Joyful Aspen

As the Arizona sun drops below the horizon, I light a candle, its flame flickering in the encroaching dusk. This is a sacred act, an ancient ritual, an echo of the priestesses of Kildare who once tended an eternal flame in honor of the Celtic goddess Brigid. Today, I continue this tradition, not as a priestess but as a man. This is my duty as a Flamekeeper for Brigid.

Goddess Brigid Becomes a Saint

Brigid, or Brighid, is an influential figure in Celtic mythology, a member of the Tuatha De Danann, embodying the aspects of a triple goddess – the healer, the poet, and the smith. Her domains include healing, inspiration, poetry, and arts and crafts, especially blacksmithing. She is a beacon of light in the darkness, a protector of those in need, and an inspirational muse for those seeking artistic and spiritual enlightenment. For me personally, she protects our health and home and is a warrior for social justice.

She is also Saint Brigid of Kildare, revered in Christian traditions. Saint Brigid is one of Ireland’s patron saints. Her transition from goddess to saint is a perfect example of the syncretism that often occurs when different cultures and religious traditions intersect. Much of the mythology surrounding the goddess Brigid was integrated into the lore of Saint Brigid, making her a pivotal figure in both Pagan and Christian traditions.

Tending Her Flame

The practice of Flamekeeping is a form of devotional work dedicated to Brigid. It’s an act of caretaking, a commitment to keep a flame, literal or metaphorical, burning for a designated time. This practice historically originates from the ancient priestesses in Kildare, Ireland, who maintained a perpetual flame in Brigid’s honor.

Typically, each Flamekeeper tends a flame for nineteen days, passing on the responsibility to another keeper on the twentieth day. This cycle mirrors the ancient Celtic calendar, which operated on a 19-year cycle, aligning lunar and solar events. Alternatively, the cycle can be shared amongst a group of Flamekeepers, each tending her flame for one night and then passing the flame to another Flamekeeper at the next sunset. Brigid tends to herself on the 20th day to re-energize her fire. Through this practice, Brigid’s sacred fire is never extinguished, serving as a physical testament to her continuous presence and influence.

The flame I tend every 20 days symbolizes her eternal presence and influence, a bridge between the divine and mundane worlds. But more than that, it represents a personal journey of transformation and growth.

Male Keeper of Her Flame

Historically, Flamekeeping was a role fulfilled by women, but this is not a path exclusive to them. At its core, the practice exercises compassion, nurturing, and commitment—universal human virtues that transcend gender boundaries. As a man embracing this traditionally feminine practice, I’ve embarked on self-reflection and introspection, fostering a deeper understanding of the balance between the so-called ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ energies within myself.

For me, Flamekeeping is an act of surrender, a lesson in patience, and a school for resilience. As I tend the flame, I am reminded of its dual nature—creator and destroyer. It teaches me how to handle a force that can nourish, nurture, consume, and obliterate. This understanding prompts me to explore similar dualities within myself—strength and softness, action and rest, giving and receiving.

In nurturing the flame, I’ve grown to embrace its values and energies. I’ve learned to honor the virtues of compassion and empathy, which enrich my life and those of others. The flame illuminates my path, casting shadows and bringing light, showing me that vulnerability and courage coexist within the same heart and that strength doesn’t preclude gentleness.

As a Flamekeeper, I am continually learning to embody the aspects of Brigid—her healing touch, poetic insight, and creative spirit. In doing so, I’m transcending societal definitions of masculinity and redefining my spiritual identity. I am not just a guardian of Brigid’s flame but also a smith shaping my soul, a poet narrating my spiritual journey, and a healer attending to the wounds of my past. This practice is a dance with the divine flame, a choreography that demands attentiveness, discipline, and, most importantly, authenticity.

Through Flamekeeping, I’ve discovered a language of devotion and spirituality that speaks to my heart. This practice provides a dialogue with the divine, a conversation kindled and kept alive by the flame of Brigid. It’s a gentle reminder that spirituality is not the sole province of either gender—it’s a process of finding balance, embracing transformation, and lighting the way toward understanding and accepting the self.

There is an inherent beauty and spiritual growth derived from the act of devotion itself. Regardless of gender, the commitment to keeping the flame can inspire a sense of awe and wonder, a deeper connection to the divine, and a greater understanding of the cyclical nature of existence. The lessons learned, and the wisdom gained from Flamekeeping are universal, tapping into the core of our shared human experience.

Ultimately, being a male Flamekeeper for Brigid isn’t about challenging norms or breaking barriers. It’s about understanding that the divine flame within us recognizes no gender—it simply seeks to shine, warm, illuminate, and inspire. As I tend to my flame, I am not just a man, not just a Flamekeeper—I am a soul dancing with the divine, eternally transformed by the sacred light of Brigid.