A Brigit of Ireland Devotional: Sun Among Stars

by Mael Brigde

She is the gateway to inspiration, the eternal sparkling flame. A Brigit of Ireland Devotional – Sun Among Stars evokes this much-loved Goddess and Saint, drawing on her history, mythology, and traditions, and on the author's intimate bond with her. Thoughtful essays, a daily devotional practice, and extensive resources make it a useful reference as well as an inspiring text.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2021

Reviews

[Mary Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part book of poetry, part book of essays on Brigit as both goddess and saint, this is a lovely volume for anyone interested in the subject. Mael Brigte’s poems breathe with the love for this multifaceted goddess, and the essays—both from the author and from guest writers—give context to Her worship. Recommended for anyone interested in Brigit, Irish spirituality, and Neopaganism.

[Sherry Sharpnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read anything regarding goddess/Saint Brigid by this author before, and appreciate the 40 pages at the end of the book giving a summary of the small amounts of primary sources regarding the goddess and the Saint. There is also a short article from Morgan Daimler, whom I have read previously, and is a Brigid scholar.
The vast majority of the book, however, is devoted to Brigde's poetry, which can be used in one's personal devotions to Brigid. The earlier poems refer to Brigid in the literature, which is again helpful as refresher source of information. The poetry isn't stellar, but I found a few of them really emotionally touching.
I added this book to my "cherry-picked" shelf, b/c it isn't meant to read straight through, so don't. If you want an introduction to Brigid, this is a good source.

[Geraldine Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Goddess in Ireland is has been as consistently revered and beloved as Brigit. This lovely Devotional contains a wealth of poetry, musings, teachings that are designed to be a resource for daily practice. It combines lyricism, scholarship and personal insight and will be a must for anyone seeking that connection, or looking to deepen their understanding of Brigit.
It's a book to enjoy time and again; it will yield more and more as you learn.

[Myla R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep this book beside my bed. It is inspirational and uplifting. It is multi-layered and grows richer with time. Highly recommend this book for readers seeking a spiritual journey. Mael Brigde is an gifted poet and essayist. Brigit's light shines throughout Mael's work.

[Daniela Simina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that truly nurtures mind and soul alike. Highly Recommended!

This book is a must have for everyone with an appreciation of poetry as a genre, but in particular for those seeking Brigit. Everything in this volume - verse, poetic prose, autobiographical details- speak of a deep, authentic, and spectacularly unique relationship with Brigit. I had the privilege to take courses with Mael Brigde and read some of her poetic creation in that context. I was awe-struck: I could hear not only the poet’s voice but Brigit herself consoling, empowering, keening, teaching, and singing as she once did while wishing for heaven to hold a lake full of beer. There’s no feeling on the emotional spectrum of a human being that it is not echoed, expressed, or addressed in this volume. It is indeed a book to be read with the heart as much as it is a serious literary work that speaks to the intellect, to the seeker of the historical and mythical Brigit. Mael Brigde left an indelible mark through founding the Daughters of the Flame, a nondenominational international organization open to women who seek a special connection to Brigit, thus becoming a historical albeit contemporary personality. “Sun Among Stars” draws on Mael Brigde’s acting in her capacity of Brigit scholar and devotee. Founded on solid scholarship and study of Brigit cross culturally, the book is a tribute to Brigit and an invitation to the reader to connect with her. And what better way to connect with the goddess of poetry other than through poetry itself?

[Gail Nyoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a book of beautiful poetry, prayer and love for and about Brigid, known as Goddess and Saint.
Brigit has been called the Mother of Poetry, and is inspiration to Bards. As such, she speaks through these poems.
Whether you call her Brigid, Bride, or any other variation of the name, Brigit is well loved, not just in Ireland and Scotland, but throughout Britain, Europe, the Americas and Australia. Her devotees have grown in number, and this book provides a way into the lore and practice of those devotees. It is, as well, a resource for those who have already had long practice in working with Brigit.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the stories of this Goddess or Saint, Mael Brigde offers a comprehensive history at the end of the book with reference to the prayers and poems, giving insight into the themes touched upon.
This work is informed by the author’s years of devotion and study, giving it a deep authenticity.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without the prodding of a friend, there is no way I would have picked up this book, let alone sat down to read it, which just goes to show how I might be missing out on too many worthy works I “suspect” I might not like. Fact is, I was hooked from the Preface on, as Mael Brigde gently led me into a world that I had not previously been aware even existed. The Introduction alone is a must-read, encapsulating the history of Brigit while providing a deft overview of the poetry that follows. Standouts are many, including Divine Cow, Red-Haired Boy, and Pause.

Rich, rewarding, comforting, inspiring—just four adjectives I can readily apply to this “Ireland Devotional.” I might not have the gumption to pick up a similar work again, but I am glad I was nudged toward this one. I have no doubt I will return to its pages time and again.

[M Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, like the goddess herself, is multifaceted. Part devotional poetry, part mystical reflection, and part resource, this text belongs on the shelves of all who devote themselves to Brigid. I don’t have much space in my little home, and I tend to buy ebooks these days, but I plan to purchase a physical copy of this as I sense it will become an old friend.

[Aaron White · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of poetry, history, and reflection about St Brigit of Ireland. Many of the poems are quite good, but I was most interested in the historical and hagiographical details of St Brigit herself. A central theme of the book is the conflation of Brigit the Christian saint and a three-personed goddess named Brigid from Ireland. Many have assumed that they are one and the same, or that Brigit had been a Brigid devotee before her conversion, but it appears that the historical record does not bear this out. There were goddesses of that name, and there was a saint, and they are different traditions. (Interestingly, there is also evidence presented that women experienced greater liberation under Christianity in Ireland as opposed to the previous Pagan culture, and not the other way around as has often been assumed). St Brigit seems to lead us towards generosity and hospitality, and for that I am grateful and can ask for her prayers.

[Pauline Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brigit of Ireland Devotional sun among stars is a go-to time and time again. Contained within the pages is a rich tapestry of poetry entwined in mythology of the goddess and history of the saint. Included also are sample devotional practices tried and tested by the author. The love for and devotion to Brigid by the author is palpable throughout. A gem of a book!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF -- Clearly the author has a deep knowledge of the mythology surrounding Brigid, and there were a few good poems, but overall it was uninspiring.