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Flamekeeping musings on deepening my hearthcraft practice.

(Close-up of a glass candle holder with a lit tealight candle. The front of the candle holder has a tree design and text that reads: This Home is Forever Blessed. It rests on an altar cloth with a Celtic knot design in two shades of blue. A Brighid doll in a green cloak and red yarn hair is to its left. A large acorn is to its right. The bottom of Brighid the Poet and Brighid the Smith are seen in the background.) Credit: My own work.

Happy Spring Equinox! The first full day of spring is here, and the weather is just the right balance of coolness and warmth, with spring storms on the way. There are plenty of wildflowers blooming, and the trees are sprouting leaves.

In in the last post, I talked about the preparations for this flamekeeping shift and how I wished to connect my shrine to Brighid to the practice of hearthcraft. Beyond the usual fulfilling of prayer requests, this was the main focus of my shift.

I took inspiration from The House Witch, but I reworked it from a ritual into a prayer. I felt doing so was more in keeping for a monastic path. It also further simplified what was in the book and personalized it in a way that was right for me.

Recognition of the Hearth Prayer

Heart of my Hearth,

Hearth of my bond

to the Goddess-Saint Brighid,

the Lady of Many Names

and Hearthkeeper,

I recognize you and honor you.

May my soul feel your warmth,

may my soul understand your wisdom,

may my soul be filled with your inspiration.

May the Seven Elements of Earth, Sky, and Sea recognize you.

May my gratitude be known to you.

May Her sacred flame burn forever and illuminate you as I recognize and honor you.

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

I feel this prayer is a bit rough around the edges, but perhaps it’s meant to be that way. Like Brighid’s hammer against a piece of metal, parts that I sense don’t belong there can eventually be edited out and replaced with better wording. I may eventually feel that this prayer works fine as it is and leave it at that. However, my path may take a different turn and have me change it to reflect that progress.

Since hearthcraft is centered around simplicity and finding fulfillment in the sanctity of the home, this prayer is like a foundation for me. I’m curious as to how this practice will develop, as it feels like a rich and deep one to embrace.

Outlining the goals and preparations for the Vernal Equinox.

(Image description: A close-up of an aged cauldron in a hearth. The fireplace’s structure is made of white brick and has a light brown, wooden mantle. A small pile of firewood is placed on light gray bricks in front of the cauldron. A small pot holding apples hangs from a hook next to the hearth.) Credit: Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

The spring equinox isn’t traditionally celebrated in a Scottish or Irish context, but I still want to observe it from a pantheistic and animistic point-of-view. Also, my next flamekeeping shift happens to fall on the sunset of March 20th and will go until the sunset on the 21st.

From a personal standpoint, the general themes of the season are the continuation of new growth that started with the arrival of Imbolc and the cleaning out the old to bring in the new.

As I’ve mentioned before, hearthcraft feels like an appropriate practice that intertwines nicely with Polytheistic Monasticism. I haven’t been focusing on it as much as I would like since starting this blog, and I would like to change that. Consider it to be the new growth for my practice as nature hits its stride after the long winter weather (even with occasional chilly cold fronts still to come).

Part of this increased focus is incorporating my altar/shrine more. Within hearthcraft, I’ve learned that finding your hearth is an important aspect, and my shrine to Brighid serves as more of a hearth than the kitchen that’s more common in kitchen witchcraft. I also plan to expand on this concept in my practice.

In The House Witch, Arin Hiscock-Murphy indicates that a spiritual hearth can be created as well, in order to take it with you wherever you go and with no limitations as to how it can look. I really love this idea, as I feel the two hearths can mirror each other but also include things I can’t naturally include around my shrine.

I will be doing my best to work on this as a project of sorts over the course of spring and the following months.

Beyond that objective, I’m still deciding on exactly what to do for the celebration. I have some ideas, but my observation will become more concrete as the time approaches.

Cleaning Her shrine is also reflective of the spring-cleaning theme. As part of my objective, I plan on creating a simple ritual for recognizing of my hearth as a spiritual focal point. It signifies my dedication of moving forward with the development of my practice.

I also received some inspiration from fellow Clann Bhríde member Johnny’s blog post, which is found here. I have an ocean-scented candle that I would like to use and possibly decorate, and lighting it will connect to Brighid’s elements of fire and water very well. Additionally, I hope to have a seasonally-appropriate meal to help welcome in spring.

Until then, may the changing weather be gentle and inspiring to you!

A prayer of peace in the face of current events.

