Brigid is one of those fascinating crossover personalities ~ between the Pagan world and the Christian world. In the Pagan world, she's Goddess of the hearth, metallurgy, healing, writing and childbirth. In the Christian world, she's a saint; a real girl, baptized by St. Patrick, eventually taking the veil and founding a monastery at Kildare.
Over the years, the two traditions have claimed Her and played a game of tug-of-war over who and what She was and is. Even so, the consensus showed the focus of her powers or abilities to be nearly the same.
Much of those attributes came from the testimonies of the women who believed in Her, whether Pagan or Christian. Their common traditions linked them closely to Her and to each other. I find much of that same camaraderie alive today. Women of all faiths, with respect and constancy, continue to share their Goddesses and Saints. They see the commonality and move forward with that in mind and in place. Their acceptance of each other's practices surprises most people around them, often including family. There's much still to be learned about sharing across faiths and religions. I call upon Brigid and her holy fire to continue the teaching!
What is your reaction to sharing across religions? Have you participated in shared rites or rituals? How did that feel? Would you be willing to participate in them?
