The Brigid Flame

A candle flame or a burning fire is an universal symbol of the sacred. Many cultures, traditions and religions throughout history have held a perpetual flame. That means candle is lit from candle so the same flame endures, a fire is never allowed to grow cold. This is important in a number of ways. In the physical it ensures the community always has fire. Indeed it ensures the community endures, as a fire necessitates a fire keeper.

A fire elemental, a salamander, lives in the flame. As the flame grows years, centuries old the salamander matures into greater power. Angels and goddess' may be connected through meditation with the flame. The divine energy radiated by the fire may be drawn into one's heart and soul. Brigid's flame was kept alight by her sisters for a thousand years spanning druid and Christian times.

As far as we know this flame was extinguished in 1220 by command of the bishop, other sources suggest it was lost in the reformation. For certain, it continued to burn in the astral realm. In 1807 the Brigidine order of sisters were reformed within the Roman Catholic church. In 1993 sisters of the order re-lit the Brigid flame and they hold it in their monastery in Kildare. It has become beacon for human rights.

Brigid is far more than a saint within the Roman church of course. Women and men from many paths and traditions are inspired by Brigid and many live a life of devotion to her in their own way. Gathering together on the 1st and 2nd February in Glastonbury has become quite a tradition. At this time in 2005 a fire was rekindled in Brigid's name at the Beckery in Glastonbury in a ceremony honouring the spirit of the elements, the powers of nature and the Spirit of the land. A candle was lit from this fire and was held as a perpetual flame in first one and later a number of shrines. This flame is also held within the Brigid bower at the White Spring. Called the Brigid flame, as Brigid holds it so well, it is the flame of the universal cosmic consciousness, the fire of divine love.

The flame lights fires, some small, some immense at ceremonies and celebrations across the land. It lights the fire in the Brigid garden and that within the stone circle at Glastonbury festival and at other gatherings.

The flame is a living presence of the spirit of Brigid and a symbol of the divine love at the heart of a new community. A Celtic tribal way of life, an expression of Brigid's inspiration, her love of justice, generosity and magical powers. Her deep connection with the earth and the wheel of the seasons. Held within it is a renewal of Brigid's abbey inspired by the foundation in 6th century Ireland. The spirit of the wonderful woman at its head.

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