02/02/2026
Long before Punxsutawney Phil, people in Europe watched animals like hedgehogs, badgers, and bears at this time of year to predict the coming spring. If the animal stayed out, it meant winter was loosening its grip. If it retreated, more cold was ahead.
This tradition lines up with Imbolc (around Feb 1โ2), an old seasonal festival marking the halfway point between winter and spring. This is a time of returning light, early signs of life, and reading nature for clues about whatโs next.
So Groundhog Day is really just a form of folk weather divination with a traditional animal as our messenger to serve as a check-in with the turning of the season!
Even if I missed posting yesterday for Imbolc, I still wanted to honor this liminal moment (also falling on the snow moon) when winter begins to soften and spring quietly starts whispering. The Leo Snow Moon reminds us that even in the deepest cold, the fire from the sun still lives inside the heart. Winter teaches us endurance. Leo teaches us courage. Together, they remind us to tend your inner fire until spring arrives. Only a little while longer, folks! ๐ฑ