The Omen Days

On New Year's Day of 2026, my mate Mel K told me that she was about to begin journaling for the year ahead, using the framework of The Irish Omen Days. I was immediately captured by her description of the practice, and thought that I might give it a try for myself this year.

You can say Celtic Omen days, or just Omen days, the practice is ancient and predates Christianity.

We begin by tuning into nature for 12 days, from December 26th until January 6th.

Each day, we take note of any possible sign delivered to us from Nature, the Animals or the Spirits. We write them down, and then assign each Omen to each month of the coming year. They say that the Omens are sending a message to you for their corresponding month.

A spread of tarot cards arranged in a circle on a blue and black striped fabric, with two polished stones, one green and one gray, in the center.

Naturally, I’ve tinkered with the system a little, and have assigned my 12 Omens to each Season of the Zodiac instead of the Gregorian Calendar. I drew a Tarot card for each Season too, in order to help me remember the Omens and perhaps help me find their meaning.

  • Dec 26th - Capricorn Season

  • Dec 27th - Aquarius Season

  • Dec 28th - Pisces Season

  • Dec 29th - Aries Season

  • Dec 30th - Taurus Season

  • Dec 31st - Gemini Season

  • Jan 1st - Cancer Season

  • Jan 2nd - Leo Season

  • Jan 3rd - Virgo Season

  • Jan 4th - Libra Season

  • Jan 5th - Scorpio Season

  • Jan 6th - Sagittarius Season

As the Sun moves through each Zodiac Sign this year, I’ll share photos and journal entries from the day I found the Omen, then explain how its message played out during the corresponding Season. There’s also a recorded reading for each entry if you’d rather listen. Put the kettle on and begin below.