Tracie L. Maryne

Brigid is known as the fire goddess in Celtic mythology. She was the giver of fire for healing, for hearth and protector of smiths and metal workers.  She is associated with the sun and often depicted with fiery red hair. 

Brigid was so important that centuries later when christianity arrived in Ireland, they transformed her attributes to the 5th century Brigid of Kildare, now Christian Saint Brigid, patron saint of the hearth.  

A healing sanctuary and perpetual flame were kept burning until the 12th century.  The Brigid flame was relit in 1993 and is tended by the Brigidine sisters in Kildare.

Brigid’s fire represents the fire of hearth, healing and protection, but not destruction.