festival of light pick-a-pile tarot readings

Imbolc Pick-a-Pile Tarot Readings

festival of light pick-a-pile tarot readings

You can probably the light returning right about now if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are ever so slowly becoming longer again and with the return of the light, hope and inspiration return. This is a great time to celebrate the New Year which is exactly what happens in regions where they celebrate the Lunar New Year, such as the Chinese Year of the Snake. So for today’s pick-a-pile Tarot readings, we are going with an Imbolc theme.

Today’s Imbolc pick-a-pile Tarot readings draw on the themes of Brigid—creativity, healing, and transformation—to guide you through the season.

  1. Brigid’s Fire: What creative or spiritual energy is being kindled in my life right now?
  2. Brigid’s Well: What emotional or intuitive insights do I need to draw upon?
  3. Brigid’s Mantle: How can I protect and nurture what’s being kindled as it develops?

As always with general readings, take only what resonates. If you need a more in-depth reading, you can book one HERE.

Imbolc and Candlemas: Festivals of Light and Hope

Imbolc, a traditional Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring, is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd. It is one of the four Celtic cross-quarter days, midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc, derived from the Old Irish i mbolg, meaning “in the belly,” symbolises the awakening of the earth and the first signs of new life. It is deeply associated with the goddess Brigid (or Brigit), a deity of fire, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. In Neo-Pagan traditions, Imbolc is a time to honour Brigid, light candles, and prepare for the coming spring by cleansing homes and minds.

Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, is a Christian feast day that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The name “Candlemas” comes from the tradition of blessing and distributing candles, symbolising Jesus as the “Light of the World.” In a metaphysical Christian sense, we can celebrate the Christ Light within. This festival also coincides with the end of the Christmas-Epiphany season in the Christian liturgical calendar.

The convergence of Imbolc and Candlemas is no accident. Early Christianity often adapted existing pagan festivals to ease the transition to the new faith. Brigid, the pagan goddess, was seamlessly transformed into Saint Brigid of Kildare, a beloved Irish saint who retained many of the goddess’s attributes. Both festivals emphasise light, purification, and the promise of renewal, making their alignment a natural fit.

Historical Celebrations

  • Imbolc in Ancient Times: In pre-Christian Ireland, Imbolc was a time to honour Brigid with offerings of food, milk, and candles. People would craft Brigid’s crosses from rushes or reeds, which were hung in homes for protection and blessings. Fires were lit to symbolise the returning sun and the goddess’s fiery energy.
  • Candlemas in Medieval Europe: Candlemas became a significant Christian festival, with processions of lit candles and the blessing of candles for use throughout the year. In some regions, it was also a day to predict the weather, as seen in the proverb: “If Candlemas Day is fair and bright, winter will have another flight; if Candlemas Day brings clouds and rain, winter will not come again.”

Modern Celebrations

  • Neo-Pagan Imbolc: Contemporary Pagans celebrate Imbolc as a time of spiritual renewal. Rituals often include lighting candles, crafting Brigid’s crosses, and setting intentions for the coming year. Some practitioners create an Imbolc altar adorned with symbols of Brigid, such as a corn dolly, a bowl of milk, or a cauldron. Meditation on the themes of growth, creativity, and purification is common.
  • Christian Candlemas: In modern Christian practice, Candlemas is observed with candlelit processions, the blessing of candles, and prayers for light and guidance. In some places, it is also a day to take down Christmas decorations, marking the official end of the holiday season.
imbolc and candlemas festival of lights altar

A Tarot Ritual for Imbolc and Candlemas

This ritual invokes the Goddess Brigid and Mother Mary. It combines elements of both Imbolc and Candlemas, incorporating the symbolism of light, purification, and renewal, as well as the imagery of the Star card from the Tarot, which represents hope, inspiration, and divine guidance. The ritual can be adapted to use in a group ceremony.

Materials Needed:

  • White candles (one for each participant)
  • A representation of the Star card (either the card itself or an image)
  • Fresh flowers or greenery (symbolising new growth)
  • A Brigid’s cross or a simple cross made of natural materials
  • Optional: A cauldron or fire-safe dish for a central flame

Ritual Steps:

