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A seasonal poem honoring the small joys and the gratitude that goes with them.

(Image description: A photo of burning logs in a campfire. Numerous sparks fly into the dark and swirl around.) Credit: Photo by David Schultz on Unsplash

Embers of Joy

In the darkening season,

joy can be found,

like bright embers in the hearth.

The shining stars among the clouds,

the brisk chill in the wind,

a sweet bite of cake on the tongue,

holy words uttered toward loved ones,

the comfort of a well-worn book,

the warmth of home in the night,

these gifts swathe my soul.

In the swathing of my spirit,

the hearthfire endures as a beacon,

fueled by gratitude and delight.

In turn, my heart is as an ember,

aiding others in the dark.

A prayer for stoking the hope-fire.

(Image description: A photo of a campfire. Nearby, there is a hand adding a stick to the fire. The fire is surrounded by a circle of bricks and with a couple gathered near it.) Credit: Photo by Josh Felise on Unsplash

As of late, my energy has been rather low. However, that energy is also stubborn and won’t be diminished. I imagine that many hearts are feeling that way right now, and this prayer is somethi

ng I have to offer in the hope that it helps, even if it’s only a small amount. The structure of it is loosely based off the structure of smooring prayers, but I then took it in a different direction.

Building the Hope-fire

I will build this hope-fire,

as the three Brighids build it,

the Poet at the head,

the Smith at the heart,

the Healer at the hands,

I will stoke this hope-fire,

as They eternally stoke it,

stoking the embers to endure,

let not that flickering flame go out.

This day and each day,

this night and each night.

This day and every day,

This night and every night.

Reflections from Samhain/Samhuinn.

(Image description: A photo of my Brighid altar. Three illustrations depict Brighid as a smith, a poet, and a healer. A Brighid doll leans against the images, surrounded by fall leaves, pine cones, acorns, and Brighid’s crosses. An incense burner, an LED tree, a few candles, and a few lanterns shine in front of and near the Brighid doll. A few pouches and a bell branch are place around the edges of the altar.) Credit: My photo.

While the date of October 31^st has come and gone, the season of Samhain is still here. Even with festivities around Halloween, the festival itself in the past and even now has had an air of uncertainty around it.

With it being the last of the harvest, people would still have to survive through the long and dark winter on what they had managed to garner from their crops and livestock. Ensuring that food would last throughout those long months would likely carry a worrisome undertone during whatever festivities people held to waylay threats and bring some manner of reassurance until the light of Imbolc would bring some relief.

I admit that Samhain Eve had an uncertainty to it, and even now, it still does. The astronomical date, the time between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, is November 7^th; so there’s room for continued observations. Despite the uncertainty, I will continue to focus on its themes throughout November.

As for my celebration, I carried out a flamekeeping shift and gave Brighid some milk, incense, flame, and a prayer, which is listed below.

A Light of Hope in the Dark

Blessed Brighid,

as You rest in the dark of the year,

aid me in the uncertainties of life.

May You kindle hope in my heart,

tending the flame tenderly.

May Your light shine in the dark,

guiding me and others on the path.

Guide my hands to craft and weave

with Your insight.

Inspire my mind to write and speak

what needs to be said.

May these things and more aid

in the healing of my being.

May I learn more of You,

Blessed Brighid.

May I understand Your wisdom clearly.

By Sky,

By Land,

By Sea.

The ogam I drew for the next few months are relaying a continuing theme, but there is a slight difference with the last letter. I received Tinne, Úr, and Ailm, with the previous reading instead including Fern. As it is still too early to tell, I can only guess Brighid might wish for me to bring something into the world through the strengthening of my artistic skills and through a lens including the earth, grief, the ancestors, or some other facet I don’t know about yet. As always, time will tell.

May the Samhain season bless you with rest and peace!

Thoughts and plans for the upcoming festival.

(Image description: A photo of items on a table. A short, black candle with pumpkins and the word ‘Samhain’ is next to a bundle of herbs, a small crystal ball on a stand, orange-colored rune stones, and small ghost candle. A plume of smoke hovers in the aid behind the objects.) Credit: Photo by Daizy Isumi on Unsplash

With the way the calendar falls this year, the time I will be observing Samhain won’t be until later this week. This post is something of a to do list and reflections on the spiritual New Year that Samhain serves as.

As usual, the festival functions more as a season than a celebration set to only certain days. The time of Samhain Eve until sunset on November 1^st is the time I do a flamekeeping shift. Fire is associated with bonfires, but I’m aware that a light is kept on for any ancestors who may be traveling during that time. With Brighid’s role as a midwife and who can be seen as involved in the rebirth process, I feel this is an appropriate use for the lantern I use during my shifts.

