Bowynn Gods: Jakk

QUESTION AND ANSWER: GODS AND MAGIC

QUESTION: When casting spells in the Bowynn Tradition, what gods are invoked, if any?

ANSWER: A practicing Myst [witch] will invoke the goddess Mystara prior to beginning any spell. She is offered incense and whatever else a Myst can offer. Then the spell is started. Depending on the spell, will depend what other gods will be invoked during the casting of the spell itself: Owen and his daughters for health, Anhur for justice, Daeth for wealth. Istra for vengeance, Bryanthenaea for protection...and so forth. Even if you are not sure which gods are invoked for your need, that's okay. So long as Mystara is invoked prior to the spell. She is the patroness of witches and makes sure the spell is being done for just case, to see it is done correctly and its manifestation.

Bowynn Gods: Hawynn

Hawynn  (Haw-winn)  Hawynn is the Bowynn God king of all the rivers in the world. But more-more-so the great river Muet, which flows under Alaway (Great Hall of the Gods) and ends up in Duannat (Home of those that have passed) He is also a god of fishing and protector of dams and bridges, and patron to those that depend on rivers for their lively-hoods. He is the son of Sumon and Phoenix.

     Prior to Hawynn's birth and taking of position, Alaway had Kii as water bearers bringing water from a well that was guarded by a serpent. Only the Kii could fetch waters. If any of the Kii drew near, the serpent would attack them into submission.  The fetching of water grew weary on the Kii, who would have to fetch water several times a day. Young Hawynn was fond of the servant Kii and hated to see them toil so. He took the great spear of his father, Tane, and the scrying bauble of his mother, Kalma, and went to subdue the serpent. Using the bauble Hawynn was able to predict the moves of the serpent as they battled. With the spear, Hawynn was able to finally say the beast. Then, using one of the ribs of the creature, Hawynn dug a massive trench to the well and released its waters. Thus, the great river was created and set to flow under Alaway. At the same time the servant Kii were released from their duties. In gratitude, Anhur gave Hawynn his blessing and made lord of all rivers and commander of the great river Muet. The Kii that were the water bearers before-hand were each given a river in the world to bless and sanctify, as all Rivers spiritually branch off of Muet.

     As for Hawynn himself, he took a bride, a Kii named Naea, whose status was raised to that of Goddess because she feasted on immortal foods and therefore, was given the blessing of Bia. When not feasting at night with the gods, Hawynn is busy marking the course of rivers and controlling their floods. Also making sure water is always clean and pure. He is a patron of those that depend on rivers for a livelihood, including mills, dams, power-plants, fishing and miners in some cases.  

     Despite his younger brash and reckless self, Hawynn is a most fun and pleasing god. He more often would hold banquets and riparian events on the banks of Muet than feast in the halls of Alaway and is a wonderful swimmer and fisherman. He is said to bear the face of a young thin man. Hawynn is often seen in a green cloak, with a goat-skin mantle and staff, which he uses to help control the waters. He also is said to always carry with him a drinking horn made from the serpent his slew. The horn is said to magickally hold enough water to drink from for a week. His totem is the otter which he often takes the form of, if not the otter, then he may take the form of a beaver.

My Personal Prayer to Arn

O Glorious Arn, Lord of the North Wind, hear my voice as I raise my heart to your sacred presence. You, the elder of the wind gods and master of winter’s embrace, bless me with the chill of your wisdom and the warmth of your benevolence. As the Winter Wizard, guide me through these frosty months, wrapping me in the mantle of your northward winds. O Arn, with your staff adorned by an acorn lantern, illuminate my path amidst the cold shadows of the season. Bestow upon me the clarity of thought that I may navigate the icy trails of life. Like the white wolf and cardinal that accompany your spirit, may I find strength in my journey and joy in the beauty of the winter landscape. With reverence, I lay before you the offerings of milk and fresh water, humble tokens of gratitude for the life you nurture. I present snowflakes, white flowers, and treasured feathers, symbols of your dominion over the wintery realm. As the days grow shorter, may these gifts express my gratitude for the blessings you shower upon our hearths and homes.

