I have written on Brigid and War before and Brigid as Warrior before. But I want to revisit the topic. Because the world is becoming a scarier place right now. For almost all of us. The cost of food is rising. Alliances thought unshakeable are, indeed shaking. The dollar is looking increasingly volatile – disturbing for the currency usually considered the world’s safe haven currency.
What has this got to do with war?
Traditionally, war is seen as a great way to implement drastic changes to society in the name of the National Interest. And many times, these changes are not in the best interests of the people at all. So, let’s take a look at the world today, in the context of Brigid and war and see where we end up.
Global conflicts
I’ve used Wikipedia for this. I’ll let you read the numbers for yourself. But a lot of these wars have been ongoing for more than 75 years. Well ok, a lot is subjective, but even 1 is too many. And ok, Brigid probably isn’t involved in too many of them.
Surprising no one, I bet, Ukraine is topping the charts for the most deaths in the last 2 years, with Palestine coming second.
I want you to note here, I’m not commenting on the rights and wrong of any of these wars. If you want to read my thoughts on conflict in various nations, search the blog for that country’s name.
But looking across the world, there is a theme in the nations embroiled in conflict.
Most if not all of them are former colonies. Of someone. Mostly European powers. Brigid’s views on war might not be 100% clear, but her views on colonisation have been made pretty clear to me anyway.
It’s a bad thing. Fighting against an oppressor is almost a requirement for survival. Oppression, genocide, eradication of a country’s traditions, culture and history, are all side effects of colonisation. Brigid has been here with Ireland over the last millennia. When we fought, and still fight, to keep our culture and traditions alive.
Brigid and the types of war
While global conflicts are top of the list when looking at war, Brigid is also engaged with culture wars.
And in fact, one might say that with her standing as poet, culture wars might be even more in her remit than physical war. Right now, there is a general European and America swing to the right. It’s a bad move in my opinion, but hey ho, I don’t control the world. But look at what Brigid stands for. Brig Ambue in particular looks after those who need it in the world. In the War on Poverty, Brigid is in the front lines.
In the War on Child Abuse, Brigid is in the front lines.
War on Drugs? Maybe, maybe not. But the effects of illegal drugs in impoverished communities? Hell, yes.
War for the souls of our nations? Yes. I see her there, in the front lines again.
You see, propaganda from all sides seeks to override our critical thinking skills. All the time. And in all her professions, critical thinking is vital for Brigid. As it is for us as well.
What type of world do you want to live in?
One where the strong take from the weak?
Or where society looks after the less-well-off, the weak, the ill…
One where only productivity is valued?
Or one where art, music, language can flourish along with work that makes the big money?
One where the wealth gap not only rivals but surpasses that of Medieval Europe?
Or one where all people can live lives secure in the knowledge they will have food, shelter, water, comfort…
Which side of this war do you think Brigid is on?
What’s next?
Well, the US situation is, I hope, a wake up call for all of us. Here in Ireland, some fuckwits are suggesting Conor McGregor for our next President. Thankfully, the systems that lead to nomination as president should prevent him from even being on the ballot. I hope. But it’s a sign this disease is reaching our shores as well.
And hell, yes, I will be calling in Brigid to help us in this war. We’re only in the beginning stages, whereas others are in the depths. But that doesn’t mean we can’t fight.
Brigid isn’t going to do the work for us. We have to do that ourselves. But we can ask for her help, her support, her energy.
She won’t fight our wars for us. We must do that.
But it’s time to stop ignoring the signs of this disease and division in all our nations. And start the work to heal.
For those who are US based, you can join our Hope and Healing Hub here. $25 a month and each fully paid sign up funds a scholarship as well.
If you are elsewhere in the world and would like a similar group for your area, or you are interested in the scholarship option for the current hub, drop me an email on orlagh@mybrigidsforge.com
