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 Keeping me from ill and evil, Keeping me from death and doom, From malice and misfortune. Be the fiery sword of Bride Defending me from all black swarms. Be the shield of blessed Bride Protecting me from all sharp edges. Be the cloak of gentle Bride Encircling me. Be the compassing of Bride around me, Keeping me from hurt and harm, Keeping me from wound and woe, From darkness and despair. Be the compassing of Bride around me This day and every day, This night and every night.   The Caim of Bride (2) Be the cross of Bride between me and all bad spirits That move invisible. Be the cross of Bride between me and all ill, All ill-will and ill-mishap. Be the compassing of Bride around me, From every spectre, every evil, From every shame that harmful moves, In darkness, in power to hurt. Be the compassing of holy Bride Shielding me from every harm, Keeping me from every doom Coming towards me this day, Coming towards me this night. Be the fiery sword of Bride Defending me from all black swarms, Be the shield of blessed Bride Protecting me from all sharp edges, Be the cloak of gentle Bride Encircling me. Be the compassing of Bride about me, This day and every day, This night and every night.

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