http://www.hranajanto.com/goddessgallery/brigit.html
A Level 1 Final Project for The Sacred Three Goddess School
by Stephanie Atwood, also known as Morgan Le Fae,
Initiate of The Order of the White Moon
(© 2015. All original material in this site is under copyright protection and is the intellectual property of the author.)
http://www.emilybalivet.com/Pagan_Divinities.html
Brigit is the daughter of Dagda, the protector of the tribe, and Morrigan, another triple mother Goddess, and she is one of the Tuatha De Danann, which means people of the Goddess Danu. It is said that the Goddess Brigit was born at the exact moment of the sunrise. It is said that she rose into the sky with the sun, rays of fire beaming from her head. In Druid mythology, the infant Goddess was fed with milk from a sacred Cow from the Otherworld. Brigit owned an apple orchard in the Otherworld, and her bees would bring their magical nectar back to earth for her. Her power is manifested through bees and there are stories that Brigit helped those in need by sending her bees towards those trying to cause harm, sending them fleeing. It is also said that wherever Brigit walked, small flowers and shamrocks would appear behind her which is no surprise as she is of Irish and Celtic descent. Goddess Brigit also invented whistling, which she used to summon her friends by her side.
Brigit became the wife of Bres, an Irish King. They were from two different families, two of which had animosity between them. Brigit and Bres hoped that their union would bring the two families together, however it only started war. Brigit gave birth to three sons, all of which became famous warriors. When the war between the two families broke out, Brigit's son, Ruadon, stuck and killed the other families' son, but before he drew his last breath he struck and killed Ruadon. This sent both families into utter sadness and despair. It is said that Brigit let out a cry of sorrow so heart wrenching, everyone could hear. This event, however, unified Brigit's role as a Goddess of peace and Unity. The two families stopped fighting after this event. Eventually the love and respect for the Goddess Brigit brought unity to the Celts who were spread throughout Europe.
http://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/image.php?name=brigid&gallery=celtic_goddess
In the Christian era, 19 nuns at Kildare tended a perpetual flame for Saint Brigit, which is widely believed to be a continuation of a pre Christian practice of women tending a flame in her honour. At her most famous shrine near Kildare, Brigit taught humans how to gather and use herbs for their healing properties. She also taught humans how to care for their animals and livestock and how to forge iron into tools. This shrine is believed to have been an ancient college of priestesses who were committed to 30 years of service, after which they were free to leave and marry. As a Goddess of childbirth and the protector of all children, she is the patroness of midwifery.
Brigit is the patroness of poetry, medicine, arts, and crafts, cattle and other livestock, sacred wells, serpents, and the arrival of early spring.
As a triple Goddess, Brigit has 3 sister selves with three very distinct roles. She is the Lady of Healing Waters, the Goddess of the Sacred Flame, and the Goddess of the fertile Earth; each has their own responsibilities.
As a fertility Goddess, a patroness of domestic animals and crops, she brings prosperity trough abundance and wealth of land, green fertile earth and remembrance of our own innate fertility to grow and prosper.
As Lady of Healing waters, many wells are believed to be blessed with the healing grace of the lady. Combining her solar light with her healing waters, the sparkling light dancing upon the water's surface is believed to have spectacular healing benefits. Also associated with divination, her wells may represent portals to see the future, windows to see helpful guidance and insight.
Goddess Brigit is also the Lady of the Sacred Flame, the eternal flame of life, the flame of inspiration, the flame of our creative consciousness. She brings warmth and light to our home. She is the Goddess of all things perceived to be of high dimensions such as high rising flames, highlands, hill forts, upland areas, as well as states of elevation, such as wisdom, excellence, perfection, high intelligence, poetic eloquence, craftsmanship, healing, Druid knowledge and vital healing of the sun. With this energy we realize our innate eternal connection to the Divine Universal Source, we realize our own inner Light. Brigit inspires, empowers and encourages us to express our Truth, through our purpose. She helps us to release our fears; self-limiting patterns and unhealed energy, helping us to feel protected through any and all aspects of self-expression and communication. Brigit is the Priestess of Her People, a devoted and steadfast guardian to all who call upon her. She shields those who call on her to protect them from harm.
http://www.mickiemuellerart.com/Galleries.html
I have discovered in my research that there are many associations with Brigit, everything from colours, animals, stones, etc. and I will share all of these in the next section.
Brigit is a Goddess of Celtic and Irish mythology. She has many names and many different spellings. Here are some of her many names:
Brigit has a feast day which is February 1st or 2nd which is the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. This feast day is meant to give us hope, to remind us that Spring is coming. This feast day or festival is called Imbolc. It is a Gaelic festival.
http://www.sacredsource.com/Triple-Brigit/productinfo/TB/#.VghDL5eAnVI
Brigit's symbols are many; they are:
The colours associated with Brigit are:
The plants that are associated with Brigit are:
The stones associated with Brigit are:
by Patti Wigington
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolcfebruary2/ht/ImbolcRit_Group.htm
Set up your altar with symbols of Brigit and the coming spring - a Brigit Cross or dolly, potted daffodils or crocuses, white and red yarn or ribbon, young fresh twigs, and lots of candles. Also, you'll need an unlit candle for each participant, a candle to represent Brigit herself, a plate or bowl of oats or oatcakes, and a cup of milk.
If you normally cast a circle in your tradition, do so now. Each member of the group should hold their unlit candle before them.
The HPs, or whoever is leading the rite, says:
Today is Imbolc, the day of midwinter.
The cold has begun to fade away,
and the days grow longer.
This is a time in which the earth is quickening,
like the womb of Brigit,
birthing the fire after the darkness.
The HPs lights the Brigit candle, and says:
Bright blessings at midwinter to all!
Brigit has returned with the sacred flame,
watching over home and hearth.
This is a time of rebirth and fertility,
and as the earth grows full of life,
may you find abundance on your own path.
Imbolc is the season of lambing, of new life,
and a time to celebrate the nurturing and warmth of Brigit.
At this time, the HPs takes the cup of milk, and offers a sip to Brigit. You can do this either by pouring it into a bowl on the altar, or by simply raising the cup to the sky. The HPs then passes the cup around the circle. As each person takes a sip, they pass it to the next, saying:
May Brigit give her blessings to you this season.
When the cup has returned to the HPs, she passes the oats or oatcakes around in the same manner, first making an offering to Brigit. Each person takes a bit of the oats or cakes and passes the plate to the next, saying:
May Brigit's love and light nurture your path.
The HPs then invites each member of the group to approach the altar, and light their candle from the Brigit candle. Say:
Come, and allow the warmth of Brigit's hearth
to embrace you.
Allow the light of her flame
to guide you.
Allow the love of her blessing
to protect you.
When everyone has lit their candle, take a few moments to meditate on the warmth and nurturing nature of the goddess. As you bask in her warmth, and she protects your home and hearth, think about how you will make changes in the coming weeks. Brigit is a goddess of abundance and fertility, and she may help you guide your goals to fruition.
When you are ready, end the ceremony, or move on to other rituals, such cakes, or healing rites.
The Author's Vision of Brigit, © Stephanie Atwood
Additional Resources