The Evolution, Mythology, and Magickal Practices of Brigit the Goddess and Saint.

Brigid, also known as Brigit or Brig, is a prominent figure in Irish mythology, and a highly revered goddess. Widely believed to have originated as a pre-Christian Irish pagan deity, Brigid has greatly influenced various aspects of life, including art, literature, history, religion, and even magickal practices.

Pre-Christian Origins and Mythology

In Irish mythology, Brigid was a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a tribe of gods and goddesses. She was the daughter of the Dagda, a powerful and universal deity in the Gaelic world, and the wife of Bres, a prominent figure who served as the ruler of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Brigid and Bres had a son named Ruadán, who played a significant role in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh.

Goddess Brigid is associated with many roles, functions, and aspects in the lives of her followers. As a goddess, she was widely admired by poets, and her domains included; wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, smithing, and domesticated animals. Furthermore, Brigid was the embodiment of the hearth, fire, inspiration, childbirth, and warfare. Her presence in the lives of her devotees is still remembered vividly and with great reverence, even after the remaining Gaelic deities eventually faded into obscurity.

Cormac’s Glossary, a 9th-century text compiled by Christian monks, offers an insight into Brigid’s identity and often refers to her as a ‘woman of wisdom’ or a ‘goddess of poets.’ The Glossary further mentions that Brigid had two sisters—an idea that suggests she might have been a triple deity—Brigid the healer and Brigid the smith. Various manifestations of Brigid have been identified in Irish mythology, including Brigantia, Brid, Bride, Briginda, Brigdu, and Brigit.

Transformation into St. Brigid and Influence on Christianity

Around 453 C.E., the Church of St. Brigid transformed the pagan goddess into St. Brigid, who soon became a cherished figure in Christianity. St. Brigid is revered as the patroness of farm work, cattle, and the protector of houses from fire and calamity. She is also referred to as Muime Chriosd, meaning “Foster-Mother of Christ,” which further solidifies her divine presence in this new faith.

St. Brigid was said to be the daughter of Dubthach, a Druid, who took her from Ireland to be raised on the Isle of Iona. Immortalized in many Middle Ages stories, St. Brigid was perceived as the embodiment of divine feminine energy—in one tale, her lament for her son Ruadán was said to have initiated the tradition of keening or mourning in Ireland.

Magickal Practices and Rituals

Devotees of Brigid engage in various magickal practices and rituals that stem from her mythology. These rituals encompass a wide range of elements, including poetry, craftsmanship, protection of the hearth, and healing through sacred waters. It is widely believed that repeating the genealogy of Brigid invokes protection from her.

One of the most ancient rituals devoted to Brigid is called the Three-fold Death, a practice involving burning, drowning, and stabbing. This ritual typically represented the death of a sacrifice, and to this day, Brigid’s followers continue to honor her through this ancient tradition.

Another popular ritual associated with Brigid is the Imbolc festival, a celebration that marks the beginning of spring and honors the goddess. This festival involves crafting crosses out of rushes or reeds, which are then hung in homes as symbols of protection and good luck.

It is also customary to leave food and drink out for Brigid during Imbolc, as a gesture of gratitude and respect.

The Three-Fold Death Ritual of Healing

The Three-fold Death ritual of healing channels the transformative power of Brigid, enabling a metaphysical journey of death and rebirth. This powerful ceremony, originally used to mark the death of a Sacred King or magician, is now used as a tool for profound personal growth and healing. It incorporates elements of shamanic death and rebirth, symbolizing the individual’s unity with their land or spiritual landscape.

1. Setting up the Sacred Space: Begin by creating a sacred space that will serve as the spiritual arena for the ritual. Decorate the space with symbols associated with Brigid, such as the Brigid’s Cross, a hearth, or an anvil. You may also use items from nature, like water, fire, and metal to represent the elements of the Three-fold Death—drowning, burning, and stabbing.
2. Purification: Cleanse yourself and the ritual space with a sage smudge stick or incense to purify the energies around you. This serves to clear out any negative or residual energy that may interfere with the ritual.
3. Invocation of Brigid: Stand in the center of your sacred space, close your eyes and invoke Brigid. You might say: “Brigid, exalted one, goddess of poets, healers, and smiths, I call upon you. Guide me through this journey of death and rebirth. As I walk through fire, water, and air, may your wisdom guide me and your protection be upon me.” Or you can use the Hymn to Brigid.
4. The Three-fold Death: The first stage of the Three-fold Death is burning. Light a candle and visualize the fire consuming all negativity and pain, leaving only purified energy behind. Next, symbolize drowning by washing your hands in a bowl of water, cleansing away the remnants of your old self. Lastly, pick up a small, blunt knife and gently tap your chest over your heart three times, representing the stabbing. This is an acknowledgment of the pain that accompanies transformation.
5. Offerings: Leave an offering of gratitude for Brigid. This could be a poem written in her honor, a crafted item, or simple food and drink.
6. Optional Ritual Gestures and Movements: Conclude the ceremony by dancing or moving in the rhythm of a three-beat pattern to honor Brigid’s triple aspect. This serves as a physical affirmation of your internal transformation. Perhaps trace the form of the Cross of Brigid.
7. Closing the Sacred Space: End the ritual by thanking Brigid for her guidance and protection. Close the sacred space by saying: “May Brigid’s fire continues to inspire, her waters continue to heal, and her wisdom continues to guide. Blessed be.”

Remember, this ritual is a symbolic representation of death and rebirth. It’s a powerful way to acknowledge past difficulties, release them, and then step into a new phase of life with renewed strength and wisdom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brigid’s transformation from a pre-Christian deity into a Christian saint has not diminished her significance in Irish culture or spirituality. Her influence continues to shape various aspects of life in Ireland and beyond, making her an enduring figure in both Pagan and Christian traditions. As we continue to honor her through rituals and practices, we pay tribute to the rich history and mythology that surrounds Brigid— a goddess, saint, and powerful symbol of femininity and strength. So let us continue to invoke her energy in our lives, seeking healing, protection, and inspiration from this beloved deity. Blessed be.