Brighid: Goddess of The Flame

I’ve always found it to be interesting that some deities are more likely to make themselves known to you more quickly than others. In my case, Cernunnos was the deity that first welcomed me into paganism. While I had a feeling Brighid was near, the Goddess of The Flame was slower in her approach.

Who is Brighid?

Brighid is quite prominent in many different cultures and a few different theologies/mythologies. She is known by many names: Bride, Brigantia, St. Brigid, Brigit, Brigid, and Brighid. Her name means ‘Exalted One’ in Gaelic. If you are a Catholic, you most likely have heard of St. Brigid of Kildare. She is the Patroness Saint of Ireland and was the Abbess of the Kildare Abbey. If you are a Pagan, your tradition probably knows her best as Brighid or Bride, the Goddess of the hearth, smithcraft, poetry, healing, and the flame.

Hearing The Call

The Goddess of The Flame can be encountered in many ways. For me, she existed on the sidelines of my practice for a decent amount of time. I felt her support, but I didn’t really hear her call until I moved into becoming a contemplative. The flame she holds is what draws us toward her, like a light in the darkness. I chose to follow slowly, which is precisely what I was asked to do.

Some of what we know about Brighid isn’t clear. Her origins lack a lot of historical evidence, but she still remains a significant figure thousands of years later. Why? Well, there’s something that exists in her story and mythology that means much more to us than historical accuracy. This we can be sure of: When Brighid calls and we choose to follow, she becomes one of the best spiritual allies and teachers we could hope for.

Monastic Implications

While there are many different Monasteries and Abbeys devoted to St. Brigid around the world, they are mostly of Catholic or Celtic Christian origin. While Pagan Monasticism has existed in one form or another for thousands of years without being recognized as being ‘monastic’, modern Pagan Monasticism tends to keep Brighid as a central figure of devotion in many traditions.

As a Monk, I took my vows at Beltane of this year, 2023. They were the vows of Obedience (to person Awen), Simplicity, and Stability. During the profession of my vows, it wasn’t surprising that Brighid’s presence was felt. From working with her through this year, I’m quite convinced that she is quite interested in monastic and contemplative work.

Flamekeeper of The Goddess of The Flame

Just recently, I became a Flamekeeper for Brighid, The Goddess of The Flame. In Ord Brighideach, an order of devotees of Brighid from various traditions, there exists 18 cills (cells). Each cill has a cycle of 20 days and they run consecutively to one another. A Flamekeeper takes one of those days (a vigil from the 1st day of the cycle until the 19th day of the cycle) in one of the cills and tends the flame from 7pm on the day of the assigned vigil until 7pm the following day. On the 20th day, Brighid tends the flame.

While my four daily offices bring my working with Brighid into a constant and consistent flow, the addition of tending Her flame with many other Flamekeepers is yet another step toward deeper connection with Her.

A Song To Brighid

The video above is a devotional song by Dave Smith (Damh The Bard) that not only tells her story but ushers the influence of Brighid into the springtime (around the time of Imbolc). It is one of the best songs I’ve heard dedicated to Brighid and it’s not surprising that It’s come from, in my opinion, the best voice in Pagan music.

It’s important to note that I connect more closely with Brighid around Samhain. To me, she is a Goddess of warmth and of contemplation. It’s true that I still feel her around the time of Imbolc, but my personal connection with her is strengthened around this time of the year.

Prayers to The Goddess of The Flame

Morning Prayer For One

Brighid, guardian of the eternal flame,

In your sacred presence, I find strength.

Embrace me in silent understanding,

Guide me with your enduring wisdom.

In the quiet, I seek connection,

Your fire warms my soul, your courage grounds me.

Let my spirit be a vessel for your light,

Always, Brighid, in reverence and love.

Morning or Evening Prayer For One or Many

Brighid, keeper of the sacred well,

Lady Brighid, hear our prayer.

Surround us with your protective light,

Lady Brighid, hear our prayer.

Grant us clarity with your flame of inspiration,

Lady Brighid, hear our prayer.

Bestow upon us the peace of your healing sanctuary,

Lady Brighid, hear our prayer.

In the stillness, let us find strength and renewal,

Lady Brighid, hear our prayer.

Lead us to walk with reverence on our shared path,

Lady Brighid, hear our prayer.

Answering The Call

Walking the path of Brighid, The Goddess of The Flame, isn’t just a practice but a profound journey that taps into ancient rhythms and a wisdom that transcends time. Her flame, a beacon of inspiration and warmth, has become a central part of my daily rituals and contemplative practices, guiding me with a gentle but potent presence. As the wheel of the year turns and Samhain casts its introspective shadow, my connection with Brighid deepens, her flame burning ever brighter as a symbol of endurance through the darkening days.

So, have you felt the subtle pull of Brighid in your own life?

What warmth and wisdom might her eternal flame kindle in the hearth of your soul?