Bowynn Gods: Morrqua

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: Bryathenaea

Bryathenaea (Bry-a-then-naya)  Brianthenaea is the great Bowynn patroness goddess. She is the great protector of all things and all Bowynn people. Though armored with shield, she is not a war goddess nor wager of trouble in any way, shape nor form. She is the type of woman that will protect her children and lead them on the righht course. She is the goddess of wisdom as well. Briathenaea is the daughter of Anhur and Rhya.

     It was Briathenaea that is said to have shielded the first tribes of mortals on the Great Migration from the south into Europe, shielding them also from the burning sun with a shield that was gifted to her by the god Gondor. Upon reaching Europe across the Bosphorus, Brianthenaea brought the people into a valley that had a bounty of apple trees to eat, drink, build and craft from. When the tribes settled in Europe, Briathenaea stayed with them for 7 days. In that time, she showed them the art of growing orchards and how to make things from its leaves, roots, flowers and wood. In that same wood she also created the first Bowynn alphabet, showing them how to write and read, make paper, books and scrolls. To date, a Bowynn Coden is only made of paper made from apple trees and its coover made from the wood. Only ink from its leaves can be used. For the people she created the hoe, spade/shovel, fork, rope and axe. On the last night Briathenaea told the tribes of mortals that she had to leave but if ever they were in need of her to look into the eyes of an owl and they would know she is there. For the owl is her most scared animal and the form she takes the form of most.

      When war loomed over the first tribes Briathenaea brought forth a great herd of horses for them to use in battle against the Southern Nation armies. The goddess quickly came and protected the women, children and homes with her shield. Today every Bowynn home has a shrine or even an altar to Bryathenaea. She is the very core and symbol of the Bowynn.

     Though Briathenaea is a goddess that neither wed nor gave birth, many swear that her stature is of a full mature woman. The people are her family. Briathenaea is said to have crow-black hair that is wavy and pulled back. Her eyes or that of forest green and her skin tanned. Her garment is said to be the color of sage-green and/or green in general. Over her dress she wears a long leather hladd that is well decorated. Some images have her holding an apple seed in her hand or cutting of an apple tree.  Often seen with Briathenaea is a barn owl, one of the rare owls that lives closest with people and yet still at a distance. Other times Briathenaea presents herself directly. Farms and orchards are blessed in her name yearly, along with the god Amaetheon and Deanna,

Sacred to the goddess are the gifts of Votive Owls, Apples, Apple wood, Books and Scrolls and Runes. Farm implements are sometimes also offered to her.

Embroidered bookmark of Briathenaea with Io and Kalma - Created by Rose Everett 1999

BOWYNN GODS: TRAYDEA

Traydea  (Trae-dee-ah)  She is the goddess of childbirth, children and childcare in the Bowynn faith. Traydea is the daughter of Anhur and Rhya and sister to many other gods and goddesses. Traydea has many other aspects aside from bird. She of the patroness of wet-nurses, doula, obstetricians, pediatricians and midwives. She is also the patroness of nannies and to those that tend to children on a regular basis as a career.

     Traydea has not been spoken much about much in sacred stories, as her role is pretty well busy and set in both mortal and immortal ways of life. From the moment a mother is full and bearing, Traydea is a part of her life. Home shrines are erected to her as soon as a family learns a member is pregnant and remains up till the child turns 12 years old. Traydea is invoked during birth to help delivery and tend to the baby all through its young years. Images of the goddess along with Kii are places all about the mother’s and child’s room.

     While not named in any major roles of the sacred stories, Traydea is mentioned to be at the birth of all immortal gods born after her own birth. And she is said to be their nursemaids as well. Infact she is the constant Nursemaid to the god Daekk, God of prosperity and wealth, as he was destined to remain a babe so not to be tempted by mortals to favor one over another. Only Tymora takes over Traydea’s role at times for Daekk. Despite her roles and attributes, she never bore a child herself.

     Traydea is seen as a goddess of motherly goddess with hair pulled back and wearing a veil. Her clothes are simple and free flowing. She is rarely if ever seen or depicted wearing a hladd, as she should always be ready to nurse a child. In her hands she is often seen holding a child or a jug or bowl of milk. When about a mortal home, she will often disguise herself a cat, which is her totem animal. Votives of cats and bowls of milk are the most common offerings to Traydea, as well as flowers or even images of a baby or a dolly. These last two are often gifted during pregnancy.

Bowynn Gods: Kyrra

Kyrra (Keer-Rah)  Kyrra (sometimes Jyrra) are bird-like Kii and Tii that resemble the Greek Harpies. Unlike Harpies, they can be good as well. Said to have a humanoid head and torso but from the hips down the lower half of a bird. Originally, the Kyrra were all good natured and were messengers of Brand and the other gods but the god Mano corrupted some and turned them to be as malicious as himself. Bad Kyrra are often responsible for missing items and malfunctions in the home and life.  Good or bad, they are seen in small bird size. Someone who is having a bad swing of misfortune us referred to as "Being scratched by a Kyrra." Waking up with a scratch is an ill omen that one has been scratched by a Kyrra and bad times are coming. At the same time finding a random feather in your home is a sign of great fortune. "Kyrra Blessed."

