Apologies

The Elements {Tau Retammas}

Air {Unth } - The Wind {Tau Long}

 We learn to breathe with air, so to calm ourselves when we get upset. And once calm, we can think before we make ill mistakes and judgments - thereby learning. As the wind changes, its strength changes the seasons. In that we learn about to change and how to adapt when the need arises. When we look into the wind and follow it, we are sent into a quest of wonder and adventure. As we listen to the wind, we hear music that comes from it. And when we stand and let the wind wrap about it, it blows away our stress. We watch birds and insects in flight in the air and wonder and fantasize how, giving us imagination. Without this ability people would not understand each other nor be able to share new ideas and creations with each other. The wind is also responsible for germinating many plants and trees, spreading seedlings across the land in one gust. The wind carries our prayers and offerings to the universe and brings us perfumed scents and the sweet smells of home cooking - giving comfort and triggering happy moments or memories. We learn to breathe and relax, giving use a chance to use forethought. And then after we find our words to express what to say. The Virtue we learn from Air is love. Because as we speak and sing, we try to bring love into the world. The path of Air is paved in blinding yet caring white light.

BOWYNN GODS: TYR

Tyr  (Teer)  God of protection, soldiers and war. He is the son of Anhur and Rhya. Many think of Tyr as a match to the gods Mars, Ares and the German god Tyr. But the Bowynn god is not an instagator of war. Nor is he wild and unruly. Tyr is a god that protects against war, protections soldiers from death and a defender. Tyr is a god that is the patron of soldiers and a god of general protection from harm. There is nothing to fear about Tyr.

     Tyr is one of the gods of the Bowynn faith that has endless sacred tales. Not by the wars he wages by by the lives he saves. His first major tale, speaks of he and his sister Briathenaea protection the first tribes of people as they migrated from the south. With arms raised the two siblings protected the tribes from the burning sun with the shields. In the many tales of wars and battles, Tyr was the god out front to guard his people from death and injury. Tyr is also the god people pray to bring skirmishes to an end fast. At the same time, Tyr is a god that will seek retribution to anyone that wages war. Most of the sacred tales of Tyr coincide with the theme of his guarding Bowynn soldiers in times of war, but Tyr has also been a judge on godly contests and tales of love. The most famed of Tyr’s love stories is for his love of the young female Kii, Quallin. She was a most beautiful Kii but her heart was originally for another male Kii. Tyr fell madly in love with Quallin almost instantly. And she fell for his charm and strength. But when Tyr found her kissing a handsome male Kii named Baul, Tyr went in to such a rage and Tyr blindly slew Baul. The murder was seen by other Kii who quickly delivered to word to Anhur himself. Summoning Tyr to Alaway, the gods cast judgment on Tyr’s act and Anhur sentences his son to 25 years of service to Chumash in Daunnat. In that time Tyr fell into great despair, thinking in that time Quallin would forget him. But when Tyr’s term of servitude was over, he found Quanill waiting for him on the shore’s of Evermore. The two returned to Alaway where they were wed and Quanill was granted immortality.

     Tyr is seen as a strong god with long raven black hair and sporting a slight beard. His clothes vary from a black doublet to being fully armored. Whichever he is seen wearing, he still bears a sword or spear and a shield. In times of need Tyr will appear as a great magnificent dog. Sacred gifts to Tyr come in the form of mostly votive images of weapons, shields, helms, and images of dogs.   

BOWYNN GODS: TORA

Tora  (Tor-ah)  Goddess of the night and universal darkness.  She is the creation of Bia at the beginning of time, along with her siblings Saul, Shayla and Daeth. She is not seen as a negative goddess but merely a guardian and essence of the element of night and all that night pertains to. She is particularly much a patron to people who are “night owls” or feel more attuned to work nights. Those that find a bond with Tora will often light floating lanterns to her and send their prayers to Tora using these lanterns as a form of a link between them and Tora.

     Tora was not born with her godly attribute but like her brothers and sister, had to gain it. She wrestled with a pair of great black celestial panthers that were the guardians of the night. Winning them over, she tamed the two great sky cats and made them her steeds instead of destroying them.

     To this days Tora is seen crossing the night sky with two panthers. Tora eventually wed the god Daeth and from them was born the goddess Morrighynn, which took over the control of the moon at night.  Tora also gave birth to the dream goddess Naraea.

     Tora is seen as a motherly goddess, with long black hair and garments of black with silvery accents. She is often seen with her black panthers or as a black panther or black cat herself, when mortals are close by. Sacred to Tora are votive images of black cats and black panthers, as well as any nocturnal creatures. Also sacred to her is candles and lanterns and black tea.

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.

Bowynn Gods: Briora

Briora  (Bry-or-rah)  The Briora are Kii (spirits, fairies, nymphs) of wisdom, organizers of books and protectors of buildings like libraries and other places where tomes of knowledge and records are kept. The Briora are diminutive spirits a lot like their European Fae cousins but do not bare wings at all. They take up residence in libraries among the books, where they indulge in reading, cleaning, maintaining and sorting books that are out of place. The Briora are the immortal essence of the term “A treasure in books.” In Bowynn libraries, images of the Briora and a shrine to them are kept. Most heavy readers will even places small images of Briora on their own bookshelves. Gifts to them are generally simple like a candle and incense. Even candy. 

Blessed Solstice

BOWYNN GODS: SHELI

Sheli  (Shel-Lee)  Sheli is the Mammont [Mammoth] goddess of the plains, bravery, long courageous trips and expeditions and she is the patroness of hunters and bravery. Sheli is very much one of the more revered gods during the celebration of the Great Migration.

