Earth Goddess, Well Spirit, Forge Patron, Bard, and Druidess . . . above all, Brigid meant magick. Each of her areas of patronage were believed to be endowed with magick as their very existence (clean water, the forge's transformative abilities, creative inspiration, and more) was seen as otherworldly. Brigid's magickal career did not end when the old Celtic world became Christianized. St. Brigid's stories are packed with spell castings, encounters with wizards, and even curses. In fact, a number of spells in this chapter are derived from St. Brigid's magickal lore.
But what is magick? In an age of incredible scientific progress, is there still a place for magick? Most of what our ancestors deemed magickal is now explained by science, yet many still believe in magick and are drawn to it. The word, spelled with a “k” to differentiate it from stage-performance or parlor-trick type of magic, has many incarnations. For some, magick describes the sense of heightened joy when perfect synchronistic events line up to make a particular moment feel extraordinary. It also describes a strangely kinetic connection between people otherwise unfamiliar to one another. Finally, magick refers to the energetic and spiritual practice of manifesting change. Magick doesn't attempt to negate science. It explores, as it always has, the areas science has yet to label and embraces the soul beneath the matter.
Brigid's magick is known for manifesting quickly, but also for manifesting in surprising ways. True to one of her images of having two faces, one beautiful and one harsh, Brigid Magick can unfold in a similar fashion: gracious blessings often combined with rough lessons. One famous trademark of Brigid spells is their delivery of exactly what you've asked for just in time to show you that you don't actually need it, but also revealing other options even more rewarding. Brigid magick is accessible. It is frequently beloved by healers, justice workers, parents, and artists, but is not confined to that list. Wherever there is a need for innovation, strength, or healing, there is fodder for Brigid Magick.
I have seen contemporary ceremonialists invoke Brigid in elaborate rituals; I have also seen her drawn into ecstatic, spontaneous rites. I have experienced success in both formats and more. Yet matters of home are so very entrenched in the history and identity of Brigid that many of her rites can be performed with simple tools found about the house. Often, work within the house is tantamount to what tools are used.
Working with a Deity is effective when the relationship is made before requests are petitioned or spells cast. Like a relationship with a person, a bond and trust must be made before asking for great favors. Naturally, many would sweep in to help a stranger in an emergency, but we probably can't call up a stranger and expect them to help us move or pick up our cat from the vet. Likewise, it is best to get to know Brigid before asking for her help. While her nature is one of helping those in need without question, swifter and more quality assistance will come with familiarity.
Take time to get to know Brigid the way you would a new friend. Create a space for her in your home, if you can. (Suggested methods are listed in the next section.) Leave out a cup of tea or a treat periodically, or light a candle next to her effigy just to say hello. Regular observance of Imbolc rites, as you would regularly observe a friend's birthday, will help solidify you to the natural cycle of a Brigid year. Forge the relationship before you use it. She is the Smith after all, and would respect your forging!
Brigid practitioners often dedicate space in their home to work with her. These spaces are ideally set up near the fireplace or radiator, but are fine anywhere the pulse or the sense of “hominess” is strongest. Fireplaces speak to our ancestral memories as the center of the home. Kitchens and living rooms are good options for Brigid working space as both spaces hold the pulse of the modern home. Finding the best place for your Brigid work takes time. The pulse of your specific home may not be in the kitchen or at a fireplace. Listen and feel where the strongest sense of “home” is felt when you walk about the place. My partner and I do not have a fireplace, but we are fortunate to have a spare room where our altars reside. This is a nice respite from our crazy NYC lives, but we've also worked Brigid magick in the living room, which is the first place guests walk into and is the nerve center of our home. But for years, I kept a Brigid altar crammed next to the radiator in my old, tiny bedroom as that was the place I felt the most at peace after a long day.
Ideally, one would construct an altar to Brigid and tend it regularly. Altars can be simple. A small table or a bookshelf is sufficient. Most Brigid altars I have seen include a candle to represent the Forge, a vessel of water to represent the Well, and usually something green to represent the Earth. My Brigid altar is crowded with effigies I've collected of Brigid over the years, trinkets from Ireland and New Orleans, poems friends have written to her, and tiny St. Brigid's crosses I've received. It's not organized or tidy, but it reflects my experiences and relationship with her. One Brigid devotee I know keeps an impeccably neat altar on a beautiful table in her living room, only containing a Brigid statue and a candle closed in a glass box, which she keeps perpetually lit. Another has populated her altar with figurines of sheep and cows, as well as photos of herself and her husband as they both love Brigid and used a Brigid blessing at their wedding. Although these altars are all different, the Brigid energy is palpable all the same on each. If keeping an altar is not possible, devising a simple routine when approaching your sacred space will have the same effect. The ritual and routine will allow the desired manifestation to take place.
In my community, many people, particularly young people, struggle to find privacy in small, crowded apartments. Many cannot dedicate permanent sacred space to Brigid. Some wrap up items that evoke the sense of Brigid Magick (examples to follow), and pull them out when ready to work. Others privately designate a quiet area of a park for their work. These solutions are perfectly appropriate and appeal to Brigid's creative, innovative energy.
The following spells and practices are, for the most part, guidelines. You may find inspiration to do them differently and, seeing as Brigid is a Goddess of inspiration and innovation, it would be foolish not to follow your instincts! A very few require more specific follow-through, either because of the way the spell is written or because of traditional practices that have fed the practice.
My Brigid Altar. On it, I keep a flame originally lit at the Perpetual Flame at Kildare, a bowl of water (Brigid well water, if I have it on hand, and sometimes a little perfume for scent and loveliness), a little anvil, various St. Brigid's crosses, a prayer card from St. Brigid's Church on the Lower East Side, a Maman Brigitte doll I made, a “Brigid the Protector” action figure, and sundry trinkets from Brigid rituals I've attended, plus an iron nail I forged myself at a blacksmith shop. It reflects my journey with Brigid. Yours should reflect your own journey.
