Fire & Water: Brighid

Who really is "The Exalted One" and how can her fire and water be incorporated into your own practice?

Water, Fire, Earth, Air. Many of us have heard of the four basic elements. The elements that, for generations, alchemists believed were the only true elements in the world. Today, we know better.

Or do we?

In the latest episode of Mythical Musings, The Podcast, we talked about the ancient fire fairy, Brighid. Known as “the exalted one” in Gaelic and Celtic culture, Brighid was the first of the goddesses to bridge the gap between fire and water.

On her way to Kildare, the small village in Ireland, the story goes that Brighid happened to pass by a rather rude man. The man claimed that she was a witch because of the hot coal she was holding in her bosom.

Little did he know, that hot coal would eventually give rise to the most sacred holy well in all of Ireland: Tobar Bride. When Brighid dropped the coal onto the ground upon reaching her destination, a well of water sprang up like a waterspout.

This well, just like her fiery flame, has resisted all injustices and attempts to dispel spirituality. This well like the flame that stands before it, is thriving today, bringing miracles to all those who need divine intervention.

Yet, something about this story has been nagging me: “Why in heaven’s name was Brighid carrying a hot coal in her bosom? (There’s no way that’s comfortable or sanitary for that matter ;).)

In my continuing research, I have yet to find an answer. Although, I have found many references of the coal likened to the Proverbs passage in the Bible which reads; “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (25:21-22).

We know that Brighid is a prominent saint in Christianity. St. Brighid’s Day, February 1st and 2nd, was a way of replacing the Pagan holiday of Imbolc. Could it be that Brighid did actually walk the stone pathways of Kildare?

Was she human?

According to Christian history, Brighid died in 525 after serving her life as a nun of a convent eventually named in her honor. Yet, Brighid’s story dates back pre-Christian and pre-Celtic times and before the Gaels took over Ireland.

Brighid had first come to life as a daughter of the Tuatha de Dannan, or Irish fairy realm. Her father, Daghda, and her mother Morrighan, made her more than a Queen. Her status and her magick was so powerful - she exceeded the highest of the Fairy Queens, Queen Mab.

So, who really is Brighid?

The truth is: she is a shapeshifter. Fairies, who love twisting the buttons off every human they come across, are also known throughout centuries ancient history for taking the form of humans. Some take the form of humans for sexual pleasure (like mermaids) and some are known as changelings - or fairy babies that replace human babies after they are born.

Brighid came back to life to serve a higher purpose. She came back to life to see just how hard being human really was. I don’t think it is a stretch to believe that Brighid was a fairy and a human.

I don’t doubt, however, that Pope Gregory the Great who wanted to replace all Celtic pagan sacred stirs with Christian monasteries and convents, was also responsible for spreading a “human” story about a feminine pagan deity simply because he thought it necessary to turn pagans away from their beliefs.

But you can’t deny the fact that Brighid has provided humans’ miracles. Her fire has lit the world and brought to life injustices and hidden truths while her water has brought healing and peace to the suffering.

However you choose to honor Brighid, just know that her magick is capable of bringing your own power to light. Invoke her for creativity, inspiration, passion, fertility, and wisdom. Seek her out when you feel like there is an injustice that only divine intervention can fix. Honor her with your whole heart each and every time you eat a blackberry or sit by an oak tree.

Brighid’s power isn’t to be taken lightly, so if you are going to incorporate her into you own spiritual practice, take precautions. Light candles safely and always have water by your side. Bring your intention to her calmly and purely and never ask for more than you are given from her. She knows what you need.

When you are ready to take a step out of a dark metaphorical tunnel, ask Brighid to light the way. She is a fairy who can take your through the realms and reconnect you with ancestors far gone. She is also the one who can help you when you feel all hope is lost.

In life, there are times when we all need a little extra fire to spark the magick within. Brighid, The Exalted One, can be that fire…

May she always light your way.

Blessed be :)