Author: Nidara

Spending some thoughtful time with an acorn.

(Image description: A photo of two acorns on a thin tree branch. The acorn in the forefront in brown-colored, while the other one is green-colored. Oak leaves are seen in the background.) Credit: Photo by Juliet Sarmiento on Unsplash

Autumn finally feels like it’s on its way here! The temperatures are dropping, and some leaves are displaying shades of red and gold. The region has been in a drought, but rain is starting to bring some relief.

Closer to home, the oak tree is dropping its acorns. It has been a while since I checked in with it, and the changing of the seasons seemed like a good time to connect with it.

Lectio divina, as discussed in Polytheistic Monasticism: Voices from Pagan Cloisters, was the method I used with the acorn. I’m not as familiar with this method as I’d like to be, but it’s better to start somewhere than nowhere.

I set a timer for twenty minutes, dedicating roughly five minutes to each step in the meditation.

For the first part, I merely held the acorn in my hand. I tried my best to not think about anything in regard to the acorn or anything else, and I mostly succeeded.

With the next part, I took the time to take in the acorn’s details. The cap was somewhat rough, resembling scales. The shell was smooth to the touch, creating an interesting contrast between the two surfaces. The pointed end on the bottom of the acorn was sharp, like a tiny spear tip. The nut had an earthy scent, with a faint sharpness to it.

The contrasting textures made me think of Brighid’s different natures, seemingly opposite yet part of a whole.

I had pulled the Oak card before doing the meditation and followed the prompt. I envisioned the tree growing out of the acorn, its limbs strong and inflexible. One of the branches broke because of this trait. Between the card and the focus, the lesson was endure to grow strong, but not so much that you become vulnerable from being too regimented.

Its lesson is relevant for me, as I have a tendency to want control over things I can’t control. However, mutability has its own value. Change can happen slowly, as the oak leaves take their time to change colors. The tree adapts as much as it can to the conditions it’s given. Such is life, and it’s wiser to keep the lesson in mind rather than choose to deny its teachings.

For a few more minutes, I again sat with the acorn in my hand, musing over its insights. When I was done, I thanked it and returned it to its place on the altar.

I was given a surprising amount of insights in a relatively short time, unlike what I had previously experienced from the oak tree. Perhaps focusing on a small portion instead of the entire tree is easier, as it allowed me to listen more directly to its voice.

Question for contemplation: What can you learn from the small aspects of nature?

Thoughts on the upcoming holiday and the new year.

(Image description: A photo of an open, blank book on top of a white scarf and a dark surface. An orange maple leaf is on the left page. A couple, small pumpkins are placed next to the book.) Credit: Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Samhain is approaching, and one possible focus, outside of honoring the Beloved Dead, is bringing beneficial change into my life.

For my most recent flamekeeping shift, I tidied Brighid’s shrine and decorated it for the season. It had been a while since I updated the décor, but now it looks suitably autumnal and has symbols on it that remind me of Her. While cleaning and rearranging everything, it made me think of what I might want to do for the coming spiritual year.

In the secular New Year, people make resolutions and most often end up not completing them. It’s not a form of failure, but merely an obstacle that might be overcome in the future. Also, it can indicate that wasn’t the right direction to go in, indicating you might need to take a different path to reach a satisfying solution.

As for my objectives, the first one is directly spiritual, but the other relates to following my dreams while also wanting a large project to kick start that dream.

For the spiritual resolution, I want to continue adding more structure to my practice. I feel like I haven’t been doing this as much as I should, and I would really like to change that. As always, this goal will be completed with small steps over time.

The second one is that I will be participating in NaNoWriMo to work on my first novel, one that I’m thinking will blend science fiction and fantasy elements.

For those who have not heard of NaNoWrimo, it’s a challenge of sorts to write a novel over the course of November. As of right now, people involved in it are in prep mode for their respective novels, also known as Preptober.

I might be somewhat behind on getting started on my story, but at the very least, it’ll set me in the right direction on beginning it. I hope that I am able to finish it on time, but I want to also find value in the experience and enjoyment of writing a novel.

As time goes by, I’ll keep you notified of my progress, in case you’re interested. Also, who knows, writing this novel may provide spiritual insights into my monastic practice!

Until next time!

My thoughts on a painting laden with symbolism.

