FAQ
1) Who Are We?
We are a group of men & women from all over the word who honor & are dedicated to the Celtic Goddess and/or The Catholic Saint - Brigid.
2) What Is Our Purpose?
Our purpose is to revive the old tradition of keeping Brigid's flame alive. Her eternal flame in Kildare symbolizes inspiration, healing & craftsmanship. We strive to create a bond with her legendery eternal flame as well as with her figure & stories in order to bring light & inspiration to our lives and the world itself. We also look to strengthen the bond we all share with Brigid, and we try to make the world a better place (as much as we can) through looking towards her and learning from her legends & stories.
3) Thats Great! So What Do You Do?
We work on a 19 day cycle, where on each day (24 hour period) a member tends to their own candle/fire in their house. A candle/fire that is only used for this purpose only - To symbolize Brigid's flame in Kildare, and to honor Brigid through it. Each member's shift begins at sundown and ends at sundown - Exactly as the old Celts counted their days.
4) A 24 hours shift? That means I have to watch a candle/fire for an entire day?
Nope. Obviously nobody expects you to have to stop your daily plans in order to tend to the candle/fire. However, we expect you to tend to it for as much as possible within the period of your shift. It can be anything from 10 minutes to an hour to 6 hours, etc. As long as you tend to it and honor Brigid in your name and in the name of our circle.
5) Tending to the candle/fire... So what exactly is that about?
This means that you take a candle - specifically dedicated to the use of Brigid's flame during your monthly shifts - light it once your shift has begun (or during it, depending of course on your daily schedule), and take a moment to bond with Brigid. Acknowlege that this candle is for her, and is symbolic of her fire in Kildare. You can offer her different offerings - Food, Drinks, etc. This is your time with her, but this also makes you part of our circle. You can pray, write poems or just be creative (celebrate her inspiration!), practice your healing skills, etc. Of course, all these are welcomed any day and whenever you have time, however during your shift - whenever a flame is lit, by a different member, he/she are calling onto Brigid and making it known to her that they are continuing the circle of her light, and are honoring her with this. Therefore, your shift is a magical & special time, one that allows you to bond more closely with Brigid in your own home & hearth.
6) So how do I get a candle?
Since we are not asking for any fees, we would appreciate if you got your own candle specifically for your shifts. We feel that you should choose the candle that speaks to you and that stands out in your eyes, and which could honor Brigid at best as you think it can. It doesnt matter what kind of candle you get - preferably white or yellow, which are symbolic of Brigid - Whether you buy it in a fancy store, or in a $ store.
7)So How do I know if this Circle is right for me?
Once you send in an application and are approved, you will enter a 3 month trial period. This doesnt mean much, only that you will begin tending and be part of the circle for 3 months - getting to know the members, trying out tending to Brigid's flame, seeing how the shifts work, etc. After these 3 months are up - You can choose wether you want to stay or wether this group is not for you, or simply if the cycle of tending and all that it involves is not right for you at the present time.
8)So once you have 19 members - Is applying to the group not an option?
Applying is welcomed all the time! We look to meet new people & share ideas and make our circle as wide as possible. Once more then 19 members join, we simply open another circle of 19 people. That way, we have several circles (all part of Reul Iuil Brigdhe) tending to Brigid's flame at the same time. Adjustments will be made according to the number of members present untill more members join and the numbers will balance out to 19 members per circle. We are currently very small, still - Please feel free to apply!
9)I am not Pagan, but I do honor Brigid as the Catholic Saint. Can I still join?
Of course you can. Each member is part of this circle because they share a bond with Brigid - no matter what form it may be. We look to share this bond and learn from each member. Your religous path does not make a difference. Anyone, from any spiritual path is welcomed always.
10) What are the restrictions regarding acceptance to the Circle?
There are no set restrictions, we evaluate each person by their application as well as 3 month trial period. However, we only accept persons who are over18 years old.
If you have anymore questions please feel free to email us!
