Reflecting on Imbolc 2026

The run up to Imbolc was a busy time, and saw many changes for Haven Song. On January 17th Marrow--one of our grove's two founding members--took her penultimate elevation, becoming a member of Blue Star Wicca's High Priesthood. Less than two weeks later, Marrow and Wren (also a member of our High Priesthood) formally hived away from Haven Song, and founded Pleiades Coven. A mere two days later, the remaining members of Haven Song (FoxTale and myself) ran our first open sabbat as a coven of two.

However, even as we navigated these changes and challenges here in Virginia, we were all too aware of the trouble our Siblings in the Craft were facing in Minneapolis. Not only does a significant percentage of our Tradition's membership live in and around the Twin Cities, but we're also keenly aware that ICE is operating in our own city on a much smaller scale... and that anywhere could be next on the list for full blown occupation.

With all of that in mind, the Work of our Imbolc ritual focused on building community connections and keeping that community safe.

FoxTale wrote the ritual and prepared small tags to be hung on the front and back doors of the home. On one side was Algiz, "a rune of protection, a shield to repel evil. It represents an Elk, a guardian of the forest." On the other side was Mannaz, "a rune of connection, a community to support each other. It is about aligning personal values with collective well-being."

We called upon Odin as a god of knowledge, who counsels hospitality to all, especially the traveler at your door. We also called upon Frigg as a goddess of hearth and home, the heart of any community. Each is a deity who will use all the tricks in their bag to come out victorious in any conflict. After energetically connecting the runes to our individual senses of community, we asked the gods to bless the tags, enhancing the power of the runes.

These wards now hang at the thresholds of our homes, granting those who reside behind them, the wisdom to know friend from foe, and the strength to stand up to an enemy at their gate. They are granting those who reside behind them the comfort of friendship, and the security of a caring community.

So mote it be.