Speaking Spirit

Speaking Spirit

Speaking Spirit hopes you enjoyed reading about Praying Mantis in the last edition.  It is Speaking Spirit's desire that you are happily on your way to learning its language through the shared exchange, and are now eagerly awaiting our walk on the wilderness path of another!  Before we do though, here is a follow-up note from Mantis' friend, Judi....

"I have to say I was absolutely amazed at the explanation you gave. The whole article and explanation coincides with what has and is going on in my life. Even down to the time periods of one year, three years, and six years. It all fits and makes sense. I want to thank you for taking the time to explain it all and for sharing it." 

Judi also confessed that the generic examples of the leaking water pipes and dead car battery mentioned in the article, were not so generic, and a most timely application for her, as well.  (I am not spying on you, Judi! Honest!) It is just another wonderful way that the Spirit Of All Life has of letting us know it is always around us, always with us, always aware, and always speaking.  Thank you again, Judi, for your willingness to share. Thank You, Great Spirit, for so patiently and so willingly speaking to us.
       
Now, envision an open field or a clearing at the tree-lined edge of the woods. You are cruising by in your car when you notice a clump of earth peaking above the grasses, but hmmm, does a clump of earth move?  Well, if that clump of adorable earth happens to be Groundhog, then the answer is "Yes, it does!", and you have just made the acquaintance of another of Great Spirit's messengers.  So, let us listen and learn of this speaking spirit. 
       
Groundhog is related to Squirrel, Prairie Dog, and Chipmunk. 
All, in this family, are active during daylight hours.  In varying ways and degrees, each spends a great deal of conscious (daylight) energy and effort (summer) in preparation for rest or sleep (winter).  What the season of winter symbolizes for each, also, varies.  Squirrel, for instance, who spends more consciousness in energetic activity of an extroverted nature, with an emphasis on intellectual problem solving and stimulation; simply decreases (rests) its winter activity, indicating an external awareness is still maintained.  Our messenger, Groundhog, spends most of its conscious time consuming and storing within its own body that which will be needed to sustain a true hibernation (sleep), and spends a great part of its life in its underground refuge during winter; indicating an internal awareness is more involved.  So, from this family, we know we will hear the message to be consciously in sync with preparation for cyclical changes (which may have to do with new endeavors). Doing today what is needed and desired to sustain us (and our goals) tomorrow; whether the emphasis is of a material, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual nature, or whether it is indicating an internal or external response.  While all of us are to be mindful of this relationship of cycles, efforts, and sustenance (evidenced by the diligent presence of Squirrel in our daily lives); Groundhog is not such a daily reminder for most of us, and expresses this need in a more specific way.  It speaks of an even greater need of seasonal and cyclical awareness, but more importantly, of a greater effect of these upon us.  Because it emphasizes a dramatic difference in states of consciousness, it also emphasizes a dramatic need for grounding ourselves in trust and the stability that comes in doing so.  Groundhog always indicates taking a look at how these cycles and states are affecting us, our lives, and how we are responding.  It speaks to us of utilizing a deeper understanding of life to gain insight into our purpose, and  stabilizing our expression of it.        
       
All our furry 4-legged ones are connected with chakras 3 and 4 (with transitional assistance through chakra 5).  What does this mean?  Well, chakra 3 is the solar plexus and chakra 4 is the heart.  The solar plexus is linked to the power and will in the self, the sense of life itself, its natural vitality, and purpose.  The heart chakra, of course, connected to our emotions of loving and wanting to be loved.  As you know, the solar plexus also becomes quite involved in response to those feelings of the heart (butterflies in stomach when around someone special or turning upside down when we have been hurt, etc.).  Chakra 5 is the throat and is connected to balance and harmony.  It is about being in just "the right amount" of control in expression and manifestation; so that  the voice of our feelings and spirit can be heard and realized, preferably in a balanced and effective way.  You probably, now, can see why the transitional assistance to a further and more fulfilled development of what these furry 4-leggeds are bringing to us requires (and affects) the 5th chakra.  However, what do we do with a day-time mammal like Groundhog, who spends so much time under earth's surface?  One would obviously think this would hint at some root chakras, yes?  While it is reptiles and amphibians who are the ones truly connected with the root chakras of 1 and 2, which ride more the frequency of mass and substance (transitional assistance through 3 for reptiles and through auric chakra 0/9 for amphibians...yes, I will explain that some other time), Groundhog is telling us it does require something from the root.  Let's look at how.
       