Following Samhain, I aim to participate in Nine Days for Brighid and focus not only maintaining my prayer routine, but also focusing on cleansing and protection, given how much of an active time of year it can be spiritually.

With the start of November, the days seem to be getting cooler, so embracing the warmth of the hearth on a metaphorical level feels important to do. Hearthcraft still continues to be important to my developing path, and figuring out how different practices interweave with each other is a fascinating and valuable process.

The new moon also occurs on November 1^st, so there will be some overlap between my honoring Brighid and Brigantia and giving offerings and devotion to Nodens, as I consider the darker part of the year as especially affiliated with Him.

I’m still in the process of building my ancestor veneration, but it is becoming more defined as I figure out who I want to honor and the best ways to do that. Some include family members, but I’m also finding ancestors of spirit who have influenced me and who I am.

Lastly, the ogam reading I do will give me a contemplative focus from Samhain until Imbolc next year. I don’t know what that might entail, but I hope to learn from it and sit with with whatever knowledge might be found within the reading.

Until then, may your deities and ancestors bless you this Samhain season!

A seasonal poem related to the approach of Samhain.

(Image descritpion: A photo of a mostly dark sky with receding sunlight. Numerous stars shine overhead, while wispy clouds hang over the silhouetted trees.) Credit: Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash

A Return to Darkness

In the shortening of days,

I feel the call,

a call of darkness,

a beacon of stillness,

that my heart aches for.

In the heart-longing,

balance is needed,

where things might be mended.

A strengthening of ways

can render a murky path

into a trusted and well-tread one.

With each beat of my heart,

I yearn for yarns

of ancestors, near to my pulse.

I miss the blessed tales that

made my young heart sing.

The darkness ripples with its call,

asking me to seek these gifts again.

Even with uncertain times

and no clear direction,

I must heed the call.

These yearnings aim to

heal, like a steady boat on the sea,

and to bring me home.

In the darkening of days,

may my heart be anchored

in the bay of healing and story.

Let my ties to the stories be strengthened,

so that the path may be steadied.

Personal commentary on my oath to Brighid and related ideas.

(Image description: A photo of a tall, black lantern in front of a wooden door. It rests on a rough-appearing floor and shines in the dark.) Credit: Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash

Besides the religious rule followed by various orders, there’s the vows of obedience, chastity, poverty, and even a fourth one that can include public service. I feel like these types of vows can function as starting models and examples, but there are also other types of vows related to aspects of a deity or the elements.

Since the dedication ritual has multiple parts, I will go over them individually and focus on the dedication portion. The initial lighting of the flame sets the tone, and the anointing with fire-infused water indicates the blessings the devotee receives before making the commitment.

The first part dedicates the flesh to Brighid and is connected with the Earth and prosperity. Firstly, I feel She would want me to live my life as kindly as possible, as the skin interacts so much with the physical world and all the interactions it holds. Treating others with kindness and fairness when we speak to them or offer aid is one way of interpreting this tenet.

Another example could be deciding how I dress. As long as it’s done with moderation, dressing in a way that brings me joy ties in with prosperity aspect. Textile waste is an issue, and using the clothing I have as much as possible is better for the Earth in a small way.

Lastly, Brighid has sovereignty goddess connections to Leinster, and that could reflect in treating the Earth and Her in a just and respectful manner ties into providing prosperity for myself and others.

The next part is related to the blood, the waters, and health. Brighid has strong connections to water and healing, so this links to caring for my health. Staying hydrated and taking necessary medications benefit me and allow me to continue to honor Her and help where I can in the world. In a broader sense, what enters the waterways affects the health of all the living things who live on Earth. What is done to protect and respect water has a multi-fold effect on everything that depends on it.

With the way the heart pumps blood, it, in turn, allows me to feel and express my emotions toward myself and others in as kind as a manner as I can manage from moment to moment throughout the day.

The sun, beauty, and vision are in the next section of the dedication. When I look at the world, I see the different ways I might help others. In a direct way, I can see the kindness and injustices that take place in the world and around me. In a less literal interpretation, having the sight to understand these things is more important than physical sight (especially for those with limited sight or who are blind).

Beauty is brought into the world the more I care and perceive it with love and kindness; “seeing” is understanding the personhood of other humans and living things when I look upon them. Obviously, I’m still grateful for the physical sight I have, taking care of them is a minor way of honoring this aspect of the dedication; adorning the eyes might be another means of devotion.

Clouds, thoughts, and wisdom are next in the dedication. Thoughts can be like clouds and drift through the mind. They come and go as they please, and they can be interpreted as clouds can. Treating my thoughts with compassion and awareness as they move in my mind is showing kindness to myself and in how I direct those thoughts toward others. By doing so, I can live out Brighid’s wisdom and become wiser through contemplation.

