Bowynn - Blog Posts
The Septagram {Tau Numatam}
The Numatam or Septagram, is the most sacred of symbols. It is the symbol of our faith and of whole we are as a people. Much like the Cross is to Christians, Star of Davis is to Jews, the Pentagram is to Wiccans and the Greek Key is to Pagan Greeks. The Numatam has many stories, philosophies, and applications attached to it. In the Autumn Wood Tradition the earth symbolized the divine, as the interconnectedness of all things was the sacred message throughout their lives. Nothing was separate from the other, each life force bound to the other and explains the importance of the earth being regarded as our mother who provides for us with food, shelter, and holds water for us when we thirst. There was no one symbol that represented all their philosophies. The tree, the mountain, the river, and the animal were all symbolic and connected to the divine. To further this belief and philosophy the Numatam today represents the seven ideals which those of the Bowynn Tradition uphold and strive for in life, each a guide to daily living.
The points refer to the seven virtues prized by all who follow The Autumn Wood tradition – Peace, Charity, Love, Courage, Kindness, Spirituality and Balance.
Secondly the points refer to the seven principles as mentioned above – Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Soul, Spirit and Balance.
The Numatam also represents the 7 aspects of the forest under which we need to survive – Forest, Wind, Rain/Stream, Hearth, Sun, Moon and Balance.
The Numatam also represents the 7 guilds under which our clans come together as, and each member has a part to partake in – Warriors, Mages, Healers, Weavers, Harvesters, Bards and Librarians.
The Numatam represents the Seven Swords of the Wild Wood, Give to the first 7 chiefs of the first 7 tribes. (This will be touched on later on) – Dennon, Eurya, Kell, Ryos, Aevos, Halis and Tenlon.
The Numatam represents the 7 great rites that befalls a member in the course of his/her life (providing that they are born to the clan – Birth, Naming, Adolescence, Adulthood, Marriage, Death and Resurrection.
Each Line of the Numatam represent a sacred pathway that we follow and meditate on
Lastly, we come to the sphere that encases it all. The circle representing the connection of all of these qualities into one. The circle of life. Totality and enclosure. The embrace of arms around you by the gods.
These philosophies provided here are a general guide and each point and line can be expanded on in great lengths. The Numatam is a wonderful meditation meant to be experienced and explored. One can find even greater meanings to the Numatam through meditation and reflection. For us, and some who practice the following philosophies, feel that the points reflect values in which we choose to honor. The journey through the points is like reading a story with hidden wisdom.
A final word about the Numatam. While most other faiths feel that wearing their holy symbol brings them closer to their divine, Bowynn need not do so. While some Bowynn name were the Numatan as a bracelet, necklace, ring or have it tattooed or painted on their skin, it is not required by any divine law. We live withing the confines of the Numatam. It is with us and all about us wherever we travel. So, one need not have to feel you must by a Numatam pendant.
Bowynn Shrines {Tymons}
In the Bowynn tradition, shrines {Tymons} are often abundant throughout the home. they are mini altars where small tributes and offerings are left, and prayers can be spoken at. Having at least one shrine is common, often to the house patron deity. But having several shrines is the norm: One in the foyer or entry way, one in the kitchen to the hearth gods, one in the bathroom for cleansing and healing and one in the bedroom. Having one outside the house is common and one in the garden. The shrine design is that like a house with for sides. This represents Alaway, the hall of the family of gods. Inside rests the statue icon of a deity. The shrine will usually set in a nook in a wall but if there is no such space in possible, a small shelf is used. And here there is placed a single candle that is lit when praying and a small incense burner. Normally there is space left over to place a flowers, a small offering and/or of a small vessel for libations.
During holidays all these shrines are decorated with garlands or a wreath over them.