Casting a circle is a common practice among magick practitioners to hold the energy in place and create sacred space. To cast the circle, you must imagine and envision as where thoughts go, energy flows. For each of the following incantations, you must focus and envision them as much as possible while you speak them. The more focus and dedication you give your casting, the stronger and more potent your magick will be. The following is a suggested casting for a Circle for Brigid Magick:
Stand facing the East and say the following: “I summon the powers of East—Brigid's bright powers of Dawn! As you bring light to the Spring, bring light to my work. Hail and Welcome!”
Turn to the South: “I summon the Powers of South—the Blazing Fires of Brigid's Forge! Shed all that does not aid my work! Fortify my work! Let it change the World! Hail and Welcome!”
Turn to the West: “I summon the Powers of West—the Healing Powers of the Well! May my work flow and grow! May it stir and summon the depths of possibilities! Hail and Welcome!”
Turn to the North: “I summon the Powers of North—the Strength of the Cold Mountains! Freeze all adversities! Solidify my Desires with the Weight of the Frozen Rock! Hail and Welcome!”
Reach to the sky: “By the Powers of the Fiery Arrows!”
Reach to the ground: “By the Powers of the Green Earth!”
Extend arms to your sides: “I summon Brig, the Exalted One! Hail and Welcome! Hail and Welcome! Hail and Welcome!”
Your circle will then be cast.
The casting above is situated for practitioners in the Northern Hemisphere. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, you may wish to substitute Fire for North and Ice for the South and cast the circle counter-clockwise, beginning in the East, and then casting North, West, and then South. In the Northern Hemisphere, energy is banished via counter-clockwise movement, as seen in the final seconds of whirlpools going down the drain. Therefore, casting a circle in the Northern Hemisphere is most effective when cast clockwise. Likewise, the movements in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite.
To release your circle when your work is done:
Turn to the North: “Farewell to the Powers of North—as you came in peace, go in peace as well, but leave strength in my work. Keep my adversaries in your icy grasp. Hail and Farewell!”
Turn to the West: “Farewell to the Powers of West—as you came in peace, go in peace as well, but leave your misty whispers on my work. Wash away the obstacles to my manifestation. Hail and Farewell!”
Turn to the South: “Farewell to the Powers of South—as you came in peace, go in peace as well, but leave your sparks of manifestation. Allow the embers of my work to grow. Hail and Farewell!”
Stand facing the East and say the following: “Farewell to the powers of East—as you came in peace, go in peace as well! Though the day passes, the work of the sun remains. Remain also with my work. Hail and Farewell!”
Reach to the sky: “By the Grace of the Fiery Arrows!”
Reach to the ground: “By the Nurture of the Green Earth!”
Extend arms to your sides: “Hail Brig, the Exalted One! With thanks for your gifts, blessings, and attentions! Go if you must, stay if you will! My/Our circle is now released, but always and for eternity, Hail! Hail! Hail!”
Your circle is open and rite ended.
Below are a couple of lists of ingredients commonly used in Brigid spells, which can also be used to charge Brigid space.
Plants: Dandelion, torranan, bay laurel, betony, watercress, wild carrot, the snowdrop, oak, white roses, lavender, cinnamon, or cassia.
Stones: Sunstone, ruby, emerald, moonstone, smoky quartz, garnet.
Other Items: Dairy products, tea, whiskey, beer, candles, clean water.
Common Brigid Magick Colors: Red, green, orange, yellow, white, purple.
While performing Brigid Magick will take on a daily devotional aspect and won't be tied to any one specific time of year, Brigid practitioners may discover that some times of the year will be better suited for certain aspects of Brigid Magick than others.
November, December, and January in the Northern Hemisphere or May, June, and July in the Southern Hemisphere. The Celtic calendar historically called these months “the dead months” or “the dead quarter,” although specific terms and timing were and still are subjective by region. Being that this was the time when the Cailleach locked Brigid away, this is a good time for doing personal work and healing with Brigid.
Imbolc: January 31/February 1 in the Northern Hemisphere or July 31/August 1 in the Southern Hemisphere. Imbolc is a time for calling on Brigid for divination and for making healing amulets. Imbolc is also a time of house blessing and doing work on behalf of one's family or animals.
Springtime Magick. As Brigid is synonymous with springtime, the season is perfect for home blessings and cleansings. The natural push of spring means this is a good time for doing justice-oriented work. Magick practitioners of all traditions often use spring as a starting place, casting spells for things they wish to manifest later in the year, akin to planting crops or flowers.
Samhain: October 31/November 1 in the Northern Hemisphere or April 30/May 1 in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the holiday when the Cailleach whisked Brigid away for imprisonment in Ben Nevis, and the feast day of Maman Brigitte known as Fet Gede. This is a time for magick used for halting. If there is a habit or sequence of events that needs to slow down or stop altogether, this is a good time for casting such spells. This is a time when Brigid can help practitioners connect with their ancestors. It is also traditionally a powerful time of divination.
Brigid was born at sunrise. The house in which she came into the world blazed into a flame that reached the sky and a pillar of fire rose from her head. Her very living breath gave new life to the dead.
—TRADITIONAL
Brigid Magick is excellent first thing in the morning. As mentioned above, she was born at sunrise, which may be a connection to her roots as a Goddess of springtime, her birth marking the return of growth and abundance. Evenings are often full of home and life obligations for many—preparing meals, caring for children or animals, wrapping up work. Mornings can be a time of quiet before the work of the day begins. If dawn is just an unfathomable time for you to make magick, set your sacred space with items for your intention the night before. The energies of dawn will still infuse the work when the sun rises. Even if mornings are difficult, I do encourage anyone who works with Brigid Magick to work with dawn energies periodically, even if not on a regular basis. If treated as a pilgrimage of its own, the early rising—painful as it might be—will reap great rewards as pilgrimages do.
