Bowynn Gods: Gondor

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.

Aelles Tau Mystaras

Today I will jump ahead a bit as today is Holy Day. Precisely, today is the holiday called Shae vo Tau Mystaras {Day of The Mysteries} More commonly called Tau Mystaras.

The Mysteries are celebrated on the days of April 15th-17th. While some think the holiday is just celebrated for and by Mysts {witches} the holiday is really devoted to all worshipers. It's a most divine holiday. A time of rest, meditation, cleansing, looking inward and reflecting on one's faith. It is a time when people spend the 3 days at their home altars, shrines and reading their codex. Many like to just use the day and spend it in silence, in vigil, prayer. The days are used to clean one's shrines, altars, religious tools, divination tools. Those that attend groves will find the areas incased with plumes of incense. Bathhouses, saunas and Taranoms {sweathouses} are in wide use when they too are not being cleansed and cleaned.

Religiously, Tau Mystaras is dedicated to the gods Mystara and Ehlrik. Mystara being the goddess of Magic and Ehlrick, the god of shamanism and bards. At least they are the main focus, but all Bowynn gods are deeply respected this holiday. Tsa'heka-non {100-fold} bundles of incense are burned these days as offerings, mass libations of milk, water, juice and wine are gifted, grosses of flowers, plants, garlands and wreathes if bestowed to the gods, whole dinners are cooked for the holy family.

For Mysts and those that practice the arts of magic and shamanism; the holiday is especially celebrated as a great time of cleanings and is the date new initiates are blessed and welcomes into groves and temples. It is also the most sacred day to consult priests and priestesses for wisdom and consult oracles. Many will spend the days is deep though over tools of divination. And spells are cast endlessly on these 3 days. Nights of great divination practices, spell casting and a day for new practitioners to start.

Traditionally 7 candles are burned during these 3 days in reverence for the gods. And the colors of Black, Purple, White and Gold are displayed. Wreathes and garlands are hung up on and around doors in homes and temples. Soft religious music is played. Fasting is common but not culturally nor religiously demanded. But the abstinence of a frivolous foods of some sort is common: Coffee, Sugar, Alcohol, Candy, Pastry. It is up to the person.

Personally, I like to just use the day in prayers and to read my codex. I may do a divination reading. I spend the first day, cleansing my home, altar and take a LONG soak in the tub. I spend the second day in deep reverence and vigil and depending on the weather, I may take a long walk. Day 3 I like to do some spell casting and take a second soaking. Sometimes I will make special herbal cookies are a lemon cake. And I do make an offerings of the 7 Sacred Offerings (Meat, Vegetation, Incense, Herbs, Fire, Libation and Votives). If I am up for it, I will even spend time crafting and drawing something divine or magically in nature. And incense is always burning. And I normally will fast the first two days and day three I FEAST! LOL.

Aelles Tau Mystaras {Happy Holiday}

Bowynn Gods: Ion

Ion  (Eye-on)  Ion is the God patron of knights and god of knighthood virtues. The son of Anhur and Rhya, Ion is the right hand of Anhur, the god king’s eyes, ears and messenger. But foremost, Ion is the god that keeps the sacred virtues in check and sees that people are adhering to the virtues set down by Bia and Anhur. While these days Ion can also be seen as a god patron of all soldiers, he would he would be more leaning towards those that whom serve high and special ranks. Especial those like the Guard of Unknown Soldiers, Guards of Kings, Queens and Presidents and other prestigious positions.

      Many sacred tales of Ion and his exploits are told. The most famous being the days when Ion spent his seven days with the first mortals to teach them might and right and to honor the virtues set done by his father. Another tale speaks of a troop of 10 soldiers that fought for ten days straight without food, water or rest against invaders. After the long battle was at-last won, their deeds were caught by Ion. In turn he knighted them with special titles and blessed them. This was mortal man’s first knighthood. Another tale speaks of a time many years later; a knight that was blessed by Ion had grown to see over 100 years. And in all those years, he had ever held vigil over the god’s temple and fought to protect his hometown. On his death bed Ion came to the old man. He asked who would watch over his town. Ion gave the knight his greatest blessing, that of immortal sight, turning the old man into a star and naming him Arnmor, The North Star. That way, even though dead, he could always watch the good people, year round.

