QUESTION & ANSWER: Maenna

Bowynn Gods: The Abonna

Abonna  (Ah-bhon-nah)  The Abonna at a multitude of gods and goddesses of music, dance and all of the fine arts. In some cases, the Abonna are considered a division of the Kii. {Fairy/Spirits/Nymphs} In other cases they are considered gods themselves, though there are no individual known names for each of the Abonna. And their number seems endless. Among their many attributes, the Abonna are the patrons of dancers and musicians, crafters of all sorts and fine arts.

The Abonna are both male and female and both sexes are depicted as patrons of the arts. As Kii (if so that they are Kii) they are the taller type and bare no wings as their diminutive cousins. Unlike the Kii, the Abonna did spend the “Seven Sacred Days” with mortals after the Great Migration. During this time each Abonna taught mankind the arts of dance, song, music, the arts of drawing and painting, carving and so many other arts and crafts. In Alaway, the Abonna are often scene decorating the many halls and during the nightly feasts, the Abonna will be seen dancing and playing for the other gods joyously as they meal together. Some are seen accompaning the god Drautmer as he played his drum of the assembly of the Nykua. Others will accompany the God Kane in his workshop. While they are divinities of the arts, they are not bestowers of the arts but instead merely the inspiration behind them. Being Kii, the Abonna are guardians of all the great and wonderful things in the world. And if indeed they are Kii, then they too were created by the gods Brand and Kord to ward off the malicious spirits known as Tii. No other parentage has been spoken of.

      Sacred symbols and objects to the Abonna are the tools of the trades, such as musical instruments, paint and brush, carving knives, sewing kits and so on. Also sacred to the Kii is the Lark bird

      The Abonna are depicted most of the time as young spirits in look. However there are older and elderly Abonna as well. Often the Abonna will appear in the guise of birds and when among mortals.

Bowynn Gods: Drautmer

Drautmer (Drawt-mer)  Drautmer is the god of music and more importantly drumming and the patron of drummers. At first this attribute and patron of drums and drummers may sound insignificant; however, to the Bowynn people, drumming is so much more than just entertainment. Drums are a form of communication and defense. Drautmer’s parents are Anhur and Rhya .

     In the early days of the first tribes, they were scattered about the landscape. It was drumming that was used as a for of communication between tribes, be it to signal if there was a death, enemy approaching, plague or other issues that could affect other neighboring Bowynn tribes. Drautmer was the creator of the first drums. Inspired when the young god, he heard the knocking of a woodpecker against a tree. At first the god talked with the bid by knocking against the tree. But then got the idea of finding a hollow log and a stick. Thus, the god created the first drum. He then later stretched a leather skintight over one end of the log that greatly improved the sounds. Son the god was making great drums for the gods and mortals alike. it was his seven days living among mortals that he taught them the art of drumming. it is at night at Alaway that Drautmer entertains the gods with his music.     

Drautmer is seen often as a young man, for a god, with long honey colored hair, with drum and beater in hand or at his side. Sometimes more than one drum of various sizes. His totem animal is the Woodpecker, which he as well takes the form of when mortals are about. it is said that if one listens to the knocks of a woodpecker, one can decipher a message from the god, much like divination. Sacred gifts to Drautmer or of course drums of all shapes and sized, votive woodpeckers, incense and milk.

Bowynn Gods: The Kii

Kii  (Ky)  Kii are protective spirits of nature, home, work, the arts and various places. There are many types of Kii, large and minuscule and they all preside over different areas of nature. But all Kii are of good persuasion. And their appearance varies greatly. The three common type of Kii often seen and talked about are the small ones, which are described as no bigger than someone’s hands and have bird wings. There is a second type of small Kii that do not have wings. The third type are human size and have no wings.  And then there is the large type, which can be as big as trees and mountains. Some are humanoid in shape, some monstrous. The Bolquinn/Solquinn are big hair forest dwelling beasts.

The Kii were the creation of Brand and his siblings Kord and Brenda. They were created to guard and protect people and places during the destruction and seductive reign of Mano, who was starting to play nasty tricks on the gods. After Mano was destroyed, his minions the Tii were still causing havock, so Kord dictated the Kii were to remain, watching over the earth and its people.

Kii, like the gods, try not to interfere in human lives. Some try to avoid mortals at all cost. While some may protect the home or other such places, they do not get involved in mortal activity. One does not summon a Kii, as it is considered rude and can lead to mishaps. But if asked politely, a Kii may help. The Kii are not immortal but they do have a long lifespan. Some have been said to like about 200-300 years. No sacred story exists that mentions an individual Kii's name.