These spells and rituals were compiled through research and practice. Even so, they are meant to be a guideline for the work. Brigid, being both a creative and practical Goddess, allows and encourages taking liberties to suit one's needs and inspirations.
The following oil is one I made with a friend early in my Brigid journey. Its recipe is a combination of essential oils known for their strength in magick potions, along with things specific to Brigid. I have seen and heard much success with this oil.
2 parts ylang ylang essential oil, 3 parts sandalwood essential oil, 5 parts rosewood essential oil, 3 parts sage essential oil, 2 parts chamomile essential oil.
Crushed dragon's blood resin.
1 small garnet or quartz crystal.
Dried flowers sacred to Brigid or essential oils of these plants—ones that are pleasing to your liking.
Sweet almond or mineral oil for the base. You can use olive oil in a pinch, but the scent isn't as enticing when you're not cooking with it!
Mix the oil at dawn near the pulse of your home. Another option: Mix this on the evening of Imbolc and leave it with your Brigid offerings throughout the night and dawn. For the strongest effect, prepare this oil at dawn, the day before Imbolc, and leave it for Brigid through the night and into the dawn of Imbolc itself. This will increase its potency several times over.
This oil can then be used for any Brigid Magick. Tiny portions of it may be augmented for specific spells. A drop of patchouli added to the mix will make a delightful Brigid prosperity spell. Mixing in a little extra rosewood oil along with some honey is a powerful shot to a romance spell. I have had success in adding pinches of cinnamon to Brigid creativity spells. If your skin is not sensitive to the ingredients, anointing yourself with the oil can attract the very things you seek. The Brigid oil alone can be used to better be in tune with the Goddess. This oil can anoint St. Brigid's crosses, candles, divinatory tools such as mirrors or tarot, or other ritual tools such as wands or athames (knives consecrated for use in magick ritual) that you plan to use for Brigid Magick.
Making an oil is its own spiritual process. It's not enough to simply mix the concoction together and wait for magick to happen. In making your basic Brigid oil, envision the things you want the oil to do. If you are tightly acquainted with Brigid, you might reflect on your experiences with her. If you are not familiar with Brigid, embrace your curiosities. Meditate on what it is you want to know about Brigid. Take note of images, thoughts, words, or even colors that come to your mind as you mix. They may reveal important synchronicities later, clueing you in to more knowledge about Brigid.
Another tool to aid your oil making is the use of chant. Chanting a phrase describing what you'd like your oil to do strengthens it. Magick is energy and the energy of your vocal cords, breath, and rhythmic words will infuse the oil. The chant can be simple. The base oil might simply need a repeated chant of “Know Brigid, Know Brigid,” or “Brigid Money, Brigid Money” for a prosperity spell, “Brigid Love, Brigid Love” for romance, and so forth. Simplicity is key in chant. Its wording should directly describe the desired outcome, but be simple enough so that the caster doesn't have to focus thoughts on the wording, and can focus more on the intention.
This recipe for Brigid oil is a good one to have on hand to anoint any Brigid spell, including those listed below.
Brigid loves devotees and doesn't discriminate. Simply constructing a space to do your Brigid work will form the basis of a magickal relationship with her, but if you'd like to create a more formal relationship, lighting a candle before a Brigid effigy, such as a statue or a picture printed from the Internet, and announcing your desire to work with her will do the trick. However, if you'd like to perform a more formal ritual, the one below is a simple but powerful suggestion.
A large bowl—preferably glass
A votive or tea light candle—white, yellow, or orange
A water glass
An apple sliced into three parts—either top to bottom or across
Oak leaves and/or acorns
A combination of sacred Brigid flowers of your choosing
Set the votive candle in the water glass. You may need some pebbles or other tiny weights to weigh the bottom of the glass.
Set the glass and candle in the bowl and light the candle. Then, fill the bowl with water until the waterline is above the flame. Add the oak leaves, acorns, and flowers to the water, along with the cut apple.
Sit with the presence of the combination of the well and the flame of the forge. The rite can be performed at any time of day or season, but for greatest power, perform the ritual at dawn on Imbolc. This would be a good time to dedicate any jewelry, such as a St. Brigid's cross, or to consecrate the altar itself, which can be done with a sprinkling of water from the well.
Cast the circle with the suggested formula earlier in the chapter, under “Casting Sacred Space for Brigid Magick.”
The rite will end when you feel an energy shift: a sense of peace, a burst of excitement, or the relaxation akin to a warm bath. Release the circle as recommended earlier in the chapter. Discard the water in a garden or park, declaring your dedication to Brigid complete and true. This rite may have profound moments, but some may find it quiet and uneventful. If you experience the latter, take heart in knowing that the shifts are yet to come.
In performing magick, it is important to remember that a spell can complement medical treatment, but it should never replace the work and advice of a doctor.
Lightly wrap a ribbon around the patient's head, neck, or other area three times (or rub the patient's afflicted area with the ribbon if working on an area other than the head), saying each time the invocation:
May the bright Forge burn,
May the deep Well soothe,
May the Green Earth reclaim,
Blessed Brigid take away the pain.
Knot the ribbon around the base of the head or afflicted area and let the recipient rest until the pain subsides.
This ribbon can be used for ailments throughout the year. You can also “recharge” the piece at the next Imbolc, increasing its potency.
I have seen this charm work first-hand on headaches. I have also seen it have a healing effect on menstrual pain.
The following spell comes from a folktale called Charm of the Sprain in which Brigid healed a horse who broke a leg. This is particularly good for individuals recovering from accidents or surgeries. Be sure to get permission before performing the spell. Some individuals may not want to have magick practiced on them and permission from the recipient aids the strength of the spell.
