In our post about Brigid, we talked about how she was closely associated with the farm, ale, butter, and cows. She was also known for traveling the Irish countryside, blessing households as she went. To make her welcome, people would put bread and fresh butter outside on the windowsill.
A piece of white cloth or a white silk ribbon was hung on the outside of the front door for the Saint to bless. The faithful would also lay out rushes (the same kind that are used to make the St. Brigid’s cross) for her to kneel on while blessing the household.
It is traditional to make fresh butter for Saint Brigid’s Day, and in many regions, the menu for the day features a special oat bread.
Okay, so this is not the traditional Saint Brigid’s Day oat bread (here’s a recipe for the more standard version, which admittedly, would go much better with the—also traditional—glass of ale). But this bread does contain oatmeal and it is really, really good (kind of like a semi-healthy cinnamon roll). Maybe this one for breakfast—and the other for dinner??
Worshiped by the people of Ireland as saint for over 1500 years and as a goddess since long before the Roman invasion of Britain and the birth of Christ, Brigid served as a bridge between pagan Celtic and Christian traditions. Her influence extended through the British Isles and beyond.
In the Celtic tradition, Brigid is a sun goddess, with strong associations with fire. She is considered a triple goddess because she is the patroness three important skills: poetry, healing and smithcrafting. As such, she is often portrayed with a pair of blacksmith tongs and a sword, handling two healing snakes, and holding a wand and a tablet. 
Fire is the element of change; it is linked to courage and transformation, passion and desire. It represents success, health, and strength. Fire destroys, but is also necessary for rebirth and regeneration. Its flames may burn fast and furious, or it may smolder until just the right moment. Fire is swift and unpredictable, and holds a deep primal fascination for many of us. If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized, staring—long into the night—at a campfire or a crackling fire in a fireplace, you have a pretty good idea what a fire meditation is all about. 
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