Remembering that Groundhog's true nature is centered in chakras 3 and 4, we must put that together with it touching into  root chakra areas because of its underground dwelling place.  We must, then, refer to what would be the root of where Groundhog is originally centering, which would emphasize critical activity in chakra 3 (the will and purpose).  This tells us that the sense of self and purpose, and its emotional response to others, will be an area where much of this is worked through. We know Groundhog spends part of its time in the conscious state above the surface, where it finds that which it needs to sustain itself when in its time below the surface, and in an unconscious state.  So, an emotional response of purpose and relationship (3 and 4), involving both conscious and unconscious impetus and balance (5) that requires grounding in the trust of life's processes and self-esteem(1 and 2).  Thereby,  maintaining a balance of utilizing this refuge and time of going under the surface, in a way that serves our purpose (chakra 3) rather than hide us from it.   Through the Roots' transitional assistance of chakra 3, which corresponds also to the root of Groundhog's natural centering, is where we again find an emphasis of this grounding needing to establish itself in matters of self-definition, self-esteem, and the self's will and purpose to become balanced with life's greater one.  To do so, in keeping with Groundhog's underground home, the self must be supported by its ability to dig deeply into  understanding and trusting the cycles of life and death, and to feel secure and confident in doing so.  To not hide its self-esteem and self-preservation in the emotions/needs of the lower chakras, but rather to those of the 3rd chakra of the self's own purpose and significance.  This all may sound confusing to you at first, but as you study the meanings of chakras more, you will be amazed at how much sense it begins to make.  
       
Groundhog is well known for its burrow digging ability.  It always chooses open areas or clearings at the edge of woods.  The main entrance is fairly easily found, but the other exits and entries are not so discernible.  All burrowing animals with dens having emergency entries and exits prefer to avoid confrontation.  Groundhog has a psychological response to this because of its conscious/unconscious sensitivities.  While it stations itself very much in the open and gains its sustenance in the open areas; it is nervous and self-conscious most of the time in doing so.  Those ones, who Groundhog speaks with, enjoy and need being out in the open where others can be aware of them, but it is not always comfortable doing so, often anticipating a need to retreat.   Groundhog is basically non-territorial, however, it really doesn't like others intruding into its tunnels, so there can be a passive-aggressive response when it comes to their boundaries; just as their response to the world can go from extroverted to introverted behavior.  Interestingly enough though, the burrows of Groundhog are often used by many other animals such as rats, mice, skunks, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, and snakes.  Because a few of those who do use Groundhog's tunnels are natural enemies, this again reminds Groundhog to establish boundaries more clearly, and to examine the self-esteem if one does not.  Just as Groundhog plays this important role in nature, it makes one aware that much of the work Groundhog does, serves to provide others with necessary shelter; even though, in reality, some may not be Groundhog's kindred spirit.  This is a key element to Groundhog; the importance of knowing the emotional foundation for its activities and responses.  Groundhog, indicating a knowledge to be accessed for a greater purpose, stresses the need to be clear in what chakra emotion it is centering in; of its conscious/unconscious grounding, and it's purpose of serving that greater vision and outcome, and not always a personal one. 
       
Groundhog usually lives alone in its den (except for the time the young are still nesting). So, Groundhog people may often find relationships emotionally challenging their psychological balance.  If they honor the need to go within, by utilizing and being involved in techniques and practices that satisfy and balance this, the marital state would not result so often in going separate ways.
       
Having a feeling of being all alone (even when with others), is better understood when recognizing it as a surfacing of an unconscious need or desire (or a requirement of a necessary phase) to be alone.  The stronger Groundhog people feel this kind of aloneness, the stronger the indication there are issues of an unconscious nature to balance and ground.  These issues, arising out of an unfulfilled sense of self, cause unsteadiness in the application of effort and focus as they seek an emotional way to fulfill it. When this is tended to, Groundhog does not feel this inner pulling so much as a lack then, but rather, as a relished time of assimilation leading to a time of enlightenment. 
       
