Element - Blog Posts
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: Paut
Wood carved pog of Paut - Made my myself - 1987
Paut (Pawt) Goddess of the element of Soul. One of the first children/creations of Bia and the brother of Brea and the other gods of the creatrix.
At the beginning of time when the gods gathered together and formed mankind, they discovered that mankind walked about the earth aimlessly and all were exactly alike. So Paut instilled into each person a soul, which gave each person a voice and personality, making them different and their own individual, both physically and mentally. This was Paut’s great gift to mankind. Later, during the 7 Sacred Days, Paut stayed with the tribes and taught them how to understand their individuality and how they make up a part of ones being. Also, she taught mortals how to keep our souls and bodies healthy and clean. When it comes to the Bowynn belief system, we recognize the soul as a physical part of human anatomy. This is due to Paut’s teachings.
Paut is seen as a young woman, with a long golden hair. her eyes are said to be amber in color, to see past folk's mortal husks to their soul. Paut is dressed in long robe and cloak. Over her robe she wears three large round pins that represent the three elements the soul controls: Self, Mind and Action. Often, she is seen with a staff in her hand which is topped with a bull head. Despite the bull head on his staff, this is not known to be Paut’s totem. In fact, Paut does not have a totem animal; at least not one that is known to us.
Sacred to Paut is glass baubles and votive bull images. These as well as Incense are the customary gifts to Paut.
Embroidry & Paint representing the Gods of creation: Tya, Paut and Phaenixx - Created by Sheree Tsarnek - 2017 (With the god Aetenn on the far left)
Bowynn Gods: Phaenixx
Wood carved Pog of Phaenixx w/ penciles in eyes (now lost) - Created by myself - 1984
Phaenixx (Fay-niks) In the Bowynn Tradition, Phaenixx 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 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 brings people together and gave humanity the ability to express love and desire at the start of humanity. When the gods created mankind from earth, it was Phaenixx that baked the clay that was used to form mankind, there-by not only keeping our form together but also giving mankind skin. At the same time it gave each and one a heart filled with burning passion and love. Phaenixx 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. Phaenixx is seen as a full-fledged motherly figure with deep red hair and dress. She bears a golden circlet on her head as well is sometimes a veil of scarlet red. Phaenixx is not, nor should she be seen as, a fearful figure but instead as a warm embracing goddess. A protectress, giving us light to see and stay warm. She is safety in the darkness. Other times Phaenixx is seen as a great red phoenix-like bird. Sacred to Phaenixx are images of phoenix birds, candle, and all symbols of fire. These are the most common gifts given to the goddess, but any image of birds or fire is welcome to the goddess.
Phaenixx on a altar cloth - created by Ksandra Weldess - 2019 (Goddesses Paut and Tya can also be seen)
Bowynn Gods: Brea
Part of an altar cloth depicting Brea - embroidery and paint - Created by Sheree Tsarnek 2021
Brea (Bree-ah) Goddess of the earth and earth element. Brea is the great earth goddess born/created from Bia. By the union of her to her "brother" Unthar, she gave birth to the great household of gods. Brea ultimately is the earth goddess and element. And she is part of the great creatrix of all things; for she was the one that gave the other gods the idea to create all that resides on the earth. She is the goddess of fertility, life, death, growth and represents the element of earth. She is also the goddess of evolution and creation on the planet.
Brea is often seen and depicted as a grandmother type image, with an aged caring face.
The ancient story speaks that as a child Brea would often come down to one of the dead rocky planets and play on them. Bia warned the child to stay away from the planets but she would not listen. Finally one day Brea found that when it was time to leave one of the dead planets, she could not and was bound to it. Even with the help of all her brothers and sisters, Brea could not remove herself from the land. Bia stated that she was now that planet’s permanent resident and was free to do with the planet as she please. Working her divine will, Brea gave life to the planet with trees, flowers and grass. In time with her siblings helped mold and sculpt the landscape; Brea would create all the animal life and then mortal mankind. Eventually Brea became the very essence of the planet and gave it her name, Brea, “Earth”
Brea is the goddess that fashioned out of earth, the mold for all living creatures, including mortal people. But it was not with-out the help of her siblings, that these creations took life and populated the earth. This was done because Brea saw that despite trees, seas and sky, the world was silent and empty. Seeing the world was so lonely and quiet, Brea took dirt into her hand and sculpted the first beings from it. But the sculptures of dirt were nothing more than dirt, with no life and just fell apart. With the help of her brothers and sister, all beings came to be on Earth. Brea is called the ‘mother of the gods.’