(Image description: A photo of a neon gold peace sign against a dark sky. A silhouetted row of plants and ferns are in the forefront.) Credit: Photo by Candice Seplow on Unsplash

As a spiritual hermit, I feel that I shouldn’t remain neutral in the face of a war that could possibly become worse and pull several countries into an enormous conflict. It’s all too easy to ignore world events and pretend that they have no effect or impact on me and others, when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Everything is connected, and no one exists in a void.

My impact on these events is limited, so I’m doing what I can to bear witness and offer something creative in hopes of causing some beneficial ripples, to a degree. That in itself is a contemplative act. I’m taking inspiration from the Tree of Contemplative Practices at The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. My offering is small, but it’s better than doing nothing.

Prayer for Peace

Brighid,

Lady of Peace,

Calm One,

may You turn back the streams of war,

may You aid the deities in defense of Their land’s sovereignty,

may You shield protesters from those who want to silence them,

may You open people’s hearts to the plight of refugees, regardless of appearance,

may You speak Your sacred satire against the power-hungry,

may You strengthen those who are defending their land,

may You change the attackers’ hearts from wrathful to merciful,

may You keen for the deceased and those left behind,

may You burn apathy from people’s hearts,

may You offer Your shoulder to the weary,

may Your mantle cover those who cannot find shelter,

may You inspire art from tragedy,

may You heal the wounds of mind, body, and spirit,

each day and every day

each night and every night.

Threefold blessings encompass those under Her mantle.

A much-needed anthology explores Polytheistic Monasticism from different perspectives.

(Image description: A photo of the book cover, in gray tones. A scarf loosely drapes over a light-skinned person’s face, casting it partly in shadow. The white text reads: Polytheistic Monasticism: Voices from Pagan Cloisters, edited by Janet Munin.) Credit: Janet Munin/Moon Books

Polytheistic Monasticism: Voices from Pagan Cloisters fills a void within Polytheistic literature as guidance for devotees yearning for deep, contemplative paths!

The book features nine chapters from contributors from a variety of paths, eight of them personal accounts, an interview between two of the authors, and an introduction by the editor, Janet Munin.

They cover thought-provoking and insightful topics in the developing Polytheistic Monasticism movement, from how they were called to a monastic path to the unique ways their respective paths developed over time.

Each work also turns the mainstream view of monastic vows (such as obedience, chastity, and poverty) and aspects on their heads. Polytheistic Monastic practices can illustrate societal flaws, such as different forms of inequality or the disconnect with the natural world.

I resonated with different parts of the contributors’ pieces, as they wrote about challenges that can occur in monastic paths and provided ways of incorporating monastic activities into a personal practice.

I’ve had my moments with doubt and comparison to other Pagans and Polytheists, in that I didn’t meet some imaginary standard I thought existed. It was comforting to read about their respective struggles in building their paths. I felt an underlying theme that paths can still be quite different from one another, but they are unified, in a sense, by their devotion to their Holy Powers.

It showed me that some monastics’ daily lives may follow a highly structured routine, while others’ are more fluid, based on time and life’s circumstances.

The personal question of being clergy and following a monastic path is one that keeps re-occurring in my mind. While the anthology hasn’t settled any future decisions for me, it provided clarity of what possibly defines monasticism in contrast to priesthood, a matter of “not-doing” and “doing” in regards to serving community.

My spiritual community is currently located online, so I serve it by offering prayer requests during my flamekeeping shifts and as an admin. That’s how I aid them while also helping Brighid. I have no idea how the concept of community might change for me, so it’ll be a matter of waiting and seeing.

Additionally, the adapatation of a couple Christian monastic practices offer some surprisingly meaningful ways to connect with nature and the elements (whatever system you prefer to use), as well as filtering out influences that may hamper spiritual routines.

My only criticism for the book is that I wish that it was longer, but that is a minor one. In fact, its brevity means there is room for more Polytheistic Monastic books to be written!

I recommend this anthology for any Polytheistic Monastics who are looking for inspiration to broaden their paths or Pagans and Polytheists who are curious about this diverse, developing branch of modern Polytheism and want to understand it better.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

https://bookshop.org/books/polytheistic-monasticism-voices-from-pagan-cloisters/9781789048919

A seasonal poem inspired by recent weather.

(Image description: A single, silhouetted tree stands in the foreground and is surrounded by mist. A line of trees and the rising sun are in the background, casting the sky in shades of pink and purple.) Credit: Photo by Dimitri Kolpakov on Unsplash

Poetry doesn’t always require deep imagery or meaning. It can convey a span of time, such as the course of a day. Imbolc is technically over, but I like to imagine Brighid is still traveling around and causing spring to stir. I can see Her taking time to smell the roses, even while working hard.

