Description:
Brigid, whose name means "fiery arrow", was beloved of the Irish Celts, and survived Christian conversion by becoming a Catholic Saint who is still revered to this day. For the ancient Irish, Brigid was the goddess of all things lofty and elevated, such as high rising flames, upland areas, wisdom, perfection, intelligence, creativity, poetic eloquence, blacksmithing, healing, mystical knowledge, and warfare. She was the daughter of the Father god, the Dagda of the Tuatha De Danann. Some stories suggest that her mother was The Morrigan, the dark goddess, and with her birth she brought light from the void.
She was considered a solar goddess, and stories of her birth recount her rising from the earth into the sky along with the rising sun with rays of light emanating from her head. With every step she took flowers sprouted and birds sang and soared in the air. Though she was associated with the sun, it was not the physical sun she represented, but the healing energy associated with it. Snakes are sacred to Brigid, symbolizing regeneration and the rising of the kundalini energy that exists and rising within each of us when we are healthy and balanced.
The blackberry is sacred to Brigid, and serves to symbolize her strong protective nature with its defensive thorns, and arching, tangled canes, as well as her healing nature by providing nourishing berries and herbal healing remedies.
Throughout Ireland, one can find shrines built over or near natural springs where people go to pray and receive her healing energy through her sacred waters.
Imbolc was a significant holiday associated with Brigid. In the ancient times this was a time to acknowledge that spring was not so far away, despite the tight grip winter still had over the land. For the ancient gaels, this time of year was particularly harsh. It was considered the dead month. But, despite the harsh winds and icy rain that fell, signs of spring could be found. Ewes began to lactate, Cows gave birth, Ravens started to build nests, and green buds started to appear on branches and poke through the dirt.
Imbolc was important because it fell on an in-between time, a very powerful and sacred time for the Celts. Brigid, if properly respected, brought the warmth of the sun, the flame of spring, healed the dead-time, and brought words to the poet's lips. Her miraculous powers could change water into ale and stone into salt. With boundless generosity she fed birds, animals, and the poor, and they all loved her in return.
Rabbits and Hares were also ancient symbols of spring. The hare was an emissary of the Otherworld and a symbol of the in-between time, which made Imbolc a such a sacred time. It is also the time of year that the footprints of rabbits and hares can be seen in the snow, as they search out the tender green shoots to eat and court their mates. The snowshoe hare, with its ability to change its coat through the seasons, symbolizes the creativity embodied by Brigid.
In modern time, Brigid can teach us to look bravely into the darkness and bear witness to the growing light. It is a time of renewal, of re-affirming those resolutions we took at the beginning of the year to better ourselves. Now is the time to understand that no matter how difficult and dark things may appear to be, it will pass, for in order for darkness to exist light must exist as well.
She asks us to apply creativity to our lives, to live with passion and in accord with our spirit. A life that is full of passion, creative and healthy is blessed and burns with Brigid's fire.
Brigid's fire is the spark of life.
artwork and text - Copyright 2005-2010 DoAn Art (Antony Galbraith) unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Antony Galbraith.
Comments
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Sandy DeLuca
Warwick, RI - United States
Beautiful image and message.
Antony Galbraith replied:
Thanks Sandy! I am glad both spoke to you.
Helena Nelson-Reed
Woodridge, IL - United States
Nicely done, beautiful work. I like the DNA helix made of sankes - a little alchemical reference here!
Antony Galbraith replied:
I knew from the beginning, even before the figure of Brigid appeared that this painting would feature entwined snakes surrounded by flame. I think I was connecting to the Kundalini energy that rises when we activate our power centers.
Joe Triano
Medford, NJ - United States
Superior work, amazing concept - hauntingly beautiful. Antony,..Nice work my friend! . ............Joe
Antony Galbraith replied:
Thanks Joe!
DoAn Art
Sherrill, NY - United States
Thanks everyone for the support. After I complete one of the paintings in the goddess series, I think, ah now that I have figured out what I am doing, the next one will be much easier. No such luck! Each painting presents a new set of challenges, forces me to dig deeper inside and examine the elements/energies that inspired ancient peoples so much to personify them. It has become a wonderful adventure and I am looking forward to the next exploration: Spring, Air, and Rebirth.
Usha Shantharam
Bangalore, Ka - India
I like your painting style, and the message you bring across every time. The description really helped me to know about 'Brigid'.
Antony Galbraith replied:
Thanks Usha! I am happy that my work speaks to you.
Penny Elliott
Oralndo, FL - United States
Wow, you have a wonderful imagination!
Antony Galbraith replied:
Thanks Penny. I don't think of the paintings as coming from imagination, however. They emerge before me through intense communication with the energies and concepts I am exploring in the painting. I feel more like a medium than an artist at times.
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