Set a picture of the recipient or an object that belongs to them in your sacred space. Light three orange candles, anointed with the Brigid oil if you have it. After casting the circle, arrange the candles around the patient's photo or belongings and recite the following:
Bone to bone,
Flesh to flesh,
Sinew to sinew,
And vein to vein,
As Brigid healed that,
May I heal this.
Repeat the chant over and over until the words blur in your head. Keep the photograph or possession on the altar and light the candles surrounding it nightly until the person is healed. Keep candles lit only when you or someone else is at home. Do not leave candles burning unattended—it's not particularly beneficial to the spell and it is very dangerous. Repeat the incantation a few more times when relighting the candles each night. When the healing is complete, return the possession to the patient or remove the photo from your sacred space. Photos can either be returned or buried. Both actions will mark the spell complete.
You can also perform this as a healing ritual for yourself.
When troubled times hit a community, this rite for group healing can help soothe ragged souls. After the bombing at the Boston Marathon, a number of us came together to do a similar ritual for the healing of those impacted by it. As with any group rite, modifications for the specific group will likely need to be made.
A vessel of water—large enough to anoint all, small enough to carry around the room comfortably. Mix the water with salt, lavender, a small portion of milk, and honey.
One large candle for the altar and a tea light candle for each person attending.
An altar table decorated with red, green, and white (ribbons, cloths, etc.).
St. Brigid's crosses, Brigid statues, or a picture of Brigid (can be downloaded from the Internet). You don't need a ton of items, but simply something evocative of Brigid will be beneficial to your work.
If the ritual is for a specific person or group of people needing healing, place trinkets belonging to them on the altar.
Assemble guests in a circle around the room. Candles should be unlit at the beginning. Cast sacred space either through a method comfortable and accessible to those present or in the previous Brigid circle casting. Guests at the rite, one at a time, should take hands. When the sacred space is set, a ritual leader petitions Brigid:
“Brigid, Lady of the Wells—we invite you now to our space to heal (recipient). Brigid, Lady of the Bards, help our words and work inspire healing for (recipient). Brigid, Lady of the Smiths, give us the strength to support (recipient) while (he/she/they) take(s) this journey of healing.”
A ritual leader holds up the bowl of water and says, “Brigid, from the depths of your Sacred Well, people found healing. We call upon that heart of Water, the cooling purifying force to heal (recipient) and all those who love and support (him/her/them).” The leader then walks around the room, anointing each person with the water from the bowl, lastly sprinkling water from the vessel onto the trinkets on the altar.
For a few moments, guests meditate on a vision of healing for the recipient.
A ritual leader lights the large candle on the altar and offers the following incantation: “Sacred Brigid, for many centuries your daughters tended your flame for nineteen nights. On the twentieth night, they surrendered it to your care and you tended it alone. We children assemble now—this is our nineteenth night in Spirit. We light these flames, but surrender (recipient) to your care for healing.”
Individually, guests light tea light candles from the main flame and set them on the altar. This is a good opportunity for individuals to offer personal prayers or intentions.
A ritual leader comes forward and says, “Brigid, Lady of the Bards, accept our offerings of inspiration to sing the soul of (recipient) to healing.”
This is a good time for guests to offer songs, poems, or other creative contributions, if they would like.
At the end of the rite, a leader announces that the ritual is closed. A final song or “om” should be offered, with all participants envisioning the energy traveling to the recipient. Light food or drink should be shared for fellowship and grounding.
For creative endeavors, the following spells can coax stubborn ideas out of uninspired minds. A few can help motivate projects to full fruition while others can help add creative spice to your productive life if it's gotten a bit bland.
This simple spell is based on the one I first used to ask Brigid for help writing. It is also the one I suggested to blocked writers who came to a SoHo restaurant where I once worked, when they asked for “witchy” help.
Basic Brigid oil
Three red candles
A pinch of cinnamon
The size of the candle depends on the work you want to do. I like to use the small, two-hour taper candles, which are commonly found at occult shops. The small candles give me just enough of a “boost” of inspiration to move forward on my own. Votives are fine, if those are easier to obtain. If you're dealing with a serious creative block and need a bigger push, a seven-day candle might be in order. The color of the candle is important. Red invokes the power and image of the forge-creator and the heart of the Bard. Orange is an okay substitute, but red is your best bet. Again, some spells will encourage you to leave a candle burning until it has ended. Unless you plan to spend seven days at home in twenty-four hour stints, do not do this, and do not leave your candles burning unattended.
As Brigid works in triplicate, it is best to use three candles.
Mix a small portion of your Brigid oil with the pinch of cinnamon. Set your sacred space and spend a few moments in silence. Acknowledge the thoughts that come to you, but do not follow them, analyze them, or try too hard to push them away. Stay in as much of a space of quiet as you are able, knowing you are creating space in your mind for inspiration to arrive.
When you feel you have created the space, hold one candle (unlit) with the base touching your heart and anoint the candle with Brigid oil (wick first), pulling it toward you and saying, “Brigid, inspire my heart.”
Take the second candle, this time with the base at your throat and anoint as before saying, “Brigid, inspire my voice.”
Take the third candle with the base at your forehead, anoint and say, “Brigid, inspire my mind.”
Set the three candles in your sacred space and light the wicks. Offer a personal prayer to Brigid for the inspiration you want to receive. Inspiration might not strike in the moment you light the candles, but in the days to come you will find new ideas coming to you. Seize them when they come up as no idea sticks around unattended for long!
When the candles have burned down completely, be sure to make offerings in thanks for the inspiration, even before it arrives. Tea, biscuits, or a mug of beer on your altar/sacred space can help move the energy into that of celebrating a success. I've also seen that when those using Brigid Magick to create dedicate a monetary portion of their success to a charity or someone in need, their future successes increase dramatically.