O Mighty Arn, as the Yule season approaches, may your gentle spirit grace my dwelling with warmth. Bless all homes with the light of candles in their windows, as you ride with Myliea across the darkened sky. Bestow upon each home the delights of your gifts—nuts, dried fruits, and sweets for the children—in kindness for the hearts you cherish.I n the spirit of Ky' meliea, I celebrate your wondrous union with Myliea, and all that your presence brings to the turning of the seasons. Let the joy of Yule resonate within my heart and among my kin, as we gather under the boughs adorned with winter's finery. May the laughter and love shared during this time echo through the ages. O Arn, guardian of peace during the long winter nights, may your gentle winds soothe my spirit and grant me serenity. Guide me to understand the cycles of nature and my place within them, as I seek to live in harmony with the world around me. Let your spirit reside within as a reminder of resilience and hope as we await the sun's return. So shall it be, as I walk this earthly plane under your watchful gaze, the Winter Wizard of the North.

Syember!

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.

QUESTION & ANSWERS: Goddess Worship

QUESTION: In your Bowynn belief system, is the worship of goddesses more prevalent?

ANSWER: No. All the gods, male and female are worshipped and honored equally. This topic takes us back to the Great Creator, Bia. Who is neither and both male and female. Bia is balance and dictates balance. And we, as Bowynn, are keen on maintaining balance. To honor only the female divinities makes one miss out on so many grand and beautiful attributes that male gods have to offer. And vice versa.

Bowynn Gods: Abbennaea

Abbennaea  (Ab-bhen-nay-ah)  Goddess of all sorts of offerings and libation. She is the daughter of Phaenixx and Sumon. Abbennaea is a rather young goddess, mother-like in appearance, said to be graced with deep red hair. She is the goddess that receives the spiritual essence of the offerings sent to the gods by mortal men and in turn, turns them into “that which is good for all beings.” After the “Great Migration” of mankind, Abbennaea was said to have spent her “7 sacred nights” among the first tribes and taught them the arts of making incense and what offerings were allowed to be offered to the Akua. After the god Mano tricked mankind to sacrifice blood to the gods, it was Abbennaea that had to come back to mortal man, cleanse their altars and re-teach them all that what was acceptable.

    In Alaway, Abbennaea is not only a messenger of the gods but has the duty to purge and cleanse the halls with incense daily; burning Tsa'hekas of incense to dispense the energies from the night before. It was Abbennaea that cleansed the great hall after the battle between Mano and his cousins after one fight took place in the halls of Alaway.

    Abbennaea is said to be of a most loving face and of natural beauty, her garments often of reds and she is depicted always with either a single stick of incense in one hand (or a bundle of sticks). And in the other hand, a libation pitcher. She is often said to take the form of a bird or butterfly if she does mingle among men. The butterfly being her totem

My Personal Prayer to the Aetennii

O Aetennnii, Guardian Kii of the Bowynn cemeteries, I raise my voice in reverence to you, protectors of the sacred tombs, vigilant spirits that dwell amidst the resting places of the departed. With wings like the breeze and hearts firm as stone, you guard the hallowed grounds. Hear me, O cherished Aetennnii, your forms small yet mighty, circling the thresholds of the departed. I call upon your presence to shield the graves from harm, natural and man-made alike, lending your vigilance to the bones that lie beneath the earth. Together with Heron, deliverer of the dead, may you guard against decay and disturbance. In homage, I offer these sacred words, placing images of your essence at the gateways of remembrance. May the likeness of your wings inspire serenity in the hearts of mourners and honor those who have returned to the soil. I lay my gratitude at the entrance of each tomb, seeking your favor upon the treasures of memory contained within.

O Aetennnii, I beseech you, protect this sacred ground, ensuring that the sanctity of the resting places endures beyond time. When spirits wander, let your watchful eyes remain vigilant, preventing sorrow and safeguarding the peace that dwells among the stones. As I walk among the graves, may I feel your gentle presence guiding my respect and reverence. I celebrate your essence, O Aetennnii, protectors cloaked in feathers, embodiments of vigilance in the face of forgotten peril. Let the souls who find their peace beneath the earth be cradled in your care, their stories whispered through the rustling of leaves and the songs of the wind. In your sacred duty, may I find solace, O Aetennnii, for you are the guardians of history and memory. As I honor the departed, I pledge my respect to the grounds you protect. May the Aetennnii thrive in their charge, forever gracing the cemeteries with love, vigilance, and the whisper of wings. So shall it be, in the realm where the living and the departed coexist in peace.

