BOWYNN GODS: SUNII

Bowynn Gods: Kauldra

Kauldra (Kol-drah)  Queen of the sea and goddess of all fresh waters. Her name in English translates to the world "Cauldron." Be it raging ocean or trickling brook, she is in charge of it. And though she is queen of the sea, her watery aspect seems to be more confined to fresh waters, while her husband Tane, is more opt to salt water. She is the daughter of Sumon and Phoenix.      Sacred stories of Kauldra are not too many. She was to wed Tane, the king of the seas but like her two sisters, she challenged Tane to prove he was a worthy husband first. Tane built Kauldra a grand sea-bound castle of beauty and grace. But she did not accept. Kauldra's postponement of the wedding went on and on till at last Tane had nothing more to offer the goddess but his everlasting love. And it was that which Kauldra accepted and agreed to marry the sea king.

Another tale says when Kauldra was born, the god Gondor fashioned a cauldron as a gift, which she could look in and see the world at her wish. the cauldron is said to hold a drop of water from every river, stream, pond, ocean, sea, fountain and waterway in the world. Kauldra was also said to have given all the animals of the sea color. Before that, they were colorless.      Kauldra is said to resemble a lady of dignified grace, tall and slender. Her robes and garments are long and flowing and the colors of blues and greens. Kauldra’s skin is said to be a bit pale, bares raven colored hair and azure eyes. Her crown is designed of silver with sea horses and shells. Sacred gifts to Kauldra are cooked fish, water, coral, shells, sachets of sand and any plants of the sea or plants like water reeds or water lilies. And of course incense.

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: Dadjall

Dadjall (Dhad-jhal)  Dadjall is the Bowynn god who leads souls from the shore of Daunat to the presence of Lord Chumash and Lady Kalma. Dadjall is in fact the son of Kalma and Chumash and the brother of many chthonic gods. Despite is dark occupation; he is a friendly and said to be a very handsome god.

     Because Dadjall is always tending the dead, he has had no encounters with the living mortals outside of the gods Kord and Brenda. And though labor-some, Dadjall’s work is a labor of love, as he gets to travel though the most beautiful land in creation. So, he has never complained. However, because of his duty, he has never been graced to find a love nor know what mortals are like.

     Dadjall is rarely depicted, save for funerary articles. However, his image rarely changes. According to the accounts of Kord and Brenda, Dadjall is a young handsome immortal god, and he is a charmer, according to Brenda. His clothing is a mix of black and scarlet or burgundy in color with a loose scarf about his neck, wrapped about a couple of times. In hand he carries a tall walking staff with a large round quartz ball on the top, representing the Soul and Spirit in one. Often with him, at his side is a dog. So, his basic image is that of "a boy and his dog." All in all, Dadjall has the image of a wanderer. Sacred to him are all funerary offerings: incense, flower, fresh water, votive candles and votive dog images.

The Bowynn Faith

So with the posting of the holidays/Calendar, that is pretty much all to post. Gods, implements, holidays, proper offerings... I am not sure what else to post at this point. That is outside of holiday details as they fall.

So if there are any questions at this point, you are free to ask.

Bowynn Gods and Intervention

One thing that is clear when it comes to the Bowynn gods of faith, they play little role in the daily affairs of humankind. Unlike some pagan faiths where the gods are always testing, challenging and dismantling human affairs, Bowynn gods do no such thing. We 9us humans) are not their play toys. We are not given tests every hour of the day to prove we love them and are always righteous.

Where as in some faiths, it is so quick to blame a deity for anything and everything that goes wrong, the Bowynn gods are not blamed for such things. Humans make our mistakes enough without the Gods help. We make our own mistakes to learn from them. And from that the Gods themselves watch and learn from us and about us. Bowynn NEVER blame the gods.

HOWEVER, The Gods have been known to step in on occasion to give humans a boost up-n-at-em. They may step in to give advice, or to warn us. Very rarely is it a face-to-face encounter, though I will say I have had 2 direct interventions; One being when I was at the lowest point of my life.

