"Hail to the spirit of air, spirit of East," she said, as another member of the group, Covenant of the Unitarian Universalist, or Cuups, lit a candle on the east side of a circular table.

The Cuups identify with pagan beliefs, an Earth-centered theology. They follow the rhythm of the sun, the moon and the seasons of the year.

Blackmer explained why they gathered for Groundhog's Day on Saturday.

"Today is the cross quarter day -- halfway between the winter solstice, Dec. 21, and the spring equinox," she said. "As humans, one of our tendencies is to predict things. Groundhogs hibernate in the winter, but when it warms up, the males wander outside to find and snuggle with females."

They don't mate, she said, but the females recognize the male groundhog's scent later, when it is time to mate.

For members of Cuups, the sight of a male groundhog, regardless of whether he sees his shadow or not, is a signal that spring is on its way.

At one point during the ritual, Blackmer put white sage in a shell, lit it, then walked around and waved a feather. The smoke from the sage cleansed the atmosphere, she said.

The next gathering will be near the spring equinox on March 21.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.