The Elements / Tau Retammas

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.

Bowynn Gods: Tya

Embroidery & Paint representing the Gods of creation: Tya, Paut and Phaenixx - Created by Sheree Tsarnek - 2017 - (With the gods Aetenn on the far left and Unthar on the far right)

Tya  (Ty-ah)  Goddess of the element of Spirit and one of the first gods to come out of Bia’s creation. She is the sister to Brea, Unthar and the others. She is the goddess of the element of spirit, faith, intuition, sixth sense, spirituality and the human psyche.

     During the creation of Mankind, it was Tya that placed a bit of herself into the first clay figures, giving them each a sense of feeling, hope and purpose. This she also did to all the first animals that were created. This was the only sacred story attributed to Tya and yet she, along with her siblings all holds the highest place of honor in the holy family in Alaway.

     Tya is seen as a rather young woman despite her time of reign. She is depicted and seen in visions with short hair, wearing a rather simple dress and hladd of blue or purple and a circlet on her head. Tya bears no totem animal but claims all are hers. All forms of offerings are sacred to Tya but ultimately candles and incense are the most divine gifts to Tya.

Bowynn Gods: Hern

Hern  (Hurn)  Hern is the Bowynn god of the sun and the hunt. He is the protector of woodland, the creatures that live there and Hunters. Despite his name and spelling, the Bowynn god Hern bares little to no semblance to the English ghost spirit Herne. Hern is the son of the earth goddess Brea and the sky god Unthar. 

     As a god of the hunt, Hern makes sure the hunt is justified, that hunters do not take more than what they need and at the same time protect them from vicious attacks and other woodland dangers. At the same time Hern protects the wildlife. He is also the one that blesses tools and implements used for hunting and initiates professional hunters. Contrary-wise, Hern will punish those that abuse the hunt and who treat animals maliciously.

As a sun god, Herne tamed the great sun mares once belonged to the deities Saul and Shayla, steadying their course across the heavens. Taming them to allow the sun to rise and set just once in a 24 hour period.

     Hern is one of the great epic gods that is most prominent in the Bowynn tradition. It is his birth, life and death that is worshipped throughout the year. The great sacred story explains that he was conceived in the dead of winter by the sky and earth on the holiday Kymyliea (Imbolc) and was born on the spring Equinox, Tsaquilla. It was when Hern was a young teen that he met the moon goddess Morrighynn and pledge his love to her on the day of Kyquilla. (Beltane) Their love we sanctified and united on Tsatarna. (Summer Solstice) Their honeymoon lasted all summer long, climaxing on Kytarna (Lammas). By Tsakora (the Autumn Equinox) Hern had noticed that humanity had become so lazy over the summer that they did not harvest enough food and wood to survive the winter. He journeyed to the great western mountains and spoke to Bia, the great creator force and realized what he had to do to help man survive. On the holiday of Kykora (Samhain), Hern proclaimed one finally great hunt to the mortal hunters. During the hunt, Hern turned himself into a mighty stag and gave himself to humanity so they may survive. Morrighynn grieved endlessly for the loss of her love Hern till at last, on Tsameliea (Yule) word came to Morrighynn that Hern will be born again and return to her. In turn Hern is reborn to the earth again each year.

Hern and his loved Morrighynn. With wolf cub and elk fawn at their feet.

As the god of the sun, his gloriousness and strength waxes stronger from Winter to Summer and then wanes weaker after the Summer Solstice into winter. It not shocking to find Bowynn praying to Hern throughout summer in force to ensure a gentle winter.

There are endless other legends of Hern but the Great Circle Saga is the grandest and also marks out the 8 celestial holidays of the year.  It is said that when Hern was first born to Brea, there was no cradle to hold the babe, so the Goddess Briathenaea made a swing-like hammock cradle made of elf antler and hide for the Mother Goddess to hold the babe.

     Hern is one of the horned gods of the Bowynn Pantheon. His head is crowned with elk/deer antlers, as his very totem is the elk. Some time he is seen also with elk or deer ears, giving him a softened and my friendlier appearance. other depictions have him without antlers. All cervidae animals are sacred to Herne and he often appeared to mortals as a might buck elk. Hern is also the creator of the Sunflower, a divine symbol of his love to Morrighynn on their wedding day, as well as a source of food. Wheat and corn is also a symbol of Hern, as a symbol of his devotion to Morrighynn, turning it from green to gold in color. during summer wheat and corn husks are woven and firmed into sun images to Hern and hung everywhere. Especially on and over doors and windows. The sword and the bow and arrow are also symbols of the god.

