Writing Brigit


Writing Brigit

Many years ago I wrote my first Brigit prayer. Poem. Blessing... I have been writing them ever since, but seldom publish them. Some are carefully researched and crafted, some are simple and straight from the heart. (Belated update: I did eventually publish a book called A Brigit of Ireland Devotional - Sun Among Stars. It contains many of my Brigit poems and prayers, essays, and resources.)

The prayers and blessings of my sisters in the Daughters of the Flame and other Brigit-loving women and men, living and long-dead, fill me with surprise and delight, as well.

I would like to share some of these writings with you.

Following is the one that signs off each of my emails, a reminder to guide my words and intentions with care when I write to anyone. It's as good a place to start as any.


Flame Offering

In the name of the three Brigits

I light the candle of my heart

May I offer it to everyone

gentle and steady

warm and bright



04 February 2023

“Imbolg” by Geraldine Moorkens Byrne

 


Imbolg

 

She is cloaked in moments

glittering gems of rescued time

on a gauze of twilight, in

the grand stretch of an evening

 

Her eyes bring light to the day

green as a new bud fighting

for life beneath hard cold soil

reaching to greet the silvered dawn

 

Her voice is the poetry of the wind

metred in short stanzas

the breath of new life and fresh air

as we call her into our homes

 

She perfumes the air with smoke

burning it clean from the winter's decay

It is a prayer to her, a blessing

curling itself into the corners.

 

O! Brìd. You are the one that we need

You are the dream that we cherished

in the dark and the lean

in the belly of the turning year

 

 

 

 

Copyright: Geraldine Moorkens Byrne 2023

Image: by Geraldine Moorkens Byrne on Flickr, February 8, 2009.

01 February 2023

“Blessing on Brigit's Eve” by Mael Brigde

 


Blessing on Brigit's Eve

 

May she bless you in everything you do

 

May you be peaceful, safe, well, and happy

May all of your losses and all of your gains

   be tempered by her healing hand

May she help you build your life and world

   with her smith's understanding

May she help you find the words

   and meanings of your life

   with her poet's heart





 



Image: a small beeswax candle, shaped as an open flower. Photo by Mael Brigde.