Brigid (SOLD)

As one of the most popular goddesses worshipped by the Celts, she continues to be a favorite among Christians as many of her stories and myths survived in the persona of Saint Brigid. She was the goddess of all things perceived to be of relatively high dimensions such as high-rising flames, highlands, hill-forts and upland areas; and of activities and states conceived as psychologically lofty and elevated, such as wisdom, excellence, perfection, high intelligence, poetic eloquence, craftsmanship (especially blacksmithing), healing ability, druidic knowledge and skill in warfare. An object connected to the goddess called Brigid's Cross, made of rushes or straw, and woven into a kind of star or cross shape (see image).

Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses. At one time, these were very common, but now have become rare. Occasionally, in the rural areas, Roman Catholic homes still feature Brigid's crosses. It was traditionally believed that a Brigid's Cross protects the house from fire and evil. Brigid's crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on 1 February, which in Gaelic is called Lá Fhéile Bhríde (Brigid's feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration.

I used the Whirlpool Galaxy as the reference for this painting. I found the spiraling arms of the galaxy an echo of the arms of Brigit's Cross, and all the fiery stars being creating within the arms, an adequate representation of the different qualities of this powerful goddess.

DoAn