BRIGHID
forging the blade of creativity
copyright by CBREEZE 2009
In Celtic myth, Brighid is one of the most ancient goddesses known and revered in many European countries. Even today in Ireland, Spain, Scotland, Wales, Britain, and France, honor and devotion is rendered to her principles and culminated in the celebration of Imbolc, a symbolic festival signifying the beginning of a new year. Commonly celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, Imbolc is associated with the first signs of spring and is also known as St. Brighid's Day.
The persona of Brighid is undeniably identified with 'flames' and 'fire' which corresponds to her reign over creative works like poetry, music, and song;
smithcraft(metal working); and healing. Her attributes of light, inspiration, and all skills connected to fire support her position as the Goddess of physicians, the healing arts, prophecy, and divination. Brighid is always associated with the creative sacred fires of the divine and rules over the hearth, home, marriage, family, and fertility. In fact the word 'bride' is a diminutive of the name Brighid.
Many enduring stories exist expounding the intricate works and responsibilities of the Goddess Brighid. According to ancient Celtic customs, the woman armed the young man with his weapons, in a sense initiating him into manhood and instructing him on how to defend the family and community, not only as a warrior, but as a healer too. Brighid, being the divine symbol of woman, as the Goddess of spoken word, music, healing arts, the home, and smithcraft, forges the blade of the divine in the sacred fires , providing vigilant protection, wisdom, and santuary. She remains an iconic, popular, and powerful character of religious interest.
