The Pagan Blog Project - Week 3 "B"

Brighid

(Irish)

      Sometimes called The Exalted one in Irish lore, Brighid is the daughter of the Dagda and also a triune goddess or Triple Goddess, but not in the Maiden/Mother/Crone sense. She has three different aspects: 1) poetry, writing and inspiration; 2) healing, herbology and midwifery; 3) fires of the hearth, the smith and the art of smith craft She is the most celebrated goddess but her history is largely speculative, though it is known that she trasnformed into St. Brighid about 453 C.E. She was, for some time, married to Bres, of their enemy The Fomorians, and worked for diplomacy and peace between the tribes. She bore three sons Brian, Iuchar and Iuchariba.

As Brighid the Hearthwoman, she is most often associated with the hearth as the center and focus of the home and the community, as well as perpetual sacred flames such as the one maintained by 19 nuns at her sanctuary in Kildane, Ireland. To welcome a stranger to your own fireside is to follow the example of Brighid who made a welcome for all and made the abbey a safe place of refuge and sanctuary. She is also known to watch over children in childbirth. her festival, held on February 2nd, corresponds to the anceint Celtic Festival Imbolc and represetns the stirrings of life again after the cold months of winter. As a goddess related to fire, one of the simplest ways to show devotion is the burning of a candle every day, following the traditions of the anceint preistesses of Brighid who lit and tended to a sacred flame in her honor.

      The equal- arm cross/Brighid's Cross became her symbol, traditionally made by family members and hung in the house, barn and other buildings for protection. Hazel and birch trees are sacred to this goddess. The easiest way to connect with her through the year is to work to cultivate in one's own life those qualities that are sacred to her. People work with Brighid for intense healing, purification and inspiration. She is a loving and passionate goddess who wishes to bring her healing and strength to others.

   Click HERE for instructions on how to make one of your own.

Brigid's Cross Tatoo

Blessing of Gratitude

I thank you, Brigid, for your presence in my home

For giving me warmth of the heart and hearth

As the sisters of old, I have honored you

In the traditional way

May my love for you be felt through time and space

Across the universe, upon the earth, and under the sea

Although the light of this candle goes out

I carry your flame in my breast

Most blessed Brigid

Living light

Bright arrow

Sudden blaze

Goddess of the sun and

Of the eternal fire

I guard your flame.

From the book "Goddess Alive"