How do you know if Brigid is calling you? What are the spiritual signs of Brigid?
Imbolc (Jan 31/Feb 1) is the holiday of Brigid. Among many things, it marks the midpoint between the beginning of winter and spring, and serves as a time of hope. It’s also a time when Brigid-curious folx come out to learn more about this magnanimous (and sometimes hilarious!) Goddess of springtime, thresholds, the home, and much, much more.
Brigid was the first Goddess I encountered on my Witchcraft and Pagan journey. Like all Goddess journeys, ours has not been without bumps and tumbles. Still, I revere this time of year as one to honor her. Part of my work includes helping those who would like to help her as well.
Is this you? If so, read on for more!
Brigid often appears to people who are:
- Drawn to the arts, especially writing.
- Called to animal husbandry (hello urban farmers! You too!).
- Caregivers of all kinds, particularly children and/or those struggling with illness or poverty.
- Metal workers and/or people who work with technology.
For many, myself included, Brigid provides a bridge from Christian into Pagan spirituality.
She has identities as a Saint as well as a Goddess. Many Brigid followers don’t bother to differentiate the two and accept all identities as “Brigid.”
If you wonder whether Brigid is reaching out to you, here are some common tells:
- Having dreams of characters who look like or refer to themselves as Brigid.
- Seeing recurring images of Brigid in art, on social media, or in other places.
- Repeated, and unusual, encounters with cattle or sheep (particularly if you typically don’t encounter these animals).
- A sudden desire to overthrow abusive people through trickery.
If you feel called to Brigid and would like to connect further:
Many people experience Brigid as highly accessible Goddess. While I don’t dare to speak for her…she tends to happily show up wherever she’s invited. If you’d also like to get to know her further, here are a few suggestions:
- Invite her into your home through a simple prayer: “Brigid is come. Brigid is welcome!”
- Leave a cup of tea (or coffee!) next to the coziest spot in your home as a sign of hospitality for Brigid.
- Light a candle in her honor (don’t leave candles burning unattended!).
- Write a poem or story for her, or draw a picture for her.
- Care for a child, elder, or animal as an act of service in her name.
If you’d like to learn more about Brigid:
- Check out my interview with Kanani Soleil of Suburban Witch Lady Podcast. We talk about Brigid and Imbolc!
- Register (tomorrow!) for my class “Brigid for Writers,” which I’m co-teaching with Orlagh Minxie Costello
- Order my first book baby: Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess
- Check out this gorgeous course on Brigid led by Orlagh Minxie Costello