     Sheli did not play much of a role in the pantheon for a long time. For the most part she was looked at as the matriarch of the wandering tribes of mammoths, protecting them from dangers of hunters and predators. But it came to pass that the 13 great tribes crossed the Bosphorus into Europe utterly starved. While they had the protection and lead of the goddess Briathenaea, the people’s food stock was all but depleted. Brianthenaea asked Sheli for help. The goddess directed random herds of mammoths towards the tribes to be hunted. Thus, the tribes were saved again by divine intervention. It was at that point that the people revered Sheli as a goddess of travel and the guardians of plains and valleys where mammoths dwelt. In turn Sheli devoted herself a goddess of the hunt and protectors of hunters. 

     One of the great scared tales speak of the time when Sheli had issued a great warning to all the hunters of the tribes never to kill more than they needed. Especially when it came to the mammoths, for they were the guardians of the plains. Sadly, there came a point where her warning was forgotten and sure enough the mammoths were all but hunted off by greedy hunters. That’s when the great starvation of the tribes came. Sheli shunned the hunters and set them to survive on their own. It was the god Herne who prevented the starvation of mortals by sacrificing himself. Sheli saw that the people were grateful, and they brought her great gifts to repent. Sheli broke down and forgave the mortals and vowed to continue to guard and guide their hunts.

     Sheli is seen in tow forms. The first being a mammoth and the second in her immortal true form; that is a woman of years, with reddish and grey hair, clad in travelling clothes lined in fur and a fir cap. Scared to Sheli are votive images of mammoths and elephants, hunting weapons and all sorts of foods. Bundles of grain are offered to her in autumn as a special tribute.

Blessed Tsa'Kora to one and all

Blessings of abundance, love and health to you all.

A Deeper Look into the God Aetenn

The symbolism surrounding Aetenn reveals profound layers of meaning, tightly entwined with esoteric principles and numerical significance. The ram, a recurring symbol in various mythologies, connects to themes of strength and assertiveness (often associated with the astrological sign Aries), but its horns can also symbolize stability and grounding—attributes that are essential for any protector or guardian. The duality of his nature as a guardian rather than a warrior suggests a transition from aggression (often represented by the warrior archetype) to stewardship, which can be explored through concepts like the Fibonacci sequence; just as this mathematical series illustrates growth and balance, Aetenn embodies the necessity of nurturing potential (the arms and armor of warriors) while safeguarding community.

Aetenn, as the guardian of arms, armor, and forest, embodies a unique synthesis of protection and communal harmony, reflecting deeper philosophical and psychological themes. His role as a protector rather than a warrior suggests an exploration of the concept of "strength through restraint"—the idea that true power lies not just in wielding weapons, but in guarding what is valuable and ensuring the readiness of warriors to engage ethically in their pursuits. This notion connects with the idea of inner peace before external action, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and preparedness.

The forest environment Aetenn inhabits symbolizes life’s complexities and the untamed aspects of nature, suggesting that protection extends beyond martial prowess to encompass nurturing the environment and community bonds. His drumming connection reinforces the theme of communication and rhythm in relationships—both human and nature, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. The rhythmic beat of drums can symbolize the heartbeat of the Earth itself, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony with one’s surroundings.

Additionally, the black berry wreath can be interpreted as a symbol of cycles—birth, death, and renewal—since berries signify nourishment but also decay. This cyclical nature could reflect the life of soldiers, who thrive under protection but also face the threats of mortality and transformation. Aetenn's guardianship over what is most prized underscores the significance of mindful intention in one's desires, serving as a reminder that safeguarding what one values often requires discernment and respect for the greater good.

The black berry leaves, adorned with thorns, contribute a rich layer of esoteric meaning associated with protection through hardship. This paradox reflects alchemical transformations, where something seemingly harmful can protect and empower—much like the journey through the "prima materia" to reach enlightenment. The act of guarding only what one values aligns with the principle of intention found in manifesting one's desires. This notion resonates with the Law of Correspondence in hermetic teachings, implying that one's inner state reflects their external reality.

Furthermore, the drumming aspect connects Aetenn with rhythm and vibration, fundamental elements of sacred geometry and sound healing, resonating with a numerical symbology in sacred chants or mantras that establish communion. The significance of drums as a communication tool echoes the mathematical concept of frequency and waves, where harmony can signify balance in both the physical and spiritual realms. Thus, Aetenn serves as a multifaceted archetype, embodying the necessity of protection, the complexity of nature's cycles, and the essential connection between intention and manifestation in the spiritual fabric of existence.

Exploring Aetenn through a deeper lens, one can uncover fascinating intersections between his symbolism and scientific principles, particularly in ecology, psychology, and the study of sound. As a forest god, Aetenn embodies the principles of ecosystems where interdependence is crucial; his guardianship can be likened to the role of keystone species in sustaining biodiversity. This speaks to the hidden meaning of protecting not just individual aspects of society (like warriors and their weapons) but the entire web of life, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and resilience.

In psychological terms, Aetenn might represent archetypal concepts that resonate within the collective unconscious. As a protector and guardian, he aligns with the Jungian idea of the "Self" as a harmonious balance of different aspects of the psyche. The caring nature of his duties could suggest the psychological principle of empowerment, where true strength lies in fostering the potential of others rather than exerting control or dominance, reflecting a more nurturing approach to leadership.

Scientifically, the drums associated with Aetenn can be examined through the lens of acoustics and vibration. The rhythmic patterns of drumming are known to influence brainwaves, promoting sensation alteration, introspection, and communal bonding—facilitating group cohesion and shared identity among communities, which is essential in military contexts. This reinforces deep cultural bonds and emphasizes the interconnectivity among its members, paralleling the principles of quantum entanglement in physics—where everything is interconnected at a fundamental level.

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.