Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle Review — A Deck for Winter-to-Spring Awakening

One of my absolute favorite decks for the late winter period is the Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle. I’ll be honest — this deck has earned a special place in my heart, and I’m about to tell you why.

First Impressions

I remember the evening I first opened this deck — I spent hours just going through the cards, taking in the artwork (yes, I’m the kind of person who smells new decks). I honestly didn’t expect to reach for it as often as I do now. But over time, I noticed how precisely it captures that elusive energy of transition that comes after a long winter.

What immediately drew me in was the deck’s core theme: inner work and personal renewal. Perfect for the time when we’re still in our cozy winter cocoon but already preparing for spring awakening.

About the Deck

This is a special deck from the Seasons of the Witch series, created by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz, with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic. Unlike the earlier decks in the series (Samhain and Yule, illustrated by Giada Rose), this one features clearer, more readable messages on the cards — which I personally love.

The deck contains 44 cards, each helping you attune to the unique energy of Imbolc — the Celtic holiday marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The set includes a guidebook with detailed card meanings, seasonal rituals, and several spreads.

Visual Style

The deck is rendered in soft blues, browns, and whites — like a winter landscape where you can already sense spring approaching. The illustrations have a folk art quality — warm, soulful, without unnecessary elaboration.

Tijana Lukovic created a recognizable style that differs from Giada Rose’s work in the earlier series decks. There’s more texture here, more detail in the natural elements. The cards feel like little windows into a cozy winter world where the first thaw is already dripping outside.

Core Themes

Each of the 44 cards helps you connect with the transitional energy of this time:

• Intuition and dreamwork — cards like “Dream Realm” and “Brigid”
• Space cleansing — both internal and external
• Setting intentions — what to plant before spring
• Creating warmth and comfort — domestic rituals and everyday magic
• Birthing new ideas — the first shoots after winter dormancy

One of my favorite features is how the deck balances the practical with the spiritual. You’ll find cards with deep symbolic meaning alongside cards about simple home rituals — like baking bread or taking a ritual bath.

Favorite Cards

Brigid

One of the deck’s key cards. Brigid is the Celtic goddess of fire, healing, and poetry — the patroness of Imbolc. This card reminds us to be authentic and accept all parts of ourselves. When this card appears in a reading, I always ask: “What part of you is asking permission to emerge?” During this time of year, we often feel the urge to express a part of ourselves that has been “sleeping” all winter.

Amethyst

My personal favorite! Amethyst is linked to mental clarity and spiritual connection. During Imbolc, when dreams become more vivid and intuition sharpens, this card helps clear the mind of winter fog. I often recommend placing an actual amethyst under your pillow during this season — try it and see what vivid dreams come your way.

Bathing Ritual

This card reminds us of the importance of cleansing — not just physical, but energetic. I remember a client who couldn’t start a new project for months. When this card appeared, I suggested a simple ritual with salt and herbs. A week later, she called to say she’d finally broken through the block. Sometimes the simplest actions have the most powerful effects.

North Star

One of the deepest cards in the deck. It speaks to our inner compass and our ability to find our way even in the darkest times. During Imbolc, when we’re planning our spring endeavors, it’s so important to check in with our true purpose. I often meditate with this card, visualizing the star’s light illuminating the path ahead.

Dream Realm

This card reflects the special magic of the winter period — a deep connection with the subconscious. It reminds us of the importance of dreams as a source of wisdom. I’ve been keeping a dream journal for years, but my entries become richest during Imbolc season. Try placing this card under your pillow — the results might surprise you.

How to Work with This Deck

Over the past couple of years, this deck has become my trusted companion for the winter-to-spring transition. Here’s what I recommend:

Start with a getting-to-know-you ritual. Spend an evening just going through the cards. Look at each one closely. Try the “Interview with the Deck” spread from the guidebook.

Pull a card with your morning tea. This is my favorite way to work with the Imbolc Oracle. The deck has wonderful cards about domestic practices — “Cinnamon Rolls,” “Rosemary Bread,” “Casserole.” They remind you: magic lives in simple things.

Pay attention to your dreams. During Imbolc, the “Dream Realm” card works with remarkable accuracy. Keep a journal where you record your dreams alongside your morning card — you’ll notice fascinating connections.

“Coming of Spring” spread. One of the most powerful spreads for the period between Imbolc and Ostara. Five positions: what energy am I experiencing, what lesson does my challenge hold, what positive things lie ahead, how will I know my spring cycle has begun, and how can I cultivate hope in this transitional time. Best done by candlelight.

Who Is This Deck For?

This deck is perfect for those who:

• Are interested in the Wheel of the Year and seasonal practices
• Seek a tool for self-discovery during the winter-to-spring transition
• Love decks with clear, warm messages
• Want to bring more mindfulness to everyday rituals
• Already work with other Seasons of the Witch decks

If you prefer abstract, multi-layered symbolism, this deck might feel too straightforward. But that directness is its strength — the cards say exactly what you need to hear.

Pairing with Other Decks

The Imbolc Oracle works beautifully alongside other decks:

• Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle — for a smooth transition from winter solstice to Imbolc
• Seasons of the Witch: Ostara Oracle — for the complete winter-to-spring cycle
• The Solitary Witch Oracle — a perfect complement for work with solitude and self-knowledge during winter

You can explore all of these decks in our Telegram bot — try a reading and get to know the cards up close!