BOWYNN GODS: PHOENII

The Elements / Tau Retammas

Water / Sumon ---- The Rain / Tau Reye

(Sometimes "Rain" can be substituted with "The Stream" {Tau Fold} )

The next point represents all the aspects of Water (Imagination, Forgiveness, Sensitivity, Easy-going, Blood, Tears, Emotions, Cleansing, Creativity, Healing), but concentrates specifically on waters elements of the forest. Water flows and ebbs within our oceans and weaves its way through various terrains. We use it every day from drinking to cooking, we swim in it on hot days. It gives our bodies comfort from aches and pains, as steam rises from the hot water soothing the stresses of the day. From the forest's waters we see the waters within the womb and the blood that flows through our veins. The rain nurtures the forest and us, quenching our thirst, and within the rain we also find our emotions- specifically tears of sorrow, pain and joy. The mist and dew cleanse the forest and us each morning, so we can start the day anew. In water we can scry into the depths and see what needs to be seen. The waters of the forest cool us down when we get too hot, both physically and emotionally. It is an element which supports all life, not just sea creatures and freshwater fish. One of the great forces on earth encompasses the earth with its wondrous colors and covers the vast, virtually unexplored, deep terrain below the water's surface. With water we are given the chance to create - inks, paints, clay, thus bringing out our creativity. It is the element associated with Faith – immutable and ever present, our emotions and beliefs change even if ever so slightly following what we feel to be right and true for ourselves and the world around us. From the rapids of the stream, we learn how to navigate our ways towards stillness. Faith, like water, fills us with peace and serenity if we let it wash away all our troubles and pains. We constantly seek peace in the faith that life will continue onward and that the Gods (or whatever we choose to believe in) are out there watching over us and protecting us from harm while guiding us on our life's journey. Water flows where others disdain, where it is in harmony with all things. The path of water is shaded in the hue of blue. The lesson of ecology was important to our Ancestors and should instill sacredness for our planet today. All life - every being, should strive to co-exist and live in harmony as nature intended, as the earth does. The virtue associated with the earth is Peace, because water gives us a chance to calm and relax. The earth path is one that is richly green.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Myst

QUESTION: What exactly is a "Myst"?

ANSWER: "Myst" is the Bowynn word for "Witch" and other names for those that practice the arts. These is not gender difference. Male or Female, they are all Mysts. Crafters and casters of spells and other esoteric talents that fall within the profession.

Bowynn Gods: Jakk

Jakk    (Ja-k)   In of the many types of Kii. Jakk are diminutive kii of autumn. It is said they make their homes in gourds and in their vines. They are said to have deep red hair and wear black clothing. Jakk are most prominent during the Kykora or Samhain holiday.  During this time, they take pleasure in jumping over candles that are lit in pumpkins. The role of Jakk is that of ripening of gourds and late harvested food. They are drawn to decorated gourds, and if hung in the house and pleasing to the Jakk, they will bless the home.

BOWYNN GODS: PHOENIX

Possession of goddesses with Phoenix at the end

Phoenix  (Fee-niks)  In the Bowynn Tradition, Phoenix 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 of light 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 is the baker of pottery, melter of sand to make glass and metals, the heat and flame of the hearth.

     When the gods created mankind from earth, it was Phoenix that baked the clay that was used to form mankind, there-by not only giving mankind skin, but gave each one a heart of passion and love. And she assures us that from death, we are reborn again. Not because we are to learn life's lessons but to embrace all that life has to offer that is wonderful. She 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.

     Phoenix is seen as a motherly figure of deep red hair and dress. She bears a golden circlet on her head as well. Not a fearful figure but a warm embracing goddess. Other times she is seen as a great red phoenix bird. Sacred to Phoenix is images of phoenix birds and a candle flame. These are the most common gifts given to the goddess but any image of birds or fire is welcome to the goddess.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Money

QUESTION: Is there any sort of fees Bowynn practitioners pay out for services

ANSWER: This is a general question that can cover several practices. I will do the best to cover what I can.

A Bowynn Myst [Witch] ethically and morally should never, ever, ask for any sort of fee for services rendered. We believe that the inherent gifts a Myst has, is a greater gift bestowed by the gods. As such charging a fee is unethical, immoral and sacrilegious.

The same holds true to doing divinatory help for others.

The same holds true for any religious services granted to others; like births, naming, marriage, death, 7th hour and blessings. If one feels obliged, gifts / offerings of a meal or baked goods is best. But a Bowynn priest/ess will never accept money for services rendered. Again, on the grounds of ethics.