My Prayer to Brea, Earth Mother

O Divine Brea, Mother of the Earth, I stand before you in humble reverence, wrapped in the embrace of your fertile soil. From the essence of your being, all life springs forth, a testament to your boundless creativity and nurturing spirit. I honor you, the great earth goddess, who breathed life into the barren and brought forth the bounty of the world. O Brea, sacred nurturer of flora and fauna, may your green gown and wreath of abundance inspire my soul to recognize the beauty in every flower, every tree, and every creature that graces the earth. Fill my heart with gratitude for the gifts you bestow, and let me walk softly upon your land, tending to your creations, as you tend to us all. In recognition of your divine majesty, I offer you incense, a fragrant gift that carries my prayers skyward, rising as a humble token of my devotion. May its smoke mingle with the gentle breeze, whispering my gratitude and love into the vastness of your realm. With every offering, strengthen the bond between your spirit and mine, guiding me to honor the sacredness of all life.

O Brea, Goddess of Fertility and Creation, bless my endeavors with growth and vitality. Let the seeds of my aspirations take root in your nurturing soil, flourishing under the warmth of your embrace. As the cycles of life flow through me, may I carry forth the legacy of your creativity, crafting a world filled with harmony and abundance. In the echo of the passing seasons, I celebrate your divine decree, O Brea, as you give birth to Herne each spring, restoring warmth and life to the world. May this cycle of renewal inspire me to embrace change and transformation, as I, too, am a part of your grand design. Let your rhythm guide me through the dance of life, reminding me to cherish each moment of growth and decay. O Mother of the Gods, as the earth and her creatures are sacred to you, may I learn to honor and protect the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Let my actions reflect your teachings, embracing the interconnectedness of all beings. Together, as children of Brea, may we foster a world imbued with peace, love, and respect for the marvelous tapestry of life. So shall it be, as I stand in the light of your nurturing presence, the Earth Goddess Brea.

Syember!

Bowynn Gods: Heron

Heron  (He-rhon)  Heron is the god that is the deliverer of the dead to Daunnat, the afterworld. He is also the guardian of tombs and cemeteries. He is the son of Chumash and Kalma.

     As his name bears, Heron is a bird god. He bears little to no sacred stories, as his life is too busy, removing the soul and spirit within, from the dead body of the deceased and escorting them to Daunnat. Heron is the god that allows the soul and spirit 7 days grace to visit those they loved in life before they depart to the next world. From the grave turned into his bird form and guides then to the ship of souls and guides it to the shores of Duannat.

     One rare sacred story tells as how a group of hunters accidentally netted Heron in his bird form. When they realized it was the god, they held him trapped to avoid death themselves. But to their horror, the outcome was that no one ever died and instead continued to suffer with their pains and illnesses. The howls of pain of the people plagued the hunters into madness till they finally let Heron go. During the great 7 days, Heron stayed with the first tribes and taught them how to tend to the dead and care of tombs. At the same time, he also taught that death was not final and to not let grief stop the living from moving on.

     On the headstones and tombs of the death the image of Heron is always depicted, either as immortal form or as the heron bird. In his long legged foot (or sometimes in his mouth, he is seen holding a brighten sphere, a soul. In his immortal form, Heron is depicted as a young tall man with long black hair, donned in long blue, white and grey robes and great majestic wings. Sacred gifts to Heron are foods and libations of all sorts, flowers and bundles of incense sticks. Not to mention votive images of Herons.

Bowynn Gods: The Mammont

Mammont (Mam Mont)  The Mammont are the name for the ancient giant gods, that presided over the world and all, before the reign of Anhur and the other gods. Only the gods Brea, Unthar, Sumon, Phoenix, Paut and Tya were were before them. Mammont literally means “Mammoth” in Bowynn. The Mammont were the creation of Brea and the Mammont siblings, the Vadell (Giants.)

     During the reign of the Mammont, there were many of them, residing in tribes all over the planet. Like the gods they had special places and attributes. The eldest of them all was the long white bearded Mommont, Ehrlich, whose wisdom guided them all. After Anhur took the title as King of the Gods, he and the others disbanded the Mammont for their positions. This did not go well at all and a war ensued between the Gods and the Mammont and Giants. In the end most of the Mammoths were disbarred of their immortality. Only a rare few were given a chance of redemption.   

     Those Mammont still attending the court of Alaway are: Ehrlich (Wisdom), Yormell (Winter) Vae (Seed), Tarm (Invention), Sheli (Bravery), Oken (Strength), Issen (Summer).