Music
Lisa Thiel, Invocation of the Graces. I love all of Lisa’s music, and this is my favorite. Drawing from traditional Celtic sources for many of the songs, she has created a perfect musical offering to Brigid. Great for singing along and using in ritual.
Nóirín Ní Riain, Celtic Soul. Nóirín’s albums are all beautiful and soulful. This one includes a haunting version of the traditional song “Gabhaim Molta Bríghde” (called “Ode to Bridget” on this album, but it’s sung in Irish, as most of her songs are).
Aine Minogue, Celtic Lamentations (http://aineminogue.com/album/230649/celtic-lamentations-healing-for-twelve-months-and-a-day). “Songs to let go of that which we’ve lost and to move toward the joys that lie ahead.”
Books
The bibliography contains many fine books that are well worth your time. Here are two of my favorites.
J. A. MacCulloch, The Religion of the Ancient Celts (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1911). Endlessly fascinating, very readable, and respectful of the beliefs of the ancients.
Patricia Monaghan, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore (New York: Checkmark Books, 2008). If you only get one book on Celtic lore (and why would you do that?), I recommend this one. Patricia was a scholar as well as a devotee of the Goddess, and all of her books are wonderful and reliable additions to your library. This one delves into all things Celtic in an eminently readable and approachable way.
Candles, Jewelry Supplies, Herbs
I get tall jar candles for my perpetual flame from General Wax (www.generalwax.com). I’ve tried many candles over the years, and these have the most consistent quality. They are available with colored glass and white wax or clear glass and colored wax. If you buy by the case, they’re about $3 each. General Wax also carries many other types of candles and candlemaking supplies, including sheets of beeswax for rolled candles.
The best tealights I’ve found are made by Richland. They are scent-free, burn for at least five hours, and have metal cups. At this writing, they are about $15 for 125 tealights. Available on Amazon.
Camphor pellets and other ritual supplies (including the world’s best incense) can be found at Mermade Magickal Arts (www.mermadearts.com). They sell a small brass “Chalice of Light” that is perfect for oil, camphor, or alcohol flames. There is an article about burning camphor and a link to a beautiful video showing the Hindu saint Amma using it to bless holy water. Mermade is owned by my dear friend Katlyn Breene.
Flameless candles have made some great strides in technology, and Luminara makes the best I’ve seen. Created by Disney for the Haunted Mansion, the realistic flame effect is quite lovely. Do a web search to find purchasing options (QVC has videos as of this writing) or buy directly from www.luminaracandles.com.
The incredibly friendly and helpful folks at Fire Mountain Gems (www.firemountaingems.com) offer jewelry-making supplies, tutorial videos, and project ideas of all kinds. But remember, also support your local bead store!
Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com) is an excellent source for herbs and supplies (such as muslin bath bags). They’ve been in business since 1987 and sell only organic, free-trade, green products. Good energy all the way round.