The Bowynn Altar
The Bowynn traditional altar {Baear} bares no resemblance to a Wiccan altar at all. The altar is the “sacred table” so to speak, which is a focal point for prayer time between us and the gods. Therefore, the altar should not have clutter on it at all. In the simplest form, the altar consists with the altar itself, which can be a table of wood (which is best used indoors) or if erected outside made of logs and/or stone, which is best used outdoors. I personally find two end tabled put side by side works best for me, as there will be draw space and a small shelf or two to place other scared objects. Concrete works fine, like a birdbath or poured concrete garden bench, especially outdoors. In some cases, a carved tablet works perfectly, which can even be carried in the pre ceremonial procession and placed on a log or stone. The altar should also be of at a good height; about the same height of any table. Avoid having yourself and other people having to bend down to place something on it if you can.
Once the base of the altar is erected, the acting priest/ess should sanctify it with holy water {Maten'Sumon} and holy oil (Maten'Jefer) and then a general invocation to the gods (this will be discussed later in more detail. This should be done before anything else is placed on it.
Outdoor altars need not an altar cloth. This is mostly reserved for indoor temple and home altars. But that does not mean you can not use one. Most folks think that the altar cloth is nothing more than a piece of fabric that keeps the altar itself clean and makes it pretty. The truth is that the cloth is symbolic. It represents the veil that separates the mortal world from the world of the gods. It also symbolizes the veil between the world of the living from the dead. The cloth should be something special and made of non-polyester material. Silk, wool, cotton are the best. Leather and suede are good so long as it is soft and subtle enough to lay flat on the altar. What decorations are on the cloth is up to the owner of the cloth. Color does not matter but some take into consideration the colors of the season.
A simple layout of objects on the altar, are as follows: The Septagram Tile, {Bowrod} which graces the center. It should be big enough to be seen from where people are sitting. A wood tile with a septagram {Numatam} painted, carved or wood-burned on it is great. Behind or about the tile are seven candles {Kaelu}, one for each element/virtue. White candles or just naturally colored bees wax but you can use colored candles if you desire. An incense censor {Temnetellon} of some sort is also on the altar. This can be as simple as a small bowl of dirt. This is the simplest and most traditional set up. One can add an icon {Dyol} of the god/s if one wishes; often that is set on the tile or behind it. A basket, bowl or plate may be present for holding offerings of food and a chalice or drinking horn to hold libation. But normally, these are not left on the altar.
If the altar that is erected is very temporary and needs to be taken down, one should have a large basket or wood box to store the sacred objects in. this basket is sacred and called a {Mystara Khabbat} When stored away, each item should be wrapped in cloth. The basket and its contents should never be handled by anyone except by its owner and/or the artifacts-bearer. All objects should be left in the basket and taken out only as needed. Flowers and garlands can be used to decorate the altar as well, seen as gifts to the gods.
Bowynn Tradition Virtues {Hylin}
The following are the Sacred Seven virtues {Hylin} of the Bowynn faith. These seven virtues are one of many attributes of the Bowynn Holy Symbol, the Numatam:
Peace {Del}
Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm. It comes especially in quiet moments of reflection or gratitude. It is getting very quiet and looking at things so you can understand them. Peacefulness is a way of approaching conflict with others so that no one is made wrong. It is being fair to others and yourself. Peace is giving up the love of power for the power of love. With peacefulness, everyone wins. Practicing peacefulness helps to create a calm mind free from worry. When you are peaceful, you respect others and their differences. People around you feel calm and safe. Without peace, no one is safe. People get hurt. Fighting doesn’t solve problems, and no one every really wins a war. With peacefulness, any problem can be solved. Peace in the world begins with peace in your heart. To find inner peace, become very still and think peaceful thoughts. Observe and think about your feelings, like anger, instead of acting with anger. To be a peacemaker, use peaceful language instead of name-calling, yelling or gossiping. Avoid aggressive or violent actions. Talk things out and listen to the other person too. Then look for a peaceful solution. Peacemakers find there are lots of creative ways to solve any problem.