This spell is designed for increased creativity and to bring new opportunities your way. I dreamed this spell, and tried it the next day. I received an incredible burst of ideas in the days that followed.
A sprig of lavender
Charged Brigid Water (Note: Leaving a cup of water in your sacred Brigid space will charge it on its own. You will want to change it regularly to keep it fresh. If you do not have a space to keep Brigid Water, you can hold your hands over the water, speaking a prayer to Brigid, until you feel your hands throb.)
In your sacred space, arrange the six roses and lavender as though they were a flowering tree. It will help expand ideas you have on your mental percolator and bring in new ones, too. Sprinkle the flowers with the Brigid Water. Here's how I typically do so.
If possible, leave the flowers in the position until they dry out. Collect the petals and keep in a sachet, squeezing the sachet when you are in need of inspiration. If you cannot leave the flowers out, go ahead and gather the petals into the sachet when you are finished with the spell. Discard stems in a garden or park.
This is another version of the Brídeog tradition. As an American, I struggled with this spell. I do not want to appropriate a cultural tradition, yet could not ignore the inspiration the practice gave me. Sometimes spells grab hold and won't let us rest until they come to paper. I write this with credence to the inspiration of the Brídeog, but not with the intention of re-creating or re-inventing it.
When a project has been completed, a major deal closed, or a prosperous fiscal year has wrapped, take a biodegradable token of that endeavor and wrap it in the dried-out sheaf or particles of your area's local crop. I live in New York, where some of our primary crops include corn and apples, so I might use a corn sheaf or a dried out apple skin. If your local crop is particularly juicy, such as mango, take extra time to dry the skin or vines so that you don't end up with a mess. The token might be a business card, a copy of an offer letter, or a flier or program from a production, if you are a performer. If you collaborated with a number of people, you might want to ask them to join you as this is a particularly strong practice for groups.
Placing your hands on the sheaf, speak aloud all things for which you were grateful to have come to you through this endeavor. Keep the sheaf in your home for a night. If you worked with others, pass the sheaf along to another person on your team for them to keep for a night (hence why drying the sheaves or skins is so important) and have them do the same—giving thanks to the bounty you all have enjoyed.
The sheaf should be buried in a garden or park, with appropriate biodegradable or energetic offering left behind.
The St. Brigid's cross was traditionally fixed to houses and stables in the belief that St. Brigid would protect the occupants—both human and animal—from harm. Illness was a primary concern, although house fires were an equally serious and common threat in a time when fires were the main sources of heat and light in a home. St. Brigid's crosses and the following incantation listed were believed to protect a home from fire:
An’ if perhaps you do admire,
That this great house did ne’er take fire,
Where sparks, as thick as stars in sky,
About the house did often fly,
And reach'd the sapless wither'd thatch,
Which dry like spunge the fire would catch,
And where no chimney was erected,
Where sparks and flames might be directed,
St. Bridget's cross hung over door,
Which did the house from fire secure,
As Gillo thought, O powerful charm
To keep a house from taking harm:
And tho’ the dogs and servants slept,
by Bridget's care the house was kept.
St. Brigid's crosses are easy to come by in occult stores or even many church gift shops. You can also make your own, the instructions for which can be found in Chapter 8. One very easy method of bringing permanent Brigid energy to your house is to include the cross while painting the walls of your house. When it is time for a fresh coat of paint, start out by painting the cross onto the wall, before covering it up with the rest of the paint. It won't show when the work is complete, but the energy will be present.
Consider making use of the prayer above to enchant the St. Brigid's crosses to protective life. Its antiquity will give it strength. It will serve as a calling card to Brigid to let her know you wish your home to be under her protection. Reinforce these words annually, perhaps as part of your Imbolc rites, to keep them strong and firm.
Brigid has been in the magickal match-making business for quite some time. Perhaps it is being the Patroness of the house and home, but even St. Brigid kept busy finding husbands for devout Catholic women. A prayer (that sounds quite like a spell to me . . . ) involves a young woman seeking marriage lighting a candle in the church and reciting the following:
Holy St. Brigid and Blessed St. Anne,
Get me a man as fast as you can.
Surely, this could be augmented to suit the gender(s) of your own desires and the practice could take place at your own sacred space.
Being a Patroness of hearth and home, Brigid Magick is finely attuned to partnership, more so than short-term flingish arrangements. Invoke Brigid Magick for love when you are ready for a life partnership or if you want to enhance the stability of an existing relationship. Brigid will often send along matches we might not normally expect that ultimately provide what we most need. I could write a library's worth of materials detailing the love spells I have performed that went terribly, terribly wrong before I met my partner. Among many things I credit to our meeting, one was the spell I did to Brigid to find love. It was also the simplest spell I've performed. One day, I looked at my Brigid altar and said, “Brigid, I know he's out there. Bring him along.” A few months later, I met him.
The following spells can help move that process along, as well.
Base: almond oil.
5 parts rose hips essential oil, 4 parts passionflower essential oil, 2 parts basil essential oil
Rose water (Note: You can make your own rose water by simmering the petals and pollen of several roses in a couple of inches of water. Brigid loves white roses, but given the connection with red roses and romance, a combination of the two might be perfect. Petals, stems, or other pollen pieces should be removed from the water and the water should be stored in the refrigerator. Discard after a couple of months as it will grow rancid.)
2 parts lavender essential oil
3 parts patchouli essential oil
1 part vanilla extract
2 parts mugwort essential oil
If you made the basic Brigid oil, using it as a base for this spell will be beautifully effective.
