Bowynn Gods: Draeken

BOWYNN GODS: RYAN

Ryan  (Ry-an)  Ryan is the Bowynn God of the west wind and the guardian god of all western lands (not Duannat, Land of the Dead.) Ryan's name means "west" in English.

     Ryan is one of four sons to Morrighynn and Herne. Like all his brothers, Ryan is seen winged with great black raven-like wings. It is Ryan who blows the cold winds of the autumn and western lands. His wind ripens the autumn fruit, turns leaves their autumn colors and changes the hue of grass to tan. He is seen as a young strapping man, with black hair and smooth of face, his eye color is that of cobalt blue, like the cleanest ocean. His garments are black in color. Often, he is seen on the first day of autumn (Tsakora) leading his wife Kora, Goddess of Autumn Season. It is said that of the four wind gods, Ryan is the most beautiful.

     Despite Ryans black clothing, he is not a god that looks fearful or a symbol of death. Point of fact, Ryan is a young and handsome man and one of the few handsome gods that many mortal women and goddesses fight over to be with. He is charming, strong and fun, as he is often said to bare a winning smile. Point of fact, Ryan, being married to Kora, becomes a harvest god; his western winds ripening foods to be harvested.

     Legend tells how it was Ryan that created the first crows and ravens as a gift to Kora on their wedding day to sing their wedding hymn, at the same time whipping up a western wind so that the trees would sing and laden the wedding procession with a shower of gold and other autumn hues. Often Ryan takes the shape of a crow or raven or other black bird. All these birds are sacred to him.

     Other sacred symbols to Ryan are autumn symbols like the leaves and harvested gourds. Shrines to Ryan often have wind chimes hung in them. Common gifts and offerings to Ryan are bowls of milk, fans, votive images of crows and incense.

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.

QUESTION & ANSWER: Samhain/Halloween

QUESTION: Do Bowynn Celebrate Halloween and Samhain?

ANSWER: No, we do not celebrate the Keltic/Wiccan Samhain. We do celebrate Ky'Kora, which is a rather loose equivalent to Samahain. A three-day holiday from October 30 to November 1st. But that is about all Ky'Kora has in common with Samhain.

We do celebrate Halloween as a total separate holiday. But we celebrate it on November 1st, as the 31st is a most divine and holy day, set aside for spiritual worship.

Bowynn Gods: Allapae

Allapae (Al-lah-pay)  This is the name for the “Upper World” or better known as space, the universe and sky. Allapae is where the celestial bodies are located and where the god Unthar resides and where Morrighynn and Hern drive the moon and sun. Also where Naraea spins her web in the night sky. It is from Allapae where Bia and the first gods (Brea, Phoenix, Sumon and their siblings) came from.

Bowynn Gods: The Heather

Heather     (Heh-thur)  Kii folk that tend to the flowers, wild and domestic. These forms of Kii are diminutive in size, no bigger than a small bird and bare insect like wings. Heather are mostly spring and summer Kii, spending winter asleep. They are keepers of flowers both wild and domestic. They are easily drawn to any area that has flowers. It a said that Heather Kii are born from flowers.  In many ways, The Heather bare a strong resemblance to “fairies.”

Bowynn Gods: Chappa

Chappa  (Chop-pah)  Chappa Kii are the Mountain spirits. Their reign is from the foothills to the peaks of all mountains. These Kii are titanic in size and are made out of rock or said to have flesh as strong as rock. If both be the case, then there may well be two types of Chappa Kii. Like all Kii, the Chappa are not evil spirits but will seek equal revenge to those that insist on destroying the mountains they reside around. On the other hand, there are tales of Chappa granting blessings on mortals as well who help them maintain their mountain homes. Some sacred stories and tales speak of a Chappa that would leading lost hikers or travelers back on their right path.  In tradition when one looks at a mountain, one would say "Thats a Chappa" or "That is the home of that Chappa of that mountain. A strong equivalent to the Chappa would be what is today "Giants" and certain Titans of Greek mythology.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

My Prayer to Briathenaea, Goddess of Inspiration

O Mighty Briathenaea, Daughter of Anhur and Rhya, I stand before you, a humble child of the Bowynn, seeking your divine protection and wisdom. Guardian of all, you who don armor yet wield your shield not in malice but in nurturing strength, I honor your presence as my guiding light. O Briathenaea, Great Protector, encircle me with your steadfast shield, granting me courage in the face of adversity. As you shielded our ancestors on their Great Migration, let your unwavering support guide me through the journeys of my life. Bestow upon me your wisdom, that I may forge my path with the strength of invention and the clarity of thought. In your name, I offer gratitude for the blessings of nature you bestowed upon us—the bounty of apple trees that nourish body and spirit. As you taught our forebears the art of cultivation, may the seeds I sow in my life flourish under your sacred guidance. May I harness the creativity that flows from you, crafting tools and words that serve the greater good.