Brea is always depicted as a mother figure, a lot like Mother Nature. She often is seen wearing a crown or circlet to show her majesty and other times seen wearing a wreath of bounty of all sorts. Over these adornments she wears a veil. Her gown is green more than often and her bosoms are large, which represents fertility. Being that she is the supreme lady of life, all beings and things are sacred to her; flora and fauna and mankind. However, the most prominent gift that can be offered to her is incense; a gift she gave to mortal folk during her 7 Sacred Days of visitation.
(Other like gods comparable to Brea are Gaea, Mama Pacha, Maka Akan, Akka, Papa, Terra, )
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)
The Vlenndra
The Vlenndra Devotional is a special act of praise that is done at the start of any religious act. It is much like a Christian will draw a cross with their finger across their body as they chant "To the father...". The Vlenndra Devotional is a form of attunement with the spiritual. There is no true English word nor term for "Vlenndra." Though some have interrupt it to "devotional" but it is really so much more beyond that.
Before the start of any prayers, rite or magic spell, be it alone or with one's clan, the Vlenndra Devotional is performed. It is an opening to your prayers, a way of preparing oneself, a separation from what you were doing in your mundane time and your spiritual life. The Vlenndra act is sort of a key to unlocking a door to the divine world and a reminder of that which is holy. Many use the Vlenndra devotional by itself as a morning affirmation. The Vlenndra devotional need not be done at one's altar but anywhere: Facing the morning or setting sun, at the rise of the moon, over a meal, at a moment when things go wrong.
The Vlenndra devotional is simple in itself and yet within its simplicity, atones one with our faith. It is started by taking up a simple incense stick of any scent. When the tip glows, blow out the flame and let it smoke. Then in the air draw a septagram with the tip. As you do this, speak the following:
“By Earth, By Air,
By Fire, By Water,
By Soul, By Spirit,
By Bia.”
Finish each septagram off by encircling it. Done as a daily practice, this is repeated 3 times in total. However in some remote cases one may wish to do this as much as 7 and 9 times. A Myst {witch] will use the common 7 times before casting a spell, during a holiday or during a vigil, 9 times is the norm. After which the incense stick is placed in its holder. The Vlenndra Devotional is done. One should never rush through the Vlenndra. You should think about your actions, its words, what each of these elements mean to you, absorbing each element as you speak the Vlenndra and how you plan to incorporate them throughout your day. At the same time, the devotional need not be done too slow either. The main thing is that when done, with the devotional you should feel spiritually attuned for moment.
The Elements / Tau Retammas
Spirit / Tya - The Moon / Tau Mor
Spirit / Tya - The Moon / Tau Mor
Spirit is ruled over the moon. This point represents all that which is the creative element of the Spirit. Under Tya {Spirit} fall all of its attributes of: The Mystic Arts, Transformation, Alchemy, Divinity, The Psyche and Psychism, Infinity, Celestial sciences, Night, Dreams and Nightmares. Each is a point of light in a web of life. Everything has a spirit which is and is given to us by and Tya. An energy unique unto its own but connected to all existence. When the body dies the energy of that body moves on to be reborn into something else. The power of Spirit is never ending. It is never dying and is the force in the universe that is unyielding and is immortal. Heaven and Earth, spirit and matter are conjoined, where Nature and our own selves are the embodiment of divinity. Nature is our greatest spiritual teachers, showing us how we are all interconnected and how accessible Deity and the Divine is, in the world around us and within us. The spirit of the forest and our own spirits are no different. As the branches of the trees reach out into the heavens, we have the same ability. Our spirituality is what connects us to the forest, all it's adjoining elements and the divine. The moon is the feminine element of dusk and the night. A time when the body winds down and we grow tired. Its grants us the ability to sleep. And in that way, we renew our body and mind. In our sleep we dream- even the dreams that give us messages from the Divine and feel revitalized when we arise. So, it is not shocking to find oracles performing at their best during the night. Looking past the canopy of the forest we are bathed in the moon's glow and the celestial night sky- the stars and the planets. From these we can scry to learn more about ourselves with the arts of Astrology and Astronomy. At the same time, we can go deeper into the universe which is timeless and discover our past lives. Our spirit lives on from lifetime to live time, taking with it only the wisdom gained by experience for our soul’s benefit. The universe views things from an impartial point of view. We attempt to learn to view ourselves without the temptations of embellishing. Here, we learn truths about ourselves, about the world around us, and about a lot of things we need to know and face all in the way nature views us. Being true to your own inner self, knowing your strengths and weaknesses is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and learn to accept that which we cannot change and make our weaknesses into strengths. The Psyche is the spiritual cord that links us to the worlds and powers beyond which we cannot see. Through the use of our spirit and our psyche, we can draw in the divine and the energies of the universe. Experience shows us the way of our true selves by being true to ourselves we remain true to nature. The Virtue of Spirit itself is governed by the moon and the path of the Spirit is the purple path.
