| Animals Of Imbolg 
Groundhog (Information taken from Animal Speak by Ted Andrews.) Mystery of death without dying - trance - dreams. Reflects the ability to delve deeply into an area of interest. A clean animal that separates toilet chambers and keeps waste matter away from its living area. They set clear boundaries that they demand that other animals respect. Truly hibernating animals (the trip to our innermost spaces), they reflect the death and rebirth of initiations. The season of power for groundhog, the time when it reflects its medicine (hibernation) is winter. It also symbolizes a full openness to dreamtime, during the deep sleep of hibernation. Groundhog teaches us of shamanistic death and dying, along with revelations about process. It is a part of the yearly process of life that must be respected.  Deer: Gentleness and innocence, gentle luring to new adventures. Deer has been able to adapt to almost every habitat. The origin of the word "deer" in various cultures was a general word meaning wild animal. Deer is the most important animal ever hunted, since the hunt of deer transfers our civilization to the wilderness. Deer have been known to lure hunters and even kings deep into the woods where they then encounter new adventures. Deer represents innocence and the return to the wild, and in this context is often pictured with Buddha. Deer antlers connect them, like antenna, to higher forms of attunement and advise us to pay attention to our inner thoughts and perceptions. The exclusive relationship between does and fawns teach us how nature would have us relate to our own babies. Deer leads us back to primal wisdom in the area of infant care, and in the traditional roles of the family unit. Deer's senses are acute and our contact with this animal as a totem allow us to hear what may not be said directly. Deer tells us to be gentle with ourselves, to open our eyes newly each morning in innocence and freshness. Spring brings a gentle enticing alluring of new adventures. The gentle love of deer will open up doors of new adventure. 
Robins: Spread of new growth. Traditional herald of spring. Make a wish when you see the first robin of spring in order to have good luck all year. Robins "fight" for their territory by singing. Physical confrontations are symbolic and without injury to anyone. So, it is time to sing your song and dance your dance. The powder blue egg that Robin lays is related to the throat chakra in humans; thus force and creativity. Robin will show you how to create new growth in your life. Robin's red breast is symbolic of the heart he puts into the care of his family. |
