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The wren is a small, plump bird that has a distinctive way of holding its short tail upright. Even though wrens live in close proximity to us, they are most often heard but not seen. They sing trilling melodies in duets that tend to be very loud at dawn.
      From ancient times to medieval Europe and Britain, the wren was almost universally believed to have great magical power. One of its feathers was said to be powerful enough to be used as an amulet against magic spells and misfortune. According to an ancient tale attributed to the Greek writer Aesop, this clever little bird outwitted an eagle in a contest to become the king of birds. 
      The wren was an honored bird and it was considered unlucky to kill one… except between Yule and New Year’s Day or often January 6^th (Twelfth Night)—the dates provide a clue. In the British Isles and parts of France the custom was called The Hunting of the Wren, which eventually became centered on December 26th, St. Stephen’s Day.
      Although this tradition is often said to have come from Pagan practices, it seems odd that brutalizing such an esteemed bird would be cause for celebration. Reasons given for all the hoopla of hunting down wrens varies from ridding the world of evil forces because it carries a drop of the devil’s blood or because it was said to be a wicked fairy in disguise. In the early Christian times of Ireland, wrens were believed to be witches. This poor little bird was also blamed for betraying St. Stephen, thus causing his martyrdom.
      There is a theory that killing a wren at winter solstice could have been a proxy for human sacrifice to dark forces and bring back the sun, which could have gotten mixed up and mixed into evolving traditions. However, I can’t help thinking about how closely the wren was associated with the Druids. In fact, the Welsh word dryw means both “wren” and “druid.” And like the story of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland—where they never existed—killing the wren was symbolic of ousting Pagan beliefs and practices. And doing it during the Yule revels that carried on until Twelfth Night was a fitting way to step on and stamp out old customs.
      The wren is a magical ally that brings strength, courage, and protection. It is an aid for opening the channels of communication for divination and is instrumental in connecting with spirits. It provides balance while awakening the power within. As a new Pagan custom, place a picture of a wren with a sprig of holly on your altar to honor this bird. 
      (Wren picture: The Avian Oracle, Crossed Crow Books.)

“We'd like to sing a Solstice blessing on the house,” I tell the barrista. “Is that cool?”

Her eyes sparkle.

“I'll go turn down the music,” she says.

Yule Morning 2022.

Having sung the Sun up from a snowy Powderhorn Park, the coven has adjourned to nearby May Day Cafe for Sunrise brunch. (Yes, that's the place's real name. Welcome to Paganistan.) The food was good, the talk as well, and it's the Yule of the year. Before we go, we'd like to give something back.

I'm a little concerned about interrupting meals or conversation, but when we turn at the door and begin to sing, people look up and listen.

We sing.

Joy, health, love and peace

be all here in this place.

By your leaves, we will sing

concerning our king.

The song is an old one, a quête-song that children used to sing going from door-to-door with the body of a wren, the King of the Birds. (Remind me some time to tell you the story of how he beat out Eagle for the title.) We don't have a wren with us, though, and I find myself wondering as we sing: who will they think we're singing about?

Our king is well-dressed,

in silks of the best,

in ribbons so rare,

no king can compare.

For me, the answer is plain, this Solstice morning: it's the Sun. Who else? Even the birds all agreed that whoever flew closest to the Sun would be their rightful King.

Often seen in people’s gardens, Fairy-wren (Family: Malurus) is usually looking for a tasty Insect. Shy in nature, Fairy-wren is however tolerant of people. Popular in Australia, people regularly see Him in parks hopping about.

Despite his brilliant blue colors, Fairy-wren is difficult to see in the undergrowth. Since Male Fairy-wren is more cautious than the Female Fairy-wren (who has drabber feathers), He leaves promptly when an intruder approaches. If Fairy-wren spies a flying Insect, He hops straight up to snatch it, and then dives back to safety in the nearby bushes.

Fairy-wren’s family arrangements were confusing to many scientists. They thought He was socially monogamous but sexually promiscuous. However what they mistook for Female Fairy-wrens were the non-breeding Males. In Fairy-wren’s small group, there is one breeding pair – the dominant Female and her Partner. Because Fairy-wrens live long lives, They often form lasting family bonds. In their territories, Female Fairy-wrens will nest several times during a season. The non-breeding Males will help to raise each brood, and defend their area. When these Fairy-wrens are about four years old, They will leave their home nest.

The “Wren” of Europe, Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is the only Wren that lives in the Old World. Known as Bran’s Sparrow to the Celts, Wren foretold the future with his songs. The Celts called their sacred Wren “Drui”, (meaning “The Druid among Birds”). Under the protection of Taranis, the Celtic God of Thunder, Wren often nested in his oaks. Killing a Wren brought the wrath of the Gods upon unwary people.

To various peoples from Japan to Germany, Eurasian Wren is the King of the Winds. Plutarch tells the story of how the Wren became the King of the Birds. The Birds decided whoever could fly the highest to the sun would rule over Them. The Eurasian Wren secreted Himself under Golden Eagle’s down feathers. When Golden Eagle tired, Eurasian Wren flew out and ascended higher, getting singed by the sun’s rays. Returning, the other Birds proclaimed Eurasian Wren their King. Cunning and cleverness had outwitted strength.

Wrens, a family of little brown Birds, are well-known for their high energy and trilling songs. Friendly and active, House Wren is often called “Jenny Wren” in children’s storybooks. Meanwhile Carolina Wren, one of the largest Wrens, flits from perch to perch looking for tasty bugs, delighting gardeners.

Voracious in their nesting endevours, Wrens build nests in boots, mailboxes, and even car radiators. Quick and agile Cactus Wren builds his nest amongst the sharp spines of a cactus. To impress the Female Wrens, Marsh Wren frantically builds as many dummy nests that He can in the wetlands. The scientific name for Wrens is “Troglodytidae,” which means “cave dwellers.” This comes from the elaborate enclosed nests that many Wrens build. Besides housing eggs, these roofed nests also act as their communal roosts.