Brigid is a Celtic Goddess associated with inspiration, fire, healing, creativity, poetry, smithcraft, sacred wells, rebirth and renewal. The name Brigid, or Brighid, means “exalted one” or “high one” and is Celtic in origin. She is seen as a Goddess connected to the hearth, home, the Sun and the beginning of Spring.
Brigid is one of the Tuatha Dé Danann which is a group of Gods known as the “Children of Danu”. She is the daughter of the God Dagda who is known as the “Good God” and mother to the warrior Ruadán who was slain in battle. She is most well-known for her connection to the festival Imbolc (Oimelc) which is celebrated on February 1st and signifies the arrival of Spring.
There is also a St. Brigid who comes from the Catholic church who also has a festival dedicated to her on February 1st known as St. Brigid’s Day. This Saint, who may have been a real person or just a figure in myth, is said to have founded a monastery in Kildare around 480 C.E. where a cathedral now stands.
Signs that Brigid is Calling You
Brigid will show up in your life when you’re in need of inspiration, rebirth and healing. She can bring you the power to reignite the fire within when you’ve been feeling down, bored, stuck or just uninspired by life. Brigid can bring you inner healing when you’re in need of self-love and self-care.
A well-known symbol associated with her is the Brigid’s Cross which is a four armed cross made from reeds, straw or rushes. It’s a symbol connected to both Pagan and Christian myth and is used for protection, warding off evil and blessings. Other symbols connected to her are the eternal flame, wells, lambs, serpents and snowdrop flowers. If you see these symbols showing up in your life a lot, it may be a sign that she’s communicating with you.
Corn husk dolls known as “Brideóg dolls” or “Biddy dolls” were made on Imbolc to represent Brigid and to help bring protection and blessings into the home. The dolls were then carried from house to house by children in order to bring blessings into the homes of the villagers. So if you start seeing any of these symbols it can be a sign that she is calling to you.
Working with Brigid
There are many ways to work with Brigid and as with any Goddess or deity creating some kind of altar no matter how simple or elaborate is a great place to start. For your altar you can add statues, artwork and/or items such as a Brigid’s Cross, a Brideóg doll, candles, symbols of snakes, Spring, etc. This is your way of creating a sacred space to connect with her energy.
You can also call to her by saying a simple prayer like “Brigid, Goddess of fire and inspiration, please help to reignite the creative fire within me.” You can create your own unique prayer or invocation to her as well, whatever feels right to you. Once you have called out to her allow yourself to sit in quiet meditation for a few minutes so that you can start to feel and connect with her energy.
Pay attention to any messages, feelings or sensations that come through at this time and over time you will start to become more familiar with her energy. If you feel so inclined you can even write these things down in a journal which you can refer back to while you’re learning how to connect with Goddess energy. Always be sure to leave some kind of offering when working with any deity and with Brigid you can leave things like candles, flowers, honey, milk, beer, water or even something you make yourself.
You can even do things like learn a new creative skill and/or make your own Brigid’s Cross or Brideóg doll. Whatever is available to you and whatever you feel most called to in order to honor her energy. These are simple ways that you can begin connecting with the Goddess Brigid and with time and practice you’ll be able to recognize her energy more easily.
For more information about Goddesses and working with Goddess energy, check out my Goddess Guide Sheets or book a Goddess Message Reading with me.
THE AWAKENED SAGE 