GORDON STRONG

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Bride’s Mound

Gateway to Avalon 

Brides Mound is one of the ‘Ancient Hills’ of Glastonbury. When surrounded by water, this sacred site was once the destination of sea-borne travellers from the West.  On a transcendental level, it was also a portal into the other world and the abode of Bride, the major deity of the Celts. Celebrated at Imbolc (Feb 1^st.) this goddess heralds the approach of Spring.  She nurtures new life, symbolised by the birth of lambs, and the appearing of snowdrops.  Her colour is white to denote purity, service and devotion. Healing, smithcraft and poetry are sacred to her. 

Like Isis, Bride is the Goddess of the Moon. She is the guardian of wells and springs, their pure water bringing regeneration. Bride has an affinity with both fire and water.  She is titled ‘Keeper of the Flame’ and ‘Guardian of the Well’. The Grail is associated with her through its link to the ‘Cauldron of Inspiration’ which was given to Dagda, the father of Bride. The celebrated Glastonbury Blue Bowl discovered by Brides Mound in the twentieth century is a modern version of this holy treasure. 

The Romans attempted to identify Bride with Minerva, or Pallas Athene, but inevitably she became Christianized as St. Bridget. Joseph of Arimathea is said to have brought Mary Magdalene to Britain. The chapel on Brides Mound was originally dedicated to her but in A.D.488, when she visited Britain from Ireland, St. Bridget claimed this place of worship.  This pivotal event prompts a fascinating debate as to the real nature of the feminine element in Christianity from that date onward.  Bridget has certainly left her mark on the Isle of Avalon.  She founded ‘The Monastery of the Holy Virgins’ on Wearyall Hill and her image, in the role of a milkmaid, adorns the tower on Glastonbury Tor.  She resides next to the Archangel Michael - Son of Light. Bridget is known as the ‘Bright One’ and elevated to being the sister of Michael.

Bride is a near contemporary of King Arthur whose association with Glastonbury is undeniable. The king’s conversion to Christianity occurs at Brides Mound when, at the chapel, he encounters the Virgin Mary with the holy infant in her arms. The Holy Mother presents Arthur with a crystal cross, the image of which he incorporates into his new standard.  He discards the original dragon, thus rejecting his pagan heritage.

The Waters of Avalon flow beneath Pomplarles Bridge at the foot of Brides Mound, so Bride may also be the Lady of the Lake.  Brides Mound is also known as The Salmon of Beckery and lies in Pisces on the Glastonbury Zodiac.  But has Bride, as representative of The Goddess, become more a part of the Aquarian age?  Is she now the image of the independent, radical female – a New Age visionary and pioneer?  Perhaps Brides Well and the many springs throughout Britain dedicated to her, flow with the sacred waters of spirituality that grows the more prevalent in our times.

~o00o~