Happy Brigid’s Day! Resources for Connecting to the Goddess Brigid

Brigid has been known by many names: Brigit, Brig, Bride, Brigantia, Saint Brigid, and Mary of the Gael. But no name encapsulates her personality as well as the term Breo Saighead (or Breo Aigit), meaning “fiery arrow or power.” Although this term was thought to be the root source of Brigid’s name (as stated in the ninth-century book Cormac’ Glossary), modern scholars have proven this early etymology to be based on folk legends and rumors rather than on scholarly sources. Yet the term Breo Saighead will not go away. It remains with this powerful triple goddess of the fire, as she inspires, transforms, and heals. Brigid is the force behind grand ideas and simple comforts. She is direct, quick, enlightening, and enlivening. She is the shaft of lightning or the glowing candle that illuminates our world. Fast, furious, bold, and strong, she arrives quickly and departs just as fast, leaving behind a brighter mind or soul or heart. Brigid’s gifts lie not in what she brings to you, but rather in casting light on what you can bring to the world. ~ Michelle Skye

The Irish Triple Goddess Brigid (also spelled Brigit, Brighid, or Bride) is the Goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. She is the flame, the physical fire and heat of the sun, the spark of inspiration and creativity, as well as spiritual transformation. Holy wells are some of Her sacred places. Brigid’s festival is Imbolc, February 1 – 2, and is celebrated in Ireland to current day beginning on the eve. Brigid made the transformation from ancient Goddess to beloved Christian saint (Saint Brigid of Kildare) and Her Sacred Flame continues to burn at Kildare.

Tonight and tomorrow, devotees of the bright flame of Brigid gather to honor Her ancient sacred traditions and the fire of this very special Goddess. I have gathered some vibrant resources to allow for further exploration of Brigid.

For those who are interested in connecting deeply, I invite you to check out the marvelous new online course by Jude Lally – Weaving the Protection of Brighid: A Goddess Activation Course.

Goddess Brigid Resources:

Celtic Soul Craft on Etsy – Brigid Dolls by Jude Lally

Brigid’s Day Ritual Kit from Brigid’s Grove (Molly Remer)

The Feast of St. Brigid by Carol P. Christ

Happy Brigid’s Day – Imbolc and the Story of the Goddess Brigid by Amantha Murphy

Brigit: Sun of Womanhood Anthology from Goddess Ink – edited by Patricia Monaghan and Michael McDermott