(Image description: A painting of St. Bride being carried across the sea by two angels. The angels wear ornate robes featuring scenes from Jesus’ life. A gray seal swims before them, while a couple gulls fly behind them. The sky is filled with puffy clouds and a soft, pink and blue morning sky. A distant shoreline is seen in the corner.) Credit: By John Duncan – https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/17484, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35078983

With Samhain approaching, this post might seem slightly out of place. I felt the need to switch gears after the previous somber entries and opted for a beholding session. The focus is John Duncan’s 1913 painting St. Bride.

The immediate themes that come to mind in the painting are whimsy and syncretism. Given St. Brighid/Bride’s nature, the latter isn’t surprising. Her hagiographies are full of miracles that connect with the natural world.

The central figure, St. Bride, is sleeping or deeply meditating while praying. Compared with the other elements, She seems almost passive as the angels carry Her off to Bethlehem. Her state recalls the explanation of Her mind always being on God. She personifies the act of “doing nothing” inherent in many monastic practices. The white gown could represent Her holiness and simple life, while the necklace’s white beads (maybe pearls of wisdom?) could symbolize the community She eventually formed in Ireland and beyond.

The angels have their own character to note. Both are clothed in ornate robes depicting the life of Jesus. With the knotwork, spirals, and style, these details are reminiscent of the Book of Kells. The details provide a sense of movement and maybe even hint of non-linear, “mythic” time through which they’re transporting St. Bride.

Their facial expression give them distinct personalities. The angel carrying St. Bride by Her shoulders appears entirely focused on the task at hand, while the angel holding Bride’s legs looks back at the young saint. They appear to marvel at St. Bride’s intense focus, almost distracting them.

While St. Brighid is frequently depicted with livestock, a seal and a pair of gulls fill this role instead.

While not anthropomorphized, there’s a sense of joy in their features. The seal looks as though it’s guiding the angels to their destination. (Perhaps they’re unused to being on Earth, so they needed to ask for directions.) The seal (or even a selkie) likely swam in a circle before moving straight, but the movements remind me of an Otherworldly portal.

The gulls are an amusing addition to the scene, as I don’t typically think of them being in Christian iconography. They are surprisingly calm, yet I can’t help but think they’re keeping their squawks of “Mine, mine!” down to a respectful volume until they fly off elsewhere. Perhaps they stand for finding spiritual joy in even brief moments.

Subtle details like the sky and the border add to the feel of the painting. Fluffy clouds are lit up by the sunrise’s rays, making the scenes hopeful yet romantic. The angels and one gull’s wings reach past the border and provide a larger-than-life impression. This aspect fits with St. Brighid Herself in Her miracles and overall demeanor. The flatness and geometric shapes on the border make all of the other elements pop and emphasize the surreal nature of the journey taking place.

Overall, Duncan seems to be indicating St. Bride’s importance and Her nature at bridging the past to Her role as Jesus’ foster-mother. The scene embodies liminality, due to the animals and the angels floating in between the realms. The animals’ presence provides a certain light-hardheartedness to what might otherwise be a serious religious topic. I feel this trait meshes well with Brighid’s sense of humor and signals to the viewer not taking things too seriously.

While I have provided my insights on the picture, I encourage you to see if there are other things in the painting that I didn’t pick up on (themes, messages, and so on). I might return to this image in the future in case anything of note merits another post.

A poem to mark the seasons of nature and life.

(Image description: A photo of two orange oak leaves taped to a window, with an overcast day behind it. A long-haired cat sits near the window in silhouette, with a chair in the forefront.) Credit: Photo by pure julia on Unsplash

Turning of Seasons

Brighid of the Seasons,

as the days darken,

You nest in Your cottage.

Turn, turn

whirls Your spinning wheel,

twining wool as it does life.

Ancestress of the Cycles, guiding

strands into eternity

from earth to sea to sky.

Each night to each day,

every night to every day.

the seasons renew.

As the world changes,

so does the human heart,

like the falling oak leaf.

May my heart know

peace and rest,

like the drifting oak leaf.

Some commentary and a poem.

(Image description: A photo of a side profile of a cat’s face. The cat is resting is resting in a light-colored hammock near a rope-covered scratching post.) Credit: Photo by Jack Seeds on Unsplash

The title of this post might seem kind of funny, as you might not immediately think of domesticated animals as having anything to do with monasticism. I think each pet and its personality can offer small lessons to contemplate.