     Ion is often seen and depicted as a young man, a warrior. And he is dressed as such, partially armored with a long sur-coat over his armor. In one hand Ion bears a shield, in the other a sword. But he is not to be feared and is not a god to wage war. In Alaway his position is next to his father Anhur. When not in his godly form, Ion takes the form of a greyhound. Sacred offerings to Ion is incense and votive images of dogs

My Prayer To Chumash, Lord of the Deceased

O Chumash, King of Daunnat, benevolent Lord of the Passage, I beseech you in the light of love and kindness. You, who have crowned yourself with mercy, watch over the souls that traverse the realm between life and the afterlife. May your presence bring comfort to those who mourn, as you guide the spirits from their mortal husks into the embrace of eternity. O Keeper of the Eternal, with your ebony hair like the night sky and eyes glistening deep as the most sacred earth, I appeal to your loving heart. Grant repose to the restless souls, separating them with gentle hands, ensuring they find solace in the beauty of Daunnat. May your wisdom guide the spirits to the lessons once unlearned, returning them anew to the cycle of life. With devoted heart, I lay before you the sacred gifts of Votive dogs, faithful companions that guard the seven gates of your realm. In honor of your beloved queen, goddess Kalma, I present iris and poppy flowers, symbols of our love and remembrance. May these offerings blossom upon the graves of the departed, signifying our eternal connection to you and the afterlife you cherish.

O Chumash, Lord of great feasts, as you gather the souls within your realm, may no spirit go hungry and no voice go unheard in the joyous revelry of the night. Let laughter and music echo throughout Daunnat, binding together the threads of family and love that stretch across the veil of existence. As you have transformed the kingdom of Daunnat into a sanctuary of light, I vow to honor your efforts by living with love and compassion in my own life. May I cherish the memories of those passed while embracing the lessons of the living. So shall it be, in reverence and devotion to Chumash, the gentle guardian of souls, whose laughter lights the darkened path to eternity.

My Personal Prayer to Aleglea

O Aleglea, radiant patroness of the Bowynn, I raise my voice in reverence before your divine essence, the embodiment of happiness that dances upon the breath of life. Your name is a melody that fills the air with light, and in your presence, joy blooms like the flowers of spring, casting away shadows of sorrow. O Aleglea, goddess of beauty and mirth, I honor you, adorned in saffron and ruby, your hair crowned with a bounty of blossoms. Your green eyes gleam with the laughter of the stars, and I bask in the warmth of your glorious light. Let my heart awaken to the pure joy you inspire, showering my spirit with the gifts of song, dance, and festivity. In heartfelt gratitude, I gather fragrant blossoms to weave a garland for your divine presence. Let the sweet aroma of honey offer my love, as I lay before you butterfly images, symbols of transformation, and resilience. The incense of my devotion rises like an invocation, calling forth the benevolence of your sacred spirit.

O dear Aleglea, guide my steps as I walk upon this earth, barefoot like you, feeling the heartbeat of life through the ground. Bestow upon me the lightness of being, a spirit filled with laughter and connection to the beauty that envelops us. I seek your blessing in every festive gathering, every celebration of life, and every shared moment of happiness. As garlands of flowers adorn the paths we tread, I join the chorus of your devoted followers, dancing in rhythmic unison to celebrate the joys of existence. Under your watchful gaze, may we foster community, laughter, and shared delight, reveling in the magnificence of your gifts. O Aleglea, though I am but a humble mortal, let my life reflect the spark of joy you ignite. As I take each step in your honor, may I carry forth the spirit of abundance and cheer, spreading happiness wherever I go. For in the glory of your name and the beauty of your creations, the world becomes a tapestry of pure delight. So shall it be, in the embrace of the goddess of happiness.

My Personal Prayer to Adarro

O Adarro, Spirit of the White Dolphin, I raise my voice in reverence to you, joyous god of the waves and protector of all who dwell by the shores. With hands uplifted, I seek your blessing, for you are the Master of Abundance, the one who dances amongst the tides and whispers to the souls of the sea. Come forth, O Adarro, son of Sumon and Phoenix, twin brother of Madarro, hear me, your humble devotee. In the shimmering light of dawn, as the sun kisses the waters, I call upon your radiant spirit to guide my heart and my hands. I present before you meals of fish and offerings of star-fish, sweet water lilies, and fragrant seaweed, wafting incense toward the heavens. May these gifts reach your ears and fill your heart with joy, as you have filled my life with bounty and abundance from the depths of the sea.