A Slow Spring Stroll

Spring is temperance,

a balance ‘tween

Your fire and water.

Some days,

You mantle’s hem

is trimmed in frosty lace.

Today’s look

is swathing mist,

gentle and sleepy.

A perfect day

to curl up with a book

and watch rain fall.

Or to cleanse

winter’s clutter

from the hearth.

Feisty winds

and shy sunbeams

further spring’s warmth.

Cold may have its turn again,

to usher people inside once more,

but such is the flow of the season.

You take Your time,

strolling along the path,

with spring an unhurried endeavor.

A poem inspired by past and recent events.

(On of the side of a building is a sign lit up with white, neon lettering, standing out against the night sky. The sign reads: Time is precious. Some of the building’s windows are darkened, while others are partially lit up.) Credit: Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash

It’s been a fairly eventful year of health concerns for myself and loved ones. I understand that diseases are a circumstance of the world and that Brighid is a source of healing and not of strife. However, I feel that life’s experiences can be likened to the transformation of a smith’s hammer, molding me into something else.

Slow Time

A while ago

I asked You,

What are you shaping me into?

Each event is a hammer’s ring,

a bit more taken off,

another edge smoothed.

Am I to be something stronger,

perhaps with some form or function?

Is the unknowing part of Your technique?

Will I be someone wiser, more understanding?

Will time be not taken for granted?

Will I have answers to these questions?

Each of these queries

is a sign in the dark,

both radiant and obscure.

It’s not any clearer now,

as it’s Slow Time,

a liminal period of uncertainty.

Days seem like weeks,

weeks like a month,

a year a long eternity.

Among the bright, happy sparks

and the darkened road of now,

I look to You.

With uncertainty on the horizon,

guide me to family and love,

lead me to where my heart should be.

Thoughts on making a breviary for personal use.

(Image description: A worn, antique book is held open by hands, which appear slightly out of focus in the dark.) Credit: Photo by Sergiu Vălenaș on Unsplash

While Imbolc is over, the festival’s themes of new beginnings are still relevant. Part of this theme is my desire to refocus on incorporating more monastic practices.

An important influence on how I view Polytheistic Monasticism is Oisín Doyle’s A New Monastic Way: Polytheistic Celtic Monasticism. In the book, the author summarizes that three main activities for a monastic path can be study, work, and prayer. The last one is the focus for this particular project I want to start.

When the word breviary comes to mind, one typically thinks of a sacred text with sets of prayers said at certain times of the day. These books will sometimes have ornate illustrations and calligraphy on some letters.

Now, the breviary I have in mind shares these qualities. A key aspect of my spirituality is finding joy in creativity and bringing it into the world. I suppose that these factors will make it have more in common with an art journal and function as a piece of devotional art.

I say formal prayers three times a day and use a digital device to store them on, but I would like a hard copy of the prayers I say. A leather journal I received as a gift some years ago is what I would like to use to record the prayers I say most often.

As for how it will be organized, I have an initial idea of including daily, occasional, and seasonal prayers. I also want to include offices for healing and the dead. Given Brighid’s connections to healing and keening, it’s appropriate for them to be there.

Some of the prayers I will be using pull from other sources. Some of those include the Clann Bhríde Book of Hours, some from the Carmina Gadelica, and my own prayers.

Depending on how much room these prayers take up, I will add in quotes or things that remind me of Brighid. While there will be some order to its pages, I want the breviary to develop organically, like nature does.

I hope to have the pages featuring different types of art media, but I will also have to keep the thicknesses of the media in mind while adding them to the pages. I don’t plan on having a table of contents to keep track of the sections, but I’ve had an idea of using a leather bookmark with different colored ribbons to indicate each portion.

There won’t be a rush to complete my breviary, as I want to enjoy taking my time while creating it. As I’ve said before, my spiritual journey is about gaining insight as I go, rather than any artistic destination I might have. As I go along, I aim to show the process as I make designs for the various prayers. I imagine some designs will be symbolic, while others will be more of a literal interpretation of the prayer’s contents.

I sometimes feel prayer is an underrated subject in Paganism and Polytheism. Prayers aren’t always the written or spoken words, but it can also be the art we create. They can take a myriad of forms, and this future breviary will be a small work of beauty with its pages, dedicated to Brighid as a series of visual prayers.

A poem for Brighid’s sacred holiday.

