DEITY APPRECIATION: BRIGID
Dear Darklings, we are finally coming out of the darkness of winter (in the northern hemisphere) and inching closer to our day of light and springtime! Although it isn’t the exact time to start celebrating, we can absolutely take note of the small changes that are making their way into our lives as: more sunlight, switching to a lighter jacket, more rain equals more flowers, switching out a dried pine mantle for eucalyptus…it’s the little changes that make for optimism and hope for brighter days to come quickly! With those days quickening to a brighter sky and outlook, theres a deity that we call upon, look to, and embrace as she ushers in the changing of the season; The Celtic Goddess Brigid.
Brigid by Occult World. com
One of Irelands Most Infamous Goddesses
There are no certainties to Brigids origin, however many know her to be the Daughter of Dagda, one of the most notorious members of the Tuatha Dé Danaan, and others believe she pre-dates Celtic mythology as we know it. In a previous Deity Appreciation Article on Cailleach, we discuss how these two deities are related in lore, but also how they could potentially be the same Goddess altogether! The same rings true here. However, we are going to discuss just how Brigid became the most revered Goddesses of Ireland.
Brigid is Celebrated on Imbolc (February 1st/2nd), St. Patricks Day (March 17th), and Beltane (May 1st) as the goddess of springtime, renewal, rebirth, and light after the dark winter. Her presence on Imbolc is one that literally brings in the changing of the season, although Imbolc is the halfway point, Brigid starts the transition which completes on the Spring Equinox also known as Ostara. On ST. Patricks Day, being such a respected Deity in Irish Lore, she is called upon by the Irish people to celebrate their heritage, their healing, their creativity (music, song, dance), and even drinking beer and eating colcannon and other dishes to honor her. The Sabbath known as Beltane has many other Gods and Goddesses who carry more emphasis on this day, however Brigids presence is greatly appreciated and even called upon directly.
The Celtic Goddess of Many Hats…I mean Crowns
Patron of Poetry & The Arts
Alchemist of Fire
Shape Shifter
Healer at the Hearth
Ferocity for Those Seeking Fertility
Brigid as St. Brigid (Bridget)
Honoring Brigid At The Alter
Now that you have gathered the lore, the visual, the essence of Cailleach, lets dive into how you can build an alter space for her. As we went over before, her connection to the winter months is imperative, so make sure to use decorative items that honor the winter seasons:
Trees/Plants: Oak, Tulips, Clovers, Trillium
Herbs: Cinnamon, Cayan, Rosemary
Crystals: Fire Quartz, Fire Opal, Citrine, Moss Agate, Honey Amber
Food Items: Colcannon, Beer, Barm Brack, Honey, Cabbage, Kale
Animals: Snakes, Swans, Vultures, Pure White/Rare/Albino Mammals
Colors: Green, Yellow, Rust, Red, Honey, White
Make a Brigids Cross (shared link from Cats and Crafts Channel on Pinterest)
Using fire in your craft is highly encouraged when connecting, collaborating, or offering with Brigid. Her abilities, and way of communicating, come through most intensely when this element is included/presented. If fire doesn’t feel safe for you, you can even use a ‘false flame’, or red/orange colored lighting to ‘mimmic’ fire. The Goddesses/Gods are not hateful (regardless of what has been painted to us). Your ability to connect with Brigid, or any other deity, is welcomed in the ways you feel comfortable that also honors them.
Till next time, stay spooky Darklings xx