Less directly, I feel this could relate to augury and having the understanding to clearly perceive what I interpret through whatever divination system I’m using. Being able to do this can be important in my work with poetry and other forms of art, since they originate from thoughts, too.

The winds, breath, and vitality can relate to how I live my life. As I breathe, I smell different scents, which inform me about the world. Scents can reveal what brings me joy through food, in nature, and through human interaction. Also, as I draw breath, I know that I’m alive. Each moment I breathe is precious, and it’s up to me as to how I live it through Brighid’s ideals. Doing so can be seen as living mindfully through Brighid. When I speak, breath passes into the world like a small breeze. How I speak to others has ramifications. Words have power, after all, and speaking can heal or harm, depending on how it’s directed.

The stones are linked with the bones and strength. The bones support me, much like the frame of a house does. Maintaining my physical strength can be a way of healing and honoring Brighid. As I am able to move about the world, my interactions with it and the people in it can strengthen me, as long they don’t mean me harm. In a roundabout way, taking in what brings me strength can reinforce my bond with Brighid. That can be in the manner of my bones interacting with everything they touch as I write, create art, make food, light candles, exercise, and do many other activities.

Lastly, spirit is intertwined with illumination. All of these elements, parts of the body, and traits inform my spirit and allow me experience the world in brightness and goodness. In turn, I can bring illumination into the world by living through Brigidine elements in my character, my joy, my art, my beauty, my prosperity, my peace, my courage, and my strength. Everything interconnects and works together.

All of the elements can relate to the three realms of Land, Sea, and Sky and the three realms of the World Tree. By living my life in the right manner and relationship, I do my small part to emanate these traits into the world. It doesn’t mean to strive for unattainable perfection but to do the best that I can. I will make mistakes, but what I can do is to learn from them and do better.

While the previously mentioned vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience can be used in relation to whatever deities or spirits you honor, incorporating elements, parts of the body, and spiritual aspects can also be sources for monastic vows. The most notable framework are the elements of air, fire, water, earth, and spirit, and they can tie with the air we breathe, the electricity that fires in our synapses, the blood that flows in us, and the metals and minerals in our bodies, and our soul (however you wish to interpret that). There are other element systems that can be used, but I can’t list them all. The one used in the dedication refers to the Irish text The Seven Part Adam, which is explained in more depth here. If you’re inclined toward syncretism, the Celtic and Christian aspects can work well together.

Each devotee’s path is different, and the vows they might take are going to vary. Until there’s the physical infrastructures to support Polytheistic nuns, monks, and other monastic roles, the traditional vows have their limits, and that’s why looking to other sources for vow inspiration can be useful and beneficial for those creating their own Polytheistic Monastic practices. There may be even other ways to craft monastic vows I haven’t thought of, but this is a start for exploring these different methods. It roots us in the world and can be expressed in the spiritual.

Further contemplation from the last ogam reading.

(Image description: A photo of a bench in a wooded area. Numerous fall leaves are scattered on the ground and on the bench. The sun shines brightly in the sky with a few thin trees on the left and a thick tree with trimmed stumps on the right.) Credit: Photo by Jan Huber on Unsplash

With Samhain approaching in a few weeks, I felt the need to return to August’s ogam reading. With only a limited time left, I want to get as much contemplation out of it as I can before I do the next reading for another cycle. Previously, I didn’t feel like I used those stretches of time as much as I should have and would like to change that.

As a reminder, I received Tinne, Úr, and Fern. There was no set position or timing to the letters, and they were intended to be considered wholly.

For Tinne, this letter has connections to mastery, skill, different forms of technologies, the spiritual powers linked to these things, and more. While reading the kennings, each listed “part” felt incomplete, like it needed to be made whole for it to be mastered. Practice makes for improvement, rather than necessarily for perfection. There’s also the consideration that any form of mastery of a skill is never complete, and it’s something that should result in continuous learning.

As I’ve mentioned, this feels predominantly like I need to focus on strengthening my magical practice. Obviously, mundane skills could equally apply and intertwine with magical aspects as well, but the other two letters really have me lean in that direction.

Úr relates to cycles of various kinds, death itself, the land, both with its decaying and life-giving properties, grief, and ancestors. All of these things are relevant to Samhain, as it’s both the end and beginning of a new cycle. The debris above and below the ground will nourish what is to come.

There is a bit of knee-jerk reaction when considering these matters, but they could entail the death of unhelpful habits, which could require more work on my part. However, a lot has happened in the world within the last year, and actual death has been a large part of it. Overall, there is no specific event or cycle in particular, but both small and large cycles have to be looked at to reach an understanding in the reading.

