Brigid

Brigit, Brigid, Brighid, Bríde, Brìd, Brìg, Brigantia, Breo-Saighead, Breo Aigit (Gaelic), Ffraid (Welsh), Mary of the Gael, Saint Brigid (Catholic)

• Brigid is a very important Triple Goddess in Celtic mythology.
• Her three aspects include the Fire of Inspiration as patroness of poetry, Fire of the Hearth as patroness of healing and fertility, and Fire of the Forge as patroness of smithcraft.
• She is also linked to prophecy, divination, agriculture and livestock, feminine arts and crafts.
• She can be thought of as the Celtic equivalent of Roman Minerva and Greek Athena.

• The Celtic word Brig means “exalted one”, and her Gaelic name of Breo-Saighead or Breo Aigitmeans “fiery arrow” or “fiery power”.

• She is the daughter of the Dagda, and one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Morrigan, another triple goddess, is also thought to be Brigid’s mother.

• Brigid was the wife of Bres of the Fomorians with whom she had three sons, including the warrior Ruadán, killed in battle.

• Brigid is associated with the festival Imbolc/Candlemas, which is known as St Brigid’s Day to Catholics.
• Brigid is associated with fire, including candles, heat, warmth, and sunrises.
• Her association with fire is so strong that a perpetual sacred flame is kept burning by the nuns at her sanctuary in Kildare, Ireland.
• Brigid is also connected to holy wells, including the one at Kildare. Wells were ‘dressed’ as a way to honour Brigid or ask for her help and assistance.

• Crafts that honour her role as the protector of the hearth include Brigid corn/grain dollies and Brigid’s crosses.
• Other symbols tied to Brigid includes arrows, bells, thresholds and doorways.
• Animal correspondences include ewes, dairy cows, bees, owls, and serpents.
• It is thought that the love and respect for her brought unity to the Celts.

Wiki Brigid
Goddess Myths – Brigit
Brigid’s Flame
Pantheon – Brigid

© The Celtic Journey (2013)