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The Caim or Sanctuary of Brigit
"Caim (encompassing), is a form of safeguarding common in the west. The encompassing of any of the Three Persons of the Trinity, or of the Blessed Virgin, or of any of the Apostles or any of the saints may be invoked according to the faith of the suppliant. In making the caim the suppliant stretches out the right hand with the forefinger extended, and turns round sunwise as if on a pivot, describing a circle with the tip of the forefinger whilst invoking the required protection. The circle encloses the suppliant and accompanies him as he walks onward, safeguarded from all evil, without and within. Protestant or Catholic, educated or illiterate, may make the caim in fear, danger, or distress...." So writes Alexander Carmichael in his notes to The Carmina Gadelica. This sanctuary or circle of protection may be made whilst invoking Brigit, or Bride (another version of her name). By encompassing yourself in this way you are enclosed by and in touch with her protective power wherever you are, wherever you go; safeguarded from harm - inner or outer, material or spiritual, physical or psychic. Below are two invocations you may like to use or adapt as you wish. I've based them on similar invocations in the Carmina Gadelica, and a piece in the Irish St Broccan's Hymn.
The Caim of Bride Be the
compassing of Bride around me
Be the
compassing of Bride around me, Be the
compassing of Bride around me
The Caim of Bride (2) Be the cross of
Bride between me and all bad spirits Be the
compassing of Bride around me, Be the
compassing of holy Bride Be the fiery
sword of Bride Be the
compassing of Bride about me, Hilaire Wood
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Blessing the Rushes for making a Brigit's Cross
I ask for your blessing, Brigit,
Moving rightways
with the sun
I ask for the
blessing of the
Three Hilaire Wood 1999
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Traditionally the rushes were not cut but picked by hand on 31st January, the night before St Brigit's Day. They were blessed and the crosses were made in a sunwise direction, from left to right. They were sometimes placed in the eaves of the roof, or in the cattle-byre or by the hearth to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Click here for instructions on how to make a four-armed Brigit's Cross.
Rune of Writing by Sarras Heather, Ord Brighideach, Cill Cuileann, 5th Watch
Eloquence of Brighid
(Note from the
Author: This one
really does
always help me
write. It's
original,
but I based it on a healing prayer in the Carmina Gadelica. I picked the specific gifts to lean toward areas I'm weakest in. Anyone else who wants to use it might retool it accordingly.)
The Descent of Bride
The genealogy of the
holy maiden Bride,
Every day and every
night
No
fire, no sun, no moon shall burn me,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"May the beacon
of your flame show us a path to peace that all
may follow"
Prayer for Peace
Hilaire Wood 12.9.01
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Invocation of the Light I kindle this little light I dedicate it to the Service of the Spirit
I guard and cherish
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
extract from St Patrick's Breastplate or The Deer's Cry
I arise today,
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