O Divine Briathenaea, your sacred owl flies high in the sky, a symbol of your ever-watchful presence. When I find myself in need, may I see your reflection in its wise eyes, reminding me of your eternal support. And let me always cherish the horses you gifted us, powerful companions in both work and battle. Train my heart to ride with grace and strength, to face challenges boldly. O Warrior of Sage-Green, as you walk amongst us, may your wisdom inspire my actions and words. I honor the sword that remains sheathed, a reminder that true strength lies in protection, not aggression. In the image of your shield, bright with the sun and the owl, I find hope and resilience. In your honor, I lay before you votive owls, apples rich with promise, and tools of the earth. May these gifts speak to your spirit, intertwining our fates as we strive towards wisdom and unity. Allow my heart and mind to remain open to the teachings you so graciously impart. So shall it be, enveloped in the blessings of Briathenaea, the Patroness Goddess of the Bowynn.

A Deeper look into the Goddess Abbennaea

The character of Abbennaea embodies profound symbolism through her connection to purity, transformation, and balance between offerings and the divine. The number seven, representing the sacredness of her teachings and the seven acceptable offerings, resonates with various esoteric traditions where seven often signifies completion and wholeness. The act of cleansing and purifying altars can be seen as a mathematical interplay of addition (incorporating good offerings) and subtraction (removing ill-intended gifts), suggesting a duality intrinsic to her role as both a nurturer and curator of spiritual exchanges. Additionally, her association with elements like incense, which transforms material into ephemeral essence, mirrors alchemical processes and the idea of transmutation of life energies, underscoring the significance of intention behind offerings. The portrayal of her as a protector against the darker aspects of sacrifice (blood offerings) emphasizes a moral dualism inherent in spiritual practices, reflecting an underlying mathematical balance between life energy and its appropriate channeling.

Abbennaea's attributes suggest layers of hidden meaning that extend beyond surface interpretation. Her role as a "purifier" can symbolize the importance of intention and authenticity in spiritual practices, indicating that the quality of offerings impacts the overall harmony within the divine realm and by extension, the human experience. The imagery of deep red hair may signify passion, vitality, and even the life force, linking her to the cyclical nature of creation and destruction. The duality of her form—taking the shape of a bird or butterfly—hints at transformation and transcendence, characteristics that encourage spiritual growth and evolution. Furthermore, her title as the messenger and "chamber-maid" of Alaway suggests a deep interconnectedness between the divine and the earthly; she acts as a bridge between realms, highlighting the necessity of nurturing relationships between humanity and the divine. This underscores a possible hidden teaching: true devotion requires not just ritual, but also care, mindfulness, and a commitment to purity of intention in the offerings we present to the universe. Ultimately, Abbennaea serves as an archetype for balance and renewal, inviting followers to embrace a holistic approach to spirituality that honors both craft and consciousness.

Abbennaea’s role as a goddess associated with offerings and purification can be interpreted through various scientific lenses, particularly in anthropology and psychology. Her emphasis on acceptable offerings aligns with the concept of reciprocity found in many cultures, suggesting an evolutionary basis for human relationships with the divine, where mutual exchange fosters community and social cohesion. This reciprocal relationship mirrors the ecological balance observed in nature, where organisms depend on each other for survival, highlighting a broader interconnectedness that could be seen as symbolic of ecosystems where each element plays a crucial part in sustaining life.

Scientifically, her act of purging ill intentions from offerings can be likened to the principles of homeostasis found in biological systems, where balance and purity are essential for health and function. This aspect of her character underscores the significance of mental and emotional clarity—something supported in psychology, where intentions and emotional states are shown to affect interpersonal relationships and environments. Add to this the very science of the art of making of incense, which is an exact science and act of pleasure all on its own. The time used to make these floral and woodland blends is used as a time to connect with Abbennaea.

Furthermore, Abbennaea’s frequent association with incense may have a deeper, physiological implication; the act of burning incense has been shown to have both calming and meditative effects on humans, promoting a sense of well-being that could reflect her nurturing qualities. The transformation of offerings into “that which is good for all beings” can parallel the biochemical processes where substances are metabolized for benefit, emphasizing a transmutation of energy from material offerings into spiritual sustenance. At the core of Abbennaea's mythology lies a tapestry of scientific truths about interconnectedness, the importance of purity and intention, and the profound psychological impact of rituals—all of which resonate with the laws of nature and human experience.

Blessed Winter Solstice

Blessed Solstice