The oil can be made whenever it is convenient for you, but should be dedicated to Brigid at dawn. As with the inspiration spell, concoct your love oil with an open mind. Brigid's love magick does not take well to dictation. Casting for the affections of a specific person or a too-detailed description of a hypothetical person is likely to backfire as again, Brigid is known for giving spell casters exactly what they ask for, only for them to learn that it is exactly what they don't want. The best course of action is to define what kind of love you are looking for, which might take some serious self-searching prior to casting. I cannot recommend enough leaving the choice in Brigid's hands, although I say this with the understanding that this can be a tough thing to do.
This oil is great for attracting people of all genders, as its components are generally pleasing to most people. Wearing a bit to a club or party is likely to draw you plenty of wanted attention, but its Brigid energy will help filter out whether the attention is in line with the kind of love you are seeking. Again, don't use this potion if you are looking for something casual. Brigid love magick is built for long-term arrangements.
You can also burn this oil on candles, incorporating the symbol of fiery passion into your magick. Red candles have a natural connection to love. Pink, yellow, or white inspire love and connection. If you'd like, select a combination. Anoint them as performed in the Inspiration Spell above, but anoint each one toward your heart, in turn by holding the candle with its base toward your heart and applying the oil by starting at the wick of the candle and pulling the oil and energy toward you. Burn the candles in complete confidence that your spell is working and that Brigid will bring the love that is best for you.
Likewise, if you need to separate yourself from a relationship that is failing but can't seem to end, use three blue candles (for cooling energies), and anoint them from the heart area in reverse (starting at the base and pushing the oil and energy outward, away from you). As the candles burn, meditate on what went right in the relationship and what went wrong. Bless the mistakes and lessons and embrace forward movement.
A man came to Brigid in a state of despair. His wife claimed she no longer loved him and threatened to leave him. He begged Brigid for a spell to make his wife love him again. Brigid blessed some water and gave it to him, instructing him to sprinkle it over their house, food, drink, and over their bed. He returned home and performed the act. His wife suddenly became exceedingly loving and wanted to be with him all the time. The marriage was saved and the couple praised Brigid.
—TRADITIONAL TALE
Rose petals—red, white, pink, or a combination
Fresh or dried lavender
Sea salt
Three large, very red apples split down the middle
Honey
Fresh milk
Note: This spell is based on the myth above.
Prepare a bath for yourself, placing rose petals, lavender, sea salt, and apples in the water. Soak in the water alongside these elements with the lights off. Periodically pour the water over your head and rub your limbs, heart, and head with the apples. Focus on what you love about the relationship and what parts of it you would like to see enhanced or restored. Painful memories or anger may surface—if this happens, acknowledge the thoughts but don't dwell on them. If you find you cannot get past anger or pain enough to meditate on the good things about your loved one, you may need to try the bath again later or reconsider performing the spell altogether.
When you feel full of love, hope, and potential for your relationship, collect a large bowl of the water from the bath before emptying the tub. Mix a few drops of honey and a few drops of fresh milk into the bathwater and mix well. Only use a couple of drops of milk or it will sour and no relationship can thrive in a house that smells like sour milk. Recite the following:
Brigid, melt the ice
Brigid, warm and thaw,
Brigid heal (name of significant other)'s heart,
Mend our home and hearth.
The intention is for complete healing of the relationship—not for the other person to see things “your” way, or to change their behavior, attitude, or personality to be something you desire. Complete healing between two parties will mean you will also be asked, either by your partner or through synchronicity, to evaluate how you can better support the relationship. Also, be prepared that sometimes the best way to soothe a relationship is to end it, which this spell could do if the relationship is irreparable. However, Brigid Magick often sees things to an amicable completion.
In another version of the above myth, the wife became so reinfatuated with her husband that she couldn't stand to even be even as far from him as across the room, which annoyed the man so much he went to sea. The wife stood on the shores wailing day and night until he came back. While I haven't seen yet the spell invoke such powers of obsession, that version may contain a warning!
A piece of paper.
A trinket given to you by your beloved—it must be given to you by their own volition. You cannot take it from them.
Red thread.
A jar and honey.
An odd-numbered combination of herbs sacred to Brigid (see list above for reference) that are to your liking and, to your knowledge, to the liking of your beloved.
Write your name and the name(s) of your beloved so that they are crossing each other. If you can make it so that the names form a St. Brigid's cross, even better! If you are not that crafty, simply having the letters intersect will be sufficient. Wrap the paper around the trinket you received and bind the whole thing with red thread until the entire bundle is wrapped in it. Place the bundle in the jar and cover it with the herbs and honey, gluing the lid tightly on.
Say the following words as you hold the jar tightly, imbuing it with the powers of preservation. Focus on the beauty of the relationship and what you wish to see develop from it:
Brig is Come, Brig is Welcome,
Brig is Come, Brig is Welcome.
Brigid of Power, Brigid of Light,
Join and help me here this night.
But no harsh words be uttered,
No timing be off,
No passions go dimmer,
No hearts shall be scoffed.
Brigid, be gentle, Brigid be kind,
Breathe life to this love, this sweet love of mine.
Say these phrases while grasping the amulet until you feel your hands throb.
Keep this amulet in a secret place. This is not recommended for struggling relationships, but rather new ones with great potential or long-term ones looking to maintain a positive status quo.
When Brigid was a grown girl, the Druid and his wife went one day to the dairy where their daughter was helping her mother and demanded to have a great hamper, eighteen hands high, to be filled with butter. Brigid had only the making of one churning and a half but, at her prayer, the butter increased so that if the hampers of the men of Munster had been given to her, Brigid would have filled them all.
—TRADITIONAL TALE
Once again, symbolic items help bring out the things you wish to manifest. If you are short on funds, write down the exact amount of money you need to close that cash gap. Fill a small bowl with fresh butter and mix with clover, oak acorns (if you have them in your region), and dandelion pollen. Clover is meant for luck, oak represents strength and protection, and dandelion pollen is used because dandelions can grow pretty much anywhere! All of these elements can help a tough money situation. Place the paper in the center of the butter and say the following:
Eighteen hands high and I of nigh have none,
So it is written, so it is done,
I shall have bounty aplenty
By Brigid's good graces, my pockets ne'er empty.
