Blessed Tsa'Kora To One And All

BOWYNN GODS: TYR

Tyr  (Teer)  God of protection, soldiers and war. He is the son of Anhur and Rhya. Many think of Tyr as a match to the gods Mars, Ares and the German god Tyr. But the Bowynn god is not an instagator of war. Nor is he wild and unruly. Tyr is a god that protects against war, protections soldiers from death and a defender. Tyr is a god that is the patron of soldiers and a god of general protection from harm. There is nothing to fear about Tyr.

     Tyr is one of the gods of the Bowynn faith that has endless sacred tales. Not by the wars he wages by by the lives he saves. His first major tale, speaks of he and his sister Briathenaea protection the first tribes of people as they migrated from the south. With arms raised the two siblings protected the tribes from the burning sun with the shields. In the many tales of wars and battles, Tyr was the god out front to guard his people from death and injury. Tyr is also the god people pray to bring skirmishes to an end fast. At the same time, Tyr is a god that will seek retribution to anyone that wages war. Most of the sacred tales of Tyr coincide with the theme of his guarding Bowynn soldiers in times of war, but Tyr has also been a judge on godly contests and tales of love. The most famed of Tyr’s love stories is for his love of the young female Kii, Quallin. She was a most beautiful Kii but her heart was originally for another male Kii. Tyr fell madly in love with Quallin almost instantly. And she fell for his charm and strength. But when Tyr found her kissing a handsome male Kii named Baul, Tyr went in to such a rage and Tyr blindly slew Baul. The murder was seen by other Kii who quickly delivered to word to Anhur himself. Summoning Tyr to Alaway, the gods cast judgment on Tyr’s act and Anhur sentences his son to 25 years of service to Chumash in Daunnat. In that time Tyr fell into great despair, thinking in that time Quallin would forget him. But when Tyr’s term of servitude was over, he found Quanill waiting for him on the shore’s of Evermore. The two returned to Alaway where they were wed and Quanill was granted immortality.

     Tyr is seen as a strong god with long raven black hair and sporting a slight beard. His clothes vary from a black doublet to being fully armored. Whichever he is seen wearing, he still bears a sword or spear and a shield. In times of need Tyr will appear as a great magnificent dog. Sacred gifts to Tyr come in the form of mostly votive images of weapons, shields, helms, and 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: 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.

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: TRAYDEA

Traydea  (Trae-dee-ah)  She is the goddess of childbirth, children and childcare in the Bowynn faith. Traydea is the daughter of Anhur and Rhya and sister to many other gods and goddesses. Traydea has many other aspects aside from bird. She of the patroness of wet-nurses, doula, obstetricians, pediatricians and midwives. She is also the patroness of nannies and to those that tend to children on a regular basis as a career.

     Traydea has not been spoken much about much in sacred stories, as her role is pretty well busy and set in both mortal and immortal ways of life. From the moment a mother is full and bearing, Traydea is a part of her life. Home shrines are erected to her as soon as a family learns a member is pregnant and remains up till the child turns 12 years old. Traydea is invoked during birth to help delivery and tend to the baby all through its young years. Images of the goddess along with Kii are places all about the mother’s and child’s room.

     While not named in any major roles of the sacred stories, Traydea is mentioned to be at the birth of all immortal gods born after her own birth. And she is said to be their nursemaids as well. Infact she is the constant Nursemaid to the god Daekk, God of prosperity and wealth, as he was destined to remain a babe so not to be tempted by mortals to favor one over another. Only Tymora takes over Traydea’s role at times for Daekk. Despite her roles and attributes, she never bore a child herself.

     Traydea is seen as a goddess of motherly goddess with hair pulled back and wearing a veil. Her clothes are simple and free flowing. She is rarely if ever seen or depicted wearing a hladd, as she should always be ready to nurse a child. In her hands she is often seen holding a child or a jug or bowl of milk. When about a mortal home, she will often disguise herself a cat, which is her totem animal. Votives of cats and bowls of milk are the most common offerings to Traydea, as well as flowers or even images of a baby or a dolly. These last two are often gifted during pregnancy.

Bowynn Gods: Huru

Huru  (Hu-Ru)  The Huruu are a Kii species that live in and guard holy and sylvanian places on earth, where the Akua will often visit. They are much like the Greek and Roman nymphs, in that they are mostly women. Most claim to have seen then as being human size, very lean and very fast. They shy away from humans entirely and want nothing to do with them. Any human found in such a Sylvanian place the Huru will chase away or punish, depending on the nature of the intrusion. 

QUESTION & ANSWER: Drugs

QUESTION: How do Bowynn practitioners feel about those that take recreational drugs?

ANSWER: What one does in one's home is not our business. HOWEVER...in general we frown on the use of drugs unless it is something that is prescribed by a doctor. Luckily for us, we are all close friends so we all know that we all abhor the idea of use of drugs, as a means of "escape."

