DEITY APPRECIATION: BRIGID
Dear Darklings, we are finally coming out of the darkness of winter (in the northern hemisphere) and inching closer to our days of light and springtime! Although it isn’t the exact time to start celebrating, we can absolutely take note of the small changes that are making their way into our lives: more sunlight, switching to a lighter jacket, more rain equals more flowers, switching out a dried pine mantle for eucalyptus, the sound of baby birds chirping…it’s these little springtime changes that make up the optimism and hope for brighter days to come quickly! With those days quickening to a brighter sky and outlook, there is a deity that we call upon, look to, and embrace as she ushers in the changing of the season; The Celtic Goddess Brigid.
Brigid by Occult World. com
One of Irelands Most Infamous Goddesses
There are no certainties to Brigids origin, however many know her to be the Daughter of Dagda, one of the most notorious members of the Tuatha Dé Danaan, and others believe she pre-dates Celtic mythology as we know it. In a previous Deity Appreciation Article on Cailleach, we discuss how these two deities are related in lore, but also how they could potentially be the same Goddess altogether! The same rings true here. However, we are going to discuss just how Brigid became the most revered Goddesses of Ireland.
Brigid is Celebrated on Imbolc (February 1st/2nd), St. Patricks Day (March 17th), and Beltane or “May Day “ (May 1st) as the goddess of springtime, renewal, rebirth, and light after the dark winter. Her presence on Imbolc is one that literally brings in the changing of the season, although Imbolc is the halfway point, Brigid starts the transformation process which completes on the Spring Equinox also known as Ostara. It is on Imbolc Eve that we make our Brigid Cross and hang it above doorways or as wreaths upon the door, upon our alters, in the stables or workshops as a symbol of protection. On St. Patricks Day, being such a respected Deity in Irish Lore, she is called upon by the Irish people to celebrate their heritage, their healing, their creativity (music, song, dance), and even drinking beer and eating colcannon and other dishes to honor her. The Sabbath known as Beltane has many other Gods and Goddesses who carry more emphasis on this day, however Brigids presence is greatly appreciated and even called upon directly.
The Celtic Goddess of Many Hats…I mean Crowns
Patron of Poetry & The Arts
Many associate the art of poetry with romantic love, and although that has some truth to it, this isn’t the reason Brigid resides over it. Brigid is a Goddess of fire in the alchemical transmutation of passion, so any time someone expresses their passion through creativity, Brigid is present and shining with joy! Poets particularly are held in the heart of this Goddess for many reasons. Some speculate that it is do to the power of emotion and intellect working together to express through words the power of the human condition. Brigid looks over many humanly miracles that we deem as mundane or “normal”, but to her they are magick nonetheless. When one expresses their passion they are fully alive! Art is much like a flame; it grows and grows, building momentum and swallowing all in its path with intensity… eventually it dwindles, or is snuffed out, until a gust of inspiration lights it’s sparks into a flame once more. Brigid helps to bring that spark, that inspiration of creative expression back into our lives.
Alchemist of Fire
Fire is an impressive element in the spiritual sense but also in our physical realm too. Brigid wasn’t messing around when she declared her connection to fire- for one it is the fastest element when in a pinch for spellwork (when it comes to protection and health magick, fire is a MUST) but also fire was used to forge physical forms of protection, weaponry/masonry/craft-smiths. Those who worked/work in these industries where they use heat to transform metals, natural materials, even non-natural materials into physical tools, accessories, furniture, etc. are said to be blessed by Brigid. But let me clarify, any industries or individuals using her element for greed and causing harm to nature, or destruction to a healthy way of life will feel her wrath.
Healer at the Hearth
As mentioned above, many know Brigid to be highly associated to the element of fire, but she is also greatly attuned to the element of water. For those who have worked with elemental magick will know that water is a creative element, and specifically associated with the arts. It is an element that reflects back to us an emotional nature, just as art does to society at large- see the parallels here? Now, that doesn’t mean you have to be an artist to work with her, it actually indicates that if you are seeking knowledge, healing, protection, to grant you more understanding in this life, she is the goddess to call upon, and in this regard use water in your craft to call her forward. A beautiful myth that gives great example to this connection is “Brigid and The Kings Sword”. I highly recommend this tale as it shows Brigid in a different light, one of calm, introspection, teacher, and listener.