     Here is a list of some of the different types of Kii, some of which include:  Golderay (lightning, electricity and storms) Morrqua (stars, sleep, dreams and night) Sanna (waters) Chappa (mountain) Suni (wind and clouds) Maukol (harvest, wheat and grain) Gorto (forge) Jakk (domestic fire and flame) Heather (flowers and gardens) Aetin (cemeteries) Hii (magickal arts) Laukel (trees and woodlands) Tayo (houses, hearth, children) Solquinn (Forests)

     The Hii, Abonna and Kobbatti are often considered not Kii but instead as gods, even if they do not have individual names. Some folk do not consider the divisions of the Kii and just speak of them just as “The Kii.”

My Prayer to Dhonan, the Lover

O Dhonan, Immortal Guardian of Love, I come before you with a heart full of devotion and yearning, seeking your divine light to illuminate the path of my affection. Born of mortal heart, yet graced with the gift of eternity, you embody the depths of passion and the beauty of true love. I honor your sacred union with Brenda and the legacy of devotion that binds the realms of god and mortal. O Handsome Ranger, blessed with the strength of bow and arrow, guide my heart as it ventures through the labyrinth of love. May the spirits of your own love story inspire and empower me to cherish those I hold dear, nurturing the flame of connection that binds us through trials and triumphs. With each arrow loosed from your bow, let my love be aimed true, striking the core of unwavering devotion. O Divine Dhonan, I present my vows before you, like the sacred wedding fillet that unites lovers' hands in righteous bond. May my words ring with sincerity and my promises echo through the ages, reminding me of the sacredness of love bestowed upon me. As I cherish this bond, I call upon your blessings to strengthen our union and uphold it through the storms of life.

O Dhonan, as you appear with your beloved Brenda, casting blessings upon the couples gathered, may you delight in our shared joy. Bless our unions with laughter, compassion, and understanding, and may each moment together be imbued with the warmth of your divine witness. Let the ivy wreath that adorns your brow serve as a reminder of the eternal and ever-growing nature of love. In your presence, I pledge to honor the love I cultivate, embracing both vulnerability and strength. May my heart resonate with the echoes of your love story, emboldened by your enduring spirit. O Dhonan, as you dwell amidst the celebrations of love, may I always be a beacon of kindness and passion, sharing the gifts of warmth and joy that you so freely bestow. So shall it be, in reverence and adoration for Dhonan, the Blessed God of Love and Passion, forever guiding and nurturing the hearts of those who dare to love truly.

Syember!

Bowynn Gods: The Ea

Ea  (Ee-ah)  The Ea are the four great hawks of the directions. These hawks were originally the great guardians of the North, East, South and West. However, to gain rulership of the earth Anhur had to take on these raptors. Unknowingly, it was not always a battle of strength. When Anhur met the great hawk of the west, he had to answer 7 great riddles. The hawk of the South dared him to endure the heat of the desert for 7 days and the hawk of the east made Anhur meditate and discover his inner self. Only when Anhur had accomplish the tasks with success, did the hawks bow down to Anhur’s majesty and let him rule all four kingdoms, thus calling him King of the Gods.

     In turn for their kindness, Anhur allowed the hawks to continue to reside in their homes and became the guardian companions of the four wind gods and their wives. The four hawks have become what are known as the four great endurances into adulthood. Few if any mortal has conquered all four endurances. The Ea are the Guardians of the Lands of the Directions. During Ancient times these lands were Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and African.

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!

The Elements {Tau Retammas}

Air {Unth } - The Wind {Tau Long}

 We learn to breathe with air, so to calm ourselves when we get upset. And once calm, we can think before we make ill mistakes and judgments - thereby learning. As the wind changes, its strength changes the seasons. In that we learn about to change and how to adapt when the need arises. When we look into the wind and follow it, we are sent into a quest of wonder and adventure. As we listen to the wind, we hear music that comes from it. And when we stand and let the wind wrap about it, it blows away our stress. We watch birds and insects in flight in the air and wonder and fantasize how, giving us imagination. Without this ability people would not understand each other nor be able to share new ideas and creations with each other. The wind is also responsible for germinating many plants and trees, spreading seedlings across the land in one gust. The wind carries our prayers and offerings to the universe and brings us perfumed scents and the sweet smells of home cooking - giving comfort and triggering happy moments or memories. We learn to breathe and relax, giving use a chance to use forethought. And then after we find our words to express what to say. The Virtue we learn from Air is love. Because as we speak and sing, we try to bring love into the world. The path of Air is paved in blinding yet caring white light.

