My name is Treesong, and I am a Keeper of the Flame of Brighid. This page describes my thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to Brighid. After reading this, you may have a better understanding of why I decided to create an online shrine to this Irish Goddess! If you have anything to share about this page or Brighid in general, let me know!

Meeting Brighid
Threefold Flame of Brighid
Keening

Meeting Brighid

I first discovered Brighid in the Summer of 2003 as a part of my studies in Divine Mysteries Coven. The exact nature of these studies is for Candidates and Initiates to discover; suffice it to say that I was searching for a deeper understanding of the Divine.

Brighid was the first Goddess who I came across who possesses both the warrior and the healer aspects that I was looking for. Also, I have Irish ancestry and a strong interest in Irish spirituality. So, even though Brighid is known by many names in many cultures, her role as an Irish Goddess captivated my imagination. At a time when I was still getting used to the very concept of deities, Brighid was there to initiate me into the many lessons and mysteries that I would soon encounter in my work with the Goddess and the God.

Ever since those days, Brighid has been my matron deity. I've worked with many other deities, and will continue to work with more in the future. But she will always have a special place in my heart and my life.

Threefold Flame of Brighid

Flame of the Forge, and its power of creation and transformation. Flame of Poetry, and its power of inspiration and illumination. Flame of Healing, and its power of life and love.

In my own way, I feel a relationship with each of these fires.

One aspect of Brighid's fire is the fire of the forge. On one hand, I don't literally work with metals in a forge. On the other hand, Brighid is also a Goddess of other crafts, especially those with a similar fiery energy. As a Webcrafter and avid computer user, I apply Brighid's fire to the tools of the 21st century in order to forge my creations. This forge fire is also associated with Warriors. Brighid is a protectress of Warriors who pursue righteous causes. As a nonviolent revolutionary, I often struggle in my own ways for the causes near and dear to my heart. And I must say that it is quite a comfort to know that Brighid is with me as I face powerful opponents in these struggles.

Another aspect of Brighid's fire is the fire of the hearth. Before the dawn of modern technology, the hearth fire was a matter of life or death in colder climates. As a raw foodist, I no longer use fire to cook my food. However, I do use fire to keep myself warm in cold climates, and I definitely use the inner fires of healing and transformation.

The third aspect of Brighid's fire is the fire in the head. Since before I even knew Brighid, I have felt the fires of poetry and philosophy burning brightly in my heart and mind. There are simply no words for the ferocity of the passion that burns in my blood when I embrace these poetic fires of inspiration. These fires are all-consuming. They're not something that happens to me; rather, they're something that I am. If you've ever seen the role that this inspiration plays in my life, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Many people who know me may be surprised to hear me carrying on so much about Fire energy and a Goddess who brings the gift of Fire. My name, Treesong, speaks to my easily recognized relationship with the elements of Earth and Air. Under most circumstances, I tend to be calm and reflective rather than consumed by fiery outbursts. Where is the fire in my life?

To this, I have three responses. First of all, Brighid is also a Goddess of springs and healing waters. These waters are the gift that grant me the calm that I enjoy in my peaceful moments. Second, even though I've had my fair share of good fortune in this life, my inner journey has been filled with turmoil that often left me retreating into the fire in my head rather than the ones in my forge or hearth. Third, mine is a fire fuelled by the deep heat of red-hot coals rather than the quick consumption of light fuel. I usually don't feel a need to flaunt my fire by flaring up in short-lived outbursts. Instead, I carry the fire of Brighid close to my heart, knowing that its strong and steady heat will never fail me. If you ever see me in my role as a defender or protector, you'll have little doubt that a Flame burns brightly in my heart and mind.

Keening

I've come to appreciate Brighid's role as the mother of keening.

When her son Ruadan died in battle, she went to the battlefield to mourn his loss. Her soulful wailing was so powerful and moving that from that day forward, the people of Ireland practiced keening [loud wails of mourning] at the loss of a loved one.