The earlier version of the Imbolc festival was associated with the bear cult. The bear symbolized wisdom and the awakening of the earth.

In Ireland, people would create a figure of a bear on this day and offer it honey. They would also consume mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey. These customs persisted for a long time, even after bears disappeared from Ireland. Similarly, among Slavic peoples, this day was celebrated as Bear’s Day, when the bear was believed to awaken around this time — a clear sign of the approaching spring.

The “Bear’s Day” spread will help you assess your resources for the remainder of winter, guide you toward renewal, and reveal a helper on your path to achieving your goals.

Card Positions in the Spread:

  1. Snow — What hinders you from achieving your desires.
  2. Bear’s Track — What will guide you toward accomplishing your goals.
  3. Den — What supports you and remains constant.
  4. Wisdom — What or who will give you strength and inspire you to take action.
  5. Snowdrop — What changes are necessary for your wish to come true.
  6. Honey — What beneficial or pleasant reward awaits you in the end.

To request a reading, send your name and photo to elena.shuwany@gmail.com

Spread cost: € 30 

For participants of the Magical Ritual for Imbolc on February 1 “For Growth and Prosperity”, the price of the spread is reduced by half (€15).

© Elena Shuwany