While there might be other examples in literature, I’m reminded of the 6th century Irish poem Pangur Bán. The anonymous poet-monk finds commonalities in their separate tasks, him at his desk and the cat near a mousehole. This poem offers an example of insights found in seemingly ordinary situations from unlikely sources.

As of late, one of my cats, Mystic, has been having health issues. She’s elderly and has been with me for a very long time. As of writing this post, she’s still with me. However, thinking back on her life, I can see the lessons she’s taught me and the value they have in my monastic practice. I have summarized her lessons for me in the following poem.

Hermit Cat

Chirp of a bird,

tiny fierceness,

this is how we met.

Your Halloween-coat

and your quietness

are your namesakes.

Curmudgeon at heart,

my fuzzy hermit

finding joy in solitude.

Even chasing your tail

reveals the happiness

of your own company.

At other times, you seek

the love and care

to fill your needs.

Not too much,

nor too little,

everything in moderation.

Sweet kitty, you

are wisdom, a deep well

of simple truths.

If you have any beloved animals in your life, consider what lessons they can teach you and cherish the knowledge you learn!

A prayer for rekindling your efforts after falling out of a routine.

(A photo of a heart dotted by glowing lights. The heart is wedged in sand against an out of focus background.) Credit: Photo by Fadi Xd on Unsplash

I haven’t been as constant as I would like to be with the use of my prayer beads. I can be hard on myself when I do so, but the best thing to do is to get back to it and begin again. I realize this issue can happen in the future, so I figured having a prayer might help in the chance that I’ll slip up once more. The structure is somewhat based on the Smooring the Fire prayer found in the Carmina Gadelica. The Sacred Three would’ve referred to the Trinity in the original intent of the prayer, but in this case, the term refers to the three Brighid sisters.

Prayer for Constancy

The Sacred Three,

aid me,

to acknowledge,

to forgive,

to restore,

the heart,

the soul,

the body

This eve,

This night,

Oh! this eve,

This night

And every night.

Each single night.

As it was, as it is, as it ever shall be.

A seasonal poem about green after a drought.

(Image description: A photo of evergreen trees on a shoreline. The body of water’s surface is smooth and reflects the trees.) Credit: Photo by Bryce Evans on Unsplash

Early Autumn Green

That deep, hazy kind of green

draped on the rain-kissed boughs

standing tall with gratitude

Autumn is here, verdant-deep

no hues of gold, citrine, or ruby

near summer’s end

A single, weary branch

hanging by wooden threads

One half brown, the other green

Ngétal’s shade, reflecting

the dark emerald of pine and moss

and Otherworldly sea-waves

Rain’s wounding and healing,

partners in mending,

jade seams stitched whole

The green whispers

of a time of rest and silence

in the balance of light and dark.

Thoughts about responsibility and its connections to my path.

(Image description: A photo of an open book placed on white, wrinkled fabric with a green surface beneath it. The book has a single line of text that reads: A little space to be creative.) Credit: Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

In my monastic studies, I’m learning that discipline is a vital part of Polytheistic Monasticism. Keeping a schedule and maintaining it is a keystone. It’s meant to incorporate prayer, meditation, contemplation, work, and other parts of life.

It’s easy to think about doing different monastic tasks, but putting the tasks down in writing is a more proactive and concrete way of holding myself accountable. By doing so, I’m holding myself responsible for how I spend the day and trying my best to keep Brighid as my spiritual center.

A recent reminder of this came in form of the Sheep card from my oracle deck, indicating that I needed to focus on responsibility. Another card I picked was Lady’s Mantle, which means I need to do something simple for reflective and contemplative purposes. I had the feeling they’re connected to the matter of figuring out where I require responsibility in my path.

Having a schedule will help to balance out the different aspects of my life, both the important ones and the less valuable parts.

Like many people, social media can end up taking too much time in my life. I have my duties as an administrator and like being informed about politics and current events in the Pagan blogosphere, but there’s limits to that. Socializing is important, but there’s also a reason I see myself as a hermit.

The time I spent there could be used toward more constructive activities, such as reading and meditation. There are additional tasks and jobs I’d like to include over time as I continue to adjust to my monastic path.

