Brighid ~ Daughter of The Dagda, patroness of
Druids and Bards, Goddess of healing, smithcraft,
music, and poetry. She is the patroness of all
artists, craftsmen, and stock animals. Her symbol is the
pure white bull. The horns are said to represent
the physical portal of the human female thru which
child-birth takes place, as well as a portal
of spiritual rebirth. It is believed by some that Brighid used
to be known as The Great Goddess, female creator,
and All-Mother. She is known today in many
froms, such as Saint Brighid, or Saint Bride
of Kildare. Kildare in Gaelic "Cill Dara" meaning Church
of the Oak. Saint Bride according to legend (patroness
of child-birth) was said to have been the
midwife to the Virgin Mary. Fire is sacred to
this Goddess, and to this day in Kildare perpetual
flames are tended in her honor. Like the flame
that is sacred to her, she is the spark of knowledge in
smithwork and metalworking. From her flame of
inspiration came legends, poetry, and music to the
Bards.
