“This World and the Other – Magical Stories with the Saint and the Goddess, Brigit” - Reading & Meditation with Mael Brigde

 

 

[Sun Among Stars] reflects the long and deep journey that Mael Brigde has made with Brigit in her many guises … [Her] journey is a deeply embodied one, reflecting insights gleaned during her studies which have become a living part of her. She encourages readers/students to grasp this possibility for themselves as they engage with the material.
 
This work offers a portal into the mysteries of Brigit and the possibility of readers grounding her qualities of compassion, courage, love, wisdom and fearlessness in their own unique ways in their current lives.
 
Thank you for this important and comprehensive work.
 
Dolores T. Whelan, author of Ever Ancient, Ever New – Celtic Spirituality in the 21st Century, and co-founder of Brigid's Way Celtic Pilgrimage

(I stumbled across this endorsement for my book a couple of days ago. I had written Dolores asking for an endorsement when she didn’t know me at all, and I was blown away by her response. It was she who invited me to read at the festival — thus blowing me even further away than before. Thank you, Dolores!)

🔥

As mentioned, I will be in Dundalk, Ireland on 1 February, as part of the Brigid of Faughart Festival and Brigit 1500, reading and leading brief meditations.

I wrote much of A Brigit of Ireland Devotional - Sun Among Stars, because I wanted a book of poems and prayers to help me become grounded when I sat down to be with Brigit, something that would help me recall the connection I have with her and prompt me to contemplate the different sides of her. When I dip into the book, it is usually in such moments. I light a candle, meditate, offer songs and a poem or two.

I decided that this was the way I wanted to present them to the folk who gather with me in Dundalk. To start with a centering meditation, and to offer the stories of Brigit as part of a larger contemplation. I am even trying to rub some of the rust off of my voice box so I can sing the parts of the meditation I normally would in the privacy of my room.

If you are able to join us that night, you would be very welcome. Please feel free to say hello afterward.

🐦‍⬛ 

The event will be held at 6 PM at the County Museum on Jocelyn Street. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Venue: County Museum Dundalk 8 Jocelyn St, Townparks, Dundalk 54°00′17″N 6°23′49″W

Book: A Brigit of Ireland Devotional - Sun Among Stars by Mael Brigde

Image: festival banner with the words “Brigid of Faughart Festival - Celebrating Brigid, Celtic Goddess & Matron of Ireland.” On one end is a mandala of rings of water and fire and plants, with a four-armed Brigit’s cross in the centre and a white hand holding it up. On the right is a painting of a white woman, half goddess and half saint, with fire and water and other designs surrounding her.

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Walking the Bounds

On Boxing Day I went for a walk, walking the bounds, as it were. Seeing the land I live on, with its buildings and beings and ways. I found myself able to let go of superficial observations like, ‘oh, I like this yard' and 'I wish they weren’t building that house here,' and just stay with what is instead of what I might prefer it to be. It transfigured the place for me.

Still, I can’t help noticing what a thing of beauty this place is. I picked across bulldozed land to get to the park, where mallards drifted about the unexpected pond, a gift of this season of rain.

Dandelions lifted bright faces to the world. I thought of Brigit and looked around for the pollinators. Mostly, the dandelions had no visitors; a fly supped on one. 

Bliss. 🐦‍⬛

Image: Kim Rivers-Kirby on Unsplash

Brigid of Faughart Festival 2024 (and Lucky Mael Brigde Gets to Go!)

 

I am very happy to be returning to Ireland next month to participate in the Brigid of Faughart festival. I've never had the chance to go to a Brigit festival before, and to get to celebrate her with others on the 1500th anniversary of St. Brigit’s death is very special. Thank you so much to Dolores Whelan for inviting me.

Here is a little snippet about the festival:

From Brigid of Faughart, Facebook page

11h  · Dundalk, Ireland  · 
The 2024 Brigid of Faughart Festival will run from Thursday 1st February, Brigid's Day, until Monday 5th February-the new Irish Bank Holiday in Honour of St.Brigid. In this special year marking the 1500th anniversary of her death, the festival will celebrate with a range of wonderful events including Wisdom Talks with authors Dolores Whelan and Manchan Magan, Canadian Poet and author Mael Brigde, Cross & Crios Making, My Brat Bhride Project, Pilgrimage, Tours at Faughart, Ritual and Poetry. A new Brigid poem has been commissioned from poet Siobhan Mac Mahon which will appear on a building in Dundalk during the festival! Full programme and booking details will be available in early January. A very Happy and peaceful Christmas to all our friends from the festival team.
— St Brigid's Shrine