Imbolc: “In the Belly”

Welcome to the first signs of abundance to come, the first milk of the ewes, the stirrings of life beneath the snows! Here in the rainy season of west-central Oregon, the crocuses are still waiting, but the belly of the Earth here is filled with life-giving water just waiting to be used. The damp cold will continue for another few weeks; does feel like England, and a cup of tea goes down nicely. Winter is quite green here, though, and summer is brown. We mow in winter when there’s a break in the rain and think about pruning soon.

Brighid

In Irish and British tradition, this is the time to celebrate Brighid, the Celtic goddess of healing and fertility,  or the lovely Ground Hog, weather maven of spring. Cute as the ground hog is, I think I’ll go with Brighid, or St. Bridget as she seems to have morphed into in her Christian guise. Here in Stuart Little-John’s artistic eye, she’s surrounded by what looks to me a sword of great intent, a crook to herd the pregnant sheep, the snow-drops a-blooming, the healing serpent emerging from the newly thawed soil, and a swan who will soon be tending her young. She carries the torch of eternal light while the trees in the distance still sleep. Earth, air, fire, and water, the whole universe, waiting for the sun to arc just a little higher.

Meaning of Imbolc

“Imbolc” or “Imbolg,” the name of this festival in Celtic regions where it originated, means “in the belly” and refers to the season where sheep and goats are carrying their young, the first domesticated mammals to be born in early spring, and therefore are, or will soon be, lactating.

This day marks the end of Winter, and the Lore of the Celts says the last wintery blasts of January are the Cailleach, the Old Hag of Winter, howling her frustration that the new Maiden Goddess is stepping her foot on the land to melt the ice and cause the water, and the milk, to flow.

Imbolc Tarot Spread

So, “what is ‘in your Belly’?” at this first hint of springtime if you are in the Northern Hemisphere?

One good way to see through the cold fog of spring’s early morning and expose what might be growing in the womb of your heart is to set the beautiful images of Tarot down and see what the cards, and you, say may come to birth later in the year.

Here’s my Tarot spread, then, for Imbolc:

1) As it seems: What’s on the surface? How is your belly covered; what are its colors?

2) As you will: Reveal your great desire, the gold beneath your cloak.

3) As you feel: Rub your belly; what do you feel inside?

4) As you move: Should you face the wind, or flow with the current; how should you move?

5) As you are: What is really inside you that longs to see the sun?

Ah, lay them out then, your five cards, in whatever shape you like (a star, flower petals, the face and ears of a ewe, even) and see what is revealed.