Aelles Tsa'Myliea

Blessings and good fortune come to you this Tsa'Myliea.

Indeed today is the first day of the Bowynn holiday of Tsa'Myliea, the celebration of the Winter Solstice. It is the epiphany of the goddess Myliea, the goddess of Winter and her consort Arn, the god of the north and north wind. The first day, like with all holidays is the cleaning and cleansing of homes and temples. It is a day of fasting and purging of all ills and artifacts left over from Autumn. In place of rich and sweet foods, rice bowls and soups are traditionally served. At night a candlelight procession is held with icons of the two deities carried to the temple, symbolizing their rise.

On the second day, The Calling Horn is blown at the crack of dawn, indicating that Myliea and Arn have emerged from they northern relm and come to bless the land, allowing Winter to begin. Bringing with them cold winds, snow, frost, joy, harmony and all the fun and frolic of the winter season. While some will start late night feasting this day, its more common to wait till the 3rd day of the holiday. The day is however filling with glorious ceremonies and small feasting. A time to take account of the strength of the home to stand up to winter winds, the abundance of foods stocked away and the amount of wood gathered year long, to last till the warm days of spring. During the evening, tradition has that the officiating priest/priestess will come to the homes and bless it with song and a sacred incense blend. Some would rather spend the evening in quiet vigil at home or temple. A time to be deep in prayer, thanks and gratitude. Sacred storied hold that Arn and Myliea come at night and go door by door, to inspect one's home is well. They will knock on the door with their staves if it will well stocked and safe. In turn a basic of goods will be left at the door. The basket is said to be filled with fruits, 7 candles, a cut of wood, books, tools, recipes and warm cloths. Sometimes sweets, cakes and wine as well. Though these last three are normally reserved to be given from friends and loves ones.

Day three of Tsa'Myliea starts with an early morning ceremony. After which colorful parades are held, foods galore, contests and games and fun all around. The cord of wood and candle are lit just before dusk with a Bowynn hymn to Arn and Myliea. While it is often hard to find the sacredness and divine reason for the holiday on the 3rd day, it is still a holy day and there are ceremonies held in temple and in the home, giving thanks. One should remember it is still a time of sacredness. A time that allows snows and rain to decompose autumn leaves and all left to wither in gardens, turning them into composite, to feed the ground. A time to remind us all to take stock in whatever bounty and abundance we have in the home, cleaning the home and making it strong, safe and warm. People often will take walks on this day to explore and remind themselves of the beauty, holiness and necessity of the holiday

BOWYNN GODS: Ve

Ve  (Vay)  Sometimes spelled "Vay" or "Vae." Mammoth goddess of seed and fertility. Vae is the creation of the Brea to populate the earth, long before the creation of man. She, along with her Mammoth brothers and giants, were the first gods of the earth.

     During this time before the Akua, Vae was the guardian of the plains, the grasses and cereals that grew there-on. Making sure they spread far and wide, so to cover the earth with life so there would be food for all. After the Akua took over the old giants place as rulers, Vae was able to keep her position as an attendant and advisor to the goddess of Deanna. But Vae still kept her status as a seed and fertility goddess but just of the wild world, which she was proud to maintain.

     Being a mammoth god, Vae has to major forms she takes; the first being her divine. In this form Vae is seen as a motherly aged goddess. She is seen with red hair and amber colored eyes, wearing a simple brown traveling gown of fur and a simple walking staff and/or a sack of seed. In her totem form, she is seen as an elegant massive mammoth with ancient reddish hair.   

In the Beginning...

And so, to here I begin to explain the path of my faith, my culture and practices. Though in truth, it does not matter where it started. Only where it is and where it is going.

I find in my older years I am starting to come to terms with the idea that the Boat to Daunnat is waiting for me and it will not be long before Heron comes to life my soul from my mortal husk. Therefore before such time happens, I should leave something behind for others to find and possibly learn from.

So here in and beyond this point I will not dwell on where I came from, or where it all started. Instead, I will just what you will find here out is the documentation of my faith, what I have acquired from decades of meditation, deep prayer, silent vigil, sacred migrations, divination, endless hours in temple and even through divine intervention.

