{"id":26225,"date":"2022-06-01T01:10:13","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T05:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=26225"},"modified":"2022-05-27T20:11:05","modified_gmt":"2022-05-28T00:11:05","slug":"book-review-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2022\/06\/01\/book-review-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review – Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess, Edited by Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella"},"content":{"rendered":"

Book Review
\n<\/b><\/span><\/span>Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess
\n<\/b><\/span><\/span>Edited by Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella
\n<\/b><\/span><\/span>Published by Weiser Books
\n<\/b><\/span><\/span>256 Pages
\n<\/b><\/span><\/span>Published: March 2022<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBrigid is a shapeshifter. As a goddess, she takes many forms: as a woman of various ages from girl to crone, as a serpent, as a pillar of fire, and as a woman with flames emanating from her head. Sometimes she appears as a single being, but she may also take the form of a triplicity, or as three sisters. Brigid seems able to take on the spiritual characteristics most needed and most accessible to her devotees…\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/em>\u00b9<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess<\/em> is an anthology of writings in devotion to the Celtic Goddess Brigid. The title is carefully curated and edited by Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella and boasts a \u201cwho\u2019s who\u201d of contributors including Amy Blackthorn, Annwyn Avalon, H. Byron Ballard, Laura Tempest Zakroff, Mary-Grace Fahrun, Raven Morgaine, Courtney Weber and many other leading figures of the Pagan community.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess<\/em> is separated into six (6) parts and is rich in content, providing the reader with personal accounts of Brigid\u2019s gifts in their life as well as recipes to use for celebrations honoring Her, poetry, prayers, invocations, and more.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The formatting of these sections allows the reader to flow easily through The Many Faces of Brigid<\/em> (Part I), The Goddess in Nature<\/em> (Part II), Ritual Practices and Prayers<\/em> (Part III), Goddess of Hearth and Home<\/em> (Part IV), Mothers and Daughters<\/em> (Part V) and rounds the content with The Circle of Life and Death<\/em> (Part VI). Each portion provides the reader with a deep dive into the many attributes and connections to Brigid that may be forged (no pun intended-LOL). Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess<\/em> has photos and illustrations thoughtfully placed throughout; some are pictures of the writers\u2019 ancestors, mothers and grandmothers. Each of the writings is poignant in its telling and offers a deeply personal perspective of the blessings of Brigid and the impact of her presence on the many she has touched.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the many writings that called to me was \u201cBrigid of the Stars\u201d<\/em> by contributor Maria Jones:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThrough Brigid\u2019s gift of astrology. We are able to uncover how we may best be of service to her, and to humanity itself, as we move through these times of change. Within the twelve archetypes, or houses, of the zodiac, we see the many faces of Brigid reflected back at us\u2026\u201d<\/em> \u00b2<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ms. Jones moves through each of the Houses and their signs of the Zodiac and provides her interpretation of Brigid\u2019s energies through each. Using the reader\u2019s natal birth chart\u2019s information of Sun, Moon and Ascendant zodiacal signs the reader gains insight into how to use the various gifts of Brigid as expressed through the lens of the Zodiac. In my case, Aquarius (Sun), Scorpio (Moon) and Gemini (Ascendant) were the signs of focus and I am looking forward to using my newly gained information in adding another layer to my spiritual practice. Oh, and did I mention that my birthday is on Imbolc? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I also enjoyed \u201cWalking Brigid\u2019s Path – A Tarot Spread,\u201d<\/em> contributed by Nancy Hendrickson\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWalking Brigid\u2019s Path is a tarot spread that creates a connection between you and the many faces of the goddess. Whoever appears in your spread is the Brigid you are most called to work with at this time\u2026\u201d<\/em> \u00b3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The spread is crafted with seven (7) cards and aligns with: Fire (Spirit), Healer (Spirit), Warrior (Spirit), Craft, Gift, Path and Blessing. This was a wonderful way to connect with Deity and although it was designed for the goddess, Brigid, it could equally be used for other Deities. There is so much packed into this title that at its ending the reader feels as though they have journeyed to Ireland, stood at Brigid\u2019s well, felt her eternal presence and been enfolded in the arms of warrior, healer, creatrix and the many epithets that grace Brigid\u2019s devotion.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Would I Recommend:
\nBrigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess<\/em> is a title that can serve equally as introduction to Brigid and devotional for those to dive deeply into for those who work with Her changing faces. With 73 writings, there is something that everyone, regardless of deity affiliation can find inspiration from. This is a title I will be returning to frequently.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Notes:
\n1. From the Publisher
\n2. Pg. 23
\n3. Pg. 75<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the editors: Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella
\nCairelle Crow\u00a0has walked a goddess path for more than thirty years, exploring, learning, and growing. She is a priestess, genealogist, wanderess of wild and holy places, and co-foundress of the Sanctuary of Brigid and its flame-keeping circle, Sisters of the Flame. She lectures locally, nationally, and internationally on the blending of genealogy with magic and, through her company Sacred Roots, is dedicated to connecting magical people to their ancestral truths.\u00a0When she\u2019s not roaming the world in search of grandmothers, quirky art, and stone circles, Cairelle is home in New Orleans, where she lives joyfully, loves intensely, and laughs frequently with beloved family and friends. You can find her online at\u00a0www.cairellecrow.com.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Laura Louella\u00a0is a priestess, certified Pilates\u00a0instructor committed to teaching the strength that lies within, and the owner of Goddess Pilates, where she blends the art of sacred movement with the beauty of the goddess. She is also the co-foundress of the Sanctuary of Brigid and its flame-keeping circle, Sisters of the Flame. Many days, you can find her tending her garden, taking long walks through the forest, sitting by the river, or creating a quilt on her 1936 Featherweight Singer sewing machine. Laura lives in the Cascade Mountains of northern California.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Brigid’s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

About the author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>is an Elder within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>C<\/a>oven of the Mystic Path<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span>, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nAs a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: <\/span><\/span><\/span>A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>. <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span><\/span>Teachings on the Path with Robin.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span> <\/u><\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span>providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Review Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess Edited by Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella Published by Weiser Books 256 Pages Published: March 2022     \u201cBrigid is a shapeshifter. As a goddess, she takes many forms: as a woman of various ages from girl to crone, as a serpent, as a pillar of fire, and as a woman with flames emanating from her head. Sometimes she appears as a single being, but she may also take the form of a triplicity, or as three sisters. Brigid seems able to take on the spiritual characteristics most needed and most accessible to her devotees…\u201d \u00b9 Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess is an anthology of writings in devotion to the Celtic Goddess Brigid. The title is carefully curated and edited by Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella and boasts a \u201cwho\u2019s who\u201d of contributors including Amy Blackthorn, Annwyn Avalon, H. Byron Ballard, Laura Tempest Zakroff, Mary-Grace Fahrun, Raven Morgaine, Courtney Weber and many other leading figures of the Pagan community. Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess is separated into six (6) parts and is rich in content, providing the reader with personal accounts of Brigid\u2019s gifts in their life as well as recipes to use for celebrations honoring Her, poetry, prayers, invocations, and more. The formatting of these sections allows the reader to flow easily through The Many Faces of Brigid (Part I), The Goddess in Nature (Part II), Ritual Practices and Prayers (Part III), Goddess of Hearth and Home (Part IV), Mothers and Daughters (Part V) and rounds the content with The Circle of Life and Death (Part VI). Each portion provides the reader with a deep dive into the many attributes and connections to Brigid that may be forged (no pun intended-LOL). Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess has photos and illustrations thoughtfully placed throughout; some are pictures of the writers\u2019 ancestors, mothers and grandmothers. Each of the writings is poignant in its telling and offers a deeply personal perspective of the blessings of Brigid and the impact of her presence on the many she has touched. One of the many writings that called to me was \u201cBrigid of the Stars\u201d by contributor Maria Jones: \u201cThrough Brigid\u2019s gift of astrology. We are able to uncover how we may best be of service to her, and to humanity itself, as we move through these times of change. Within the twelve archetypes, or houses, of the zodiac, we see the many faces of Brigid reflected back at us\u2026\u201d \u00b2 Ms. Jones moves through each of the Houses and their signs of the Zodiac and provides her interpretation of Brigid\u2019s energies through each. Using the reader\u2019s natal birth chart\u2019s information of Sun, Moon and Ascendant zodiacal signs the reader gains insight into how to use the various gifts of Brigid as expressed through the lens of the Zodiac. In my case, Aquarius (Sun), Scorpio (Moon) and Gemini (Ascendant) were the signs of focus and I am looking forward to using my newly gained information in adding another layer to my spiritual practice. Oh, and did I mention that my birthday is on Imbolc? I also enjoyed \u201cWalking Brigid\u2019s Path – A Tarot Spread,\u201d contributed by Nancy Hendrickson\u2026 \u201cWalking Brigid\u2019s Path is a tarot spread that creates a connection between you and the many faces of the goddess. Whoever appears in your spread is the Brigid you are most called to work with at this time\u2026\u201d \u00b3 The spread is crafted with seven (7) cards and aligns with: Fire (Spirit), Healer (Spirit), Warrior (Spirit), Craft, Gift, Path and Blessing. This was a wonderful way to connect with Deity and although it was designed for the goddess, Brigid, it could equally be used for other Deities. There is so much packed into this title that at its ending the reader feels as though they have journeyed to Ireland, stood at Brigid\u2019s well, felt her eternal presence and been enfolded in the arms of warrior, healer, creatrix and the many epithets that grace Brigid\u2019s devotion. Would I Recommend: Brigid\u2019s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess is a title that can serve equally as introduction to Brigid and devotional for those to dive deeply into for those who work with Her changing faces. With 73 writings, there is something that everyone, regardless of deity affiliation can find inspiration from. This is a title I will be returning to frequently. Notes: 1. From the Publisher 2. Pg. 23 3. Pg. 75 About the editors: Cairelle Crow and Laura Louella Cairelle Crow\u00a0has walked a goddess path for more than thirty years, exploring, learning, and growing. She is a priestess, genealogist, wanderess of wild and holy places, and co-foundress of the Sanctuary of Brigid and its flame-keeping circle, Sisters of the Flame. She lectures locally, nationally, and internationally on the blending of genealogy with magic and, through her company Sacred Roots, is dedicated to connecting magical people to their ancestral truths.\u00a0When she\u2019s not roaming the world in search of grandmothers, quirky art, and stone circles, Cairelle is home in New Orleans, where she lives joyfully, loves intensely, and laughs frequently with beloved family and friends. You can find her online at\u00a0www.cairellecrow.com. Laura Louella\u00a0is a priestess, certified Pilates\u00a0instructor committed to teaching the strength that lies within, and the owner of Goddess Pilates, where she blends the art of sacred movement with the beauty of the goddess. She is also the co-foundress of the Sanctuary of Brigid and its flame-keeping circle, Sisters of the Flame. Many days, you can find her tending her garden, taking long walks through the forest, sitting by the river, or creating a quilt on her 1936 Featherweight Singer sewing machine. Laura lives in the Cascade Mountains of northern California.   Brigid’s Light: Tending the Ancestral Flame of the Beloved Celtic Goddess   ** About the author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is an Elder within\u00a0The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path.\u00a0\u00a0 Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers. Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015. As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work. Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin. Robin is the owner of\u00a0Holistic Embrace\u00a0providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education. Robin\u2019s Website:\u00a0www.robinfennelly.com Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW:\u00a0www.covenofthemysticpath.org Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website: For more info:\u00a0http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":26227,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[10095,10015,11016,13792,10472,10165,13793,10075],"class_list":["post-26225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reviews","tag-book","tag-book-review","tag-brigid","tag-cairelle-crow","tag-celtic","tag-goddess","tag-laura-louella","tag-review"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26225","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/208"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26225"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26225\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26271,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26225\/revisions\/26271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}