Being one of the most well-known and beloved of the Irish goddesses, I suppose it seems almost expected that you might find a shrine to Brighid, here, almost expected that I am drawn to this lovely goddess; but in truth, I find it very difficult to write about Her.

From the lore, we know She is one of the foremost goddesses of the Tuatha De Dannan. Variously known as Brigid, Brighid, Brigantia, Bride, Brigandu, and by a myriad other spellings, She tends the fires of the Smithy, burned by those fires, She is yet beautiful.(2) She lends inspiration to the bards and poets, and heals the sick; cries for the dead and dying; sustains the family hearth fires. She has been greeted year after year, on February 1st-2nd, the Usher to the springtides, all the life that springs forth with its return.

The Great Goddess of the Celts, She leant her name, even to several of their tribes, and it seems, to the Island of Great Britain itself. She was even revered by the Romans, as another form of Minerva.

With the coming of Christianity to Ireland, and the destruction of the pagan Druids, and their way of belief, She could not be shunted off. She survived Ireland's conversion to Christianity, to become one of the most important Saints in the Celtic Church, as St. Bridget (or Mary of the Gaels), the companion of the Virgin Mary, and the fostermother of Christ; I've read it was Brighid who led the Holy Family to safety, a crown of lit candles on her head.

But for me, over the years, from my first encounter with Brighid, She has become, and is, my Mother, my Mentor, She Who Kicks my tail, when necessary. ;) When I have had need of it, She has healed my wounds, though, as it is said of Her, I can tell you, they're still there, if less visible than Her own scars. She has fired my creativity, and leant eloquence to everything I have created. She has even stoked my curiosity and craving for knowledge, and given a firey blast to my anger, at times. ;)

But always, She lit the fires of my heart. Hopefully, I can continue to do Her justice.