Brighids Cross

Making a single round cross

Brighid’s crosses, also called Brighid’s wheels, are symbols of protection. Traditionally placed above the thresholds of the house, such as doorways and windows, to offer protection to those living in the house as well as offering protection to the physical structure of the house.

Crosses were traditionally made on Imbolc eve (the eve of Brighid’s festival) using rushes or straw. At each Imbolc, the new cross was often hung in the rafters of the kitchen offering protection throughout the year. The old cross was either left in its place or taken outside and buried or burnt. Sean O Duinn (The Rites of Brigid: Goddess and Saint) explains it wasn’t unusual to come across houses with around 50 crosses in the rafters.

The cross is similar to the swastika with four protruding arms which suggests the symbol is in motion - which makes 'wheel' a good description. The Sanskrit meaning behind the swastika is symbol good fortune or well being. Variations on this sacred symbol can be found in many cultures, possibly originating in the Neolithic and found within Mayan, Native American, Hindu, Buddhist, Jainism, and Norse beliefs.

Brighid prayer beads by Jude Lally

Making Your Own Cross

A Brighid’s cross can be made throughout the year for whatever your personal need. They can make them out of varying materials such as corn husks, wool, fabric, pipe cleaners, raffia, or even paper - whatever you are drawn to using. Your cross will also look effective with just one round the material you are using. Try using black paper and draw on the cross with colored pastels.

A cross made from a magazine cover. As the strips of paper are folder over to make this single round cross - hidden prayers of symbols can be written on the inside of the paper of card.

A cross made from a woolen scarf with sewn on beads.

Charm for Bringing Peace to Palestine (Inspired by a Charm of the Sprain, Carmina Gadelica Hymn/Incantation #13)

Last Imbolc I had adapted this traditional (and international) charm to extend out to those in Gaza. I repeat it this year wishing peace for those returning home.

Brigid went out

Walking with those amoung the ruins in Gaza

This fostermother of the Christ

She held the dead in her arms, her arms around the traumatized, standing in the rubble with those who have lost everything

She put bone to bone,

She put flesh to flesh,

She put sinew to sinew.

She laid hands on the heads of those who are consumed with hatred

she spread her mantle and brought peace to the world

A wee note for paid subscribers with a Ancestral Mothers of Scotland Imbolc Gathering