Charity {Artaejen}
A person in need of charity is somebody who risks the loss of some very strong and stable desires. These include basic desires such as a desire for a warm place to sleep on a cold winter’s night, a desire for food and clean water to drink, a desire for health, and, in some cases, a desire to go on living. When a person has a desire to help fulfill the particularly strong desires of others, then an act of charity fulfills not only the desires of those to whom he gives, but his own desires as well. Some people state that part of the value of giving to charity is the pleasure that it provides to those who do the giving. However, this pleasure is contingent. This is a learned desire – a desire brought about by the use of social tools such as praise (of those who are charitable) and condemnation (of those who are selfish). People in general have many and strong reasons to praise those who are charitable, and to condemn those who are selfish. Any one of us could end up in a situation where some of our strongest and most stable desires are at risk – where we are without a home or suffer some severe threat to our health and long life. But we must remember to give because it is the right thing to do. Not because we expect good things in return.
Love {Brend}
We often think of love as an emotion we experience, an emotion characterized by the desire to be close to another person, the sense of cozy pleasure we feel in a relationship. This emotional aspect of love is usually perceived as warmth, attraction, intimacy, closeness and excitement. If we limit our understanding of love to the experience of transient emotions alone, we are on extremely unstable ground. Whether we enjoy someone's company or not, whether we admire their character or not, we can still honor a person from a spiritual perspective simply because, we are all created from the same spirit. In this definition of love we make a commitment to remember the truth of our oneness and treat others with respect and kindness no matter if they are worthy of such sentiments or not. Loving another person in this way is respecting their divinity, which is the same as ours. This is a reliable foundation for a positive relationship. When we find ourselves angry or fearful, all love is not lost. We must turn our attention to the principle of love, which calls us to be gentle, kind and to treat others with respect despite the life-constricting emotions of anger and fear. This concept of love is what the ancient Greeks called Agape love -- a love that honors all others. When we have love to give, we can express it with respect, kind words and actions, even when the conditions don't seem to warrant loving-kindness. To foster love, we have to be honest in little and big matters. To demonstrate love, we can give our undivided attention whether we are at work or at home. Just silently listening and being present can be a loving gesture. Never forget that love can be applied to any problem. Since this life is short, savor moments by being fun-loving and relishing connections with others. Each day, make a conscious choice to live lovingly and express love to yourself and others.
Courage {Baraej}
Courage is one of those virtues necessary to living a good life. Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of courage is bravery in the face of a threat, yet it is so much more. It is the ability to choose the point that lies between cowardice and recklessness in any circumstance. Courage takes many forms. Examples include the courage to do what is right, the courage of facing a personal fear, the courage to accept unpopularity, the courage to endure physical or mental pain for the sake of self-improvement, the courage to push forward through frustration,
the courage to tell the truth, the courage to change, the courage to act, the courage to trust, the courage to love, the courage to commit, and many more. How do you make a habit of courage? This is not an easy undertaking, as you will have to overcome years of habits associated with making uncourageous decisions. First, let me suggest that you have to believe that practicing courage is a worthy pursuit. Developing courage will allow you to be more in control of your life as opposed to letting outside circumstances dictate your actions. Another place to start is by developing the habit of being truthful. Telling the truth often requires courage because it may get you or someone you care about into trouble. Yet we inherently know it is the right thing to do. There is a selfish benefit to this strategy and that is people will respect you for this virtue. They may not always like it, but they will respect it. They will come to know that you are always telling them the truth and they will appreciate you for that quality.
Kindness {Skirnlee}
Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a person treats others. Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years. The attributes of thoughtfulness and kindness are inseparably linked. Kindness is not a duty or an ethic either; it is an expression of personal virtue that flows from and is rooted in love, which is at the heart of all virtue. Kindness begins in the heart. In fact, many languages have words that are translated as "loving-kindness" or "kind-heartedness," which is kindness that goes beyond the minimum requirements of civility. Kindness is really more than being nice, polite or agreeable, but instead has more to do with our being than our behavior. It cannot be faked. Kindness softens hearts, lifts spirits and molds relationships. The value of our lives is best measured not by the material possessions we've acquired, but by the hearts we've touched, because who we are is far more important than what we have. Everything we do affects not only our own life, but touches other lives, too.
