Our February theme: “Widening the Circle”
This month’s theme invites us to consider the social, spiritual, or political circles we make, find, maintain, leave, and/or break. In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection on our monthly theme every week.
Check-in question: How has your definition of racism widened or shifted since you were younger?
At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are, and you know what you want.
— Lao Tzu
Dear Friends,
Happy Groundhog Day! I’m told Phil saw his shadow and so we’ll have six more weeks of winter. For those of you who might need a bright side to this (like me!), that means we’re halfway to spring!
And for those of you who are curious about how that groundhog came to foretell how long we’d have to wait for spring – it’s related to Imbolc, which we marked in last Sunday’s service. Gaelic Pagan mythology tells of the Creation Goddess Cailleach, who rules the winter months (while Brigid rules the summer months), and how she goes to gather firewood at Imbolc. Legend says that if Cailleach wants to linger a little longer in the world, she makes it a bright and sunny day so she can gather more wood. And if Imbolc is sunny, then any small animals that are out that day, like a groundhog, would see their shadow when they peek out of their burrows.
I do want to note that it was cloudy out when I got up this morning, so maybe the local groundhogs didn’t see their shadows? Time will tell. But no matter how long winter weather lasts, we’ll celebrate the beginning of spring at Ostara, or the Spring Equinox, in six weeks. And I’m here to walk or talk the winter blues off with you!
In faith and love,
Karen