February marks the beginning of the end of winter. The days are slowly starting to get longer, and in many areas the worst of the cold and harsh weather is starting to come to an end.\u00a0 This is the time where many people long for Spring, looking forward to the return of warmer weather, new life and renewal.<\/p>\n
The beginning of February marks two well known holidays, the whimsical tradition of Groundhog’s day and the healing and nurturing Sabbat of Imbolc.<\/p>\n
Groundhog’s day is a funny holiday, based on the legend of the groundhog.\u00a0 It is said that if the groundhog emerges and sees his shadow, he will be scared and return to his underground lair, thereby extending the winter season for six more weeks.\u00a0 Have no worries though, because if it is a cloudy day, the groundhog will not fear his own shadow and then there will be an \u201cearly Spring\u201d, which will arrive in roughly six weeks.<\/p>\n
Every year all eyes turn to the sleepy hamlet of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home to Phil, the world’s most famous prognosticating groundhog.\u00a0 On February 2nd<\/sup>, the town holds a festive celebration with music and food.\u00a0 During the pre-dawn ceremony, Phil emerges from his home on Gobbler’s Knob just east of town. All eyes are on Phil in both the US and Canada as he emerges with his prediction.\u00a0 Groundhog’s day has been a tradition since 1886.\u00a0 It allows people everywhere to participate in lighthearted celebration and to rejoice in the coming Spring.<\/p>\n Another celebration occurs around the same time.\u00a0 The Pagan holiday Imbolc, also known as Saint Brighid’s Day, is a Gaelic festival held halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.\u00a0 It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals.<\/p>\n Imbolc is associated with the goddess Brighid, who is thought to bring her powers of healing and protection on the eve of this day. Imbolc is also a festival that marks the Goddess’ cyclical change from Crone to Maiden. One of the eight Wiccan Sabbats, Imbolc welcomes the return of the light. During rituals, offerings are often made to Brighid to seek her protection.<\/p>\n How do you prepare to welcome Spring? Do you start planning your garden or other outdoor activities in advance? Many find the process of preparing for Spring helps ease the Winter blues and cabin fever that can be deeply ingrained by the start of February. The focus on renewal inspires optimism and hope for a favorable year ahead.<\/p>\n This is a good time to focus on renewal in all its forms.\u00a0 Perhaps now would be a great time to begin a new ritual or practice that helps bring new habits and goals to life.\u00a0 Embracing Spring means supporting and nurturing new life.<\/p>\n