Enchanted Cottage
Brighid
I am Brighid-nam-Bratta: Brigit of the Mantle,
but I am also Brighid-Muirghin-na-tuinne: Brigit, Conception of the Waves,
and Brighid-sluagh, Brigit of the Faery Host,
Brighid-nan sitheachseang, Brigit of the Slim Faery Folk,
and Brighid-Binne-Bheule-lhuchd-nan-trusganan-uaine,
Brigit the Melodious Mouthed of the Tribe of the Green Mantles.
From Brigit Speaks by Fiona MacLeod
She is Goddess, Saint, and Faery Woman; She is Healer, Poet and Smith; She is Mother of Songs and Music, The Flame in the Heart of All Women and Mother of All Wisdom.1 Brighid, Goddess of the Hearth Fire, has many names known throughout the lands She was once worshiped and honored. As a Goddess that has survived through time under the guise of Saint, She has never been forgotten. She lives on in the hearts of Her people, healing the wounds left by the trials of life.
She is Saint Brigid, Foster Mother of Christ, and St. Brigid of Kildare where nineteen nuns tended a perpetual flame in Her honor. She is the patron saint of poets, children midwives and livestock.2 Ever present, Saint Brigid is still honored today by many Catholics and Pagans alike. Through Her healing nature and deep well of wisdom, She gathers Her children under Her mantle, filling them with Grace and Tranquility.
Known as Breo-Saighit and Bride in Scotland, Brigit in Ireland, Brigandu in France, Brigantia in England, and Ffraid in Wales3, Brighid and Brigid are now the most common spellings used. The most popular meaning for Her name is The Exalted One. She is the fiery or bright arrow, the bright flame of inspiration and is said to be the daughter of the Dagda, the Good God of the Tuatha De Dannan.
As Hearth Goddess, Brighid, or Brigandu as I like to call Her, is one of the most popular of the Gods to be worshipped in the home. She is a Goddess of healing and abundance, bringing health and prosperity to the home of those who worship Her. Brigandu is the Bright Faery of Wisdom and Inspiration, bestowing a wealth of esoteric knowledge when called upon. She is Lady of Fire, warming our homes and hearts with Her presence.
Imbolc, also celebrated as Candlemas, is Brighid’s Holy Day. Celebrated on February 2nd, Candlemas, or the Feast of Lights, is a festival of Renewed Life. It is when the first stirrings of Spring are found and the warming of Earth begins as the Old Crone, Cailleach, passes Her White Wand of Winter to Brighid as it turns into the Green Wand of Spring.
Brigandu is Goddess of Magic, enchanting the Land She walks upon and charming the hearts of those who love this Bright Queen of Faery. She can be called upon while creating prayers and spoken spells, kindling the Creative Spark of Inspiration. Embrace the healing powers of Brighid as you brew teas of health and wellness, infusing them with love and compassion. Find comfort in the warmth and prosperity She bestows upon our homes, remembering to give thanks to The Exalted One. Create Bridie Dolls and Bridie Crosses in Her honor; the book Candlemas Feast of Flames by Amber K & Azrael Arynn K has instructions on how to make these.
There are many ways to connect with this Holy Goddess. Whether as Saint, Faery Queen, Patroness of Poets, Goddess of the Sea, or any of Her myriad epithets, Brigandu is a very approachable Goddess. A simple heartfelt prayer, or a reverent request for Her help accompanied by gratitude, will aid in inviting Brighid into your home. Offerings of milk and honey are appropriate for this Radiant Queen, as are all healing herbs and poetry spoken from the heart. Light a candle, close your eyes, and whisper Her name—She will answer…
Brigit—Lady of Light
Your Fire burns bright in the hearts of many.
Brighid—Exalted One
Most High do I sing Your Name.
Brigantia—Sovereign One
Through You, I honor the Sacredness of the Land.
Brigandu—Bright Faery Queen
The Realms of Enchantment are Yours, my Queen.
Breedia—She Who Heals
I embrace Your Powers of Healing, may I become One with You.
Brigit—Brighid—Brigantia—Brigandu—Breedia
I give thanks for the Blessings You bestow upon my Life…
~Vivienne Moss~
Notes:
- Candlemas: Feast of Flames by Amber K & Azrael Aryyn K
- The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
- Candlemas: Feast of Flames…
Further reading:
Kindling the Celtic Spirit by Mara Freeman (February: The Festival of Brigit)
Brigid: Goddess, Druidess and Saint by Brian Wright
Priestess of Avalon Priestess of the Goddess by Kathy Jones (The Quickening: Imbolc Festival of the Maiden Goddess)
Candlemas: Feast of Flames by Amber K & Azrael Arryn K