The Elements / Tau Retammas
Soul / Paut - The Sun / Tau Saun
The fifth point of the Numatam {Septagram} is the point that represents all the aspects of the element that is the Soul. (Individuality, Day, Light, Warmth, Rejuvenation, Resurrection, Responsibility, Cycles, Masculinity, Work and Labor). The Soul is the inner you, the part that causes you to think and speak your own mind. It is what makes you unique, even though it is a duplicate of your body. It is the house that protects your spirit. It is your Ghost. And your soul glows bright yellow as bright as the sun, thus encompassing the powers of the sun. The soul is what is awakened first at the start of the day and from its light we get to see what is all around. It warms our body from the chills of the night and rejuvenates us from our sleepiness. Fully awakened the sun and our soul sets us on our daily goals, our work and chores, giving us responsibility. The sun has always warmed our planet and the surrounding planets which rotate around it, century after century – dancing on their life path effortlessly while the sun beams its radiance upon them and us. The power of the sun is a Masculine energy and so from it we all find masculinity in ourselves. The sun is also a primal force for our planet and its people. Without its warmth, as mentioned before, the planet and its inhabitants would not have the means to sustain themselves. The eternal dance between Earth and Sun is very important and recognized by many as a necessity for life to endure and exist. The sun is also associated with the Male or God aspect, linking the harvest with the sun as well. Sun warms crops as they grow and works with the earth to bare fruits and grains for our needs. The virtue of kindness is associated with the Soul, as you walk the earth, the soul calls out to be nice to all of those you meet along the way. With Paut, we awaken and start to explore. The path of the soul is a bright, illuminated one of yellow
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.
mood spell jars
hey y’all, your resident eclectic with here with a quick tip on easy-to-do spell jars!
I personally live in a dorm situation nine months out of the and try to keep my shit pretty lowkey for my roommates sake, so I keep four elemental mood jars in little mason jars in one of my drawers. Whenever I feel funky, out of alignment, off-mood, or just need a little pep, I mix the corresponding jar and say a little prayer and thank you before I start my day. The contents of these jars were inspired by an elemental post made by stargvsm! Please see their post for more ideas, as my jars really contain the bare minimum to convey intent.
Earth- For grounding, strength, healing
Contents: dried moss, crushed pine cone, wheat, crushed lead, salt, patchouli essential oil, jar is decorated with sigils for Venus and Saturn
Air- For clarity, inspiration, intuition, memory
Contents: feathers, lavender, lemon peel, clover, yellow fabric, soda can tabs, incense ashes, jar is decorates with sigils for Mercury and Uranus
Water- For emotion, release, reflection, growth
Contents: silver coins, sand, chamomile, mint, river stones, sea glass, jar is decorated with sigils of Neptune and Pluto
Fire- For energy, courage, passion, confidence
Contents: candle wax, basil, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, garnet necklace, gold coin, jar is decorated with sigils for Mars and Jupiter
My planet associations are based on the zodiac, go with whatever works best for you! I put soda can tabs in my air jar because I associate aluminum with air, but I know some people prefer tin. It’s all about what you feel best represents the relationship you have with worship- there’s no right or wrong contents.
For prayer, honestly, sometimes I just put my head on my desk and swirl the jar and talk out loud like I’m asking an old friend for advice. I talk abut my day, why I feel the way I do, and what I want to change about how I feel, and ask my patrons for their guidance. Blessed be, y’all have fun and stay safe
🚨 New series alert! 🚨
“My Strength”: Elemental Series
Part 1: Earth
I stole your name
From the gusts of wind
And wondered
If it was destiny?