We stand true to the Irish Warriors Virtues of

Loyalty, Courage, Generosity

as being at the heart of all our pledges

We acknowledge the Christain equivalents of

Faith, Hope and Charity

It is possible to be brave--to expect "every day...to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved--whatever may come my way"--and yet be a man of peace and at peace, a man without a sword or desire to harm, a man in whom the sharp fear of death has been smoothed away.

The Red Branch Statement of Purpose

The Red Branch is a network of men and women charged with the protection, promotion and public representation of the Irish American Faery-Faith Tradition of the Faery- Faith Network as founded by Kisma K. Stepanich-Reidling. As Guardians, Warriors and Chieftains of the Red Branch, each member shall be entrusted with responsibilities and activities involving, but not limited to, internal and external conflict resolution, public relations and positive representation, utilizing the internet, printed and broadcast media, as well as any and all internal and external resources available to us.

As Guardians, Warriors and Chieftains of the Red Branch, we strive to follow the example of our namesake, the original Red Branch and the men and women who where associated with it and served under King Conor MacNessa. To this end, we, members of the current incarnation of the Red Branch, hold the following 6 codes of conduct to our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. We seek to:

Defend the Faery-Faith Tradition of the Faery-Faith Network from all threats be they internal or external; physical, legal, emotional, or spiritual.

Perform the duties of defense in an honest and forthright manner. We shall positively identify potential threats; hold formal assemblies to determine appropriate actions and act upon those decisions in a timely and decisive manner. We shall not draw out potentially unpleasant situations nor be dissuaded from our actions once a decision has been made.

Hold Compassion, Honor, Integrity, Fairness, Justice, Strength, Faith and Unity to be our keystones. We shall carry ourselves with grace, seeking not to take the actions and / or words of our detractors personally nor allow ourselves to descend to petty arguments and personal attacks.

Continue to study the Ulster Cycle legends and myths regarding the original Red Branch so that, in their stories, we may find further knowledge and enlightenment.

Avail ourselves to represent the Faery-Faith Tradition of the Faery-Faith Network positively, utilizing facts and personal experience rather than hyperbole and dogma. We shall be prepared to appear in print, broadcast and other various forms of media when approached to do so or when it is required of us to do so.

Remember that, above all else, we are the children of Dia Dana and the Sidhe. We shall carry and present ourselves always in ways that will respect and honor the glory and grace of Dia Dana, the Sidhe and our own human divinity.

The Red Branch codes of conduct shall be followed for the advancement, nurturance and protection of the Faery-Faith Tradition of the Faery-Faith Network.

Written by Conn Mac Banba, the second functioning High Chieftain
7 November 2000

Red Branch Members & Officers

As our Faery-Faith Network incarnation of the Red Branch is an ever-evolving organization we will continue to update our roster of Candidates, Guardians, Warriors and Chieftains as a resource list of personnel that may be available to those of you who are members of the Comhairle an Setanta.  This roster, along with other "member only" information will be available in the membership section of the Faery-Faith Network website under the sacred trees of Ash and Holly

Comhairle an Setanta is organized as follows:

	Candidates: Individuals who feel the call of the Red Branch and/or Order of Sacred Tara and wish to join our ranks are called "Candidates" during their training class, which is the Order of Sacred Tara . Any member of the Faery-Faith Network who shows an interest in working with the Red Branch and/or Order of Sacred Tara are welcome to do so without Bhairdic Ordination.
	Guardians:  This is the first rank in which Red Branch members actively contribute to the work that we do through the Order of Sacred Tara.  During an individuals Guardianship, he/she works with the Priory of Brigid's Faery-Faith on ecological concerns. If a Guardian is interested in continuing training to become a Warrior of the Red Branch, that individual will also work in areas of RB work that she/he feels drawn to. Candidates who successfully complete a course of study and continue to show motivation, skill and knowledge in the ways of Comhairle an Setanta will be given the accolade "Guardians of the Red Branch." We acknowledge that not all Guardians feel called into Red Branch service, but wish to remain solely as a Guardian in the Order of Sacred Tara.
	Warriors:  This is the main "working" group of the FFN Red Branch.  The Warrior performs most all of the day-to-day duties of Comhairle an Setanta, aided by the Guardians and overseen by the Chieftains. Guardians who continue training, who wish to take on more responsibility and who are willing to abide by the  "Mionn an Laoch" (The Warrior's Oath) will be recognized as "Warriors of Comhairle an Setanta."
	Chieftains:  The Chieftains of the Red Branch are the overseers and organizers.  Each Chieftain has the option, upon their discretion, of establishing a "Dun" [doon] (Fort) of their own, or remain working directly within the main Red Branch Council Hall.  The advantage of establishing a Dun is that Chieftains who may live far away from the Council Hall and the High Chieftain may then exercise direct control over his/her respective geographic region; this gives each Chieftain more flexibility with regards to overseeing the duties of her/his respective Warriors. Exceptional Warriors who are recognized by the High Chieftain for their extraordinary service to the Red Branch, her/his continuing dedication, loyalty to the Mionn an Laoch and Comhairle an Setanta shall be appointed Chieftain and granted the right to establish their own Dun.

Learn about the Ancient Irish Warrior

The Red Branch Training

Known as the path of the peaceful warrior, the Red Branch offers three levels of training.All Irish Red Branch classes have a completion time alotment, which is provided to the student when s/he enters the classroom. Should a student require additional time, s/he may purchase a CLASS RENEWAL (as many times as s/he needs).

We invite you to visit the IRISH RED BRANCH CLASSROOMS, where you can view class descriptions.and set-up your student profile.

Level 1. Order of Sacred Tara - is for all FFN Member who are serious about living a green life and being in service to Gaia. OST has an ecological alignment and a spiritual connection to the natural cycles. Students must be an FFN Member and have completed the FFN Introduction Class. For more information visit: ORDER OF SACRED TARA

Level 2. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior - is a one year apprenticeship for OST Guardians & FFN Bhairds who wish to understand the innate principles of the cosmos. Training includes yogic postures, research on the Irish Red Branch and Fianna.

Level 3. Chieftainship - is a one year advanced training for the warriors who hear the calling to become a spiritual leader and mentor within the FFN Red Branch.

	FFN Branch 3: Red Branch Training Program
	Level 1. ORDER OF SACRED TARA pre-requisite: FFN Membership & FFN Intro class $100.00-- 8 lessons Completion Time Period: 9 months
	Level 2. WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR pre-requisite: BC1 & OST approval required $200.00 ~ 14 lessons Completion Time Period: 15 months
	Level 3. THE DUN OF SETANTA ~ Cheiftain pre-requisite: Level 2 of RB approval required $150.00 ~ 9 lessons Completion Time Period: 12 months

I am an estuary into the sea.

I am a wave of the ocean.

I am the sound of the sea.

I am a powerful ox.

I am a hawk on a cliff.

I am a dewdrop in the sun.

I am a plant of beauty.

I am a boar for valour.

I am a salmon in a pool.

I am a lake in a plain.

I am the strength of art.

You have fallen to the Hound!

I cry for it, little calf.

The shield didn't save you

that brought you to the fray.

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Books by Kisma

Brigid's Press Faery Books	Lighting the wisdom way! Brigid's Press offers books written by Kisma K. Stepanich-Reidling especially for the Faery-Faith Tradition & Network
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