(Image description: A photo of a green, woven square with fringe. It is placed on a cloth with Celtic knotwork in two different shades of blue. A small acorn is next to the the woven piece. A couple tealight candles can be seen off to the left corner of the image.) Credit: My own work.

Imbolc is finally here! January has felt like it has dragged on for a while, but the first glimpses of spring are already happening. I have seen a few wildflowers popping up, despite the ground still appearing dormant.

This year’s festivities have been dialed back some, as the last half of the month have been fairly eventful. However, doing so is fine, as I’m not one for extravagant celebrations. Small observances of the festivals are just as valid as large ones.

I had a simple, hearty meal that reminds me of the change in seasons, a beef-vegetable stew and some bread. I left out some Brighid’s mantles I had received during past Imbolcs and placed my handmade Brighid doll in Her bed, showing Her hospitality.

Hospitality during Imbolc is offering Her something of value, indicating that Her presence is welcome. One of the offerings is this poem I wrote.

On Imbolc Morn

On Imbolc morn,

fair Brighid rises

from Her bed.

So dutifully made

by kind hands

and hospitable hearts.

Taking the birch wand,

imbued with potency

primacy-laden spark

Much like Ogma’s seven marked stave,

it lays the groundwork,

the call of rebirth and purification.

Out of the cold, dark earth,

warmth blossoms form the core

into each seed, each kernel.

Regrowth follows in the wake,

the sprouting from the blessed hem

of Her life-giving cloak.

The lowing of birth pangs tell

of sheep and kine pushing,

then of babies suckling.

Brighid crosses the land,

spreading threefold blessings

across the land, sea, and sky.

A seasonal poem inspired by etymology.

(Image description: A photo of a field of snowdrops lit up by a bright, distant light.) Credit: Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash

It’s now only a little over a week until Imbolc, and I decided to write a poem for the upcoming festival. I’ve been re-reading through Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s The House Witch. In one section, she explains how the word focus can be understood as fire, center, and hearth, to name a few of the meanings. It can also mean “point of convergence”. These are simple, yet poignant definitions, a richness that can be applied to poetry.

With Brighid’s complex connections to fire, focus embraces the essence of Her holiday, Imbolc. Pulling on the threads of a word and morphing it into something more felt very contemplative to me. I may have to experiment more with this method in the future.

The Focus of Spring

The Focus of Spring

the center,

the stirring

The tending of the fire,

the hearth burgeoning

with new life and promises

In the belly of the Earth

gestating, whispering

of the new hopes to come

Keeper of the Fire,

You stoke the embers

as you do the dreams.

Everything is fresh,

eyes closed in anticipation

hearts pulsing in excitement.

Dreams of running in fields

tasty food and milk for the young

the stirrings of restful joy

The sun’s trek

mirroring the flame

of the cthonic hearth

Gentle gazes of the sun

tendrils of flame

warming the body and spirit

The Focus of Life,

the brilliant flame,

is kindled with Your approach.

An Imbolc poem I pulled out of the archives.

(Image description: A field of dandelions. One dandelion stands slightly taller than the others and is white and puffy. In the distance, there are some trees, rolling hills, and an overcast sky.) Credit: Photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash

Imbolc is roughly a couple weeks away, and its approach is coming sooner than I’ve realized. I’ve finished the Brighid’s mantle and a Brighid’s cross I plan to give to the recipient. I’m very happy with the way they’ve turned out, and I will take some photos of them for you all to see around Imbolc.

I decided to pull a journal poem I had written to Brighid during Imbolc 2016 and share it here, with some small modifications for clarity purposes. It contains a series of epithets that felt appropriate for Her. Some of them are traditional, while others are my own creation. Some of them reflect old beliefs and current ones.

Epithet Poem

On Your day of fire,

I whisper Your many names

Exalted,

Fiery Arrow,

Shining Lady,

Wordsmith,

Starsmith,

Divine Spark,

First Snowdrop,

Foster-mother,

Confidant,

Soul Friend,

Beating of my heart,

The ring of a sacred hammer,

She of the Sunrise,

Celestial Queen,

Lady of Stars,

The Sower of the Tree of Life,

Primal One,

Daughter of an Dagda,

Woman of Weaving,

Woman of Keening,

Comforter of Many,

The Heart of the Hearth,

Healer,

Flame of Inspiration,

Bringer of Passion and Peace,

Mother of the Land,

Flower Maiden,

Honey-tongued,

Silver-tongued,

Great Woman,

Gentle Speaker,

Fire of Eternity,

Radiant Dandelion,

Your names could go on forever.

I only know a small part of who You are,

but I know You are here and everywhere.