Brigid: Goddess of Fire & Inspiration
Brigid is the Celtic Goddess of Fire and Inspiration. She’s often called the Exalted One, and every Imbolc – February 1st - 2nd – she helps the Earth reawaken from its winter slumber, inspiring each of us to awaken our inner flame and motivation to achieve our goals.
She was such an important goddess to the ancient people that Christians even made her St. Brigit in the 5th century, to ease the transition for people from paganism to Christianity. Her magick centers around sacred fire, healing water, and creative inspiration. She’s a nurturing triple goddess, and you can call on her when you need help finding motivation, protection, healing, wisdom, and more.
Brigid’s Sacred Fire
One of the most consistent characteristics of Brigid – even after she was canonized – is fire. Historical records show us that an ancient group of priestesses served Brigid in Kildare, Ireland. There, an undying, ashless fire was tended by these holy women. Unfortunately, this flame was extinguished in 1184 by Christian clergy, but in 1988, the remnants of the temple where the fire burned were uncovered and there was a revival of St. Brigit.
Imbolc is Brigid’s Sabbat and its celebration often involves fire and flame magick. It marks the traditional beginning of lambing season and is the time when the Earth finally starts waking up from the darker months. You may have created the Brigid Cross for Imbolc or honored her with celebrations centering around light. For more information on how you can celebrate this beautiful goddess and her special day, be sure to check out our previous blog, “Celebrating Imbolc – A Return to the Light.”
Brigid’s Healing Wells
It is believed that Brigid is the daughter of the Earth God Dagda, born at sunrise with rays of light radiating from her head. Wherever she walks, flowers and shamrocks spring up in her footsteps. Not only is she associated with fertility and growth, but also with healing. Healing wells all over Ireland and England honor her and her energy.
Brigid’s Well in Kildare, Ireland, is one of the most famous sites in the country. There’s also another well located in County Clare. The well in Kildare is said to heal wounds and illnesses. Her flame has also been relit at this site. In County Clare, her well is located at a church and is built under a cemetery.
Creative Inspiration
Brigid is a muse for writers, poets, storytellers, and more, giving creative inspiration and knowledge to those when they need it most. As a goddess of spring, Brigid is a wonderful goddess to call on when you need to start something new. And when all that creative energy gets too exciting, she’s also the goddess of serenity.
Brigid Correspondences
As you welcome the return of spring in your practice, pick a few of Brigid’s correspondences to include in your magick if she calls to you.
Element: Fire
Day: Sunday
Color: Blue
Trees, Herbs & Flowers:
- Cedar
- Oak
- Willow
- Rowan
- Blackberry
- Dandelion
Animals:
- Cow
- Sheep
- Bear
- Rooster
- Swan
Gemstones:
- Azurite
- Peridot
Magickal Intentions & Spells:
- Creativity
- Inspiration
- Triple Goddess Energy
- Divination
- Fertility
- Wisdom
- Protection
- Healing
- Love
- Grief
- Communication
Brigid is one of our favorite triple goddesses here at IGC! If you’re inspired to work with her, be sure to check out February’s Inked Goddess Creations Box, Triple Moon.
References & Further Reading
Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences, by Sandra Kynes
Encyclopedia of Goddesses & Heroines, by Patricia Monaghan, PhD
Mythopedia, “Brigid.”