The idea of groundhog day is obviously a holdover from an older seasonal tradition. The basic concept states that it is that always darkest before the light comes. The worse the winter storms are, the brighter the promise of Spring. Although this concept has important implications from the perspective of the actual weather conditions, it also is indicative of a spiritual winter that gives way to a spiritual spring.
If the groundhog doesn’t see her shadow, it’s because there is no sun in the sky, and this portends an early and glorious spring. Yet if there is sunlight when the groundhog emerges from below, she sees her shadow, is frightened and runs back underground, foretelling of a delayed Spring.
The dweller in our own underworld, our unconscious mind, is also easily scared into retreat by the light (ideas) of our conscious mind. This time of year reminds us to retreat into our darkness, and to allow ourselves to emerge above ground calmly, and without force. We must calm the machinations, accusations, judgments and impatience of our conscious mind so that our underground dweller feels safe in coming out.
When we are able to see the winter that surrounds us without fear, we don’t retreat but investigate. This is when our spring is assured to come early and brightly. When we try to rush the light (the manifestation of our desires), we tend to move into above ground territories by forcing our will on our lives and thus get frightened by our own shadows. We then inevitably run underground and delay the coming of spring when the fruits of our desires would begin to bud. Imbolg is a wonderful lesson to embrace the winter, and come above ground BEFORE it gets light, with patience, courage and certainty. Spring is just around the corner.
