If Candlemas be fair and bright
Come, winter, have another flight
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go, winter, and come not again.
Another interesting time of year, when the life force, having returned to the ground in fall, to be renewed, and purified in the long sleep of winter, begins once again to stir.
Since ancient times this was honored as a time of renewal and purification. The church adapted this into its holiday of Candlemas, celebrating the renewed purity of Mary, the eternal Mother.
Along with the purity of the newly emerging life force, comes the very practical need of learning how much winter was left. Watching nature was the best way to determine what to expect. Thus, our modern tradition of dragging old Phil out of his hole February 2 is really our culture’s remnant of the ancient art of Weather Divination.
As we know, there are many levels to divination. Yes, we wish to know if there will be an early spring. Yet, the Groundhog, that emissary from the lower world, comes to tell us more than that.
If Groundhog see its shadow, then it will run in fear back into its burrow, as there will then be 6 more weeks of winter.
Are you afraid of your shadow? Then crawl back into your hole, Winter is not yet done with you. Go into the Lowerworld and work on yourself in the cold silence of Winter.
If the winter has done its job, if you are clear and pure and ready to see yourself and the world in the new light, then come forth, and let Spring begin…
Blessings,
David & Nan