I will say this also applies to the smoking of tobacco products and excessive alcohol drinking. All of these addictive articles are banned from celebratory gatherings, save for wine, which is heavily monitored. We come together is clear and clean body, mind, soul and spirit. We find that we do not need such things in our lives and celebrations. We find there is nothing spiritual nor fun to someone that needs to pollute the air with the smell of narcotics and the abused stench of alcohol.

Bowynn Gods: Lomaun

Lomaun  (Lo-maun)  Lomaun is the son of Hern and Morrighynn. But he seems to have been born a mortal for reasons unknown who later became a god after his quests and adventures were over. This assention is not common in Bowynn faithn, as much as it is in Greek, Roman, Nordic and other faiths. As a god, he presides over forests, wildlife, protecting travelers, discovery, and guardianship of bears.

     Lomaun is worshipped as a bear god, a protector of travelers in general. Often prayed to before taking a trip for a safe journey and then again when the journey is complete. He is the guardian of the wild wood and all its creatures. He is the protector of hunters and their prey. Lomaun is also the god that helps those discover lost and new items but more importantly discover we all are deep inside.  

     Born a mortal child, Lomaun was raised by a bear till he was found and raised by a loving mortal family. However, he knew he was not the same as them, seeing he could do small feats that others simply could not do. In one instance he took on and defeated a giant boar that was terrifying travelers. The quest to slay the beast, lead Lomaun on a quest to find out who he really was and who his parents were, taking his bear mother with him. Along the way he encountered a series of tests of strength, skill, love, devotion, wisdom, cunning and learning the 7 virtues through trial. In the greatest of these tests, he ran into a tribe that was starving and on the brink of death. With bow in hand Lomaun trudged into the woods and there he spied a great elk. Lomaun was all ready to slay the beast when he was suddenly overcome with divine energy and realized he could not kill the animal. Lomaun realized that the elk in question was his father Herne's great steed. Lomaun slew the immortal elk and for this crime His immortal spirit, souls and body was turned mortal.

His last great feat was to take on a huge mountain of a man that was challenging men to a battle and killing them. In the battle Lomaun's bear companion was mortally wounded. Lomaun slew the warrior and raced to the bear’s side to find her transformed into a mortal. She was so beautiful and her dying breath she revealed that her name was Teega and that she did not love him as a mother would but as a lover. Lomaun wept so much that Herne and Morrighynn took pity and gave Lomaun and Teega immortality and allowed into Alaway to sit with the other gods. Their mortal lesson was etched into the night sky by Unthar, lord of the skies, as the Great Bear and Little Bear constellations.

     Lomuan is seen with wild brown hair and sporting a short beard and moustache. On his hip is a sword, on his back a quiver of arrows and in his hand a staff. He is seen in normal hunting cloths or a traveler’s wayfarer robe but over these he always have a bear skin for a cloak or large mantle. Despite his Heraklian-like mortal tasks, he is not depicted powerfully strong. Most of his mortal deeds being accomplished with brains over brawn. And at his side is either depicted his love in either bear or mortal form. Sometimes he will be seen as a bear himself, as the bear is his totem animal. Sacred offerings best suited to Lomaun are votive fetishes of bears, spear and arrowheads, tree saplings, fish, berry cakes (and berries in general) and of course incense.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Samhain/Halloween

QUESTION: Do Bowynn Celebrate Halloween and Samhain?

ANSWER: No, we do not celebrate the Keltic/Wiccan Samhain. We do celebrate Ky'Kora, which is a rather loose equivalent to Samahain. A three-day holiday from October 30 to November 1st. But that is about all Ky'Kora has in common with Samhain.

We do celebrate Halloween as a total separate holiday. But we celebrate it on November 1st, as the 31st is a most divine and holy day, set aside for spiritual worship.

Bowynn Gods:

Nauidd  (Naw-id)  The Nauidd are goddesses of the hours of the day, 12 daughters of Ohenn and a mortal woman. In some cases, they are considered Kii. Each daughter represents one hour. In modern days this may not make sense till one remembers that in ancient times, the Bowynn day was broken down to twelve hours. In modern times one can consider one Nauid as representing a morning and evening hour. The Nauiid’s individual names were never given to mortals, at best they are named such as “Nauidd of the first hour” or likewise.

     The position and gifts of the Nauidd is to remind each mortal that time is precious and should not be wasted. At the same time, to enjoy each hour of each day and that we should be thankful for the time given to us. Young girls and writers will sometimes pray to the Nauidd as protectors of log entries, journals and diaries. Even books that contain family trees are protected by them, as well as their father. Outside of them helping their father Ohenn, no sacred stories have them mentioned, outside of being general mentioning or prayers.

     The Nauidd are depicted as 12 identical daughters, often helping their father Ohenn in keeping the time and archiving history. They are however seen as fun goddesses or Kii, romping and playing in the gardens in the world. They are seen as young girls, no older than teenagers with their short hair and wearing pointed caps. At times they are seen with books in their hands, depicting them as helpers of their father. Sacred to the Nauidd are clocks, sun dials, hour glasses and votive images of girls. When offering the votive images, one should make sure there are 12 in total. The same holds true when it comes to incense, making sure there are 12 cones or sticks.