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. This is the time where many people long for Spring, looking forward to the return of warmer weather, new life and renewal.
The beginning of February marks two well known holidays, the whimsical tradition of Groundhog’s day and the healing and nurturing Sabbat of Imbolc.
Groundhog’s day is a funny holiday, based on the legend of the groundhog. 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. 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 “early Spring”, which will arrive in roughly six weeks.
Every year all eyes turn to the sleepy hamlet of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home to Phil, the world’s most famous prognosticating groundhog. On February 2nd, the town holds a festive celebration with music and food. 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. Groundhog’s day has been a tradition since 1886. It allows people everywhere to participate in lighthearted celebration and to rejoice in the coming Spring.
Another celebration occurs around the same time. 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. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals.
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.
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.
This is a good time to focus on renewal in all its forms. Perhaps now would be a great time to begin a new ritual or practice that helps bring new habits and goals to life. Embracing Spring means supporting and nurturing new life.
At Kheops, we offer many items that can help your customers embrace fresh starts. To welcome Spring, we offer a variety of garden statues, wind chimes, and brightly colored prayer flags to help spruce up your favorite outdoor zen garden space. Celebrate mother nature with statues of the Goddess. If you need to enhance your energy or fight the fatigue of winter blues, stones like Nephrite stimulate all the senses while increasing life force energy.
We also carry numerous items that can inspire personal growth and creativity. Our Reiki creativity candles can aid the discovery of new thoughts and ideas. Selenite stones represent rebirth, fertility and new beginnings. Use them to ignite and fuel new creative passions.
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