Groundhog Day

Frida, the latest addition to our
neighborhood, is Rocio and Tyler's
recently adopted Chihuahua.
Frida is celebrating the 
beginning of her new life
of safety and harmony.

Groundhog Day is a cross quarter day which is half way between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. In other words, this cross quarter day marks the midway point between Winter and Spring. 

In the Celtic calendar this cross quarter day heralds the beginning of Spring and was called Imbolc for lambs' milk as this was the beginning of lambing season. The name Candlemas was the English name for this day which was the day that candles were lit in churches to celebrate "the presentation of the Christ Child" in the Jerusalem temple. It was also called Brigantia "for the Celtic female deity of light" which highlighting the Sun's halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Shasta and Hobbs celebrate every morning
that they meet up at Lopez Park.

I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters, I call upon your soul to arise and come unto Me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return. Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold -- all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.

                                                 Doreen Valiente

As we celebrate this turning, may we all also enjoy a