The book on my altar near my Brighid candle and doll. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2016.
This post has been on my to-do list forever. Those who have followed me for awhile know that I haven’t been updating as regularly. Blame motherhood. Thank goodness for spring break!
First, a disclaimer – I did not buy this book. I won this directly from the author as part of a publication giveaway! I was very excited because I so rarely win anything, but Brighid has a way of making good things happen in my life. A Pagan Twitter friend pointed me towards Courtney Weber and I’m so glad she did. The author is a delightful person full of passion. She offers several workshops and classes on Brighid as well as tarot.
This is the third book I’ve read specifically focused on Brighid. I am devoted to her, so I really enjoy delving into such material. The first was The Rites of Brigid: Goddess and Saint by Sean O Duinn, and the second was Tending Brigid’s Flame by Lunaea Weatherstone. In addition to those, I have read several more general books on religion and mythology in Ireland and a bit in Scotland. I think Weber’s book is excellent for newcomers; there’s so much information there, but she presents it in a warm, narrative style. Her enthusiasm is infectious. The lore is accessible, in part because she included her own retellings and interpretations. While reading those once and claiming to understand everything would be misguided, I’ve found that retellings act as a scaffold when I later read closer translations of Irish mythology. (Similar to how an easy English text can assist English language learners grasp more complex novels.)
Some information should be taken with a grain of salt. Weber is one who believes that An Morrigan could be Brighid’s mother. She also spent a tiny bit of time talking about Maman Brigitte – a Voudon figure I was unfamiliar with. I’m open-minded, and it’s important to be aware of these possible connections, but also recognize that Weber is sharing her own UPG. It may very well inspire and inform your practice! (I was excited to see that Weber also feels Brighid appreciates cinnamon – something I’ve intuited for years.)
Inspiration was my biggest takeaway from the book. If you have read a decent amount on Irish mythology and folk practice, most of the information will be review. However, I found Weber’s personal story to be reinvigorating. The book exists because the goddess demanded it. Writing and researching was part healing process, part devotional, and part pilgrimage for the author. Oaths are very important in Celtic-inspired faiths, so it was fascinating for me as a Druidess and writer/artisan to see into what is often an intimate process. I also enjoyed some of the spellwork Weber suggested to grow closer to Brighid. Much of it was definitely inspired by Wiccan practice (calling the quarters), but the prayers and ideas could be adapted into ADF or reconstructionist ritual as well as she was inspired by Celtic lore and practice initially. There are many other ideas that individuals or groups could try if their Imbolc or flame keeping rituals and routines have become stale. The pictures are wonderful. I always enjoy seeing photos of other peoples’ altars, and there’s a great step-by-step guide to weaving a Brighid cross for those new to the process.
One other noteworthy aspect of the book is the emphasis on giving back to the community. Weber spends some time discussing the saint’s charity work, and exploring Brighid as a warrior and champion of women and children. As I read, I felt a strong push to help those in need. This has been reiterated in my trance and meditation work, and my grove has been talking about taking up collections for a local women’s shelter in the near future. It’s a start, and it’s partly because of this book!
If you work with Brighid, I recommend this title. If the goddess is new in your life, this will serve as a great introduction. If you’ve been Brighid’s priestess for a few years, this may reinvigorate your practice. You can order Weber’s book on Amazon or directly from the author.
Next on my Brighid reading list – Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well by Morgan Daimler.
