One of my favorite stories about St. Brigid is about how she destroyed her beauty – long red-gold hair, big blue eyes, peachy skin – so that she wouldn’t have to marry and could devote her life to her faith. Once she took her vows, her beauty was restored. The way I tell it is that she went to the well at Kildare, filled her hands with water and poured it over her head and face three times, and she was as good as new. I can’t remember where I learned that. I don’t think I made it up, but I couldn’t find a reference to it. I hope it did happen that way, because I can see it very clearly.
Mark and I visited the well yesterday. It’s large and well maintained. Near the entrance is a focal area with stone paving, stones across the stream, stone arches and niches, and a statue of the saint holding her flame, the flame being one of her primary links to the goddess Brigid. Back against the far fence is the actual well. Next to the well is a “clootie” tree , on which people have tied pieces of cloth, photographs, shoes, and other items as part of prayers for healing.
I decided to douse myself three times from the well. I figured it couldn’t hurt. And just for good measure, I took three drinks too. Mark says my appearance improved noticeably!
Brigid is known as the Mary of the Gael, and another of my favorite stories about hear is that she was Mary's midwife, divinely enabled to be present for Christ's birth four centuries before her own. This traditional Irish prayer for children reflects that connection.
May God bless you, child.
I put you under the protections of Mary and her Son.
Under the care of Brigid and her cloak.
And under the shelter of God tonight.
Another prayer, said as the fire was smoored for the night, links Mary, Brigid, and Brigid's sacred flame as it resided in the hearth.
I will build the hearth,
As Mary would build it.
The encompassment of Bride and of Mary,
Guarding the hearth, guarding the floor,
Guarding the household of all.
Mark took all the photos. The prayers are from The Life of Saint Brigid by Anna Egan Smucker.
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