Groundhog always suggests the need to be aware of the dramatic differences in moods, which can be a tip-off that one is not adequately grounding.  Since Groundhog guarantees a physiological reaction to an emotional response (and vice versa), as well as a sensitivity to the seasonal change in light, it can indicate a tendency for seasonal and/or polarity disorders if one is not heeding the need to ground in a way that supports the stability of self and body in its purpose.  The very same symptoms, however, can occur whenever we are digging deeper into expanding our conscious and unconscious mind. It is what will teach us how important stabilization is when becoming more masterful in the utilization of altered states of consciousness and the natural cycles of life, spiritual and physiological ones.  Dreams, meditation, hypnosis/trance, astral travel, mediumship, and healing energies are all avenues that Groundhog encourages us to utilize, but always with the proper grounding. 
       
Hibernation is always referred to as being connected to death without dying because of the physical conditions that occur, so it not only indicates a natural connection to altered states of consciousness, but the ability to affect the physiological responses of the body for purposes of healing, restoration, and accessing knowledge.  Groundhog has the ability to lower heart rate and blood pressure,  slow respiration and metabolism.   People connected with hibernating animals, often go through little deaths in their lives, and sometimes the effect of others' deaths upon them is relevant.  A pursual in understanding the cycles of life and death (spiritually, psychologically, and physiologically) is a must for these people.  Especially if one is going to pursue the transformational energies of this death without dying.
        
Groundhog has an interesting timing relationship to solar months, as well as lunar months; once more giving strength to its conscious/unconscious connection (respectively).  The lunar influence often manifesting itself in the significance of mid-points as to timing.  So when Groundhog shows up in our life, it usually indicates that we have entered into a new process that will have definite phases (or cycles within cycles), and we will experience a significant shift (that is usually of an emotional impetus) about mid-way through.
        
Groundhog usually starts settling into its den around September (the Autumnal Equinox/solar), and is in full hibernation by the end of October (mid-point/lunar).  This is when we see Groundhog people beginning to pull back from their involvements and relationships.  Either because of nestling into a new study which requires this or because they are responding to the assimilation time of what they have been involved in.  We may also see this indicating a time of pulling away from others and focusing only on a specific relationship, which will have an unconscious and emotional impetus underneath it (and will have its unconscious and emotional effect that will rise above the surface around February).   The reminder here, of course, is to keep this a restorative and purposeful action through balance and stabilization, rather than one of depression. 
       
If the winter is mild, it is possible that Groundhog will stir, but usually Groundhog (being one who is slow to awaken) remains in this altered state between 4 to 6 months.  Some will begin emerging around the first week of February (depending on the weather's severity).  We are all familiar with the traditional Groundhog Day of February 2nd.  This date corresponds to an approximate mid-point (lunar) between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox ( both solar), and the reputed emergence of Groundhog.  This time usually indicates there is significant momentum of psychological adjustment in the life.  Breeding usually begins between then and mid-February (mid-point/lunar and Valentine's day, imagine!).  The gestation period is about 30-31 days (a solar month).  This indicates that one will be forming a conscious realization/manifestation at this point.   The birth occurs around March/April (approximately Spring Equinox/solar).   Baby Groundhog will open its eyes in about 28 days (a lunar month).  Now, we find the actual moment of conscious realization /manifestation (seeing), which, again, brings with it some emotional response.  One that leads, this time, to a decision and a time of nurturing that which connects self to purpose. That length of time corresponding to 5-6 weeks; the length of time baby Groundhogs remain in the den and then emerge (around the time of the Summer Solstice/solar).  About mid-summer (lunar), the young will dig a temporary burrow near the nursery, stay for just a bit, then move further away to establish a home of their own and prepare for hibernation.  Once more, we find a time of emotional adjustment that comes to the Groundhog person of some fulfillment and shifting again to a new phase.  In a more literal sense, this also tells us, Groundhog people and their offspring separate from one another in well defined phases.  The children of Groundhog people usually have a close relationship with their mother (often not receiving as much support from, and only a distant exchange with the father), just as their own mother experienced before them.  Because of this though, the offspring are, not only, encouraged to move in a steady pace towards their independence, but usually do so willingly and effectively.  Often going on to college as being one of these well defined phases of separation; which also corresponds to September/October, the season of school starting, the timing of inherited hibernation and need for digging into study for a 4-6 year period ( derived from the greater translation of both hibernation months, and the 5-6 week period the offspring spend in the den).  This educational connection is, also, an integral factor in the Groundhog person's own self-realization.  As the fulfillment of their children occurs, it is a perfect time for them to think about their own fulfillment through educational study. 
       