I have responsibilities to family, pets, myself, and Brighid. I know that creativity lies at the heart of my relationship to Her, even before I knew She would enter my life. Perhaps, before I even knew of Her name, that creative spark was the call that reached past the obstacles of my mind and led me to Her.

Carrying out these practices, spiritual or not, can help me embody Brighid’s values. Embodying these traits is as much of an offering as offering drink, food, or incense to Her. They’re long-term offerings in comparison to fleeting ones.

Extending this further into my physical environment, realizing what I want my hermitage to represent and decorating it can bring me joy and inspiration. I feel that a Pagan or Polytheist hermitage or monastery would be simple yet rich in its appearance, rather than sticking to spartan surroundings.

I’m sure there’s more to build upon these musings, but what’s listed here is a good start for building a rhythm in alignment with my spiritual objectives.

A poem honoring Brighid in Her connection to the sea.

(Image description: A close-up photo of sunlight hitting sea foam on a wave. Buildings and land can be seen in the distance. Sunlit clouds are in the sky.) Credit: Photo by Ryan Loughlin on Unsplash

Brighid of the Sea

Brighid of the Sea,

Holiness of the depths!

When people think of You,

the realm that comes to mind

is the sky or the land.

For Your lofty nature,

Your blessings of spring

o’er glen and hill.

The sea sways with Your power,

in the lapping ripples of Your wells

to the taming of tempests.

Fisher-folk feel Your protection

in their catches and boats,

under the shining, sacred rays of Your cross.

Traditions carried on ships

passengers, hearts full of embers

holding You in their hearts

Waves reach across the realms,

spiraling ‘tween sea and sky

falling from sky to land.

A forge-bath cooling steel

Well-water easing injury and illness

Sun blessing water as imbas

Brighid of the Sea,

Exalted One of Well and Wave!

Returning to the use of prayer beads.

(Image description: A photo of a long strand of beads. Some beads are light blue, gold, and red, while other beads are gold. They are laying on a white, fuzzy material.) Credit: Photo by Amr Taha™ on Unsplash

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can have a surprising impact on the mundane and the spiritual in our lives. All too often, we think that we need grandiose practices to feel a connection to deities, ancestors, and spirits.

The Danu card in my oracle deck popped up recently, so I figure Brighid is nudging me to seek the sacred in the mundane. Also, I have felt the need to add something to my practice of daily prayers, but I wasn’t sure what that could be.

Meditation is an obvious choice, but there are many types and levels of involvement. I admit that meditation is a practice that I don’t do enough, despite there being many different resources for it.

However, one resource is a set of prayer beads I made years ago. They’re a bracelet style with 9 star beads with colored glass beads in between them to represent different aspects of Brighid, with oak leaf charms meant to indicate the four Fire Festivals.

Unfortunately, they had fallen into disuse. It’s a prime example of “out of sight, out of mind”. Perhaps it’s because there can be different uses for them beyond saying prayers related to each aspect, and I’m undecided on how to use them.

I referred back to the e-book One Heart, Many Gods: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Devotional Polytheism by Lucy Valunos as I remembered there was a section on the use of prayer beads.

One of the methods the author suggests is to repeat the name of the godly aspect you’re wanting to focus on. This technique seemed simple enough to start with and flexible enough to adapt to.

I chose to focus on the Brighid of Poetry bead, as it’s the first one on the strand. I only meditated on that particular bead for a few moments, but I had some luck with it!

Mostly, there was a calming, weighted feeling to it, as though I was being tucked into the darkness of Her mantle. I saw brief scenes of a hand holding a quill and writing words on parchment, while even seeing a flash of a flame as I murmured the epithet.

Again, this is only one method of using prayer beads, but it seemed to work for me to focus on Her. These brief glimpses weren’t immensely profound, but they touched my heart in thinking that Brighid the Poet was hard at work, bringing imbas into the world.

Returning to Brighid’s earlier message, finding sacred in the mundane might seem rather ubiquitous with a set of prayer beads. Yet, there is something holy in simple and mundane beads. They are given deep meaning when placed together like spiritual touchstones on a pilgrimage.

My goal is to at least make it a weekly thing to check in with Brighid using the prayer beads, if not more, depending on what my spiritual needs are at the time.

Over time, I can branch out and find other uses for the prayer beads and apply those techniques to my practice. I hope to add a little at a time to my spiritual routine and bond with Brighid.