Grant me, Adarro, the wisdom to weave my nets with skill and the strength to cast them upon gentle waters. Teach me the ways to honor the rhythm of the tides and to recognize the moments of peril, that I may navigate the currents with grace. Protect those I hold dear as you safeguard the fishermen of old and bring forth the harvest of the sea in merry abundance. I rejoice in your spirit, O joyful god, as you dance along the sandy shore, celebrating with mortals as you guide their lives with laughter and light. Let my heart mirror your joyful essence, so that I may also bring cheer to those around me, with hands that create and feet that follow your dance. In your presence, I find solace, Adarro, and in your wisdom, I seek understanding. May I honor you as the tides honor the moon, in perpetual rhythm and reverence, for you are the lifeblood of the sea and the joy of the shore. Let my voice carry your name, and my heart forever treasure the blessings you bestow. So shall it be, in the realm of the waters and the sands, marked by your joy.

Syember!

BOWYNN GODS: RHYMAR

Rhymar  (Ry-mar)  God of the 6th Gate of Daunnat, of charity in the land of Daunnat.  Rhymar, like the other Gate guardians of Daunnat, is the child of Chumash and Kalma.

     A god of Daunnat, Rhymar is not an evil god, nor a god of judgment.  His role is that of a guardian of Daunnat. He is the giver of charity to spirits, as no spirit can enter Daunnat without this virtue. However, it is common for the living to call to Rhymar who are in need of eternal charity. In this way, Rhymar has a prominent role outside of Duannat as well. And sometimes he is seen with the goddess Hemwey, goddess of charity to those in need. In the presence in Daunnat, Rhymarr is the god that promises eternal riches but not always just money. He is the god that ensures “never wanting” in Daunnat. As god of the Gate of Charity, Rymar is one of the 7 gods of the sacred septagram. He sustains from visiting Alaway, instead preferring to live and feast with the spirits and other gods in Daunnat.

     Rhymar has no known totem animal, instead always staying in his godly form. He is seen as a young god dressed in a dark sur-coat with simple black trimming. He is said to have the bluest eyes, and his blond hair is the color of summer wheat. At times she is seen carrying a septagram tile and a horn which is blown when he allows a soul past her gate. Other times he holds a basket of wheat and coins mixed together, his gift of charity to the souls that pass by.

     Sacred to Rhymar is the Septagram and riding blow horn. During funeral services, a bowl of milk is left to him, as customary and a statuette of the departed, so the god will recognize the departed’s soul, which is identical to his body.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Rites of Passage

QUESTION: What rites of Passage do Bowynn celebrate and ceremonialize? Can you share them with us?

ANSWER: Bowynn tradition has several rites of Passage:

Newborn Blessing

RIte of Childhood

Rite of Adulthood

Rite of Marriage

RIte of Eldering

Rite of Death

Rite of 7 Nights

There are also other rituals that deal with being indoctrinated into a clan/circle. While I cannot go into details to these rites for the reason of cultural preservation, I will start posting the general to each in a few days after Ky'Kora is over.

Blessed Samhain one and all

Due to a very negative incident that happen this past night, I will not be engaging in any information today. Instead I shall leave you with just images. I still wish you all a very blessed and fun-filled holiday. All good. no bad.

Q&A: Bowynn Magic

QUESTION: In the Bowynn Tradition, are there any special corrospondences with herbs, plants, flowers and such?

ANSWER: There is a special recognition of certain flora, that is commonly used in magic and incense blends. But they by no way match the lists one will find in a Wiccan book or match those listed by other culture. There are 7 sacred plants that are commonly used and considered the most sacred:

ROSE: Used for all fire magic, Love spells, Friendship, Family, Unity, Bonding, Oaths, Commitment, Beauty

CEDAR: Purification, Purging, Cleansing, Strength, Growth, Learning, Wisdom,

LAVENDAR: Calm, Sleep, Peace, Clear thinking, Clarity,

MINT: Excitement, Energy, Stimulation, Waking, Vitality, Wealth/Abundance,

BAY LAUREL: Magic, Shamanism, Divination, Wishes, Understanding, Divination, Scrying, Spiritualism, Psychism

PINE: Change, Immortality, Endurance, Altering, Taking Control,

APPLE: The most sacred plant. Home, Abundance, Stability, Health, Education, Protection,

The other most sacred of flora and other burnable materials of the earth are the following three:

AMBER: Sun Magic, Ancient Wisdom, Oracles, Warmth, Self, Soul, Intervention,

BLUE BELL: Rain, Water Magic, Springtime, Change, Growth, Renew, Warning, Fertility

DAISY: Moon Magic, Cleansing, Purity, Spirituality, Sleep, Dreams

Amber is listed as 'Flora', as it comes from the sap of ancient trees. These three combined make up the colors of the Bowynn Crest. These ten plants/trees/flowers are what is burned most during religious ceremonies and magical practices.