A Circle of Stones: Journeys and Meditations for Modern Celts - Erynn Rowan Laurie 1995

The Inner Flame

Sparking, rising through the Well of Wisdom and linking the three realms is the bright pillar of the Inner Flame. It is the indwelling spirit of our Tree of Life, our Cosmic Pillar holding up the sky. (This pillar is not the equivalent of the Qabalistic Middle Pillar. Instead it is a world tree, like those found in the mythology of many cultures.) It is the nail around which the heavens revolve. The three beads of flame are our watchfires, and the three internal cauldrons of meditation: the Cauldron of Warmth, the Cauldron of Motion, and the Cauldron of Wisdom. (The internal cauldrons are similar to, but not the same as the energy chakras of Indian yoga. They were probably located in the abdomen, chest and head. Early Irish poets were said to have activated and used the cauldrons as they became more proficient in the arts of poetry, divination and magic.) Breathing through them, we reach for the transforming power of the flames.

Go gcosnaí na tinte fhaire Theamhair muid trínár n-oibre

Go ndó na tinte rabhaidh Theamhair agus go dtreoraí iad muid tríd na scáileanna

Go lasa na tinte ceannasach Theamhair ionainn, agus go gceanglaí iad muid leis na déithe.

(This piece is an original work composed for this book.)

Let the watch-fires of Tara guard us in our work

Let the signal-fires of Tara burn to guide us through the shadows

Let the sovereign fires of Tara spark within and link us to the Gods.

go GOSS-nee na CHIN-cha AHR-a HEH-wer mwidge TREE-nar NIGH-breh

go no na CHIN-cha RAW-a HEH-wer AH-gus go DROR-ee EE-ud mwidge treedj na SCALL-a-na

go LAH-sa na CYAHN-a-sak HEH-wer IN-an, AH-gus go GYAN-glee EE-ud mwidge lesh na JAY-ha

Moving Meditations on the Inner Flame

Study the role of flame in Celtic mythology

Work on candle meditations

Dance around a bonfire

Observe your breathing

Study Yoga or a martial art, paying special attention to “chi” or “kundalini”

Write a poem

Compose a song

Choreograph a dance

Light and tend a sacred fire on your altar

Affirmation for the Inner Flame

Today I create the sacred flame of inspiration within myself, linking the inner spark of my soul with that greater bonfire that manifests deity.