them.
Mura (second from the end) with souls and holding two spirit orbs
Mura has no known totem animal, instead always staying in her true godly form; that of a young lady dressed in green and white with green and white fillet and veil about her brow and head. some times she bears no veil. At times she carries a septagram dish or a shaft of wheat and sword. She is often seen holding spirit orbs that have separated from the soul (which is one of the transitions at death. Sacred to Mura is the septagram, sword and shaft of wheat. During funeral services, a bowl of milk and bread will be left to her and a statuette of the departed.
Bowynn Bods: Amaetheon
Amaetheon (Ah-may-thee-on) Amaetheon is the Bowynn God of shepherds, cheese-making, bee-keeping, honey, olive trees, oil making, soap making, harvest, brewing, milking, the protector of groves, farms and orchards, the vine, grapes, berries, fruit and abundance in life. He is the patron to farmers, brewers and shepherds. Amatheon is the son of Rhya and Anhur. The god, in his role as the discoverer of honey and the art of brewing, makes these his prime attributes. But he is not to be confused with a god of drunkenness such as Bacchus. Infact, he is often seen and spoken of as a god that deplores drunkenness; In the end, making those that abuse his gifts, ill with hangovers and sickness, which they will not soon forget. Amaetheon is a much beloved god, and many sacred stories are bound to him. Many speak of how he had bestowed onto mortals his many gifts or how he punished those who have mistreated his gifts. One of the more hair-raising tales speak of a group of men that gathered to have a private party, during which wine and ale flowed far too quick and often. The men became so drunk that they started to wreak havoc on their neighbors and all across the city. Getting word of this, Amaetheon directed their blurred vision on their own homes. By morning when the men woke, their homes were totally destroyed by their own drunken state and hands. The men were quickly cast out of their town and forced to wander for months with stones chained to their ankles.
In the 7 sacred days that Amaetheon stayed with the first tribes, he taught man-king all about tending to cows, goats other animals to gather their milk, how to grow fields of fruit trees, bee-keeping and the making of drinks from various trees and plants.
Amaethon is seen as a well built young man, with beautiful brown hair and sometimes with an apple or ivy wreath on his brow. His clothes are simple and are tainted in harvest colors. Purple and green however often prominent of colors. He always has a tankard tied to his belt or with a cluster of milk jars over his shoulder. He is said to be a very beautiful god and a charmer with his words and music. Often seen with him are a cow or goat. His image is placed in pantries and cupboards to make sure that they are always overflowing and in orchards for health harvests and its common to have a small shringe to Amaetheon in the Kitchen.
Clear equivalents to Amaetheon are Bacchus and Dionysus.
Blessed Solstice
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Exploring the Faith, Sacred Way and Mystical Arts of the Bowynn Tradition
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