02/02/2024
The mystic origins of Groundhog Day: Imbolc and St. Bridget
On February 2nd, we celebrate Groundhog Day. Originally, Groundhog day was known as the holiday of Candlemas, Imbolc or Saint Bridget’s Day. This was a date 40 days after Christmas or Yule, 12/25. 40 days is a common theme in the Western Bible, and relates Kabbalistically to the Tarot Deck. Tradition on this date were to have 7 white taper candles in the shape of a crown, which represented the Queen and the feminine Energy of the Earth that was required to prepare the soil and ensure good crops. St. Bridget and the Queen were both used to bless the farming tools and especially the plow. On this day is also associated with the birth of the Ewe, baby sheep. This was in preparation for the Lamb of Passover in the Old Testament and Easter in the New Testament. People used to drink milk on this day, as it was white and symbolized purity of the Maiden, the baby lambs and the end of the white snow. The colors of the Divine Flame representing the Soul plus white, are the keynote of this day. The orange-ish and blue colored flame that appears when one lights a gas stove are these colors. Wearing these colors on this day was considered an additional blessing to attune yourself.
The custom of groundhog day comes from the idea that 2/2/ was also known as an ancient weather forecasting day. On this day, one would look for clouds. If it was cloudy, there was an indication of an early and positive summer. That would indicate only 40 more cold days. That is why we look for the groundhog’s shadow on that date. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and Phil, its famous groundhog are well known.
The movie “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray and Andie McDowell came out in 1993. This comedy is set on Groundhog Day, when Bill Murray, a goofy reporter is sent to cover the story. He falls in love with Andie’s character. She is not interested in him, as he is very unsophisticated and awkward. Each day that Murray awakens, he is forced to relive the exact same day until he gets it right. This is a hilarious film about the concept of Instant Karma. The song featured in the film each day as he is awakened by the obnoxious clock radio is “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, adding to the romantic dilemma Murray faces. All is well in the end. If you have not seen this movie in a while, it is a great tribute to romance, Bill Murray’s physical comedy skills and Groundhog Day.
