QUESTION & ANSWER: SAMHAIN

My Personal Prayer to Bia

O Divine Bia, the Essence of All, who arose from the depths of nothingness, I come before you with a humble heart and grateful spirit. You, who vanquished the suffocating Mist and brought forth the genesis of existence, I honor your sacred balance that governs the very fabric of creation. In your boundless wisdom, you conceived the first gods, paving the path toward harmony. O Bia, embodiment of all that is, I beseech you to guide my spirit in achieving balance amidst the chaos of life. As the puppeteer of creation and the weaver of destinies, let your presence fill my heart so that I may reflect your harmony in my thoughts, actions, and deeds. May the essence of your being envelop me, drawing me closer to the unity of all creation. With reverence, I lay before you my humble offerings of fragrant incense and flickering candles, symbols of my devotion and the light of existence you embody. May these gifts rise in fragrant plumes to your ethereal presence, illuminating the sacred connection between us and fostering the balance that you cherish. I offer a dedication to every form, every life, and every breath that resonates within your grand design.

O Infinite Bia, grant me the insight to appreciate the delicate dance of nature and the balance of the cosmos. Enlighten my mind to the interconnectedness of all beings, that I may respect and honor every thread woven within the tapestry of life. As Bia is both creator and sustainer, may I find inspiration in your essence to craft beauty and nurture love in this world. In the spirit of your boundless creation, I celebrate the myriad forms of existence that flourish under your guidance. Let my spirit rejoice in the colors of the dawn, the whispers of the wind, and the rustle of leaves upon the earth. As I recognize the divine spark present in all things, may I endeavor to contribute to the harmony of life that flows from your eternal source. O Bia, sacred unification of chaos and order, may you bestow upon me the tranquility and strength to navigate the currents of existence. Let the flame of your wisdom ignite within me, bringing clarity to my path and serenity to my soul. In surrendering to your essence, I commit myself to live in harmony with the balance you embody and honor the gifts that life bestows upon us. So shall it be, as the cycles of creation continue under your omnipresent gaze, the Eternal Balance of Bia.

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: Kora

Kora  (Kor-rah)  Kora is the Bowynn goddess of Autumn and in some ways, the Goddess of the Beginning of the year, since her epiphany ushers in the first day of Autumn, which is the Bowynn New Year. She is the daughter of Morrighynn and Herne and her sisters are the other 4 seasons.      Kora is the Goddess that appears in the west on the first day of autumn, astride her magnificent horse. Where she treads, everything starts to turn from its summer colors to the colors of autumn. She is normally accompanied with her beloved consort Ryan, god of the western wind. It is said that when Ryan and Kora wed, the ceremony and feast was one of the grandest the immortals even seen; even outshining the ceremony of Anhur and Rhya, king and queen of the gods. The Kii (spirits) of the autumn, the Jakk and the Maukol, do not even awake till Kora makes her appearance in the west.      A most awe-inspiring goddess to behold, Kora is a deep red headed goddess with lips just as red. Her gown is said to be that of saffron, mixed with other autumn colors and designs as well. And on her head is crowned a magnificent wreathe of autumn leaves and flowers. 

When not astride her horse, she can be seen walking through forests and meadows with either a golden staff in hand or a basket from which autumn leaves blow out. When not in her divine mortal form, Kora often takes form of her totem animal the crow. Divine offerings to the goddess are not normally given till autumn; autumn leaves and earthly scented incenses, gourds, harvested fruits, vegetables and flowers. On the first day of the Bowynn New Year, the first of autumn, a candle is blessed and lit in the goddess’ name and burns all through the season.

Bowynn Gods: Jayleen Jarra

Jayleen Jarra  (Jay-leen Jar-rah)  Goddess of the healing arts and medicinal herbalism. She is one of the daughters of the god Owenn and sometimes her sisters and her are said to be female Kii; referred as The Sisters Jarra. Primarily Jayleen is indeed the goddess that rules or the healing properties of herbs and the making of medicines. She is also a patron of pharmacists and medical scientists.   

      There are no sacred tales of Jayleen or her sisters outside of their constant vigil over mortals. Jayleen is said to be seen at her father’s side or out in the wild, always looking for new medicinal herbs. Jayleen’s own chamber in Alaway is a massive chamber of every herb, flower, root and wood known to mankind, filled with ground herbs, oils, salves and balms.

      Jayleen is described as a young goddess with dark hair and a dress of green. Her Hlad is also green, detailed with images of herbs and medicinal flowers. While some have seen her with a staff in hand, most of the time she has been seen with an herbal basket or medicinal bowl in hand. When not seen in this form, Jayleen will take the form of a bird. Offerings to Jayleen are herbs, flowers and incense.

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.

Bowynn Gods: Lyann

Lyan  (Ly-an)  Lyan is the Bowynn god of the eastern providences and the east wind. He is one of the 4 wind gods, brother to Arn, Summon and Ryan.

Lyan is the god the delivers the moist gentle and scented rains and winds that often come in the spring and Springtime flowers. His winds blow away the last remnants of winter, allowing flower to grow. Appropriately, Lyan fell for the goddess of the springtime season and eventually wed her. Their sacred divine wedding falls on Ky'Quilla. Together, Lyan and Quilla reside in the far eastern lands. And together both appear on the first day of spring with Lyan leading his beloved.      Lyan is seen as a young man, barely out of his teenage years with wavy red flowing hair. He is seen in his divine form with bird wings. His garments are of reds, greens and/or yellow, often a long flowing loosely, that's falling off his shoulder and in his hand a flute and on his side a drinking horn. When not in his godly form, he will appear as a Robin, a bird that is Lyan's totem.

     Sacred gifts and offerings to Arn often consist of milk, fresh water and votives of robins, feathers and spring flowers.

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!

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: VADYSS

Vadyss  (Vah-dys)  God of Duannat who separates the Soul, Spirit and Body before it travels on to Daunnat. Son of Chumash and Kalma, he is considered one of the funerary gods of the Bowynn faith. Being that the body itself is no longer functional, it cannot travel to Daunnat. This is where Vadyss comes in and with his power the Soul and Spirit separate from the body and it is these that Heron takes on to Daunnat, leaving the mortal husk of the deceased for the mortal world.

     Vadyss is the eldest of the funerary gods of Daunnat. As such, his appearance is that of a father figure; a man of great stature, said to be bald but bearing a beard and moustache. His clothes are said to be black robes and, in his hand, he holds a staff. Sacred to Vadyss is mainly incense but many offer flowers to him as well.

Bowynn Gods: The Hlenn

Hlenn  (Hlen)  The Hlenn are one of the most popular of the Kii. They are much like their American/European Elven cousins and Nymphs. They are human in size and look most like mortal folk in all respects, but they are thin in nature and have long-ish ears and doe-like facial features, particularly the eyes. These Hlenn are said to be the champions and guardians of all woodlands. The know instantly when a leaf falls and withers and when a fern stalk breaks through the ground. They are very untrusting and cautious of mortal man. But there are tales of some Hlenn, male and female, that have fallen for mortals as well. However, it must be remembered that while the Hlenn looks like mortals in many ways and live like them, they are spirits and need to be respected as so. Bowynn folk will not enter a woodland nor leave it without leaving a respectable gift to the Hlenn,