Brigid

One of the most complex and contradictory Goddesses of the Celtic pantheon, Brigid can be seen as the most powerful religious figure in all of Irish history. She has succeeded in travelling intact through generations, fulfilling different roles in divergent times. She was, and continues to be, known by many names. Referred to as Bride, Bridey, Brighid, Brigit, Briggidda, Brigantia and she is the Celtic Goddessof Fire (the forge and the hearth), poetry, healing, childbirth, and unity, is celebrated in many European countries.

Born at the exact moment of daybreak, Brigid rose into the sky with the sun, rays of fire beaming from her head. She was the daughter of Dagda, the great 'father-god' of Ireland.
In Druid mythology, the infant goddess was fed with milk from a sacred cow from the Otherworld. Brigid owned an apple orchard in the Otherworld and her bees would bring their magical nectar back to earth.
It is said that wherever she walked, small flowers and shamrocks would appear. As a sun goddess her gifts are light (knowledge), inspiration, and the vital and healing energy of the sun.

Brigid of the mantles,

Brigid of the hearth flame,

Brigid of the twining hair,

Brigid of the augury,

Brigid of the white feet,

Brigid of calmness,

Brigid of the white milk,

Brigid of the crossroads.
I am under the keeping of my Mother Mary.

My companion beloved is Brigid.

I shall not be slain,

I shall not be sworded,

I shall not be put in a cell,

I shall not be hewn,

I shall not be anguished,

I shall not be wounded,

I shall not be blinded,

I shall not be left bare,

Nor will Mary leave me forgotten.
I am under the shielding of good Brigid each day.

I am under the shielding of good Brigid each night.

I am under the keeping of the Midwife of Mary

Each early and late, every dark, every light.

Brigid is my protector, Brigid is my maker of song.

Brigid is my sword and shield, Brigid is my guide.