Imbolc Deck Spreads

By Beth Allen

Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice or Yule and the Spring Equinox or Ostara. It’s also called Candlemas, the Festival of Lights, and St. Brigid’s Day.

Celebrated on February 1 and 2, Imbolc is old Irish for “in the belly,” as it is the beginning of new life — the transitioning from the blanket of winter into the seeds of spring. 

Traditionally Imbolc is celebrated by making and lighting candles and bonfires to welcome back the light.

One can’t celebrate Imbolc without acknowledging, if not honoring, the Celtic goddess Brigid. She represents the cycle of the crone (winter) being born again as the maiden (spring).

Brigid is one of the most powerful of the Celtic deities. She oversees creativity, poetry, healing, protection, fertility, childbirth, hearth and home, grieving, all domestic animals, and blacksmithing. One way to honor her is by weaving a cross, called a Brigid’s Cross, out of straw or hay.

Below are two spreads I’ve created to help you explore ways to embrace the energy of Imbolc and walk with the goddess energy of Brigid.

You will need one tarot deck, an oracle deck, two candles, and peppermint oil. I’m using Under the Oak Tarot, art by Ofride and text by StregaDelleMele.

For my oracle I’m using Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz, with art by Tijana Lukovic. You can use any tarot and oracle deck you like, but I’ve found that having the Imbolc Oracle really helps me focus on the traditions, symbols, and meaning of Imbolc.

The Coming Out of Darkness Spread

Pre-select 3 oracle cards for intention setting. These 3 will be chosen by you, not randomly drawn.

The first card represents the dark days of winter, the second represents change, and the third represents self-care during this transition. Lay the 3 cards out on your table.

Next shuffle your tarot deck, asking the following questions and randomly picking one tarot card for each question, placing the tarot card under the corresponding oracle card.

1. What lesson did I learn in the darkness of winter that I need to look at for my personal growth?

2. What needs to be birthed in my soul?

3. How best can I nurture myself right now?

Light a candle and say the following words from the Imbolc Oracle:

“May the serpent wake, bellowing with the rising flame and beckoning the wisdom that awaits your return.”

 

The Shine A Light Spread 

Anoint your other candle with peppermint oil by poking tiny holes around the wick and dropping a little oil in each hole (only a few drops are needed, as it’s potent).

Place 3 pre-selected cards from your oracle deck in a row. The first card represents creative spark or inspiration, the second represents what is blocking you creatively, and the third represents the action you need to take to bring that creative spark to life.

Next you’ll shuffle your tarot deck as before, pulling one card for each of the 3 questions below and placing that tarot card under the corresponding oracle card.

1. How can I tap into the energy (or element) to help me feel inspired?

2. What is hindering my ability to create or what obstacle do I need to overcome?

3. What advice does Brigid have to help me manifest my vision?

Say the following words from the Imbolc Oracle as you light the anointed candle:

“Take from me what keeps me held back, clearing myself from all that does not belong in the vision of what is to come.”

Blessed be.