Ferocity for Those Seeking Fertility
When we first hear about springtime as children it’s usually from a book our parent(s) are reading to us, or maybe it’s a school teacher teaching us a new song, and within these teachings there is always mention if little babies coming into the world in springtime; calves, chickadees, ducklings, piglets…the list is endless. Well, as we get older we find out just how those little babies come to be, through sex of course!! Ahh yes, the fun activity of fornication isn’t meant to be forgotten in the process of seeking aid from Brigid for help with Fertility. Wether you’re looking to conceive or avoid conception, Brigid can help the energetics of what you’re seeking, while keeping the joy of sex and intimacy alive. Fertility isn’t always about “becoming pregnant”, it is also about the natural rhythm of our hormonal system in our bodies. If you’re lacking libido, or sexual motivation and wanting a change, light a candle and call Brigid in to help get the fire in your loins flamed. There are herbs that she works with that can also aid in her work with you on this topic. Now this is also a very sensitive subject for some, as conception isn’t as easily received, and to this I share my deepest sympathies. Whatever the reason for your hardships to conceive, Brigid is there with you but you have to actively call her in in order for her to help aid you in this process. Deities want to know your hardships, they see them as challenges to overcome and find great success in conquering them. If this is more your process, I recommend using the element of water to call her in and work with her. There is a gentler touch, and well of knowledge that can be reached through this element. You are not alone on your journey.
Brigid as St. Brigid (Bridget)
For my Christian witches reading this, and for my witches who have religious trauma, I mean no offense, and understand that some will differ from this rhetoric. However, from a historical lens it does need to be mentioned. The Catholics came to Ireland around 430 AD, but it wasn’t until the wars between the Irish and the English (Protestants) that things took a horrible turn. Without going away too much from Brigids story, the Protestants won over the Irish, taking their land, enslaving their people, and indoctrinating them into their religious ideology. So, this is why we see so much cross over between the Goddess Brigid of Ireland and the St. Brigid of Kildare. The beauty here is that she was such a powerful spiritual presence in the Irish culture that she couldn’t be erased, she was simply adapted into another form (historically fact checked as a real person I might add), who carried the same attributes as Goddess Brigid into her Sainthood; Protection, Healing, Arts, even Craftsmith! Although the pagans and the chirstians still argue over who “she belongs to”, the truth remains that these two Powerful Individuals possessed great influence, large hearts, and made/continue to make lasting miracles on those around them.
Honoring Brigid At The Alter
Giving thanks, welcoming in her wisdom, and exploring ones creative nature come in many forms for those who wish to honor Brigid. So let’s break down options for offerings, and moments of appreciation to this divine Goddess. The following are mere suggestions, in no way do you need to do/use any or all in your spell-work or within your alter space/place of worship.
Trees/Plants: Oak, Tulips, Clovers, Trillium
Herbs: Cinnamon, Cayan, Rosemary, Chamomile, Lavender,
Crystals: Fire Quartz, Fire Opal, Citrine, Aquamarine, Honey Amber, Pyrite
Food Items: Colcannon, Beer, Barm Brack, Honey, Cabbage, Kale, Water (from a fresh spring)
Animals: Snakes, Swans, Oxen
Colors: Green, Yellow, Red, Honey, White
Write Brigid a Poem or Song of your desires, wishes, and passions
Make her candles from scratch as an offering!
Make a Brigids Cross (shared link from Cats and Crafts Channel on Pinterest)
Use a Chalice or ceremonial bowl for water offerings!
Using fire or water in your craft is highly encouraged when connecting, collaborating with or making an offering to Brigid. Her abilities, and way of communicating come through most intensely when these elements are included/presented. If fire doesn’t feel safe for you, you can even use a ‘false flame’, or red/orange colored lighting to ‘mimmic’ fire. Unsure how to bring water to the alter space? I recommend a chalice that speaks to Brigids nature- use your intuition to guide you.
The Goddesses/Gods are not hateful beings (regardless of what has been painted to us). Your ability to connect with Brigid, or any other deity, is welcomed in the ways you feel comfortable. The recommendations are guidelines that come from lore, mythology, and history that symbolize what each deity feels represents them the most- all in turn for you to choose the best ways you feel will honor them, and your relationship to them.
Till next time, stay spooky Darklings xx
