My observations for the festival.
(Image description: A photo of my altar. Three illustrations of Brighid as Healer, Poet, and Smith are seen in the back. An altar cloth with knotwork with two shades of blue are underneath the altar items. A Brighid doll, copper sun disc, acorns, pine cones, a small fire-in-water drawing are placed in front of the framed illustrations. A few candles are lit, while a stick of incense burns toward the front of the altar.) Credit: My own work.
The wheel has turned again, and it was time to renew my vows with Brighid. In place of a bonfire, I had my handy lantern to tend Her flame and illuminate the ritual.
A while ago, I was gifted a torc composed of three metals (copper, bronze, and silver), and it felt right wearing it around my neck. When I initially received it, I wasn’t entirely sure as to how I could use it as part of my monastic dress, but wearing it during my re-dedication gave me the sense that I felt claimed by Brighid.
After the anointing with fire-blessed water, I offered Brighid some water, incense, flame, and a poem, which is shown below. It was inspired by Her role as Shepherdess (found in traditional prayer), as well as Brigantia’s connections to weaving by Her comparison to Minerva.
Weaving the Path
With the greening of hills
and migration of Your sheep,
what will their wool be woven into?
A comforting blanket to soothe
those in need?
A colorful mantle, to be hung
on a sunbeam with many rainbow hues,
like the raindrops scattering the sun’s rays?
A tapestry depicting potentials,
woven together from past, present,
and future?
How might I aid You,
as I weave my own path,
I wonder.
However…
Wondering how the weaving of one’s way leads to nowhere.
It is only through the over and under,
then under and over that reveals the full
tapestry of life.
This I know to be True, my Lady.
Afterward, I did my usual three fid reading and received Edad, Straif, and Muin. I was somewhat surprised to see this combination of letters, but once I delved into their meanings, I gained some clarity.
Lately, I have been working on studying more and improving on my spiritual workings. I feel like She is telling me to keep at it and to improve skills, such as with divination, and possibly also to reach out to other spirits connected to Her.
While doing so, I need to be discerning as I form bonds. With Muin’s presence, finding my voice is an important part of forming relationships. As with any reading that’s meant for a longer period of time, further meanings should be clearer over the course of time.
I plan to continue my celebrations with some prayer writing for Nodens, food prep, and possibly other offerings to both of Them. I feel like I have some spiritual work ahead of me, but a monastic path definitely isn’t a smooth one. There’s always something to be learned.
Brighid’s blessings to you with the start of summer (or winter)!
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