Symbols associated with Brigid

Since Imbolc is soon approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to share some symbols associated with Brigid (also referred to as Brigit, Brighid, and Bride) – the Goddess of fire, creativity, poetry, smithcraft, and healing. Brigid is often thought of as the Triple Goddess, and is celebrated at Imbolc in her Maiden form. You may wish to have some of these symbols on your altar, or to incorporate them in your Craft on this Sabbat.

Symbols associated with Brigid:

Candles, or anything with fire – Brigid is the goddess of the Flame. Celebrate the return of the Sun by lighting candles – lots of them!
Poetry, song lyrics, creative writing – Since Brigid is, indeed, goddess of poetry.
A small anvil or hammer – Since Brigid is also the goddess of smithcraft.
Brigid’s Cross – This symbol was traditionally used at the hearths of homes as a symbol of protection, especially in Ireland. The cross is a traditional fire wheel symbol, and associated with Brigid, who is said to provide protection of the home. You can make a Brigid’s cross using reeds, rushes, willow, or straw – or if this isn’t possible, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate this symbol into your Imbolc celebrations! I’ve seen someone do a tarot spread in the shape of Brigid’s Cross, for example.
Brigid Doll – Old tradition involved making a Brigid doll, usually out of corn. This doll could be included in ceremony to bring fertility and good fortune. Some modern Brigid Dolls are made with various materials and textiles.
Cauldron or chalice – Brigid is also thought to be goddess of the Well, and is associated with healing waters.
The Serpent – In Celtic mythology, Brigid is associated with a serpent awakening from hibernation, which then emerged from its lair at Imbolc. Serpents are also traditionally associated with creativity and inspiration.
Animals such as cows, sheep and lambs – Brigid’s festival is a time of lambing and new fertility – the return of Spring! Brigid is also associated with fertility and midwifery, and in some traditions, it is believed that Brigid is present at every birth.
Faeries – In some traditions, Brigid is sister of the Fae, and associated with Faery Healing.
Healing herbs such as Blackberry, Basil, Coltsfoot, Mugwort, and Celandine – Brigid is the goddess of healing, so Imbolc is a great time to do healing magick. Blackberry is sacred to Brigid, and the leaves and berries are used to attract prosperity and healing. Brigid is also associated with Coltsfoot.

And I’m sure there are many more examples!

Have fun, and blessed be

lonelyleliel reblogged

fae-sidhe

Imbolc sigil, feel free to reblog or use as you see fit :)

#personal #imbolc #sigil #brigid #spring #february #new beginnings #blessings #imbolc blessings #symbol #magic #pagan #witchcraft #st. brigids day #candlemass

lonelyleliel reblogged

eilis-rose-stardust

🌾Brigid🌾

From my Grimoire:

Brigid, the Triple Goddess

Brigid, an ancient Celtic goddess, goes by many names: Bride, Bridey, Brighid, Brigit, Briggidda, Brigantia, Breo-Saighead. There are many pronunciations, but I use Breet. Brigid means “exalted one” and the most ancient Celtic name, Breo-Saighead, means “fiery power” or “fiery arrow”.

Brigid is said to be the daughter of the Dagda and was born at sunrise to the earth god with rays of sunshine or flame shooting out of her head into the universe. She is part of the Tuatha Dé Danann. As a baby it is said she drank the milk of a sacred cow. Brigid is one of the solar goddesses often depicted with rays coming from her head. It is said that Brigid invented “keening” as she mourned for her lost son Ruadan as he fell in the Battle of Moytura.

Brigid is traditionally known as the triple goddess of healing and fertility, poetry and smithcraft, all practical applications that inspire wisdom, arts and crafts. Her main symbols are fire and water, two elements essential in each of her three specialties.

As a goddess of healing and fertility she was concerned equally with humans, animals and vegetation. Wherever she walked flowers sprang up under her feet. It was an eternal springtime in her presence. Herds never ran dry of milk. As a healer she is associated with water and it was tradition to bring those sick and ailing to springs and water for healing. Associations include medicine, spiritual healing and fertility, midwifery, inner healing and vital energy.

Brigid is the keeper and dispenser of information. She is the goddess of poets and artists. Known as the fire of the soul she is the goddess of self expression and she lends grace and inspiration to all creative endeavors. Associations include poetry, learning, divination, occult knowledge and prophecy.

As the goddess of the forge, Brigid is known for her cauldron used for melting metals, she may even date back to pottery and it’s firing. As a smith she creates new and mends the broken. While she is generally known as the peaceful smith she can also be seen as the warrior forging spears and arrows. Associations include blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and housecrafts.

Brigid’s feast Day is February 1st, Imbolc (i-MOLG). At this time, Brigid, or the bride makes herself present, ushering out the old crone of winter and letting the sunshine in. Imbolc was marked by the milk of the Ewes beginning to flow, marking growth and fertility. Imbolc was traditionally celebrated by making Brigid crosses to protect the hearth and home. During festivities she was often symbolized as a straw doll in a white dress with a crystal in the center of chest. Corn cakes were made from the first and last harvest and distributed between townsfolk. Brigid’s corn doll was carried by maidens dressed in white. Gifts of food were presented at a feast where young men were invited for the purpose of ritual mating to ensure new souls were brought into the world to replace those lost to the cold.

ASSOCIATIONS:

General - Fire, hearth, forge, harp, light, candles, sunrise, springs and wells, poetry, whistling, embroidery, arrows, bells, thresholds and doorways, sandstone rock formations like Stonehenge, Brigid’s cross, corn dolls, midwifery

Animals - Lambs and ewes, dairy cows, bees, owls, serpents, hibernating animals

Plants - Dandelions, snowdrops, crocus, trilliums, acorns and oak trees, corn, oats, sage, pumpkin seeds, heather, chamomile, blackberries, shamrock, rushes, straw and all field flowers

Scents - Heather, wisteria, violet, lavender, lemon verbena, and heliotrope

Crystals - amethyst, bloodstone, red garnets, moonstone, quartz, onyx, peridot, ruby, turquoise, and clear quartz

Colors - Red, White, Green, Gold, Blue