IRISH SAINT

After the introduction of Christianity, many of the attributes of Goddess Brigid were transferred to Saint Brigid. She is revered for her goodness and caring for the poor. She is the protector of children. She had the authority of a bishop and was a fierce advocate of women's rights. She ensured
that women were allowed to hold property in their own name. She was given permission to form a convent. The local king laughed when she asked for land to build on. He said she was welcome to take as much land as her cloak would encircle. Brigid unraveled the yarn in her cloak and with it staked out an ample piece of land near Kildare where the convent still stands with an eternal flame burning. She too is a patron of crafts. St. Brigid's crosses, which are solar emblems, are still seen everywhere in Ireland. Legend says that the saint died on February 1st 525 A.D. "midwinter," the Feast Day of the goddess Brigid.

CELTIC GODDESS

A mythical goddess revered and worshiped for centuries by the Pre-Christian Celts of many nations. The goddess of fire, she is attributed with great strength and is the protector of animals and warriors. Midwinter and spring are her seasons. She is symbolized by spring calves and lambs,
dandelions and field flowers, spring rains and wells, serpents and others too numerous to mention. She was the patron of metalsmiths, warriors, poets, dyers, weavers, and brewers. Her legend is very long and complex.

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