Happy Brigid’s Day + Imbolc!
Lá Fhéile Bríde (Brigid’s Day) is a Gaelic traditional festival - also known as Imbolc. It marks the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Solstice. For Christians, it is the feast day of Saint Brigid.
Celebrations between tonight, 2/1/24!
Last year, we celebrated that Ireland honored this day with a National Holiday. It is their first national holiday to celebrate a woman.
I was blessed with the opportunity to take the 7+ mile pilgrimage in Glastonbury, England, where Brigid is honored throughout the walk and ends at the Chalice Well - where the Red and White Springs still exist today. Drew and I also drove around Ireland where St. Brigid is woven into so many layers of their stories and culture. I created a couple of reels to share the highlights of these places. You can see them on my Instagram profile: Instagram.com/debra11
In Celtic mythology, Brigid is a triple goddess. She is associated with healing, passion, and fire. Brigid is also the goddess of serenity, poetry, and water. Evidence of her has been found throughout the UK, reflecting her importance as a powerful, yet personal deity. When she was not protecting mothers and newborn children, Brigid inspired many of the writers and poets for which Ireland is internationally renowned.
I am deeply drawn to her. My love of poetry, call to heal, and passionate, fiery side are all embraced by her archetype. She feels like home to me.
The Christian saint who took her name was born in 450 AD. She carried some of those same associations as the Matron Saint of poets and midwives.
Like many other feasts and celebrations on the Irish calendar, Brigid predates Christianity – her roots lie in the Celtic festival of Imbolc, the feast of the goddess Brigid, celebrated at least five millennia ago.
From the shadows into the light… The Divine Feminine is rising across the globe to BALANCE the masculine energy that has been too long in “control over” things. The feminine energy our Creator wove into each of us is being called to rise up and show the world what power with one another looks like.
“Brigid is the bridge, crossing the threshold from Goddess to Saint, Celtic to Christian, North and South, winter and spring, water and fire, masculine and feminine, ancient and modern.” - Treacy O’Connor
“The time has come to write a new story of unity and equality, by celebrating Ireland’s Celtic Goddess and matron Saint Brigid equally to our world famous St. Patrick.” Quote from this Brigid’s Day website
Feeling like honoring your Celtic roots and honoring Brigid this weekend?
Here are ways I have chosen this year… maybe one will inspire you!
1: Create an altar... light a candle... say a blessing. I procured a lovely candle from Milk and Honey in Sebastopol that was created to honor Brigid.
Here is a sweet blessing from Molly at Brigid’s Grove:
Brigid of the holy water.
Brigid of the sacred flame.
In the waters of your healing well,
I claim my story,
I claim my truth,
I claim my authentic self.
In your forge of transformation,
I claim my voice,
I claim my power,
I claim my magic.
Take a peek at my altar space!
2: Stroll through your garden and search for the season's first blooms. Take photos and write a poem or haiku to honor the moment. Add these sweet elements to your altar.
3: Create a scrumptious feast! Traditional foods include colcannon (cabbage + potatoes), dumplings, baked bread, milk, eggs, dried fruits, and winter veggies. More food inspiration here.
4: Make/Hang a Brigid’s Cross
When you hang them above your front door they will protect and bless your home for the coming year. How to Video.
5: Create Poetry or Write in Your Journal
Imbolc is a time of new beginnings. This often inspires me to create with words - whether writing a poem, having fun with haikus, or journaling about the incredible things to come.
Whether you choose to honor this day or not, thank you for reading more about the divine goddess Brigid and her namesake, the matron Saint Brigid. Learning the stories of these strong, divine women in history is a beautiful way to honor them.
Wrapping You in Love + Light,
Additional Inspiration and Resources: