Q: Do you have to believe the creed of Brighid’s Mantle to participate?
A: No. There is nothing you have to believe to participate. Our requirements are:
1. Hospitality towards other people involved, regardless of differences.
2. Respect of the rites, practices, and teachings of Brighid’s Mantle.
We do want to be clear that while all people of all cultures and faiths are welcome, only Gaelic teachings, symbols, lore, and mythology will be used in the leadership of spiritual celebrations, to the best of our capacity, as that is part of our mission.
Q: Do you have to be Celtic to be part of Celtic culture and spirituality?
A: Not at Brighid’s Mantle. Some folks take great pride in their Celtic lineage. However, the benefits of Celtic culture and spirituality are available to all who are willing to experience them in their authentic context and are all the more available to those committed to their thriving. The greatest benefits will be found by those who study a Celtic language.
Q: What happens to my donations?
A: They cover expenses for events, such as paper and copying costs for songs and programs, advertising materials, any nourishment provided, ritual items, and necessities like toilet paper. If there is money left over, it goes towards future Brighid’s Mantle events and services.
Q: What happens to my offerings after I leave them at a ritual?
A: Any offerings that are left over at an indoor ritual are kept on the hearth altar for a time of approximately a night and a day. Then they are taken to an outdoor shrine on our land to biodegrade naturally. Offerings left at outdoor rituals are left at or taken to an appropriate spot to biodegrade.
Q: Is Brighid’s Mantle a non-profit?
A: We are currently working to receive our legal non-profit status. In the meantime, we are a not-for-profit organization.
Q: Is everything you offer Celtic or Gaelic?
A: No. For example, we perform, teach, and share music of other genres than Celtic, although we do specialize in Celtic music. Our musical gifts, which include the totality of our musical experience and understanding, are part of our inheritance from Brighid, our constant muse. Likewise, we teach permaculture techniques and practices, which are not Celtic per se. However, they are resonant with our deepest values of stewarding the land in joyful harmony with the gods, spirits, and fair folk who dwell therein.
Q: Is everything you offer of a spiritual or religious nature?
A: In some sense yes, because everything we offer is inherently permeated with our spiritual beliefs, values, and commitments. On the other hand, everything is not overtly religious. For example, our music lessons are not religious ceremonies. But for us personally, they are a part of our spiritual commitment to bring the wonder of Brighid’s blessings to all those who seek them.
Q: What are the sources of your creed and ritual practises?
A: We read texts like the Lebor Gabála Érenn for theology and collections like the Carmina Gadelica for liturgy, as well as interpretations of these texts for a broader understanding. We also read modern scholarly material by authors such as Peter Berresford Ellis and mystical material by John and Caitlín Matthews. You can see our bibliography and links pages in the allies section of this site to find out more on our sources.
We bow in deep gratitude to number of movements and groups whose members have worked for many years to articulate and disseminate an authentic and viable theology based on ancient Celtic ethos. Among these are the Celtic Reconstructionists, the Gaelic Traditionalists, and the folks of the Deiuokara, Senistrognata, and Sinnsreachd paths. We are not personally friends with any of them, but we appreciate their work and publications.
We are ever indebted to the work of The Tree and the Well Institute for Deep Cultural Studies for our experience of a living and vibrant tuath rooted in the Celtic values of kinship, sustainability, and imbas that have kindled our vision of what is possible in community. And we pay homage to the Reclaiming Tradition for our embodied wisdom of how divine energy moves through groups of people creating spiritual magick together.
We keep our ritual structure simple, steeped in Celtic concepts and imagery, opening to the gods, ancestors, and fair folk present in our midst. Through this, we allow the living breath of the Áes Sídhe to blow through our worship, filling us with inspiration and the ongoing transformation of every aspect of our lives.
Please contact us at Crystalline@BrighidsMantle with any further questions.