Just as well, the gods MAY intercede when necessity is needed or asked for by mortals. Often when balance is off kilter or severe criminal action is at hand. They do answer prayers and beseeches for help. But again, they will rarely appear right out. Asking the divine for help in a spell, helping for last minute study help, finding a job or healing, are common. And yes the gods will often come to the aid of those that need it.

The main thing to remember is what befalls you 99% of the time is due to human error, not the Bowynn Gods. Ask for their help but do not demand. Accept whatever help the gods give with love and respect. But never expect the Gods to do all the work.

And lastly, know that the Gods are always all about you. THEY KNOW.

Bowynn Gods: Deanna

Deanna dressed in red with 2 Kii accompanying her

Deaunna (Dee-awn-nah)  Deaunna (Dee-ahn-nah) is the Bowynn goddess of the harvest, gardens, vegetation and in general all foods that are grown. She is also the goddess if growth of new from old. She is the divine daughter of Anhur and Rhya and one of the most important of the Bowynn gods. Deaunna is the seed planter, the gardener, the farmer and the harvester all in one. She can also, if need be, wither or destroy crops to those that have abused her gifts.

     Deaunna has many sacred stories spoken about. But of all of then there are two that are the most prominent standing; the first being her 7-day visit with the first mortal clans-folk. It was during her stay with them, that Deaunna taught mortal man all the arts of farming and growing food, as well as storing and preserving food for winter. Without this important first lesson, mankind would surely have perished. The other blessed sacred tale of Deaunna is her courtship and eventual marriage to the god Amaetheon, lord of the grove, and orchard. United, the divine pair and their talents and lesson, assured mankind's place on earth. Deaunna’s and Amaetheon’s son is Hyu, the divine baker of the gods and their daughter being Io, goddess of the hearth and kitchen. Together, the four-some make a most divine and sacred pantheon all their own.

     When not tending to mortal needs and the earth in general (which is almost always), Deaunna is tending the great gardens and fields that surround Alaway. Here only the most divine of food grow and are tended to by Deaunna. Very few mortals are allowed to eat from this garden but all the seed and foods we eat stem from the gardens and fields of Alaway. Only the hero Allon was allowed to eat from the garden, in doing so, Allon was made immortal.

     Deaunna is seen as a most lovely young woman. Simple yet elegantly dressed. Her clothes bare the colors of her divine gifts, mostly earth times. It is said here hair is a golden color and she wears a wreath of woven wheat on her head. Others have seen her crowned with herbs or fruits. it may all depend on the time of year. On her hip she carries a gardening boline to cut harvested food and herbs. In here hand she is often seen carting either a basket of harvested food, staff and/or winnowing fan.

Embroidery of goddesses including Deaunna (3rd from the right)

My Prayer to Dadjall

O Dadjall, Son of Kalma and Chumash, gracious guide of the departed souls from the shores of Evermore to the luminous realm of Daunnat, I humbly seek your presence in this sacred moment. You, who traverse the most wondrous landscapes ever born, lead the spirits with love, compassion, and gentle authority. With your charming smile and steadfast heart, may you continue your labor of love, guiding each soul to the embrace of your beloved parents. O Handsome Wanderer, adorned in shades of black and burgundy, with your staff and crystal orb, I call upon you to be the shepherd of the lost. Let my heart be filled with confidence, for your loyal companion, the dog by your side, embodies the fidelity of love that transcends worlds. Bestow your watchful gaze upon the departed, ensuring they find peace as they journey toward Lord Chumash and Lady Kalma. In reverence, I lay before you the sacred offerings of incense, fragrant blooms nourished by earth, and fresh water to quench the thirst of those transitioning from life to afterlife. With votive candles aglow, may they shine like stars on the path you forge for the souls you guide, illuminating their way toward the eternal union of love and light.