Bowynn Gods: Chumash

"Akua Naedarren" 2000 - left to right: Chumash, Tane and Anhur.

Chumash (Chu-mosh)  Chumash is the Bowynn guardian of passed Spirits and the Lord King of the next world, Daunnat. He is the son of Brea and Unthar and the brother of Sumon and Anhur.

     Unlike other mythologies and sacred stories of gods of the dead from around the world, Chumash is not a god to be fear. And depicting his as such is sacrilegious. He has no hatred, vengeance nor ill thoughts about him. He is a very kind soul for one that bears a crown on his head. In Daunnat he is the guardian of the souls and spirits that have passed, as well as Lord King of the other gods that dwell in Daunnat. Next to him sits his wife and most beloved queen, the goddess Kalma. Being the king of Daunnat is not just a status position but a lot of work. During the day, Chumash makes sure that souls and spirits are rightfully separated from their mortal husk; He makes sure that souls and spirits do not leave Duannat and living mortals do not enter Daunnat. In some cases, he is the judge of the dead, in that he may return souls and spirit back to the mortal world to be born again if they did not attain the lessons given to them at birth. In some cases, Chumash reunites family members that may not be able to find their past loved ones. At night Chumash leads the great feasts with the souls, making sure all have plenty of food to eat and drink and that music lasts throughout the night. Daunnat is very much the Architect of Daunnat and the creator of rites of the dead.

     Chumash should never be considered as a god of the cause nor effect of death itself. He does not bring death to mortals, nor does he send out agents of death to slay mortals on a whim. He has no dark side at all to him. Nor do any of the gods of Daunnat, in fact. Prior to Chumash taking the throne of Daunnat, there was no keeper or watcher of souls, and they would wander in and out freely, sometimes haunting mortals. Then one day Chumash and his brothers held contest as to who would be king of what realm: Earth, Sea and Daunnat. Each man drew an arrow and shot it. Wherever their arrow landed was the realm they would rule over. Chumash's flew the furthest and into an endless chasm; Thus, winning the kingdom of Daunnat. His other brothers laughed at Chumash, judging him as the winner of the worst prize. But he swore that he would make the kingdom of Daunnat more beautiful than any other kingdom of the living. And through hard work and the help of other gods, this became so. After this task was complete, Chumash asked the goddess Kalma to be his wife. However, she turned up the request several times. He bathed her with gifts of gold and jewelry, but she still turned his marriage proposal down. Finally, she accepted his hand when he offered her a single flower, an iris. It is now that flower that grows in abundance in Daunnat and by laying iris flowers on a grave, we honor the Chumash

     Chumash may be a light-hearted god, but he has a dark physical profile. His hair is said to be black and curly, as is his beard and moustache. His skin is tanned dark, and his eyes are chocolate brown and deep. Still, he is hardly a divinity to be feared. Sacred to Chumash are the gifts of votive dogs, Iris and Poppy flowers as well as all 7 sacred offerings of the Bowynn Tradition.

Chumash and Anhur Anhur, Tane and Chumash

Felt & Embroidery ribbon trim of Chumash and the gods of Daunnat

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: Issen

The giant Issen with farmers and animals working the land

Issen (Eye-sen)  Ancient giant god of the old age created by Brea and her siblings. Issen was the older god who ruled over the warmth of summer. One of the older gods, he traveled the world, with his family. His home was in the south and he would appear in the summer as a mammoth of golden fur, bringing with him the summer weather.

      Even though Issen’s attributes were diminished but the coming of the Akua, He is still a most respected god. He is said to now work with the goddess Tarna, the summer goddess, following before her in mammoth form, clearing a path for the goddess to travel. Bowynn folk will often lay blame on Issen if the summer becomes too hot. Issen’s home is the summer-lands of the south. There he has is own lodge that he built himself. Later the lodge was given to Tarna and the god Saphon. It is said that the lodge is massive in size, made of brown wood and logs, sitting on a green hill, overlooking the forested lands. Despite his diminished attributes, Issen is still widely prayed too, in hopes that the summer season is not harsh, and he will ward off forest fires.

      In his immortal form, Issen is seen as an older god, fully bearded and long hair flowing down his back. His hair itself is brownish tainted with white. Issenn is known to always be wearing a heavy brown hide on his back and his clothing is of brown and golden leathers. In his hands are seen a staff and horn. It is with this horn that he blows on, issuing in the summer season. When not in this form, he is a magnificent golden mammoth. Sacred gifts to Issen are incense and votive mammoth images. Like all of the old giants, his totem was the mammoth.