Groundhog takes about 2 years to fully mature, so this always indicates that a new endeavor or healing designated by Groundhog will take around this length of time to stabilize and establish its pathway.  It also suggests that should Groundhog decide on education as being part of that, it will most likely be a 2 year period of completing the next phase of their already existing degree, or acquiring an Associates first, or allowing a 2 year course to extend over a 4-6 year period (this is especially true if the person is dealing with issues of their childhood).  Because Groundhog lives to be around 10 years of age, it also indicates this endeavor or influence will be actively serving in life for that approximate amount of time before transcending into a different conscious expression. 
      
Hopefully, this gives you an indication of how important, and how constant, cycles are to Groundhog.  These cycles overlap and become cycles within cycles, which is why balance through stability and proper grounding are unnegotiably essential to Groundhog.   This reminds us of the true nature of the spiraling dimensions of spirit and life that reveals itself through altered states of consciousness. It requires one to understand emotional response and motivation, and to stabilize these in a grounded and balanced sense of purpose and knowledge;  and from this, to connect to a more profoundly energetic sense of self, and the purpose it is fulfilling and serving.
         
In this edition's article, we have approached an understanding of this messenger's nature before proceeding on to one of our reader's repeated experiences with Groundhog, which we will do in the next article.  I am suspecting when we do so, this interpretation will have a timely significance for this reader in a conscious way, no doubt connected to something that is just now entering into its unconscious impetus, and not to be revealed at this time.  I must confess, I have, just this moment, managed to separate that information from this text, since this was not what I had planned.  After many a frustrated attempt to get this article to our dear Editor, I have finally caught on that the speaking spirit of Groundhog, and its incredible connection with timing and cycles, had taken over my computer!  Doing so, until I realized to separate this information for the appropriate timing of spirit in connection, not only with this reader, but all of us.  For you see,  I wrote this, originally, just as Groundhog was making its way to its den.  My realization, of what had occurred and why, has shifted into the  understanding; just as Groundhog has shifted into its hibernation, and have appropriately altered the state of this article.  All of you, now listening to the speaking spirit of Groundhog; are doing so, while it is well into, and sharing with you, the magical existence of its altered state.  Burrowing us into the tunnel of spirit's deeper understanding and assimilation; making us even more aware of a spiritual cycle relevant to this particular present time.  When we fully complete our exchange with Groundhog, it will be near the time Groundhog is to emerge.  This indicates that the altered state of spiritual awareness we are being told to assimilate now,  will emerge and reveal the reason at that time (February).  May we master this well, and ground it in a true understanding and purpose that will serve life in that time Groundhog is preparing us for.  I find it particularly meaningful that this is being spoken as we enter into the holiday season; time of hoped for inspiration, thanksgiving, and sacredness. Time of seeking the grateful, benevolent generosity and reverence of spirit.  Time of emphasizing the expression and union with the divine source.  Time of desiring and reaching for the  manifestation of this divine source in our fellow humans; but most importantly, as Groundhog will tell us,  is the seeking and finding it within our own selves first.  Groundhog knows, to do that, we must travel deep within the foundation of ourselves; to alter our states of consciousness and understanding, so that we truly assimilate this divine source within us, and emerge as a manifestation of Great Spirit's Light and Love within the heart of Mother Earth.   
       
So my friends, another confirmation that the Speaking Spirit is with us, at all times and in all ways!  If you have any doubt, the next time you have something timely to do, and your computer malfunctions, just think about it!  Until then, remember, the holiday season is a time to warm yourself by the fireside of spirit.  May you and yours be blessed as you snuggle beside it, and may you and yours keep its fires burning brightly.   
    

Mitakuye Oyasin... 
Theresia 

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