As you shepherd the spirits across the horizon, may each soul’s essence echo in the hearts of the living. May we honor their memories, cherishing the lessons imparted, acknowledging the ties that bind us across the veil of existence. O Dadjall, with each passing day, may your journey inspire love and connection among all who breathe. With a heart full of gratitude, I commit to honoring your duty and your compassion. May my life be a testament to the love you share with the departed, and may I strive to reflect your nurturing spirit in my care for others. So shall it be, in honor and adoration of Dadjall, the beloved guide of the souls, forever wandering in the beauty of the realms beyond.

Bowynn Gods: Brea

Part of an altar cloth depicting Brea - embroidery and paint - Created by Sheree Tsarnek 2021

Brea (Bree-ah)  Goddess of the earth and earth element. Brea is the great earth goddess born/created from Bia.  By the union of her to her "brother" Unthar,  she gave birth to the great household of gods.  Brea ultimately is the earth goddess and element. And she is part of the great creatrix of all things; for she was the one that gave the other gods the idea to create all that resides on the earth. She is the goddess of fertility, life, death, growth and represents the element of earth. She is also the goddess of evolution and creation on the planet.

Brea is often seen and depicted as a grandmother type image, with an aged caring face.

     The ancient story speaks that as a child Brea would often come down to one of the dead rocky planets and play on them. Bia warned the child to stay away from the planets but she would not listen. Finally one day Brea found that when it was time to leave one of the dead planets, she could not and was bound to it. Even with the help of all her brothers and sisters, Brea could not remove herself from the land. Bia stated that she was now that planet’s permanent resident and was free to do with the planet as she please. Working her divine will, Brea gave life to the planet with trees, flowers and grass. In time with her siblings helped mold and sculpt the landscape; Brea would create all the animal life and then mortal mankind. Eventually Brea became the very essence of the planet and gave it her name, Brea, “Earth”  

     Brea is the goddess that fashioned out of earth, the mold for all living creatures, including mortal people. But it was not with-out the help of her siblings, that these creations took life and populated the earth. This was done because Brea saw that despite trees, seas and sky, the world was silent and empty. Seeing the world was so lonely and quiet, Brea took dirt into her hand and sculpted the first beings from it. But the sculptures of dirt were nothing more than dirt, with no life and just fell apart. With the help of her brothers and sister, all beings came to be on Earth. Brea is called the ‘mother of the gods.’

     Brea is always depicted as a mother figure, a lot like Mother Nature. She often is seen wearing a crown or circlet to show her majesty and other times seen wearing a wreath of bounty of all sorts. Over these adornments she wears a veil. Her gown is green more than often and her bosoms are large, which represents fertility. Being that she is the supreme lady of life, all beings and things are sacred to her; flora and fauna and mankind. However, the most prominent gift that can be offered to her is incense; a gift she gave to mortal folk during her 7 Sacred Days of visitation.  

(Other like gods comparable to Brea are Gaea, Mama Pacha, Maka Akan, Akka, Papa, Terra, )

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.

Bowynn Gods: Morrqua

Morrqua  (Mor-kwa)  The Morrqua are nocturnal Kii (spirits) that are rarely seen. They only come out where the moon is visible. They will do not emerge on the night of the dark moon nor the two surrounding days this moon phase. The Morrquaa and diminutive spirits that have a natural glow and can be liked to the Will-O-Wisps of other cultures. The difference being that the Morrquaa are helpful spirits, making sure those traveling by night are safe. It is claimed that if one catches a Morrquaa, they will grant their capture a wish. But in turn they cannot be kept. But to date it is very rare that one has ever caught one. And those granted a wish by the Morrqua often regret it. Not that the Morrqua are malicious, but they take what mortals ask for very literally. At the same extent, a Morrqua can only be held till the first rays of the sun or daylight beam over the horizon. After that the pact is broken and the Morrqua disappear.