Groundhog Spirit

6-12 September 2021

The weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Groundhog Spirit

Image Credit: Woodchuck (Arctomys monax) from the viviparous quadrupeds of North America (1845) illustrated by John Woodhouse Audubon (1812-1862). Original from The New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

What is theriomancy? Theriomancy or zoomancy is a form of divination that involves observation of the appearance and behavior of wild animals. Common forms of theriomancy include ailuromancy, the study of cat movements, and augury, the study of bird formations. While augury appears to be more fixed than other systems of divination, with some sources going as far as to interpret the direction of the birds’ flight, calls, and times of day, individual animal totem or spirit animals also have rich symbolism, which can be accessed by tuning into the oversoul of the animal.

I asked Spirit, what do all those who frequent this page need to know this week to stay in alignment with the highest good? Then, while driving home, I spotted a groundhog standing on its hind legs, quietly observing me from the side of a highway ramp. Since it is an elusive animal I seldom see, I recognized it as our weekly spirit animal messenger!

According to whatsmyspiritanimal.com, from October to March, groundhog retreats to its burrow for hibernation, a nest which may go as deep as three feet below ground for greater protection. The spirit animal’s burrowing instincts symbolize a deep connection with the earth, grounding, and the establishment of sacred space. Outside its safe zone, groundhog remains alert, sometimes standing on its hind feet while observing its environment--as it was during my recent encounter. Here, Groundhog Spirit symbolizes elevated perspectives and heightened awareness. What’s more is with incisors which grow close to 1/16 inch per week, the rapid growth and wear and tear of groundhog’s teeth symbolizes productivity, efficiency, determination, and the act of sinking one’s teeth into a project or task with exuberance or great enthusiasm!

Hay House author and oracle card extraordinaire Colette Baron-Reid associates Groundhog Spirit with the acceptance of the natural ending of something that no longer serves. While we all tend to cling to the familiar, death is a natural part of life. Indeed, endings lead to new beginnings, but the new needs space to arrive so growth can occur. When the proverbial groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, it retreats to its burrow. Similarly, we all might yearn for a little more time to say goodbye and transition into the new. This spirit animal reminds us that change is upon us now, however, encouraging us to let go of our resistance. Indeed, spring brings with it many blessings, and what must die will always be reborn in a new form that will be right for us. After all, change and detachment are a necessary part of life. “[Bid] farewell to whatever once served you," says the source and Groundhog Spirit, “and get ready for something amazing to take its place. Spirit is already sending it your way!”

INTERPRETATION

On Monday, September 6, we have a New Moon in Virgo. Auspiciously trining Uranus, the New Moon proffers insight, clarity, and new opportunities. “If you’ve been feeling stuck or confused and you’re in search of some inspiration,” asserts astrobutterfly.com, “[then] this is your New Moon.” Astrosofa.com adds that the trine with Uranus in Taurus gives us great attention, persuasiveness, ambition, and originality. Groundhog Spirit encourages us to go our own way and look for new methods. “Notice your life themes as the Moon is New” adds Australian cosmologist Elizabeth Peru; as the three-week lead in to Mercury Retrograde now begins, “freshness is offered.”

Not only is Uranus trine the Moon today, it is also trine the Virgo Sun. According to astrosofa.com, this favorable aspect donates healthy self-esteem, originality of spirit, initiative, ambition, a bright and active mind, and a keen interest in innovation. We project a strong personality and reject what is traditional. Also starting on this day, we have two other auspicious trines, Mars in Virgo trine Retrograding Pluto in Capricorn, and Venus in Libra trine Retrograding Jupiter in Aquarius. The source notes that the trine between Mars and Retrograding Pluto gives us high resilience, strong self-confidence, energy, resounding will, high ambition, assertiveness, and courage. During this two-day influence, the source and Groundhog Spirit note that we are eager to work, realizing our plans with fanaticism. We try to overcome difficulties and obstacles with vehemence. Meanwhile, the trine between Venus and Retrograding Jupiter is described as a “perfect aspect.” We are friendly, warm, graceful, and idealistic. This trine is also an ideal constellation for love and marriage. We have a sense of the comforts and the finer things in life.

Wednesday, September 8, Mercury in Libra makes an opposition to Retrograding Chiron in Aries.“ [While any] opposition between Libra and Aries is an opposition between the self and the other, the aspect [challenges us] to work with the contradiction that lives in all of us. To be ourselves alone and to know ourselves through others” asserts refinery29.com. Peru adds that the retrograding wounded healer asteroid Chiron’s transit with Mercury reminds us to draw upon our inner reserves to advance our lives. “If you feel sad or uncertain today,” continues the source and Groundhog Spirit, “it could be because you’re releasing old wounds in preparation for 9:9. Everything may seem to be coming to the surface (all at once) to be healed, acknowledged and set free.”

It’s the Power Day of 9:9 on Thursday, September 9. Repeating nines are significant numerologically because they represent the vibration of completion, endings, creativity, healing, sensitivity and compassion. “You’re about to release and culminate all you desired and wished for back on New Year’s Day 1:1. You’ve come full circle at this point” says Peru. While it may seem like a great challenge under this energy is to let go of what’s been, as we naturally complete a great life cycle, Peru and Groundhog Spirit empower us to embrace completions as an opportunity for celebration rather than a loss; indeed “endings are a culmination of beginnings, as you show gratitude for how you’ve grown and impacted the world.”

Venus leaves her home sign of Libra on Friday, September 10 and enters Scorpio. Since Scorpio is the domicile of Mars, things are a little bit more complicated for Venus in this sign. When Venus is in Scorpio, explains astrosofa.com our passions are aroused as love and latent sexuality awakens energetically within us. We have a strong erotic appeal and magnetic attraction. At the same time, feelings can reach the limit of self-sacrifice during this transit. “[As] sensuality gains the upper hand, self-control is hardly possible” the source warns. As such, “our inherent nature awakens, so do[es] our jealousy, lust, immoral tendencies, and the unrestrained satisfaction of the instincts.” On a more uplifting note, astrobutterfly.com adds that there is also a favorable mitigating factor in effect during this transit called mutual reception, that is when two planets are in each other’s sign of rulership. Venus is now in Mars’s sign (Scorpio), while as of September 14 onward Mars in Venus’ sign (Libra), thus the planets bring out the best of each other! While groundhog generally prefers a more solitary path, rarely sharing burrows together outside of mating season, mutual reception presents a “great opportunity for relationships of any kind” the source emphasizes. “In the next few weeks, we will find it easier to relate to others, to put ourselves in their shoes, to accept and love other people for who they are.”

Get Inspired

Does this message resonate? Tell us more in the comments below. To add more detail to your week, you can also try your own theriomancic draw. Set an intention or ask a question. Then let go, and see what animal comes shows up. Now research its animal spirit symbolism. How does the symbolism inform your question? Want help interpreting what you found? Book a reading with me now, www.readingsbytheladyofshalott.com/services.