Healing Drum Retreat

For centuries the appearance of an animal has been seen as a sign, giving some intuitive insight or meaning.  Many associate this practice with shamanic practices, or native culture.  If we flip to what has been considered the “other side”, and look at the practices of the industrial communities, we can clearly see how many traditions and beliefs have been pushed aside.

One sign in nature has continued, at least in legend, and that is Groundhog day.  This is February 2, Groundhog day, and on this day it is thought that if the groundhog is able to see its shadow on this morning that six more weeks of winter will follow.

The groundhog is really a woodchuck, also known as a whistle pig.  They hibernate in the winter, and so seeing the groundhog on the surface is truly a sign that spring is here.  People used to watch for signs of spring in nature, watching not just groundhogs but beavers, bears, and other animals that chose to sleep though the winter months.

The tradition of the groundhog came from immigrants living in Pennsylvania back in the 1800′s, and with so many groundhogs in the area this rodent became the focus of the early-spring indicator.

This is a mid-point between our winter solstice and spring equinox.  There are few who would not say, “I’m ready for spring”.  Even the hummingbird outside my window is ready for the fresh flowers to appear, much more desirable than the feeder on my window.

Back to the groundhog tradition:  in the 1880′s a group began to wander into the woods on Candlemas day, a day which celebrates a christian celebration of Mary’s ritual purification.  The local newspaper caught wind of this, and called them the “Punxsutawney Groundhog Club”.  Try spelling that!  Let’s just call it “Groundhog day”.

What about the spiritual or shamanic side of groundhogs?  The woodchuck, or groundhog, is one of the animals that hibernates, and so the first thing we will bring up is their connection to other levels of consciousness or the “dream world”.  They are able to read the conditions, and choose the time they re-enter the world.  We also have the ability to take into consideration the world around us, and choose when we will participate.  We can take this ability to a new level by recognizing that we make choices every single day, and can choose whether or not we make our decisions with consciousness.

As for me, I’ll take today’s blue sky and sunshine as a good sign, and accept what’s given to me to enjoy right now.  early spring or not, I’ll take the hummingbird in the window as a sign to put aside the computer and enjoy a little bit of nature.

Estee Taschereau is the co-organizer of the Healing Drum Retreat.   Join us for this event this spring at Brighton Creek convention center for the next Healing Drum Retreat. This event is non-denominational, and is open to any individual or family interested in awareness and self-growth.