Happy St. Brighid's Day!

For all of you gals out there who aren't too happy with St. Patrick driving the so-called "snakes" out of Ireland and foisting the Christian religion on the island's inhabitants, here's a little prayer/poem to Ireland's most beloved goddess, Brighid. Before she was co-opted by the church as a "saint," Brighid was the green isle's triple goddess (the maiden/mother/crone), the keeper of the sacred well and the sacred fire, and the patroness of the metal smiths.

Brighid of the Mantle, encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs, protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us,
Beneath your mantle gather us,
And restore us to memory.

Mothers of our mother,
Foremothers strong,
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how
To kindle the hearth,
To keep it bright,
To preserve the flame,
Your hands upon ours,
To kindle the light
Both day and night.

The Mantle of Brighid about us,
The memory of Brighid within us,
The protection of Brighid keeping us
From harm, from ignorance,
from heartlessness,
This day and night,
From dawn till dark,
From dark till dawn.

Now, go enjoy your green beer!