I warn anyone who may read this the following: The Bowynn faith is NOT a form of a cult by any standard. That is to say, it is not a means of manipulation others to follow me, you nor anyone else. Nor is it a means acquiring money or possessions. Likewise, it is not a faith that requires one to cast away any earthly belongings or people about you. It is also NOT a faith based on worshipping evil deities for malicious intent. The Bowynn faith is a faith of finding happiness and joy and in turn spreading happiness and caring to others that so warrant such.

Further more I wish to state that The Bowynn faith is neither Wiccan, Satanic nor Demonic. While most followers of the faith do practice forms of Magic/Magick (Mysta) and divination, it is done so within the confines of the Bowynn faith. It is not so elaborated and does not from tradition modern magic practices by those that call themselves Witches and Wiccan. Culturally, Bowynn Mysta is much different in learning, pathworking and manifestation. And as to Satanism and Demonology, we cast those faiths behind as Abrahamic faiths, as that is indeed their origins.

As you page through this Blog, one will come to learn the Bowynn Gods, their Sacred Stories, Prayers, Mysta (Magic), Language, Meditations, Divination, Sacred Holidays and maybe even some traditional cooking and arts and crafts.

From here I leave this to you. You may walk forward and follow my blog or turn back. But heed this word my friends and heed it well (Sounding like some RPG wizards. LOL!) The Bowynn faith is NOT something to borrow from. What you learn here cannot be mingled into other faiths and cultures and a whim of reckless desire to fulfill your own desires. This faith and its past are not the same as some "Christian Cafeteria faith" where you get to pick and choose what fits your need at the moment. You either learn from it, follow it or walk away. So, I ask,,,,no, I beg of you, RESPECT what is written here with and open mind. If you cannot curb and ponder any responses you may make and use some Forethought before your post, please walk away from this page. I am not asking you to believe what is written here on a whim. Just show some respect. If you cannot, then this page is NOT for you.

BOWYNN GODS: RHYMAR

Rhymar  (Ry-mar)  God of the 6th Gate of Daunnat, of charity in the land of Daunnat.  Rhymar, like the other Gate guardians of Daunnat, is the child of Chumash and Kalma.

     A god of Daunnat, Rhymar is not an evil god, nor a god of judgment.  His role is that of a guardian of Daunnat. He is the giver of charity to spirits, as no spirit can enter Daunnat without this virtue. However, it is common for the living to call to Rhymar who are in need of eternal charity. In this way, Rhymar has a prominent role outside of Duannat as well. And sometimes he is seen with the goddess Hemwey, goddess of charity to those in need. In the presence in Daunnat, Rhymarr is the god that promises eternal riches but not always just money. He is the god that ensures “never wanting” in Daunnat. As god of the Gate of Charity, Rymar 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.

     Rhymar has no known totem animal, instead always staying in his godly form. He is seen as a young god dressed in a dark sur-coat with simple black trimming. He is said to have the bluest eyes, and his blond hair is the color of summer wheat. At times she is seen carrying a septagram tile and a horn which is blown when he allows a soul past her gate. Other times he holds a basket of wheat and coins mixed together, his gift of charity to the souls that pass by.

     Sacred to Rhymar 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.

Happy Halloween

Bowynn Gods: Oken

Oken  (Oh-khen)  In the days of the older god, Oken was a mamont god of enormous size and strength, towering over all others. Thus he was considered a god of strength. But not just in muscle but also strength in mind status and wisdom. And it was this strength in mind that he was granted a place in Alaway.

     Oken may be one of the older gods but he has the look and stamina of a father figure; A young grandfather in appearance with a short white beard. His red tabard bears the images of 3 mammoths in gold on it and his head is adorned with a fancy circlet. Sacred to Oken is votive images of Mammoths and stones with mammoths painted on them.

BOWYNN GODS: Tii Vadell

Tii Vadell  (Ty Vah-del)  Malicious giant-like spirits much like the northern European Trolls. They are also a creation of Mano in his war against Kord and Brand. The Tii Vadell are said to be giant hairless monsters that are mostly nocturnal with skin like stone. They are also said to be sacred off my fire and light in general. Brand slew one only through the cunning of luring it to stand on his campfire.

     Like other Tii, Tii Vadell should never be called upon for any reason or service. They are too slow to understand and will just cause havoc around anyone they see.  And as with all Tii. once invoked, they will never leave.