Spirituality {Tya'oamima}
A person with Spirituality will have firm beliefs about the meaning of the universe. Such people attach their life to something higher than themselves. Being spiritual may make it easier for a person to cope with difficult life events. Spirituality is not just about religious beliefs although the two are closely connected. People with religious beliefs have been shown to be able to cope with stress and handle difficult events when they arise. In religion, transcendence refers to the aspect of a god's nature and power which is wholly independent of the material universe, beyond all physical laws. This is contrasted with immanence, where a god is said to be fully present in the physical world and thus accessible to creatures in various ways. In religious experience transcendence is a state of being that has overcome the limitations of physical existence and by some definitions has also become independent of it. This is typically manifested in prayer, séance, meditation, psychedelics and paranormal "visions". It is affirmed in the concept of the divine in various religious traditions, and contrasts with the notion of a god, or the Absolute, existing exclusively in the physical order or indistinguishable from it (pantheism). Spirituality can be attributed to the divine not only in its being, but also in its knowledge. Thus, a god may transcend both the universe and knowledge (is beyond the grasp of the human mind). Although transcendence is defined as the opposite of immanence, the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Some theologians and metaphysicians of various religious traditions affirm that a god is both within and beyond the universe; in it, but not of it; simultaneously pervading it and surpassing it.
Balance {Bia}
Balance is defined as “stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis,” “equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements,” or “an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements,” according to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Balance is that spiritual straightness and stability that resists all influences to turn or deviate from the right path. It is the characteristic of righteousness that refuses to be allured, intimidated, or bullied into diverting from the assigned course. It resists reducing or exaggerating the truth, recognizing that error or excess in either direction, for any reason, remains error and excess. It is important to remember that balance is a godly virtue. It is clearly displayed in the nature of Bia itself. Bia is absolutely perfect in all holiness. Bia is pure and just in judgment, yet Bia’s mercy endures forever. Bia’s law reveals this virtue, calling for separation from the heathen, yet to love strangers, remembering they are strangers to others. Finally, it must be understood that balance is an attainable virtue. That is not to say anyone will achieve perfect balance, but real and lasting progress can be made to achieve greater balance in life. If we keep our eyes on one unchanging, immovable focus, if we strive to become only what the gods want us to be and all that they want us to be, we will live with greater balance. Thus, we work to achieve balance for ourselves and others. Where the scales of balance are overweighed, we attempt to restore them into place, be it with physical labor, spiritual or metaphysical.
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 List (Simplified)
Below is an extremely simplified list of the divine that exist withing the Bowynn faith. Again, I stress this is a VERY simplified listing of their divine attributes.
Abennaea Goddess of all sorts of offerings and libation
Abonna Gods of music, dance and the arts
Adarro God of the sea, fish, dolphins and cleansing
Aetenn God of armories, protection and drumming
Alaway Home of the Gods. The Great Hall
Aleglea Goddess of happiness and joy. Patroness of all Bowynn
Allapae The Upper World, Heaven, sky, universe
Amaetheon God of wine, abundance, oil and honey
Anhur King of the gods, men, kings, council and judgment
Ano Taya Goddesses of fate, past, present and future
Arn God of the north wind
Bia Creation, the force and balance of all things
Brand God of music, prophecy, archery, poetry and oracles
Brea Goddess of the earth and earth element
Brenda Goddess of beauty, love and vanity
Briathenaea Goddess of protection, invention and wisdom
Chumash God king of the Daunnat and the dead
Dadjall God who leads the soul through Daunnat
Dae Primordial Darkness & Light combined created by Bia (Not a Deity)
Daekk God of wealth, fortune and abundance
Daeth God of darkness and night
Daunnat The nextworld where souls go at death
Deanna Goddess of the harvest and earth fertility
Dhonan Immortally bless mortal and god of love, passion, beauty and vanity.