Keep the butter in a cool place so it will not spoil, until the money comes to be. Then, melt butter and pour on the crossroads (or intersection) to invite the money to keep coming back!
This spell is reminiscent of the story of Brigid feeding bacon to the hungry dog, which can be found in Chapter 9. Another Brigid custom stemming from County Limerick is the hanging of a small bag containing three slices of bacon along with the St. Brigid's cross over the main door on Imbolc Eve to encourage prosperity within the household throughout the year. It is not clear why the myth focuses on five slices of bacon while the practice only uses three, although the story comes from the canon of Brigid the Saint, and the number three has profound significance in Celtic Christianity. Brigid the Saint, as discussed earlier in the book, was known for her abundant giving. This is reminiscent of her earliest roots as a land Goddess and, in this myth, the prosperous face of the Earth.
The following practice is less a traditional spell and more of a practice and personal pilgrimage. To know the blessings of Brigid, channel the Spirit of the Earth Mother herself. Give every day, particularly if what you give is akin to something you need. When we give of ourselves what we also desire for ourselves, that energy is returned in abundance.
Slips of paper or small but significant trinkets that represent the blessings you have in your life along with blessings you wish to receive.
A small bag or cloth.
A special place to hang the bag or bound bundle. Over a doorway, particularly a main entryway, is ideal. If you cannot do that, tucking it into a more discreet place, such as under a bed or in a personal tote bag is also fine.
If you are using paper instead of trinkets, list your blessings, along with individual things you want to manifest, on individual pieces. Bundle the papers or the trinkets into the bag or cloth and hang or store as suggested above. Select one at random every morning as something you plan to give so far as you are able. As an example, if you happen to be blessed with money or if you need to bring more money to your household, contribute money throughout the day where needed as you are able. Maybe you're in a position where you can purchase lunch for a friend, or maybe you're in a position where you can only give a little bit to a charity you like. If you do not have money in abundance and money is something you desire, consider donating time, barter, or assistance to those who are also in need. The intent and energy will be the same and in time, the abundance you seek will grow. Matters get trickier when the desired blessing might be something like sex. If you want sexual intimacy in your life, or if you feel your sexual life is a true blessing you enjoy, simply going out and offering sex wherever you go would likely cross a lot of inappropriate boundaries. However, the desire to feel attractive is universal. Find ways to show others their beautiful worth in a way that is respectful and sensitive to personal boundaries. The same shall be returned to you, in time.
When the bag is empty, thank Brigid for the opportunity to share and enjoy your gifts as they are returned to you. The key is to give without agenda. Do not look for thanks, recognition, or the like. Wait for the blessings to unfold. Do not dictate what kind of blessings you want to receive. Enjoy their unique manifestations.
We are humans. Therefore, we do not always get along. Brigid herself didn't even get along with everyone! The following spell is useful during those times when you don't wish someone harm, but might wish them many pleasant distractions . . . as far away from you as possible.
Name or photograph of person you want to go away. If feasible, and if you are comfortable going to this length, their hair and/or nail clippings are helpful, too.
Several pieces of paper. Each piece of paper should list something you know would make the person happy. If you cannot think of anything (some people truly love misery!), all-purpose items would include money or love.
A jar of honey.
A dollop of glitter.
Stick the first two items listed into a jar of honey with the glitter. Shake the jar, envisioning the person as having all of these things manifest for them. Then, imagine these things happening to the person in a region far from you. Say the following:
May Brigid grant you love,
May Brigid grant you health,
May Brigid grant you strength,
May Brigid grant you wealth,
May you see these things and more,
Enough to fill the sea,
Brigid grant you blessings,
far away from me.
Throw the jar away in a garbage can on the other side of town. Even better, drive a few hours and leave it in a garbage can in a whole new area. For truly rough cases, consider mailing it to someone on another continent.
Brigid may not be automatically known for patronage of crossroads, but the home threshold holds the same power as the crossroads, which is believed by many traditions to be a liminal place of great magick, as does the doorway. For the purpose of this work, let us draw from the idea of standing with a foot in two worlds, akin to Brigid's mother standing in the doorway, or the Dagda or the Morrighan straddling the river. This spell can be used for circumstances in which the best course of direction is unclear.
This working should take place in a doorway of your home.
A symbolic object for each course of direction or one piece of paper with each potential course written on it. Photographs evocative of the different courses would work well also.
A candle, the color of which should identify with your dilemma (a red candle for a matter of the heart, a green candle for a matter of business, etc.). Do not use a “dripless” candle. The melted wax is important to the work.
A plate, tray, or other dish that will not be damaged by the candle's heat or the melted wax.
It is important that this spell be completed at sunrise.
Set the different symbols of the choices on either side of the doorframe. If you are battling with more than two choices (Goddess forbid!), set the symbols in balanced space from one another. Sit in the doorway, the symbols on either side of you. Breathe deeply and sit in the quiet dark with your dilemma, acknowledging all parts of it and potential outcomes. Be sure you are ready to make a choice. Offer a private prayer to Brigid regarding the situation. Because of the deeply personal nature of crossroads magick, I chose not to include a pre-written incantation. If you are performing this spell, take this time to be very present with your situation and with Brigid's direct guidance.
When you are ready, light the candle and sit in silence with the flame. As the candle drips down, observe where the wax travels. You may decide to get up and go about business in the house while the candle burns. This is fine, but again—do not leave the candle fully unattended! When the candle has burned completely down and away, take a look at where the wax ran. If it pooled in the direction of one choice more than the other, you have received your answer. If the wax pooled in equal directions or if it is unclear, the time is not right to make a decision. Give the spell some time, perhaps a few weeks, and try again if the decision is still difficult.
