a Threshold Into Light, The True Meaning of Ground Hogs Day

Here in the US when we think of February 2nd, Ground Hogs Day, we are left wondering if the groundhog will see his shadow and six more weeks of winter will ensue. There is also the very funny movie Ground Hogs Day where a man, played by Bill Murray, keeps having the same day repeat over and over and over again, until…….he learns the lesson that Ground Hogs Day is presenting.

This seemingly unimportant American holiday actually has its roots in ancient traditions and spiritual practices that are still celebrated globally. I’m writing this on the eve of what is known in the Wheel of the Year as Imbolc. It is a Celtic holiday which heralds the return of the light after the darkness of Winter. It is the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. We are in what is known as a Threshold Time. A liminal space where we can dwell in a time outside of time and let our hearts take us on a journey of deep knowing.

We are celebrating the turning of the seasons.

The sap is beginning to rise in the trees. Here in the States February is the month of collecting the sap to make maple syrup. New shoots are beginning to push through the earth. My daffodils and snow drops are up already. New life is beginning to rise up out of the ground. All of the seeds and intentions we planted inside ourselves during the Winter Solstice are starting to emerge.

February 1st and 2nd is the time of Thresholds. The time between the darkness of Winter and the New Life in Spring. It is a time when the veil is thin and the doorways to the Otherworlds are open widely. It is a time for us to accept the invitation to sit and listen to our heart’s true calling. Throughout the world earth based honoring and practices are honored. These practices are often times intertwined with the Church. Another sign of a Threshold Time which bridges the ancient with the new.

Ancient Greece

“In the Ancient Greek world, February 2 marked the moment when Persephone lit her candle and began her long and difficult ascent from her throne of wisdom in the Underworld to return to the Earth. In the mythic imagination, the journey of the coming weeks symbolized the quest to keep the light of wisdom burning through the shadows and darkness. Th Greeks belived that it was Persephone's triumphant and joyful reunion with her mother Demeter (celebrated on the Spring Equinox in March) that caused the world to burst into bloom. “ Kayleen Asbo Phd

Imbolc

Imbolc is the Celtic celebration and feast day of the return of light and life. The word itself is an old Irish word meaning “in the belly”. This reference gives attention to the Ewe’s are getting ready to have their lambs. New life is stirring from the earth. Though we still have some days and weeks of winter ahead of us, there are signs that nature is beginning to wake up.

Imbolc also marks the feast day of St. Brigid. She is both a saint and a goddess. She is known as the hearth keeper, a fire keeper to keep the home fires burning with the seeds of our imaginations.

Coming from a much older lineage, back to the Irish triple goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of poets, smith work, and healing. As a fire goddess she is associated with 3 different fires: the fire of the hearth, the fire of the forge, and the fire in our own hearts.

Once Christinanity arrived in Ireland she became one of the three patron Saints of the land alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba.

We don’t know much about her life. There are many stories about Brigid throughout Ireland and the Celtic lands. It is said that Brigid was born on a threshold. Her mother standing in the doorway as she gave birth to Brigid. From this story comes the tradition of calling on St. Brigid when giving birth, honoring her place as a midwife between worlds because she stands and was born on a threshold.

Most of what we do know about St. Brigid comes of the writings of Cogitosis, a monk from the 7th century in his book Life of Brigid. She had a great ability to heal, loved animals and had great friendships with them. She was exceptionally generous and kind, very hospitable, and took great care of the oppressed.

Brigid is often described as the bridge between pre-Christian and Christian traditions, between this world and other worlds. Long ago, the story goes, Brigid flung out her mantle over the world. Beneath its shelter, the Earth and its people could find healing, insight, and growth. Brigid stands at the threshold and draws people together under her mantle and her traditions.

Candlemas

Candlemas is a Christian holiday celebrated on February 2 that has aspects in common with Imbolc. Its celebration can be traced to 4th century Greece as a purification holiday and a celebration of the return of light. Candles have traditionally been used in its observance.

Renewal

Just as the animals start to wake from their slumber and hibernation, we too begin to emerge from the darkness of winter. As the light starts to return we become infused with the energy of spring and new beginnings. You may feel you want to open up all the doors and windows to let fresh air in. This is where the term Spring Cleaning comes from. Maybe you have great plans to decorate a room in your house, start a new creative project, plan your garden. All of these yearnings and niggles come from this threshold time and the returning of light to our lives.

Ritual

You are invited on a journey of the heart. In our imaginations, the portal to cross thresholds into other realms is as close as our breath, as near as the pulse of our aliveness.

At this time of year we sit quietly and contemplate these questions:

What new seeds, ideas, inspirations or creations are you being called to nurture?

What’s rising in you? What new ways of being or changes are you being called to embrace or step into?

What are you being called to let go of for these new seeds, ideas, inspirations, or creations?

What are your intentions for this new season of life?

A Simple blessing Ritual

Lighting a white candle sit in a moment of silence and genuinely think about the above questions. Ask whoever you talk to i.e. God, Brigid, Spirit Guides, Ancestors, to come and bless these new seeds, inspirations and ideas during this beautiful threshold time of the year.

Feel them stoking the flame and building the energy around your new project.

Say, “Bless this place with the energy of new life so that these new creative dreams and inspirations may blossom.”

Let your candle burn down or simply snuff it out when you feel the blessing is complete.

Please look on the Mongata podcast this week for a labyrinth walk to honor this beautiful threshold time of the year. Wishing you a beautiful celebration.