Drautmer God of Music, drumming and drummers
Drudenn God that is the stable boy of the gods
Ehrlik Ancient Giant god of druids, bards, historians and
Enya Goddess of the morning and the dew
Gondor God of the forge and blacksmithing
Hawynn God of the great river Muet and all rivers, dams and fishing.
Hemway Goddess patroness of the poor, homeless and compassion
Hern God of the wild wood, animals and the sun
Heron God that delivers the souls to Daunnat
Hyu God of baking, ovens and bread. Baker of the gods
Ikarro The Milky Way. The bridge that lead the gods to earth
Innapa The Middle World, mortal earth
Io Goddess of the hearth, tame fire, cooking and kitchens
Ion God patron of knights and god of virtues
Issen Ancient Giant god of the summer season
Istra Goddess of the 3 fold law, respect and vengeance
Jarda 5 Kii Guardian Spirits
Jayleen Jarra Goddess of the healing arts and medicinal herbalism
Kalen God of wood craft and architecture
Kalma Queen of the Daunnat, divination and oracles
Kara Jarra Goddess of the healing arts of massage, reiki and other healing touches.
Kauldra Queen of the sea and all fresh waters
Kii Spirits/faeries/nymphs/elves/gnomes
Kora Goddess of the Autumn season
Kord God of peace, law, justice, freedom and brotherhood
Lomaun God of hunters, travelers and bears
Luanna Goddess of fields, meadows and gardens
Lyan God of the east wind and east
Lyanna Goddess of the lute, music and musicians in general
Maena Goddess of balance, truth, order and victory of all sorts
Mammont The race of Ancient Giant Gods that came before the Akua
Mano God of hate, jealousy, tricks and destruction
Mask God of wisdom, gambling and music. Messenger of the gods
Morrighynn Goddess of the moon, night, stars, hunt and wolves
Muet The river that flows from Alaway all the way down to Daunnat
Mura Goddess of the 1st Gate of Daunnat, of courage
Myliea Goddess of the winter season
Mystara Goddess of the magical arts
Naddas God of the 2nd Gate of Daunnat, of kindness
Nae Ano Taya, young goddess of the past
Naea Goddess of wells, pools, fountains and springs
Naerea Goddess of sleep, dreams and prophetic dreams
Nareen Ano Taya, elder goddess of the future
Narna Ano Taya, She is the Mother goddess of the Present
Nauidd Goddesses of the hours of the day
Nyalla Goddess of bathhouses, sweat lodges and hot springs
Odjett God of the 4th Gate of Daunnat, of balance
Ohenn God of time and journal keeper of the gods of mortals deeds
Oken Ancient Giant god of strength
Onaur God of love and passion
Ortsal God of the 3rd Gate of Daunnat, of love
Owenn God of health and healing
Panu Goddess of gem crafting
Paut God of the element of Soul
Pedjed Goddess of the 7th Gate of Daunnat, of peace
Pequiss Goddess who is the gatekeeper of Daunnat
Phoenix Goddess of fire and the element of fire
Quatt God of the 5th gate of Daunnat, of faith
Quilla Goddess of the Spring season
Reye Goddess of the rain, hunt, protector of animals
Rhya Queen of the gods and goddess of women’s rituals and psychics
Rhymar God of the 6th Gate of Daunnat, of charity
Ryan God of the east and west wind
Saphon God of the south and south wind
Saul God of the light and day
Saulnat God of light in Daunnat
Shane God of love, desire and homosexual love
Shayla Goddess of the day and light
Sheli Ancient Giant Goddess of Expeditions, courage and bravery
Sumon God of all waters and the water element
Tane God king of the sea, horses, shapeshifting and scrying
Tarma Ancient Giant God of invention, wisdom and creativity
Tarna Goddess of the summer season
Tennaer Home of all the sea and oceanic gods
Tii Small malicious spirits that pester humans and gods alike.
