I love Ground Hog Day! I do not know if it is because we don’t need to buy gifts or because it is so wacky but I just love the day. What most people do not know is that Ground Hog Day has roots in a very spiritual practice. Coming half way between the winter Solstice, December 21, and the Vernal Equinox, March 21, this day, called Imbolg, by the ancient Celts honors the returning light. On the Solstice, the Sun begins to “return” and the darkness of winter begins to wane. The light returns, slowly. With the Vernal Equinox – the light and the dark are balanced and then the sun “wins” and we head into the long days of summer. Imbolg is a celebration of that returning Sun. This is time to celebrate the return of warmth to hearth and home, and prepare for the spring when one could leave the house and start working the fields again. Burning of fires, candles – anything that will shed light and heat is a central part of the celebration. This was Brigid’s day – the goddess of fertility. The ancients were preparing for the return to the time they could again plant crops.
With the coming of Christianity, this became the day of Candlemas also called St. Brigid’s Day. This is the time the church celebrated St. Blasé, who blessed the throats with fire. According to tradition, his parents presented Jesus (the light of the world) this day to the Temple. So the idea of light and fruitfulness continued. It is from Candlemas that we see a direct correlation to Ground Hog Day.
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again In other words, if it is fair, bright he sees his shadow, and we have more winter, if it is cloudy and he doesn’t we get spring
It is amazing how these events come down to us through time and how we adapt them, for better or for worse – but somehow make them work. In other words, if it is fair, bright he sees his shadow, and we have more winter, if it is cloudy and he doesn’t we get spring. It is amazing how these events come down to us through time and how we adapt them, for better or for worse – but somehow make them work.
For more information check out my most recent podcast for more information and an astrological review of February. http://webtalkradio.net/internet-talk-radio/2015/02/02/astrological-cook-from-imbolg-to-ground-hog-day-the-sacred-past-of-our-most-unusual-and-fun-holiday/