If there is a goddess that has captured the hearts of many in the Neopagan revival, it would be Brigid. There are many legends surrounding this Celtic goddess. In her triple aspect she is seen as a goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft. Because of these associations with fiery and inspirational arts, fire has become one of Brigid's main symbols. In some instances she is actually three sisters, each with control of one of her triple aspects.

Since fertility is a creative force, the fertility celebration Imbolc on February 1st falls under her rule.

Traditionally, this was the time marked by the lactation of the ewes which was one of the first signs of spring. Hence, milk is a popular offering for altars to Brigid along with products of creativity such as poems or works of art.

The Brigid's cross pictured below is also a common symbol and popular craft to make at Imbolc.

The history of the Christian Saint Brigit has even been mingled with Brigid legends. The Irish saint is said to have been born in Faughart in 450 CE and died in Kildare in 523 CE. Like her goddess counterpart, she shares the task of overseeing healing, fertility and childbirth. In fact, one legend states she was midwife to Mary, the mother of Christ.

She has many holy wells dedicated in her name as water is a also a potent symbol for her and the goddess. Her feast day also falls on February 1st or Candlemas. The goddess and the saint were held in such high esteem that many believe aspects of the goddess were attributed to the saint in order to attract Pagans to the church.

One of the traditions that has reemerged to honor both the goddess and saint is that of tending her flame. Legend has it that the flame was begun in Kildare, possibly on the site of an ancient temple which then became a convent. The flame was tended by 19 priestesses then eventually nuns, and it is said that on the 20th day Brigid herself tended the flame. Later, the church decided that this ritual was too Pagan and had the fire extinguished.

Attempts were made at rekindling the flame but failed. It wasn't until the early 1990s when a member of the Brigidine Sisters relit the flame in Kildare in the name of Brigid, peace and justice. It has been tended by the sisters in Solas Bhride, their center in Ireland. This event led to many women receiving candles lit from the flame in Kildare and keeping the flame alive in their own way.

Some have joined online flame keepers' communities and others have made pilgrimages to Solas Bhride to walk where Brigid walked and contemplate their role in helping to restore her flame to the world.