The Celts were an ancient tribe of wandering warriors who originated in the Caucuses region and spread throughout Europe and into the British Isles. They were tall, blond or red haired, and had blue eyes. They were fierce warriors who struck fear into their enemies by painting their faces, wearing loud colors, and shrieking like banshies. They were also very close to the Earth, and so for those of us who honor the Earth cycles, their holidays and rituals hold special resonance.
What does that have to do with the silly holiday we call Groundhog day?
Well, the Celts celebrated a special holiday called Imbolc, which fell half way between the winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It was also called Brigid’s Day, goddess off fire, the hearth, blacksmithing, and poetry. This was a day to celebrate “fire in the belly” when the Earth’s fire was first waking up and beginning to move; the ewes were dropping their lambs, the sap rose in the trees, and everyone looked for the serpent coming out of its den. In other words, it marked the beginning of spring. The women would make corn dolls, put them in a basket and parade through the village singing songs to the coming of spring.
But the Catholic Church wanted to do away with all things “pagan” so they morphed the snake into a groundhog (that was one of the more benign things they did), a more suitable creature than the devilish snake.
If you want to honor the return of the Earth’s fire at this time, I suggest that you take some time to meditate on what you want to give birth to in this new year Write it down on a piece of paper, and if you have a fire available, offer it up to the spirits by burning it in a fire. That way your intentions for the coming season will be set into motion. You can also set out a ribbon or piece of cloth outside overnight. If you can, light a candle so Brigid can find her way to your house, and leave a small snack to refresh her efforts. (If you have a wood stove, you can put some ashes around your ribbon to see if she has actually visited.)
The next morning you can retrieve your ribbon and whenever you are feeling under the weather, tie that ribbon on your person (preferably near where you are feeling your illness) and she will help you get better.
Or if you prefer, just take an aspirin.
You could also clean your house. Clean out the old energies to make way for the new…
What does that have to do with the silly holiday we call Groundhog day?
Well, the Celts celebrated a special holiday called Imbolc, which fell half way between the winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It was also called Brigid’s Day, goddess off fire, the hearth, blacksmithing, and poetry. This was a day to celebrate “fire in the belly” when the Earth’s fire was first waking up and beginning to move; the ewes were dropping their lambs, the sap rose in the trees, and everyone looked for the serpent coming out of its den. In other words, it marked the beginning of spring. The women would make corn dolls, put them in a basket and parade through the village singing songs to the coming of spring.
But the Catholic Church wanted to do away with all things “pagan” so they morphed the snake into a groundhog (that was one of the more benign things they did), a more suitable creature than the devilish snake.
If you want to honor the return of the Earth’s fire at this time, I suggest that you take some time to meditate on what you want to give birth to in this new year Write it down on a piece of paper, and if you have a fire available, offer it up to the spirits by burning it in a fire. That way your intentions for the coming season will be set into motion. You can also set out a ribbon or piece of cloth outside overnight. If you can, light a candle so Brigid can find her way to your house, and leave a small snack to refresh her efforts. (If you have a wood stove, you can put some ashes around your ribbon to see if she has actually visited.)
The next morning you can retrieve your ribbon and whenever you are feeling under the weather, tie that ribbon on your person (preferably near where you are feeling your illness) and she will help you get better.
Or if you prefer, just take an aspirin.
You could also clean your house. Clean out the old energies to make way for the new…
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