Brigid's Cross Weaving

## Brigid's Cross Weaving

The Brigid's Cross is one of the oldest and most enduring sacred crafts of the Celtic world. Woven from rushes gathered on the eve of Imbolc — the first of February — this equal-armed cross is hung above the door or in the rafters to invoke the protection of Brigid, goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft.

The tradition predates Christianity in Ireland by centuries, though it was later absorbed into the feast of St Brigid. The cross is typically woven from fresh green rushes (*Juncus effusus*), which grow abundantly in boggy ground and beside streams throughout the British Isles and Ireland. The rushes should be gathered on the morning of Imbolc itself, or on the evening before, as part of the ritual preparation.

In this workshop, you will learn the traditional four-armed weaving technique, starting from a central knot and building outward in a rotating pattern. The rhythm of the weaving is itself a meditative practice — a turning spiral that mirrors the returning light of early spring.

We will also explore regional variations: the three-armed cross of County Galway, the diamond-shaped cross of parts of Connacht, and the interlocking design sometimes called Brigid's Eye. Each carries its own symbolic meaning and protective intent.

No previous weaving experience is needed. The rushes are forgiving, and the technique, once grasped, flows naturally. You will leave with a completed cross to hang in your home, carrying the blessing of Brigid through the year.