My Prayer to Brenda, Goddess of Love

O Radiant Brenda, Daughter of Anhur and Rhya, I stand before you, bathed in the glow of your divine presence, a humble seeker of your grace and light. You, who are the embodiment of passion, love, and beauty, I honor and revere you, as I aspire to embody the beauty that flows from your essence. O Brenda, Goddess of Love’s Fire, kindle within my heart the flames of passion, illuminating the path to love and connection. I beseech you to grace me with the beauty of spirit and heart, for I seek not only the allure seen through mortal eyes but the beauty that resides in kindness and humility. Teach me the delicate art of balance, that I may embrace both vanity and virtue without losing my way. Guide me, O Brenda, in my search for true love. Let your wisdom lead me to the embrace of a heart that resonates with mine, a love that thrives not on superficiality but on the depths of shared spirit. May I be as devoted and nurturing as you were to your beloved Dhonan, finding beauty in simplicity and truth.

As you transformed the arrogant Kii into cardinals, a reminder of the folly of vanity, I too shall remain vigilant against pride. May your mirror reflect not just my physical form but the essence of my character, guiding me to cherish humility over self-indulgence. In your sacred light, let me find strength in my imperfections and grace in my journey towards authenticity. In your honor, I offer you roses and wildflowers, sacred blooms that mirror your beauty and grace. May their sweet fragrance and vibrant colors serve as a testament to your divine artistry. As doves and cardinals soar through the heavens, symbols of love and eternity, may their gentle coos remind me of the power of love’s whispers in my life. O Brenda, as your beauty captivated the gods and inspired mortals, may my heart echo with love that transcends time and space, embodying the devotion you so deeply represent. Let my spirit shine with the brilliance of true love, filling the world with compassion, understanding, and beauty, just as you have done throughout the ages. So shall it be, embraced in the blessings of Brenda, the Goddess of Passion and Beauty.

Syember!

BOWYNN GODS: SHAYLA

Shayla  (Shae-lah)  Shayla is the Bowynn goddess of the day and light. She is the creation of the Bia and her coming forth was the balance of Night and Darkness. She is the twin sister to Saul and sister to Daeth and Tora. Saul married his sister Shayl and their bore two daughters, Enya (Dawn) and Treya (Dusk). While Shayla is often seen with all the symbols and attributes of summer, she is a goddess of daytime year-round and is revered greatly in winter, when the days are shorter. Then again in summer, when days are longer

     While Shayla’s brother set out to defeat the cosmic lion that guarded Light, Shaya and her sister Tora where constantly bickering about bringing balance to the eternal darkness of heaven. This went on for generations, even after the earth was created. Finally, they consulted the great creator Bia. It was ruled that the two would hold a contest to see which element would rule over the other. The game was of dice. When the game to an end the two sisters were tied so Bia decreed that night, and day would be equal in length.

     Shayla is seen and depicted a glorious young woman glowing of radiant golden light. She is said to has a head of long golden hair and golden eyes, wearing a white dress. The pendant she wears holds the essence of the day. She crown is in the shape of a sunflower and her gown of silvery white. She is often seen with her twin brother Saul and their daughter Enya and in her hand a sunflower.

     Sunflowers are the most sacred symbol to Shayl and in summer her temples are greatly adorned with them. The goddess's totem animal is the canary and so votive images of canaries and yellow feathers are offered in abundance, as well is yellow and white candles.

Bowynn Gods: Narna

Narna (Nar-nah) Goddess of the present, Narna is one of the three Ano Taya goddesses, born by the will of Bia. Her divine attribute is that of the present and is the goddess that weaves the tapestry of Life, helped by her sisters.

Narna presides over everything dealing with The Now, the Present, That what is. Adulthood,

     Narna is a goddess seen as a mother figure, with a veil, colored red, representing a woman’s menstruation period and the blood loss during birth. As like her sisters, Narna has no totem animals.

BOWYNN GODS: Tii Vadell

Tii Vadell  (Ty Vah-del)  Malicious giant-like spirits much like the northern European Trolls. They are also a creation of Mano in his war against Kord and Brand. The Tii Vadell are said to be giant hairless monsters that are mostly nocturnal with skin like stone. They are also said to be sacred off my fire and light in general. Brand slew one only through the cunning of luring it to stand on his campfire.

     Like other Tii, Tii Vadell should never be called upon for any reason or service. They are too slow to understand and will just cause havoc around anyone they see.  And as with all Tii. once invoked, they will never leave. 

Q&A: Bowynn Divination

QUESTION: Does the Bowynn faith have any forms of Divination practices, unique to the tradition?

ANSWER: Yes. While most of us consult various forms of divination (Tarot Cards, Runes and so on), we do have a specific form of sortilege unique to our tradition, which is a set of long flat wooded slates we call "Thellos" (made of apple wood). Each one has the name of the Bowynn gods on them. 7 of these slates are drawn, are laid out in a specific pattern and read, using the attributes of the gods, as they correspond to where they are laid out and if they intersect with another slate.

I cannot reveal that information to each slate, as it is for those of the Bowynn faith only.

Bowynn Gods: The Aetennii

Small wood carving made for a pet burial area - made by Myself - 1999

Aetennii  (Ae-ten-ni)  The Aetennii are guardian Kii (spirits) of Bowynn cemeteries and protectors of tombs and cemetaries. These Kii are bird size and are much like the typical Kii with bird wings. They do not accompany the deliverer of the dead, Heron but will often signal to Heron that a loved one was just laid to rest, and its soul and spirit require his assistance. The Aetennii do not serve the soul, spirit or body but instead the cemetery itself and the tombs within. Making sure they do not suffer damage, be it natural or manmade.

Typically, images of the Aetennii are placed on the entrance way of the cemetery but also on the tombs themselves. In the Bowynn tradition, any bird seen in a cemetery is an Aetennii in disguise, particularly if a heron is with them.

Flowers and libation are gifted to the Aetennii my grounds keepers monthly and their images are cleaned and polished up.