William White Williams • Chairman, National Alliance -- 2 February, 2025 7:12 am
In reading this piece I remembered the date 2 February as the date each year that coincides with Groundhog Day, when we wonder whether or not the rodent will see his shadow and we will have six more weeks of winter, depending on that. From what did the odd groundhog tradition come on second day in February each year?
Imboic — what a strange word, we think. But should not we Europeans be celebrating that on this day as our ancestors did instead of the beginning of the anti-White Black History Month?
Imbolc, occurring at the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, on February 2, commemorates the first signs of the coming Spring. The rising Sun begins to turn the tide against the darkness and cold of Winter. Imbolc is the holiday of Brigid, the Goddess of Home and Hearth, of poetry and smithcraft, who brings us fortune for the coming year.
The name Imbolc derives from Old Irish words meaning ‘the time the sheep’s milk comes’. The lactation of ewes in anticipation of birthing is a sign of Spring’s awakening. Ewe’s milk provided the first fresh nourishment for our ancestors since the onset of Winter. Other signs are buds on trees, early flowers such as primroses and dandelions peeking through the snow, and the emergence of a few hibernating animals to check on the weather, such as the famous groundhog… Candles may be lit in each room of the house, to commemorate the growing light of the Sun.
Imbolc is a time of hope and preparation, to dedicate oneself to the coming challenges of the growing season. Time to get one’s life in order, to bless the seeds, to ready the tools. Time to clean up and prepare a new start. Winter grows long, life begins to stir.