TeaDrinking_LilMischief

Excerpt from “Tending Brigid’s Flame” by Lunaea Weatherstone

This prayer litany can be done all at once or over nineteen nights. You can offer one prayer each night or do it “Twelve Days of Christmas” style: on the first night, offer Flame 1′s prayer, on the second night offer the prayers for Flames 1 and 2, and so on until on the last night you offer all nineteen. However you get there, when you’ve lit that final flame, remember that Brigid holds the twentieth flame, which is eternal.

Flame 1: Wisdom

Brigid of brightness, I bid thee welcome, Brigid of blessing, come thou in. Brigid of strength, I bid thee welcome, This night and every night, this day and every day.

Flame 2: Hearth and Household

Brigid of the threshold, come thou in, Brigid of the hearthfire, take your ease, Brigid of the cook-pot, sup with us, Brigid of all comforts, live in our hearts.

Flame 3: Ancestors

Ancestors all, I embody your legacy, Ancestors all, I ask for your blessing, Ancestors all, I offer Brigid’s flame To light the needfires of deep memory.

Flame 4: Flamekeeper

Brigid of the timeless flame, bless your [children]: Those who keep the circle bright, Those whose faith has never failed, Those who keep your name ablaze.

Flame 5: Healing

Brigid of the holy waters, Brigid of the soothing hand, Brigid of the miracles, Touch me with healing.

Flame 6: Poetry

Brigid of lore, deepen my understanding, Brigid of bards, increase my eloquence, Brigid of poetry, lead me to beauty, Brigid of word and beauty of thought.

Flame 7: Courage

Brigid of the golden shield, Brigid of courage, Brigid of the sunbeam, Increase thou my trust.

Flame 8: Righteous Causes

Brigid, lend your righteous sword To those who work for justice, To those who speak the truth, To those who seek a better world.

Flame 9: The Oppressed

In the name of Brigid, who empowers the oppressed, In the name of Brigid, who released the enslaved, In the name of Brigid, who lifts up the downtrodden, May all her people be honored and free.

Flame 10: Children

Brigid the midwife, bless every birth, Brigid foster mother, protect every child, Brigid of springtime, bestow on each childhood The innocence of wonder and the magic of joy.

Flame 11: Women’s Causes

Mighty Brigid, your keening women call to you: Strengthen our voice, Strengthen our resolve, Strengthen our sisterhood.

Flame 12: The Earth

Brigid, preserve this planet, The stones and the seas and the skies. Brigid, spread your green mantle For the greening of the earth.

Flame 13: Animals

Brigid, protect the earth’s animals, The fish and the beasts and the bird. Brigid, shelter your creatures As your sheep shelter lambs from the wind.

Flame 14: Water

Brigid of the clear dewdrop, Brigid of the pure wellspring, Brigid of the pool of knowledge, Teach us to honor the gift of water.

Flame 15: Creativity

Bright Brigid, flame of creation, Kindle my enthusiasm, Fire up my passion, Ignite my imagination.

Flame 16: Nourishment

Brigid of the overflowing milk, Brigid of the good brown loaf, Brigid of the endless butter, May all beings be nourished.

Flame 17: Peace

Peace of the swan and peace of the [cattle], Peace of the hearth and peace of the open door, Peace between neighbors and peace between nations, The deep peace of Brigid within.

Flame 18: Gratefulness

Brigid, I thank thee three-times-three: For my birth, my body, my spirit, For my kin, my clan, my tribe, For my home, my work, my knowledge of thee.

Flame 19: The Three Flames of Brigid

May the hearthfire of welcome warm me, May the temple fire of faith sustain me, May the forge fire of change strengthen me, And Brigid’s love encompass me, now and evermore.

Warning: this post contains a fair amount of UPG (they will be italicized). He seems to like it when I give Him certain things that aren’t necessarily mentioned in the sparse history we have on him. So, it’s really just a list of my successes through trial and error.

Coins. Particularly valuable ones. Don’t be stingy. He’s a god of wealth and finances. He’ll pay you back with interest.

Oak leaves and pine cones. He’s also associated with the Wilds. Outdoorsy things are nice to have.

Antlers. Loves them. Probably because…you know, the antlers.

Sex and/or pleasure. …What? He’s got fertility too. He is a god of many colors. But gods typically associated with fertility approve of consent and pleasure. If it’s not fun for you, it’s not fun for Him. Make sense. Oh goodness, I’m a little red. Let’s move on.

Flower crowns. This is a recent discovery. I have no idea why He loves it so much. Real or fake flowers seem to work just as well, either way.

Trees. This one is a bit complicated, I guess. Whether you buy a baby tree or just use one in your yard, simply dedicate it to Him. Bring offerings and things to the base of the tree. Nurture it. Love it. It basically becomes an outdoor shrine/altar.

Wine. I didn’t find anything that says this was a common offering to Cernunnos specifically, back in the day. So, I’ll just put it in as UPG just in case. But good, red wine is a pretty nice gift on occasion.

Food. I’m pretty sure this is a jack of all trades type offering. Everyone likes food. Just a matter of preference. Cernunnos is a hunter so, venison, rabbit, some kind of game bird, etc. These are all good to give. Best done with outdoor shrines. And don’t worry about stray dogs or scavengers coming around and eating it. I was told that that was just one way the gods accept offerings. Maybe not do it too often, though. Wouldn’t want to develop a problem with the local coyotes, now would we?

Hunting weapons. You don’t have to actually use them for hunting, but the sentiment is nice. Personally, I’m saving up to get Him a bow. I plan on giving him an offering out of the first buck I kill. 

Animal Pelts. Following previous logic, dear pelts and things make lovely altar cloths. 

Bones. He’s got life and death in His jurisdiction too. Skulls are probably a favorite of mine to give.

Aside from the usual things that pretty much every being likes, this is about it. At least, from what I’ve gathered through research and experiments. Pretty much anything you gather from outside, with respect to nature, is good in His book. Also, I feel I should probably mention that not everyone who worships Cernunnos has to go out hunting every season. It’s not for everyone. So, no pressure.

Rest in Peace our Half-Blood Prince, Alan Rickman 21 February 1946 - 14 January 2016 (via wittyhistorian)