REAWAKENING THE TRUE BRIGID: A Journey Through Myth and Identity
The stories passed down through generations represent a form of collective memory that shapes cultural identity. As Sandy Dunlop, co-founder of Bard Mythologies, articulates, “myth serves as an early form of psychology, deeply ingrained within a culture,” offering profound insights into our ancestors’ values and beliefs. The name Ireland itself is derived from the goddess Ériu, and the empowering narratives of three significant goddesses—Ériu, Boann, and Cessair—shape the foundational stories of the land. There is an abundance of wisdom drawn from these ancient legacies, especially in our quest for equality today.
The Goddess Brigid: Ancient Archetype, Modern Symbol
Brigid is recognized as a goddess spanning across Europe, having originated from Danú in southern Germany. Her legacy has influenced various regions, stretching from Turkey to Spain. In ancient Ireland, she was venerated as part of the Tuatha dé Danann, especially revered in Ulster, which lies north of the River Boyne. Dr. Máirín Ní Nualláin, a psychiatrist, emphasizes that “the essence of the goddess embodies all of us,” highlighting the collective unconscious that connects humanity through shared myths.
Brigid is known as a triple goddess, embodying healing through water, the transformative energy of fire, and the art of poetry. She reflects the potential within every woman, encouraging them to embrace and express their diverse talents without succumbing to societal stereotypes.
“Women’s narratives are potent, inspiring, and formidable, mirroring the goddess herself. These narratives define her identity,” states Jalaja Bonheim, underscoring every woman’s connection to the Sacred Feminine and the notion that each woman’s experience contributes to this shared story.
Brigid symbolizes mastery through the harmonious integration of fire and water—representing masculine and feminine energies. This balance resonates with Eastern philosophies, embodying the dynamic duality of yin and yang. Today’s struggle for equality is mirrored in Brigid’s lesson that healing cannot occur without reconciling these opposing energies, ultimately revealing the illusions of separation.
A Call to Ecological Awareness
The elevation of Brigid’s day to a public holiday underscores the recognition of women’s equality alongside men in society. Her strong ties to fertility and the natural world position her as a pivotal figure in the ecological movement, embodying the essence of Mother Earth and reminding us of our interconnectedness with all beings on the planet. This invitation to reconnect with nature is particularly relevant in our times of environmental distress, as we are called to nurture our relationship with the Earth, recalling John Moriarty’s notion of “walking beautifully on the earth again.”
Historian Riane Eisler notes that both mythical and archaeological evidence point to a profound awareness of our unity with nature in earlier societies, contrasting sharply against the environmentally harmful ideologies prevalent today.
Saint Brigid: Bridging Two Worlds
Legend portrays Saint Brigid as more than just a figure marked by her miraculous cloak or the popular cross she wove. Dr. Máirín Ní Nualláin notes her dual nature, saying, “Saint Brigid, daughter of a druid, encapsulates goddess-like qualities while also embodying the virtues of Christianity, such as kindness and care for animals.”
Saint Brigid chose a path of altruism over personal gain, even going to the extent of self-mutilation to escape societal expectations of beauty, thus highlighting her profound inner beauty, which flourished through deeds of compassion. Her legend is filled with accounts of miraculous healings, taming wild animals, and transforming everyday substances, which greatly contributes to her enduring legacy.
Brigid’s Way, a pilgrimage route connecting significant sites in her honor, attracts modern-day seekers who wish to resonate with her indomitable spirit of resilience and healing, especially vital to our current world.
Laura Murphy reflects on Brigid’s enduring influence, stating, “Though 1500 years have passed, Brigid continues to inspire, guiding extraordinary humanitarians and revolutionaries.” Her historical role as both a leader and a symbol of unity established a precedent for gender equality, fostering a community where men and women collaborated.
Brigid’s narrative is inclusive and transcends religious boundaries, representing a blend of feminine empowerment and compassion, appealing to individuals of all beliefs.
The Legacy of Equality
In merely one generation, Ireland has shifted from being labeled as “No Country for Women” to becoming a trailblazer for equality globally. The time is ripe to continue this narrative of collective unity by celebrating Brigid and all women, promoting the vision established in 1916 for equal rights for every citizen. Establishing Brigid’s Day as a national holiday serves as a testament to today’s progressive Ireland, sending an uplifting message about equality to the world.
