Contemporary Sheela-na-gig figure
Source: druidry.org

Over the years, the Visualizing Birth website has included multiple images and posts related to the Sheela-na-gig. In all cases, the site has discussed the mysterious history and origins of the Sheela-na-gig, which refers not to one object but to a type of figurine stemming from medieval representations found primarily in Ireland, the British Isles, and Northwestern France, though the figurines have been found elsewhere in Europe. 

One of the dominant interpretations of the Sheela figures is that pregnant women have historically used them to visualize the opening of their cervix and vulva such that the newborn baby may emerge during labor. Please see earlier posts for more information (Calmness and Strength in the Birthing Figure of the Sheela-na-gig, Visualizing Birth through the Sheela-na-gig, Visualizing Birth through the Sheela-na-gig Project, Revisiting the Sheela-na-gig, Visualizing Birth through Pam England’s “Faith-Based Birth,” and Visualizing Birth through Project Sheela).

In this most recent image found through Druidry.org’s webpages devoted to ancient traditions and the Sheela-na-gig, we see a beautiful image of the sheela figure embedded in a rock. Unlike other sheelas I have come across, however, we see a gorgeous convergence of Celtic knot weaving through the sheela’s entire body, from the locks of her long hair through her collar and breasts and then right down across her belly, vulva and feet. The Visualizing Birth website has previously also discussed the power of visualizing birth through Celtic birth knots and mothering knots. 

Pregnant women can use this contemporary Sheela-na-gig to envision their own opening during labor and birth. The sheela in this particular representation is squatting and appears calm, eyes down with her focus on the opening process. Such an image brings calm and empowerment to a laboring woman as she approaches her own moment of birthing a child. Pregnant women who are past due or towards the end of their third trimester may also find such an image helpful as they begin to get ready for labor and birth.