by Nicole Gilbert

Created on: November 05, 2009

We hear a lot about personal altars and seasonal or Sabbat altars, but what about altars dedicated to specific deities? It is not uncommon to be dedicated solely or primarily to one deity and an altar dedicated to that deity, perhaps in addition to the principal altar, can provide a focal point for worship. What follows is an exploration of the creation of an altar to the goddess Brighid, the Flame of Ireland.

Brighid, also Bride, Brid or Brigid, is arguably the most popular of the Irish pantheon. The daughter of the Dagda, she was originally either a goddess with three domains, or a triple goddess, each of whom had one domain. In any case, she is the patroness of poets, smiths and healers. She later became associated with livestock and farm work, particularly cows and milk.

As the goddess of poetry, her flame is the fire of divine inspiration, imbas forensai, which can be taken to mean fire in the head. Artists of all types can look to her for creative inspiration. As the goddess of smiths, she is the fire of the forge and all artisans and craftsmen are in her domain. As the goddess of healing, she is the fire in the hearth.

Brighid also has water associations, primarily her sacred wells, but also including springs. Other associations for Brighid include blackberries, the boar, oak trees and the colors red and white. With these things in mind, a little creativity can produce a beautiful and meaningful altar in honor of this goddess.

Mistletoe and blackberries are sacred to Brighid, so these are excellent choices for altar decoration. Candles are the obvious choice to represent the fire association, as is a cup or bowl of water for the well aspect. A floating candle might be an even better and more beautiful choice, combining the two. Candles should be red or white, Brighid's colors.

If you use stones, those associated with fire are good, particularly red stones. Some examples are garnet, ruby, citrine, or amber. Popular incense essences for Brighid include rosemary, frankincense, myrrh and cinnamon.

Brighid is associated with milk as well, although that is a later addition. Brighid eventually became, either figuratively or actually, St. Bridget. The milk tie is more St. Bridget than Brighid, but since they are pretty much one and the same, it can still be appropriate.

Brighid has symbols all her own, the most well known being the Brighid's Wheel or Brighid's Cross. This is a solar symbol made from reeds woven together into a solar cross. It is a protective talisman. Additionally, there is the custom of making a Brighid's Bed. This is a small bed, traditionally placed on the hearth, but now on the altar, in which is placed a doll in the shape of a woman, joined with an acorn-tipped wand, as a talisman of prosperity and fertility. Other possibilities for the altar include oak leaves, pictorial or sculpted representations of the goddess herself, or a cauldron. Smith tools such as tongs or hammer are a good addition, providing there is room.

Brighid has three domains, so there are many ways of approaching honoring her. As a creativity goddess, she approves of experimentation and originality. Whether you combine elements of her different aspects, or focus on one, above all have fun.

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