Tora Goddess of the night and darkness
Traydea Goddess of childbirth and childcare
Treya Goddess of sunset and dusk
Tsellet Goddess of Duannat who purifies the soul
Tya Goddess of the element of Spirit
Tymora Goddess of fortune, luck and wealth
Tyr God of protection, soldiers and war
Unthar God of the air, sky and the air element
Uya Jarra Goddess of the healing arts and physical therapy
Vadyss God of Duannat who separates the Soul, Spirit and Body
Vae Anicent Giant goddess of seed and fertility
Vella Goddess of jewelry making and gold and silver smithing
Yormell Ancient Giant God of the weather
To Begin
Meave us to start with some very simple Bowynn words you may find throughout my blog:
Mystra: (Magic / Magick) The arts of the witch.
Myst: (Witch) A Myst pertains to anyone that practices the mystical, arcane, esoteric arts.
Baear: (Altar) The sacred table/tablet where one prays to the divine and leaves offerings.
Tymon: (Shrine) A smaller and more secure form of a Temple and Altar all in one.
Alm: (God) Male deity
Almaea: (Goddess) Female deity
I will leave it here for now. in future posts I will insert other words throughout my text within Brackets { } At some point I may include and dictionary depending on whatever time is allotted to me.
In the Beginning...
And so, to here I begin to explain the path of my faith, my culture and practices. Though in truth, it does not matter where it started. Only where it is and where it is going.
I find in my older years I am starting to come to terms with the idea that the Boat to Daunnat is waiting for me and it will not be long before Heron comes to life my soul from my mortal husk. Therefore before such time happens, I should leave something behind for others to find and possibly learn from.
So here in and beyond this point I will not dwell on where I came from, or where it all started. Instead, I will just what you will find here out is the documentation of my faith, what I have acquired from decades of meditation, deep prayer, silent vigil, sacred migrations, divination, endless hours in temple and even through divine intervention.
I warn anyone who may read this the following: The Bowynn faith is NOT a form of a cult by any standard. That is to say, it is not a means of manipulation others to follow me, you nor anyone else. Nor is it a means acquiring money or possessions. Likewise, it is not a faith that requires one to cast away any earthly belongings or people about you. It is also NOT a faith based on worshipping evil deities for malicious intent. The Bowynn faith is a faith of finding happiness and joy and in turn spreading happiness and caring to others that so warrant such.
Further more I wish to state that The Bowynn faith is neither Wiccan, Satanic nor Demonic. While most followers of the faith do practice forms of Magic/Magick (Mysta) and divination, it is done so within the confines of the Bowynn faith. It is not so elaborated and does not from tradition modern magic practices by those that call themselves Witches and Wiccan. Culturally, Bowynn Mysta is much different in learning, pathworking and manifestation. And as to Satanism and Demonology, we cast those faiths behind as Abrahamic faiths, as that is indeed their origins.
As you page through this Blog, one will come to learn the Bowynn Gods, their Sacred Stories, Prayers, Mysta (Magic), Language, Meditations, Divination, Sacred Holidays and maybe even some traditional cooking and arts and crafts.
From here I leave this to you. You may walk forward and follow my blog or turn back. But heed this word my friends and heed it well (Sounding like some RPG wizards. LOL!) The Bowynn faith is NOT something to borrow from. What you learn here cannot be mingled into other faiths and cultures and a whim of reckless desire to fulfill your own desires. This faith and its past are not the same as some "Christian Cafeteria faith" where you get to pick and choose what fits your need at the moment. You either learn from it, follow it or walk away. So, I ask,,,,no, I beg of you, RESPECT what is written here with and open mind. If you cannot curb and ponder any responses you may make and use some Forethought before your post, please walk away from this page. I am not asking you to believe what is written here on a whim. Just show some respect. If you cannot, then this page is NOT for you.