  1. Preparation: Set up an altar with candle(s), the Star card, and greenery. Place the Brigid’s cross prominently. If possible, light a central flame in a cauldron or dish. Alternatively, use a large pillar candle.
  2. Purification: Begin by purifying the space through smudging, bell-ringing or by clapping your hands loudly in all four directions.
  3. Invocation: Light the central flame (or a single candle) and invoke the energies of Brigid and the divine light of Candlemas. You might say:
    “Brigid, goddess of fire and inspiration, bless this space with your creative flame. Mother Mary, birther of the Christ light within, guide us with your wisdom and hope.”
  4. Lighting the Candle:
    “As this flame is lit, may it ignite the light within me, bringing hope, clarity, and renewal.”
  5. Meditation on the Star Card: Hold up the Star card or place it on the altar. Meditate on its imagery. Reflect on its themes of hope, inspiration, and connection to the divine. Contemplate: “What guidance does the Star offer me as I move into this season of renewal?” Journal the answers that come to you.
  6. Setting Intentions: After the meditation, write down one intention or goal for the coming season. Place it on the altar or burn it in the central flame as an offering.
  7. Closing: Thank Brigid and Mother Mary for their presence. Extinguish any burning flames (if necessary) and enjoy a simple feast, including bread and milk, to honour the traditions of Imbolc and Candlemas.

Imbolc Pile 1

imbolc tarot reading pile 1

1. Brigid’s Fire: Page of Cups

The Page of Cups suggests that a new creative or emotional inspiration is emerging in your life. This could be a budding artistic project, a fresh spiritual practice, or even a new relationship that stirs your heart. The Page invites you to approach this energy with curiosity, openness, and a sense of wonder. It’s a gentle reminder to let your imagination flow freely and to embrace the playful, intuitive side of your creativity.

2. Brigid’s Well: 6 of Cups

The 6 of Cups points to the importance of drawing on memories, nostalgia, and past experiences for emotional insight. There may be a need to reconnect with your inner child or revisit joyful moments from your past to find clarity and healing. This card also suggests that acts of kindness and generosity—both given and received—will help you tap into a deeper well of emotional wisdom.

3. Brigid’s Mantle: 9 of Swords

The 9 of Swords indicates that fear, anxiety, or self-doubt may be clouding your ability to protect and nurture your creative or spiritual gifts. This card urges you to confront these worries head-on, perhaps through journaling, meditation, or seeking support from others. Remember that your mind often exaggerates the fears you’re facing. Taking small, practical steps can help you move forward with confidence.

Pile 2

imbolc pile 2

1. Brigid’s Fire: 4 of Pentacles

The 4 of Pentacles suggests that the creative or spiritual energy being kindled in your life is tied to stability, security, and resource management. Now is a time to lay a solid foundation and consolidate resources whether it’s time, energy, or material resources. While this card highlights the importance of creating stability, it also invites you to consider where you are too rigid. Are there areas where you could loosen your grip to allow new energy to flow? This card encourages you to find a balance between conserving and sharing your gifts.

2. Brigid’s Well: 8 of Pentacles

The 8 of Pentacles highlights the value of dedication, hard work, and craftsmanship. To draw on emotional or intuitive insights, you may need to commit to a disciplined practice, whether it’s honing a skill, deepening your spiritual routine, or simply putting in the effort to understand your emotions more fully. This card encourages you to take pride in the process and trust that your efforts will yield meaningful results. It’s a reminder that growth comes through consistent effort and a willingness to learn.

3. Brigid’s Mantle: Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords brings a powerful message of clarity, truth, and breakthrough. To protect and nurture your foundation and your resources, you’ll need to cut through confusion, doubt, or outdated beliefs. This card encourages you to embrace mental clarity and assert your truth with confidence. It may be time to make a decisive choice or adopt a new perspective that aligns with your highest good. The Ace of Swords also suggests that communication and intellectual honesty will be key to safeguarding your creative or spiritual energy.

Pile 3

imbolc tarot reading pile 3

1. Brigid’s Fire: The Chariot

The Chariot signifies a powerful, forward-moving energy being kindled in your life. This is a time of determination, focus, and triumph over challenges. You may feel a strong drive to pursue your goals or assert your will in a creative or spiritual endeavour. The Chariot encourages you to harness your inner strength and take decisive action, balancing opposing forces to achieve success.

2. Brigid’s Well: 8 of Pentacles

The 8 of Pentacles (repeating from pile 2) emphasises the importance of diligence and mastery. To draw on emotional or intuitive insights, you’ll need to commit to consistent effort and attention to detail. This card suggests that your growth will come through practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from your experiences. Trust that your hard work will lead to tangible progress.

3. Brigid’s Mantle: 6 of Swords

The 6 of Swords offers a message of transition and healing. To protect and nurture your determination to succeed, you may need to move away from old patterns, thoughts, or situations that no longer serve you. This card encourages you to seek a calmer, more peaceful state of mind, perhaps by letting go of past struggles or seeking a fresh perspective. It’s a reminder that growth often requires leaving behind what weighs you down.

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