Also called Brigit, Bríd, Brigantia.
Their story
Cormac's Glossary calls Brigid a goddess of poets, daughter of the Dagda, with two sisters of the same name for healing and smithcraft. The Lebor Gabála and related tales say her son Ruadán was killed at the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, and her grief was the first keening heard in Ireland. The sacred flame later kept by the nuns of Saint Brigid at Kildare is often linked to her.
Their day
Sunday. In modern practice, many choose Sunday for her because she is so closely tied to fire, light and the returning sun of early spring.
Best times to give to them
- Imbolc
- dawn
- when lighting the hearth or a candle
What they like being given
- a lit candle kept safely
- milk or butter
- fresh bread or oatcakes
- a poem or song you have written
- water from a spring or well
How to honour them
- Weave a Brigid's cross from rushes or straw at Imbolc and hang it by the door.
- Light a candle for her and tend it while you work, putting it out with thanks.
- Leave a strip of cloth outside on Imbolc eve for her to bless, as Irish households did.
- Offer her something you have made with your hands or your words.
How they can help you
- creative work and writing
- healing and recovery
- skill and craft
- protection of the home
- new beginnings after winter
Symbols
- the flame
- Brigid's cross
- holy wells
- the forge
How far the goddess and Saint Brigid of Kildare are the same figure is debated, and many devotees honour both.