The Holy Flame

In ancient times in Kildare priestess of Brighid would take turns tending a Sacred Flame which burned in honor of Brighid. Unless you are a member of a society that keeps the Flame of Brighid, such as Ord Brighideach, you may not know that this practice is still kept by worshippers of the goddess.

I have written a small ritual which I use with semi-regularity when tending the Flame during my own shift. ;)

 

Materials Needed

Consecrated oil Lamp or Candle ( red, orange, yellow, or white )

Brighid Incense ( recipe forthcoming ) or Sandalwood, Frankincense, or Myrrh Incense

Incense holder

Offering Plate

Food Offering

Matches or Lighter

 

Ritual

 

Gather your materials in a place where it is safe to have an open flame, a place where nothing will disturb you for a while.

Release the day's worries and cares. Let any thoughts which may be plaguing you melt away.

[ Light the Incense ]

 

Recite " Kindling the Flame "

   "  This day/night as I kindle the flame upon my hearth, I pray that the Flame of Brighid may burn in my soul, and the souls of all I meet/have met this day. I pray that no hatred or fear may smother the flame.  I pray that indifference and apathy, contempt and pride may not pour like cold water upon the flame.

   Instead may the spark of Brighid light the love in my soul, that it may burn brightly through the day/night.   And may I warm those who are lonely, whose hearts are cold and lifeless, so all may know the comfort of Brighid's love "

Say-

" Come I this day/night to light the Flame to You, O Brighid, as the priestesses did of old "

[ Light the Lamp or Candle ]

" May its light be a gift to You; may the flame's dance reflect Your joy. "

[ If you have any concerns, blessings to ask, or want to speak to Brighid, do this now ]

 

Self-Blessing

" I make the encircling of Brighid's Flame about me

this day/night:

Fire of Strength
Warmth of Love
Brillance of Imagination
Forge-Fire of Smithcraft
Splendor of Sunlight
Blaze of Protection
Illumination of Knowledge
Companionship of Camp-Fire
Comfort of Hearth-Fire

Nine fires about me, above and below me, nine fires

to surround me this day/night without fear. "

 

[ Place your food offering in the dish before the flame ]

 

Say-

" Sustainer of Souls, for the gifts of this day I give thanks. ( Feel free to list what you are thankful for ). As you nurture me, may this offering nurture You. "

 

Recite " Covering the Fire "

" Brighid, preserve the fire ae You preserve us all. Brighid, may its warmth remain in our midst... "

 

[ Thank Brighid in your own words for being with you ]

 

Ground any excess energy you may have acculumulated.

Clean your area.

The offering should be buried in the ground, given into a running body of water, or burned.

Brighid Rituals