Translated as “The Exalted One” in Old Irish, Brigid is a Gaelic-Celtic Goddess of many things including fire, poetry, fertility, spring, and craftsmanship. Other spellings of her name are Brig, Brighid, or Brigit.
Not unlike many of the Tuatha Dé Danan, Brigid is thought to be a Triple Goddess, similar to The Morrigan. Some believe this means she is three sister goddesses or that she is one goddess made of three different aspects. These sisters, or aspects depending on your belief, would be Brigid the Healer, Brigid the Smith, and Brigid the Poet.
By far Brigid was one of the most popular goddesses of the Celts, as she had variations across the Celtic world where her name was Brigantes or Briganti.
The Welsh know her as Ffraid, in Scotland her name is Brìghde/Brìde.
Though the Dagda has been established as Brigid’s father, it’s not certain who her mother is. Some say Danu, others say The Morrigan, though this is less likely. I personally have yet to find anywhere that names a mother with any evidence.
Brigid is considered a Mother Goddess.
Brigid has been conflated with the Catholic St. Brigid, who was the daughter of a converted Druid. It is believed by some that St. Brigid of the Catholic church was inspired by the Goddess. The two share many features and even a holiday.
St. Brigid’s day is February 1st and lands on the same day as the Irish-Pagan holiday Imbolc, leading some folks to believe that the saint is a Christianized version of the ancient goddess. However, no study has found there to be any historical link between them.
Brigid was likened to the Roman Minerva, the Greek Athena, as well as the Proto-Indo-European goddess of the dawn.
Brigid has also been known to go by Dana or Danu, though they are also separate deities.
In mythology, Brigid invented Keening, which is a mix of weeping and singing while mourning the death of her son.
Brigid is heavily linked to Irish Holy wells.
Brigid is also known for prophecy as she was worshipped by seers.
She is associated with fire due to her associations with the hearth and smiths
Ultimately there is very little historical information about Brigit, surprising considering she is so popular now and was popular even in the past.
Disclaimer - Not all of these are traditional or historic correspondences nor do they need to be. However, any correspondence that can be considered traditional will be marked with a (T).
Hold a bonfire for her (or use your fireplace)
Create or recite a poem for her (T)
Hone your craft, whatever it may be!
References and Further Reading
Brigid, Bright Goddess of the Gael - Mythicalireland
Myth and Legends of the Celtic Race by Thomas Rolleston via Sacred Texts
Song of Brigit - Celtic Wonder Tales by Ella Young via Sacred Texts
The Spirit of the Celtic Gods and Goddesses by Carl McColman and Kathryn Hinds
Devotees and Followers to check out:
as recommended by the community.
germansingergirl
gamechangershow
vaporwave
theartofmadeline
amandla
turnnoffyourmind
