Hello! I Stumbled Upon Your Blog And Found It Very Interesting! Do You Know Of Any Good Sources To Learn

BOWYNN GODS: RYAN

Ryan  (Ry-an)  Ryan is the Bowynn God of the west wind and the guardian god of all western lands (not Duannat, Land of the Dead.) Ryan's name means "west" in English.

     Ryan is one of four sons to Morrighynn and Herne. Like all his brothers, Ryan is seen winged with great black raven-like wings. It is Ryan who blows the cold winds of the autumn and western lands. His wind ripens the autumn fruit, turns leaves their autumn colors and changes the hue of grass to tan. He is seen as a young strapping man, with black hair and smooth of face, his eye color is that of cobalt blue, like the cleanest ocean. His garments are black in color. Often, he is seen on the first day of autumn (Tsakora) leading his wife Kora, Goddess of Autumn Season. It is said that of the four wind gods, Ryan is the most beautiful.

     Despite Ryans black clothing, he is not a god that looks fearful or a symbol of death. Point of fact, Ryan is a young and handsome man and one of the few handsome gods that many mortal women and goddesses fight over to be with. He is charming, strong and fun, as he is often said to bare a winning smile. Point of fact, Ryan, being married to Kora, becomes a harvest god; his western winds ripening foods to be harvested.

     Legend tells how it was Ryan that created the first crows and ravens as a gift to Kora on their wedding day to sing their wedding hymn, at the same time whipping up a western wind so that the trees would sing and laden the wedding procession with a shower of gold and other autumn hues. Often Ryan takes the shape of a crow or raven or other black bird. All these birds are sacred to him.

     Other sacred symbols to Ryan are autumn symbols like the leaves and harvested gourds. Shrines to Ryan often have wind chimes hung in them. Common gifts and offerings to Ryan are bowls of milk, fans, votive images of crows and incense.

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.

Apologies

For the last couple of weeks I have been in the hospital. So that is the reason for the lack of posts. I will get back to more in a couple of days.

Aelles Ky'Kora!

Blessings to all on this first of Ky'Kora. Blessings to all. May the abundance, joy and frivolity of this holiday find you and fill you all with happiness and may you find the child within.

Indeed, today is the first day of the Bowynn holiday of Ky'Kora. That is to say Mid-Autumn. So, legends and holy Books say: Hern, our great god journeyed to the great western mountains and spoke to Bia, the great creator, after seeing mankind's neglect of harvesting the gifts the gods gave them. Saddened, Hern realized what he had to do to help man survive. On the eve 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. This is why we celebrate. We celebrate also this time of year as the second to last harvest; By now 90% of what was planted in spring and late February is gathered.

The first day of Ky'Kora (October 30) is used to clean and cleanse the house, temple, altar, and oneself. It is a mellow day. Soft harvest music is played, soft sad hymns are sung, for we are mourning the loss of Hern. Little food is eaten, in respect for our ancestors, and what is ate this day is bland, abstaining from herbs, spice, salts, sugars and sweets. And no meat is eaten at all this day, not even fish nor poultry. Usually, unsalted soups and slices of bread are the meal of the day.

Homes are purged of all ills and negativity: a procession of candlelight, incense, holy water and sound (drink or chime) is marched along inside the house, room to room banishing all of the ill's that may linger. Then decorations for the holiday are hung and displayed: Garlands, Wreathes, Carved gourds, Draperies of the harvest seasonal colors. On home alters and shrines, an icon of Hern or a deer is placed, in memory of Hern's blessed gift to us.

Some of use will use the day for long walks and self-review as to what we are grateful for, taking in the beauty of what nature looks like right now all around us. absorbing the beauty and color of the day and autumn. And in this time, we also give thanks to the goddess Kora, the goddess of the season and who's name the holiday it is named after, and to her beautiful consort Ryan, the god of the West Wind, who fans the colors of change into the leaves and cools down the earth.

At late night we come together as a family and friends and hold ceremony and private vigils at temple and home altars, often led with an icon of Hern beings carried to the altar. Candles in gourds are lit and the spirits we call Jakk's are invoked to spend the night at home, keeping the home in its family safe. Hymns are hummed and sung to Hern and his beloved Morrighynn this night. For we remember that the goddess of the moon has lost he beautiful and divine husband.

So, as you see, while there may be a few scatterings of similarity to the Wiccan/Keltic Samhain, there is little connection otherwise. It is not a time of honoring our own dead, (we do that another time of the year) it is about the death and the giving of our lord Hern so that humanity survives.

BOWYNN GODS: PHOENIX

Possession of goddesses with Phoenix at the end

Phoenix  (Fee-niks)  In the Bowynn Tradition, Phoenix is the daughter created by Bia. Sister to Brea, Unthar, Summon. She is the very element of Fire and one of the great creatrix. Phoenix is the goddess of fire, volcanoes, earthquakes, flame, warmth of light and smoke. She is not just the destructive side of these attributes but the nurturing side as well. She warms people in the winter and from destruction comes life anew, She is the baker of pottery, melter of sand to make glass and metals, the heat and flame of the hearth.

     When the gods created mankind from earth, it was Phoenix that baked the clay that was used to form mankind, there-by not only giving mankind skin, but gave each one a heart of passion and love. And she assures us that from death, we are reborn again. Not because we are to learn life's lessons but to embrace all that life has to offer that is wonderful. She is one of the great 7 that form the symbolism of the septagram. During the time of the great 7 Sacred Days, Phoenix gave mankind the knowledge of fire, How to make it, contain it, how to avoid and respect it, how to tame it and use it for our advantage.

     Phoenix is seen as a motherly figure of deep red hair and dress. She bears a golden circlet on her head as well. Not a fearful figure but a warm embracing goddess. Other times she is seen as a great red phoenix bird. Sacred to Phoenix is images of phoenix birds and a candle flame. These are the most common gifts given to the goddess but any image of birds or fire is welcome to the goddess.

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)

Happy Halloween

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: 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.

The Elements / Tau Retammas

Fire {Phoenix} - The Hearth {Tau Io}

The first point of the Numatam represents all the aspects of the element of Fire (Creation, Passion, Love, Warding, Transformation, Energy, Enthusiasm, Courage, Determination, and Boldness). There are two types of fire in the world: Wild and Domesticated. The wildfire is the fires that created all - molten earth solidified and thus created ground. But wildfire also destroys as well. Wildfire burns the forest down, so a new forest can take its place as the ash feeds the earth. It burns as it changes all it touches, and in the moment of that change comes new growth. Domesticated fire gives us life by its warmth and light. This is the fire we as mankind have tamed and mastered (even though we will never really be able to master any element). We build our hearth fire, thus bringing us closer as a community or family. With hearth fire we light lamps and candles to light our homes and our way. As fire burns so do our hearts with deep love and heart felt emotions. From gazing into the fire, we watch the flames dance and spark, giving our body’s energy and enthusiasm. We challenge fire at times, holding our hands over the heat burning ourselves, thus giving us courage to take on dares and obstacles. And with fire in either form we use it to ward away that which we do not want to harm us. We cook with it daily, even enjoy the darkness by it. Even in its modern form, electricity, we gain all these same lessons. We ask it to bring energy to our spells, and we light our incense with it. The sun is one of the heavenly bodies which burns and warms our bodies with its radiant heat. At night the hearth flame does the same. The virtue associated with this element is Courage. When passion fuels our desire to make changes in our world, or when we choose not to settle for anything less, we summon our courage to deal with unpleasantries or things we need to face in our lives. We find our own strength with courage, which when faced with problems seemingly overwhelming to do something about them. Fire is primal and sensual. Fire burns within us all and each of us can summon this energy to do what must be done. Courage should be instilled within our souls to help us grow and face our fears and help gently push our limitations. The path of fire is a dangerous one emblazoned in the hue of red.