With the beginning of February comes Imbolc in the Northern Hemisphere (it's Lughnasadh in the Southern Hemisphere). This is one of eight Wheel of the Year events that neo-Pagans celebrate throughout the year and I thought I'd share what I did as a solitary Pagan Witch as well as information about it.
Imbolc comes from the Irish Gaelic "Oimelc" which means "ewe's milk". This is connected to the natural breeding cycle of sheep because this is the time of year when they start to have their lambs and so milk would have entered the diet at this time.
Imbolc has also come to be associated with the goddess Brigid, possibly through Her christianisation to Saint Brigid as Her sacred day is still 2nd February regardless of Her form. As a goddess, She is associated with the sacred flame that would burn in every hearth and home so purification and cleaning are two ways of honouring Her as well as getting ready for the arrival of Spring. Brigid is also associated with creativity and inspiration but because of Her association with Imbolc, a lot of Her associations can be used for Imbolc too.
Brigid's associations are:
Elements: fire, water
Colours: red, yellow, orange, blue, white, black
Animals: cows, lambs, ewes, bees, owls, snakes, badgers, any hibernating animals
Plants: dandelion, snowdrop, crocus, trillium, oak tree and acorn, heather, chamomile, broom, shamrock, field flowers
Crystals: carnelian, agate, amethyst, jasper
Her most well-known symbols are different to the list above and can usually be made in physical form: like the candle, embroidery, Brigid's Cross, and corn dolls.
With all of these options before me, I chose to find a spread for Imbolc that took the form of Brigid's Cross. What should have been a total of five cards became six when I pulled 2 cards for the centre of the cross while the other 4 became the points nice and easily (just like in the photo above). So here is my Imbolc spread!
Main Message
The Banes, Mandrake
Shown as the Banes are Wolfsbane, Henbane and Hemlock, all known to be deadly plants but they also offer gifts and wisdom. When life may seem to be unbearable, when you are surrounded by pressures and difficulties, then it is time to understand that life is mysterious and something can (and is likely to) happen out of the blue. Instead of following the bigger dramas, take stock of the smaller things and witness their power. It can be the smallest of things that end up having the biggest impact on our lives but while they may already be present, they can also come to us from unknown and unexpected directions. This card actually makes me think of two particular tarot cards: The Moon, and The Star.
With Mandrake, there's an element of easing the pain of others which is what Mandrake is believed to have been used for in times past. The main message of this card is to alleviate suffering in some way, and to be honest, this is something I'm always trying to do for my friends. I like to help others to heal but I maintain that I cannot do their healing for them as that is part of their own journey through life. Mandrake is also associated with prosperity and good fortune which is rather appropriate because Imbolc is the time when milk naturally returned to the people's diets and so the variety of food would be enriched!
The Inaction - What should be avoided
Comfrey Reversed
Comfrey is all about merging your identity with a deity, a romantic love or even in pursuit of mystical experiences but whilst also retaining a sense of self, of individuality. Balancing the two is the key: keeping a strong sense of self while also letting go of it to merge and have this relationship with whomever. This is interesting as I do struggle with letting go of my Ego, my identity, when meditating and connecting with any deity so this is something that I need to work on as the Wheel of the Year turns.
The Action - What to do
Puffball
With this card, I'm a little unsure of what it could mean. This is because the Puffball is a mushroom and they are mysterious in nature due to growing in darkness and feeding on decaying matter. Perhaps the Puffball comes to remind me to approach the Inner Mysteries with reverence respect as if I were to approach in an unworthy manner, I would not be granted access. While I cannot have mushrooms as part of my diet, this doesn't mean that I can't befriend this plant. Perhaps I should also work towards deepening my connection with Nature and the Fae, thereby healing my feeling of connection to the Web of Everything.
Influences to accept
Woad Reversed
Well, this card really hit home for me. Woad is associated with Saturn, the planet of limitation and structure so with it being reversed, there's an element of being hindered or hampered by obstacles, of being withing organisation generally. This is exactly how I've felt with certain spaces in my home and now I'm wanting to get them sorted so that they are organised and give me the freedom to browse my personal library without having to move half of it every time I look for a book. I want to turn my home into my personal paradise/sanctuary (which it is already) but more comfortable than what it currently is.
Influences to avoid
Chamomile
This is a herb I know and am coming to love working with. I use it to help me to sleep due to its relaxing and restful properties so it's a small surprise that this card is here as something to avoid. But perhaps this card is warning me against becoming too prone to rest or taking too much time away from my various projects when I could otherwise work towards progress with them. Another possible message from Chamomile is that I need to be careful that I don't lose my enthusiasm and/or vitality for my projects while also balancing them within my available energetic reserves.
So this was rather surprising for Imbolc but pleasantly so. I will definitely be taking all the advice to heart as it seems sound and fits with what is happening in my life. As the Wheel of the Year turns, I have rather enjoyed doing this to see what guidance I can take away from this time.
I hope this inspires you to work with the Wheel of the Year and its various celebrations within your own Craft.
Peace and love to you all!!!!
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