Today is the feast of St. Brigit, according to CBC Radio2. They are playing a feast of Celtic music this morning which feeds my soul. She is the patron saint of blcksmiths, midwives and hand crafters.
From Deborah Bergman's "The Knitting Goddess":
Brigit was Abess of Kildare Abbey when Patrick started a religious revolution. There was much uncertainty. February 1st was Imbolc, the day of the feast of the Queen of Heaven and cakes werer baked for her. It marked the first of spring and the lambing season as it means "in the belly" and also "ewe's milk".
She was known for eternal beauty and grace. She was able to ease the pain of childbirth. Brigit's fire marked the change from the pure white light of the winter solstice to the "earthy, amber light of transition and birth. It fed the blacksmiths' forges and the hearths of the spinners It emanated from her hair and flamed out of her sparkling eyes. Some saw it ffrom the wriling of a twelve-spoked fiery spinning wheel. It is customary to clean out the hearth and lay a new fire on this day.
Her warm amber light is symbolized by butter, honey, beer and Irish whiskey. All the best things.
Celebrate the divine light of this new season by enjoying your knitting projects.