This simple spell restores energy to lackluster times, endeavors, or relationships. It can also be a gentle springtime rite in preparation for shedding winter doldrums.
A charm, stone, or other amulet that can either be worn or tucked into a pocket for regular use
On the first day feeling remotely like spring, go outside and rub the amulet on the earth. Wear or carry the charm around for the first few weeks of spring, particularly in situations were extra revitalization may be required.
Fertility spells are often transformed into other types of spells: “fertilizing” the social circle to enhance personal relationships, or “fertilizing” job prospects and, in many cases, this works. The following spell, however, is intended for those who do wish to conceive children and its transmutation to another purpose is not recommended.
A cradle either for a doll or a human child
A babydoll (optional)
Some variations of the practice have the person desiring a child to put the babydoll in the cradle. Other variations use an empty cradle. This is a personal choice. Some people do not like dolls, but others may appreciate the visual representation. Either way, the cradle should be rocked and the following spoken aloud.
O Bride, come with the wand
To this wintry land,
And breathe with the breath of Spring so bland,
Bride, Bride, little Bride . . .
This spell is best performed in the evening, just prior to bedtime.
Three gold candles. (If this spell is for justice for a bodily injury, use red candles instead of gold.)
Six gold (or golden) coins. Use your country's currency. In the United States, we have $1 gold coins, which are great for this purpose. They can be obtained at a bank. If your country does not produce a golden coin, find something as close to it as possible.
On a piece of paper, write the description of the situation needing justice—what went wrong, what needs to be rectified. This is called a petition. If you have a photograph of the situation (such as damage to a home or car), writing your petition on the image is very powerful. Set the petition on top of the six gold coins and arrange the candles around it. Sprinkle with a blend of black pepper and soil from a local courthouse, along with a pinch of soil from the land you live on. Light the candles and say the following:
Brigid of the Well, wash away adversity.
Brigid of the Anvil, fortify my armor.
Brigid of the Bard, sing songs of my victory.
Justice be served! Justice be Right! Justice be Swift!
Brigid, go forth and conquer for me!
Pierce through the effigy with the iron nail. Burn candles around this image for at least an hour, replacing the candles as necessary for nineteen consecutive nights. On the twentieth, do not burn candles, and say the lines above again, replacing the last line with Brigid, this Task now belongs to You.
This spell is best used if you can light a fire.
9 acorns or 9 twigs of oak, or a combination
Write the nature of the blocked situation on a paper, and wrap it around the bundle of oak or acorns. While embracing the bundle, focus on the situation for which you need clarity until you feel your temples could burst from the focus. Call out the following:
Oak! Open the door!
Brigid the Warrior, light the way!
Shine your fire into the shadow,
Spear and Sword of Truth, chase out the putrid!
Truth shall prevail!
Truth shall prevail!
Truth shall prevail!
Toss the bundle into the fire. There is no shortcut to this working. If you do not have a fireplace or fire pit, you will need to seek one out. The working will also require sacrifice of your own kind—either money or time to a cause promoting justice.
Take a green apple and write on it (a permanent marker helps) the things that are hindering you. This spell is best designed for internal blocks, such as personal insecurities or fears. If you need to eliminate a block occurring outside of you, such as nepotism in your place of work or school, write “nepotism” on the apple. Don't write the actual names of the persons, if any, who are causing the problem. Some believe this would be a form of baneful magick. My experience has been that spells work best when they address specific aspects of the situation, more so than the persons manifesting it. Take time to think about what the actual problem involves while holding the apple. Concentrate until you feel the actual apple buzz in your hands. Say the following:
Brigid! Lend your spear!
Brigid! Lend your shield!
Bring forth fire's fury and the river's force,
The Oak's strength, and the Warrior's Glory,
I break these chains, I sever these bonds,
I am triumphant! I am Brigantia-Victoria!
Smash the apple with a hammer or hurl it against a tree. Don't be afraid to really pummel the fruit—stomping and grinding underfoot could be helpful as well. When the apple has been thoroughly demolished, collect any seeds that remain and carry them in a pocket or as a talisman when going in to the work that needs to be done.
Go into your work with pure heart and intention. Brigid's Magick does not respond well to vindictive qualities, jealousy, or overt greed. It is okay to cast spells for things that please you and give you joy, even if you don't really need the things you seek. But be sure to take time to reflect on these things before casting. Will the things you cast for bring you true fulfillment? Or are they motivated by a desire for power over others for power's own sake? Brigid's myths include numerous instances of her cursing those who refused to help others or who wielded power unfairly. But her stories also tell of bountiful blessings to those who seek her magick with pure desire for manifesting positive change in themselves or others. Don't approach Brigid's Magick in fear of “doing it wrong,” or “invoking Brigid's wrath.” Approach it after honest reflection of the true nature of the desire has taken place. Beautiful things will manifest as a result.
Magick is a practice—not an order to the Universe in the way you might order food delivery. Spell casters in consumer communities often struggle with this. “I cast a spell. I should get what I asked for.” I see this quite often, unfortunately. It frustrates the spell caster and undermines the spell. No one is entitled to a long-lasting relationship, exorbitant riches, or anything for the mere want of it. Yet, there is nothing wrong with casting a spell for any of these things. It is important to understand, however, that the practice of magick is the energetic contribution to the desired intentions as though the work were planting things in a garden. Some things will turn up as you expected, but there is no way to truly know the shape of the individual flower until it blooms. Brigid's Magick requires the diligence and strength of the work on the forge, the patience of the still waters of the well, and absorption of the genuine fulfillment found in a solid loaf of fresh bread.
Good luck and blessed be!