When it comes to practitioner's gatherings, money can be offered to help find gatherings (for buying supplies that may be needed, like feast food, chairs, tables, incense and so on) But no should never feel obliged to do so. Gifts of foods, supplies and general help is much better.. In short, no, we do not collect "dues".

Often, I personally have been told that not taking money makes people question your skills and abilities. To this I say the following: Then how much do you pay your God/s when they bestow a gift to you??? What are their hourly rates??? Taking or not taking money does not demean our abilities. We do not condone other people from other faiths if they feel they must pay a tithe, but it's not our way.

Bowynn Gods: Lomaun

Lomaun  (Lo-maun)  Lomaun is the son of Hern and Morrighynn. But he seems to have been born a mortal for reasons unknown who later became a god after his quests and adventures were over. This assention is not common in Bowynn faithn, as much as it is in Greek, Roman, Nordic and other faiths. As a god, he presides over forests, wildlife, protecting travelers, discovery, and guardianship of bears.

     Lomaun is worshipped as a bear god, a protector of travelers in general. Often prayed to before taking a trip for a safe journey and then again when the journey is complete. He is the guardian of the wild wood and all its creatures. He is the protector of hunters and their prey. Lomaun is also the god that helps those discover lost and new items but more importantly discover we all are deep inside.  

     Born a mortal child, Lomaun was raised by a bear till he was found and raised by a loving mortal family. However, he knew he was not the same as them, seeing he could do small feats that others simply could not do. In one instance he took on and defeated a giant boar that was terrifying travelers. The quest to slay the beast, lead Lomaun on a quest to find out who he really was and who his parents were, taking his bear mother with him. Along the way he encountered a series of tests of strength, skill, love, devotion, wisdom, cunning and learning the 7 virtues through trial. In the greatest of these tests, he ran into a tribe that was starving and on the brink of death. With bow in hand Lomaun trudged into the woods and there he spied a great elk. Lomaun was all ready to slay the beast when he was suddenly overcome with divine energy and realized he could not kill the animal. Lomaun realized that the elk in question was his father Herne's great steed. Lomaun slew the immortal elk and for this crime His immortal spirit, souls and body was turned mortal.

His last great feat was to take on a huge mountain of a man that was challenging men to a battle and killing them. In the battle Lomaun's bear companion was mortally wounded. Lomaun slew the warrior and raced to the bear’s side to find her transformed into a mortal. She was so beautiful and her dying breath she revealed that her name was Teega and that she did not love him as a mother would but as a lover. Lomaun wept so much that Herne and Morrighynn took pity and gave Lomaun and Teega immortality and allowed into Alaway to sit with the other gods. Their mortal lesson was etched into the night sky by Unthar, lord of the skies, as the Great Bear and Little Bear constellations.

     Lomuan is seen with wild brown hair and sporting a short beard and moustache. On his hip is a sword, on his back a quiver of arrows and in his hand a staff. He is seen in normal hunting cloths or a traveler’s wayfarer robe but over these he always have a bear skin for a cloak or large mantle. Despite his Heraklian-like mortal tasks, he is not depicted powerfully strong. Most of his mortal deeds being accomplished with brains over brawn. And at his side is either depicted his love in either bear or mortal form. Sometimes he will be seen as a bear himself, as the bear is his totem animal. Sacred offerings best suited to Lomaun are votive fetishes of bears, spear and arrowheads, tree saplings, fish, berry cakes (and berries in general) and of course incense.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Myst's Tools of the Trade

QUESTION: Do Myst's use wands and staves like Witches?

ANSWER: In short the answer is "Yes." However a true Myst learns at the starts of knowing that the roof of all magic is in themselves and that should be enough. In the Bowynn Tradition a Myst may have a wand to amplify their powers. So, a Thavos [wand] Vlest [rod] or a Thald [staff] is commonly used. Usually a Myst will have two: one of projection and one forwarding & drawing out. However, mysts know very well, they have this power in them already. A wand is used in more urgent needs, like healing, injustice, cursing and warding off a malicious person or Tii.

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 Winter Solstice

QUESTION & ANSWER: Maenna

QUESTION: I saw your Bio on the goddess Maenna. It gave me chills in that she sounds like the Egyptian Goddess and concept of Maat. May there be a connection of the two? I ask because I have become interested in Maenna since I read your article.

ANSWER: Knowing of Maat very well I can say that, yes, there is somewhat of a connection. Maenna is the divine version of Bia. Balance and Order. We pray to Maenna to make sure there is an order when bad, evil and discourse become over inflated. So yes, we as the children of the gods must make sure balance is attained.