Hidden in a French Forest is a Grove dedicated to an ancient Celtic Goddess, known by many names, including Brighid, Bride, Brigantia, Brigindo. She is a Goddess, not just of the land, but of inspiration to poets and writers.

[Image ID: coloured drawing of the Celtic Goddess Brigid, holding a spear and shield, against a background of a Rowan Tree full of berries. Beside her is the Ogham symbol for Rowan and a large bear. At her feet is an old Roman statue of Minerva and a little bear cub.]

Brighid’s Ogham Grove in Normandy is tended by two Irish “Crones”, who have lots to share on this blog page! From plant lore to history, experiences of being an ex-pat in France, environmental discussions, recipes, Holistic Living and Holistic Healing, you will find an eclectic mix, depending on our humour – we are Seniors, after all!

[Image ID: photograph of a framed certificate, with the words “Earth, Sea and Sky Woman honours Veronica Smith, who has been initiated into the Circle of Crones on Slieve na Cailleach, County Meath, May 2014” and signed by Annette Peard.]

SO, WHY IS IT CALLED “BRIGHID’S OGHAM GROVE”?

Saint Brighid, along with Saint Patrick, is the Patroness of Ireland and, because my sister and I are Irish ex-pats, we thought it right to name our new French home after Her. As for the Ogham, it is an ancient form of Irish writing, which used a list of twenty tree names as an aid, to help remember the Ogham alphabet. The concept of the Ogham “Grove” , as a Celtic Year Wheel, is a modern interpretation, popular within Celtic spirituality.

AND THIS BLOG?

I have always loved to write about anything and everything and Blessed Brighid inspires WRITERS! Next, I will be writing a separate article about Brighid, Celtic Goddess and Christian Saint, as well as an article about the Ogham and the Ogham Grove concept, as developed by British artist, historian and writer, Yuri Leitch.

WATCH THIS BLOG!

[Image ID: photo of my garden, showing the French granite apple press and wheel, surrounded by the twenty young saplings of Brighid’s Ogham Grove.]

Author: VERONICA SMITH, published on 4th April 2024