The
Tribe of Brigid
Introduction [For the latest about our plans, see Plans and Projects] . The Tribe of Brigid are a team of Pagans who choose to bring their healing skills into the heart of direct action. Many of us have skills in massage, bodywork, counselling skills, Shamanic healing, Reiki, Light Work, etc. We use those skills to help with depression, mental health, addiction, conflict resolution etc. Not all of us feel prepared to engage in conventional actions, but don't let that stop you getting involved. At recent global justice actions, campaigners have chosen to ‘Do Something Different’: Instead of confrontation, which is what is expected - and even encouraged - they have chosen to create the kind of world we want to see by practically helping local communities. In November 2003, at the FTAA-Miami protest, activists worked on a community garden in the city’s poorest district and gave away cherry trees. During the G8 protests in Georgia the activists cleaned up and repaired decayed housing in the African-American district. A local told them: "You’ve done more for our community than the US government has ever done." So what is it that Pagans do well? We create ritual, we change consciousness and we heal. At the very core of the system we oppose it a deep and profound dis-ease that creates depression, anxiety, physical and mental illness. This dis-ease is a symptom of the logic of separation that underpins the existing system. As people who change consciousness, who connect to the sacred, who heal, Pagans are in an ideal position to simultaneously treat these symptoms and help to mend the broken culture that oppresses us all in different ways. Brigid is a Goddess of healing, poetry and smithwork. The Tribe of Brigid use healing and poetry to help forge new tools for positive change. Pagans have the tools to help heal and empower people physically, psychologically and spiritually. Such action is more deeply revolutionary that any oppositional protest. Some activists chose to engage in challenging and confrontational actions and need support after the event. Front-line activists can suffer from PostTraumatic Stress Disorder or physical injury, so you could offer on-going support in your local area. You don’t need to be a therapist; just giving a couple of hours to help with everyday things can make a big difference. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or have any suggestions or questions. Or join our e-mail list: http://paganarchy.net/brigid/list.html |