We have reached the midpoint of winter!!!!
And still mostly unseen to us, Gaia stirs in her slumbers. Life is awakening under its blanket of snow. Candlemas, celebrated by lighting candles to drive away evil, and to make the lengthening of days, later in Cristian time to commemorate the purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of Jesus. Yule Greenery, that had not taken down by Twelfth Night, was left in place until Candlemass and then removed from the house.
Groundhog Day, or in Germany its Badger Day, Pennsylvania had a great many German settlers, but no badgers, and that pretty much explains why there is a weather forecasting groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. So what is Phil really saying, other than a variety of expletives about be awakened against his will?
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OK. Now pay attention. This is how it works: if the groundhog sees his shadow, it means that there are still six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, it means that spring is only six weeks away. ~~Donna Henes
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Imbolic (pronounced 'im'olk') often translated a "in the belly" and sometime written as Oimelc which translates to "ewes milk", celebrates the return, or strengthening of the suns light.
Acknowledging, that earth was awakening, and soon new life would be born. Imbolic is the holy day of Bride, Brid, or Brigit, the goddess of fire, healing and fertility. Layers of tradition and meaning, each marking the passage of time.
