Brigid’s Cloth

“Perhaps on this Imbolc, Brigid will ignite some fire in me that will illuminate ways in which I can better align myself with the rhythms of the earth. Perhaps I will see in the mind of my heart some memory of a simpler time; an ancient world that my spirit belonged to, and still belongs to. Perhaps when that happens I will think of the ewe, and the newborn sheep, and I will see in them something true about the world, about myself, and about the Great Mystery to which we all belong.”

– Teo Bishop

Most witches are familiar with Brigid, the Goddess, Druid warrior, Fae, member of Tuatha De Danaan, daughter of the God Dagda and great Goddess Danu, and saint. Much can be said of her, but her name itself means “exalted one.” Meaning one who is “above” mortality, ranked of higher ground, higher knowledge, higher consciousness, magickal rising.

It’s a well-known and practiced tradition that in honor of Brigid, on February 1st, Imbolc, her feast day, pagan’s all over the world weave out of straw “Brigid’s Cros Bride.”

Yep, you know it as “Brigid’s Cross.”

You will find many tutorials on the subject if you’re interested in making your own Brigid’s Cross, but I would like to bring your awareness to a lesser known tradition. that is of “Brigid’s Cloth.”

Irish legend proclaims that in the year 650AD, Brigid hung her cloak on a sunbeam to dry it, and the cloak became imbued with solar energy and healing qualities, bestowing her as the Goddess of fire. A shrine to Saint Brigid, which holds her sacred flame, predates written history, is still tended to in Killdare, Ireland.

Many Irish, for centuries credited Brigid with water pools that had no apparent source. These waters arose from withing the other world – “oimbelc”, the belly or womb of the great mother earth. Thus aligning Brigid as the goddess of water. St. Brigid’s well in Licannor, County Clare is one of the oldest in Ireland and legends say it has healing powers. For centuries people pilgrimage to the site to seek healing and leave offerings.

Much of what we know of her comes from the Life of Brigid written by monk Cogitosis in the 2nd half of the 7th century. With her many miracles, it is easy to see how the Catholic church could canonize her while additionally opening Catholicism up to pagans.

So Brigid is the Goddess of fire AND water, life and death, and ultimately of healing.

On January 31st, which is the night before her feast day, it is traditional to leave a piece of cloth or ribbon outside the house, as it is believed that Brigid’s spirit traveled across the universe leaving her curative powers in the “brat bhride” or “bratog bride” meaning “Brigid’s mantle” or cloth. And this ribbon is then used throughout the year as a tool for healing and protection. To this day, Brigid’s cloth is used for headaches, childbirth, colds and flus, and any number of other ailments.

To create your own Brigid’s Cloth, select a ribbon, handkerchief, scarf, shawl or piece of cloth to dedicate to Brigid for the purpose of healing. This can be whatever fabric or print you are drawn to, of course, but you may find with Brigid’s ties to agriculture, that natural and/or organic fabric may vibrate stronger with her; such as, cotton cloth, hemp or flax linen, or sheep’s wool. Again, the print choice is yours, but you may be drawn to solid and natural colors, or perhaps prints of florals, wheat, apples, shamrocks, or even sun rays all associated with the Goddess. Or you may choose to create your Brigid’s Cloth by crocheting or lacing your own design. You might want to consider crafting symbols associated with Brigid on the cloth.

Leave your cloth outside on the eve of Imbolc from sunset to sunrise on Brigid’s feast day. You may leave an offering for Brigid with the cloth if you wish, many festive recipes have been made in her honor, but personally I like to leave seeds, corn husks or sheaves of wheat as they represent life, food, new beginnings, and good health and harvest. I also leave a lit candle in a lantern and a water offering.

Ask that Brigid bless the cloth as she passes during the night.
“Brigid of the flame that burns away all ill, Brigid of the words that grant comfort and will, Brigid of the water that eternal springs fill, I pray you leave your healing light, in this cloth this starry night. The power to renew, repair, restore the might. May all pain be eased, and spirit be strong, and may illness never linger long. Good goddess, kind and true, bless this cloth I leave for you.”

In the morning, bring the cloth into your home. Use it in healing rituals or practices, or as your altar cloth.