Brigid's Cross
At Imbolg, the Maiden aspect of the Goddess might be represented in a
great variety of ways -- by a simple ear of dried corn, a figure made of grain
at Lughnasadh, or straws or wheat braided into an intricate
design. One representation of the Goddess is Brigid's Cross. Although the
original design may well have been made from rushes, wheat versions have
been recreated for centuries. Make a cross for each room in the house to
invite the blessings of the Goddess into them. 

METHOD ONE 



Materials:

28 long, large diameter wheat straws without heads
Soak straws in a tub of cool water for half an hour before starting,
then wrap in a towel for another 15 minutes.
Make the core first by positioning two straws to make a plus sign, placing
the horizontal straw on top. Pull the upper section of the vertical straw
down on top of its other half (Fig. 1). Turn the weave 90 degrees counterclockwise.
Repeat to fold down the straw that is now vertical. (Fig. 2)
Turn the straws 90 degrees counterclockwise again. Add the next straw
by placing it to the right of the vertical folded straw and under the horizontal
folded straw, as shown in Fig. 3. Fold the added straw, turn the straws
once again, and add the fourth and final straw to this round in the same
fashion. 
Continue to add folded straws. Avoid letting them bunch up or lie on
top of those in a previous round. Instead, build the weave outward, resting
the straws side by side. At first, you may find it difficult to hold the
arms together and at right angles, but as the weave gains substance, this
will prove easier. Just remember to watch for gaps and fill them by repositioning
and tightening the straws as necessary.
When all 28 straws have been incorporated, tie each arm off about 4 inches
from the center of the design. Trim the ends of the straws and threads.

METHOD TWO

Materials: 

Nine long, large diameter wheat straws without heads


1. Soak straws in a tub of cool water for half an hour before starting,
then wrap in a towel for another 15 minutes. 
Tie nine straws together at their ends.
Spread them as shown with the tied end facing down (three to the
right and two each other direction. (Image #1)
2. Fold the front straw of the three under the other two.
3. Bring it up and over to be alongside the two at the nest corner. 
4. Completed cross.

References: 
Wheat Weaving and Straw Craft_ by Morgyn Geoffry Owens-Celli 
Your Book of Corn Dollies_ by Joan Rendell
Green Witchcraft_ by Ann Moura

Some suggested uses for Bridget's Cross:

Make a cross for each room of the house. 

Open your front door and place a red pillar-sized candle in the 
middle of opening.  With a cross in your hand, light the candle, 
and say:

"We welcome in the Goddess and seek the turning of the wheel from 
winter into spring."


Pick up the candle, close the door.  Now go in to each room of the house. 
(The kitchen needs to be the last room) 
Say:

"Great Lady enter with the sun and watch over this room"

Leave a cross in each room and proceed thusly throughout the house. The
last room should be the kitchen, and here you say:

  "Mother of the Earth and the Sun   Keep us safe and keep us warm,
  As over our home you extend your blessing."

These also make for nice decorations on your altar.