As for Fern, protection is the overarching characteristic associated with this letter. While it can pertain to warriors and hunting bands, I feel like there’s a strong need to protect that which nourishes me, which relates to the blood and milk imagery found in the kennings. It could relate to making sure my creativity is nourished and to not let it wither. Another aspect made me think of the phrase “girding the loins”, but in this case, the heart and its emotions require sheltering from becoming cold and accepting of the world’s cruelty. A tender heart is still a strong heart.

That’s what I have for now. There are still a few more weeks before the next festival, so I plan to keep considering what other meanings that can be found within these letters. Additionally, I think rephrasing my question for the next reading and how it ties to this reading will also be important to look at in the next season.

Prayers for those affected by recent events.

(Image description: A photo of a white, burning tealight candle against a glittering white surface and background.) Credit: Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Prayers for the Many

Brighid,

encompass Appalachia and the East Coast in Your mantle.

encircle them so that they know they are not without aid.

ease their weary hearts from the trauma and grief.

heal the wounds in their spirits, minds, and bodies.

inspire them to art so their spirits are nourished.

inspirit them in the rebuilding of their communities,

console them as they mourn for those who were lost,

and light a path for all to a brighter future.

Nodens,

may Appalachia and the East Coast know gentle sleep.

let their dreams bring forth hope,

bless them with the healing they need to mend their minds, spirits, and bodies,

calm the rains and winds so that communities can recover,

and grant them the materials for rebuilding.

Brighid and Nodens,

may no one be forgotten in the news,

may justice come to those who deserve it,

may no cruel conflicts be waged against the defenseless,

may no mouth go without the nourishment needed,

may no soul go without the shelter they seek,

and may healing be given to the wounded.

By Sky,

By Land,

By Sea.

Thoughts surrounding the beginning of the season.

(Image description: A photo of cream colored sweater with different items on it. A brownish-white faux fur throw is on the left, while a burnt orange blanket is on the right. An orange skein of yarn, a metal and glass candle holder, a jar candle, a couple, small orange pumpkins, and a small pastry are placed on top of the sweater.) Credit: Photo by That’s Her Business on Unsplash

Fall has arrived, and it felt like a last hurrah from summer right up until the start. However, temperatures are starting to decrease, so it will soon feel like the appropriate kind of weather.

With the first few days into this cycle, the intrinsic need for things like a warm fire and food have felt like seasonal companions. Regardless of the temperature, items like these are akin to dependable travel companions.

Instead of focusing on a specific date, I have opted to honor the season during my next flamekeeping shift later this week. Since it’s not a major festival, what I do will be on a small scale. I imagine I’ll write some poetry or whatever else feels appropriate. As for Nodens, I would like to celebrate the turning of the season during the next new moon in October.

While meditating with my Brighid prayer beads, I received the sense of being wrapped in Her cloak. Not only did it feel comforting, but the action of doing so felt protective. For me, it felt as though She was telling me various points in a nonverbal fashion.

Autumn is Cozy Season for many people, a time of slowing down. More time is spent indoors, and it’s a time for bundling up and doing things that bring you comfort against the cooler, shorter days. However, this was also a time for handicrafts and protection as Samhain approaches.

As I’ve mentioned before, I have wanted to get back to weaving. I’m not entirely sure what project I would want to work on, but something related to my practice feels appropriate. Additionally, the repetitive act of weaving feels inherently contemplative.

A while ago, I was looking through the different sections of the Carmina Gadelica and realized there were prayers for blessing looms. Most prayers related to labor are for tending to livestock or fishing, tasks that I likely won’t do due to accessibility reasons. However, the looms I have are quite feasible to incorporate into a meditative practice. As an extension, I imagine that any kind of textile art could apply here; the wording would need to be adapted as needed.

Recalling back to the need of protection in the cooler months, the prayers for blessing a loom are linked with protection of the loom’s owner, the materials involved, and the overall fate of the weaver for a certain amount of time. With the wording, I feel like there’s an underlying context of involving the protection of the three realms and the protective forces within them.

If you’re uncomfortable with the Christian elements, the overall structure of the prayers can be adapted to suit your needs. The loom blessings can be found here and here, Further searching through the text can lead you to other possible prayers suitable for the other processes of the making of fabrics.

So often textile arts are merely treated as a passive hobby when there’s a lot of deep magic in the prayers and actions connected to them. Also, it’s an activity that’s done privately, so it creates a sense of an intimate meditation you can do at your own pace.

While I decide on what weaving projects to do, I wish you a happy and blessed fall!