Brigid is a great goddess of healing music poetry prophecy and smithcraft. She is the matron of artisans artists and livestock. Brigid presides over the production of ale. She protects women in childbirth and may be petitioned for fertility. Brigid has dominion over wisdom education and learning. She is associated with sacred fires and holy wells.
Brigid is the daughter of the Dagda and thus a member of the Tuatha Dé Danaan but she transcends classification. She is a symbol of Ireland emblematic of the modern Celtic revival among the most beloved spirits of the twenty-first century.
Brigid is a master shape-shifter. Not only is she able to change the physical form in which she manifests she is able to transform herself to meet the needs of devotees. Thus Brigid was never forgotten or suppressed nor was she demoted to the status of Fairy Queen or tragic heroine as were so many of her fellow goddesses. Instead Brigid made the transition to Christianity evolving into Saint Brigid. When Scots and Irish indentured servants were transported to the Caribbean she further evolved into Madame Brigitte Vodou lwa.
Brigid is the mother of invention. Among her other creations she allegedly made the very first whistle intended as a nocturnal alarm to keep women safe from sexual assault an early precursor of the “Take Back the Night” movement. Whistles may be blown during rituals to invoke Brigid’s aid.