Brighid is a Celtic goddess who is also known as Mistress of the Mantle. She is a fire goddess, associated with the fire of a hearth or candle flame, but also the fire of creativity and inspiration. For this reason she is often seen as the goddess of poetry, song and crafts. She is also a goddess of fertility, healing and the protector of midwives.
History
In Irish legend, Brighid is said to be the daughter of Dagda, who was son of the goddess Danu and leader of the Tuatha de Danaan, a race of gods who are also known as Children of Danu. In one version of her story Bridgid was married to Bres, who was a tyrannical leader of the Tuatha de Danaan. With him she had a son named Ruadan who was killed in the battle of Magh Tuireadh. At the time of his death Brighid’s keening cries were said to be the first keening or lament heard in Ireland.
In another legend Brighid is said to have been the wife of Tuireann and had three sons who were said to have killed the god Cian.
The story of Brighid cannot be told without mention of the Christian St. Brighid of Kildare who was born in Ireland in the mid 5th century C.E. She founded Kildare Abbey in 470 and though her life was dedicated to serving Christ her legend is often interwoven with that of the goddess Brighid. Even the feast day for Brighid the saint and the goddess are on the same day of February 2, also known as Imbolc or Candlemas.
Brighid's Fire
As mentioned, Brighid is associated with fire, both literally and symbolically. Fire in the spark of creativity, the fire of passion and the warm fire of a hearth flame. The hearth was once the central part of every home; a place where food was cooked and the family gathered for warmth. It was also a place where wisdom was shared through the recitation of stories, healing tonics were prepared and where a woman might weave cloth on a loom. All of these are connected with the goddess Brighid and her warm, guiding light is often seen as a symbol of hope for people during times of hardship.
Symbols and Objects associated with Brighid
Plants: Dandelion, crocus, oats, heather, chamomile, sage, straw, rushes, shamrock, acorn, broom.
Animals: Lambs and ewes, bees, dairy cows, all hibernating animals.
Gems, Crystals and Metals: Amethyst, jasper, agate, gold, brass, silver.
General: Hearth, fire, candles, springs and wells, poetry, doorways, arrows, bells, cloak or mantle, corn dolls, St. Brigid's cross.
Brighid is a complex, timeless and very beloved goddess who will always be synonymous with compassion, wisdom and inspiration.
Further Reading:
The Horse Goddess Epona- Festival of Epona
