18 Dec 2004 The Orbs of Yule Illuminated

18 Dec 2004 The Orbs of Yule Illuminated ~ Here we have an indoor shot of Circle’s Yule Tree, in the Barn Temple Room.  In this photo we see Santa; just beyond Santa are community members celebrating Yule Eve on the land.  It is cold outside, that is a given.  There are no end to shrines, sacred sites, sacred spaces, and sacred moments at Circle Sanctuary.

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, Wisconsin, USA

18 Dec 2004 The Orbs of Yule Illuminated © Nicholas Sea

02 Apr 2004 Three Evergreens of Yule

02 Apr 2004 Three Evergreens of Yule ~ For a number of the early years at Circle Sanctuary, live Yule trees were decorated in December and then planted in the Spring.  As I recall, there are 5 of these between the barn and the house.  Though these trees are not native to the land, they are a deep reminder of the cycles of the year and Yuletide cheer.  I particularly love seeing these evergreens in the Winter, albeit here we have them in early Spring.  The Yule Tree is very much a poignant Pagan shrine of our times.

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, Wisconsin, USA

02 Apr 2004 Three Evergreens of Yule © Nicholas Sea

20 Mar 2004 Circle Maypole on Spring Equinox

20 Mar 2004 Circle Maypole on Spring Equinox ~ Midmorning on Spring Equinox in 2004, the Circle Maypole stands regal inside the Mugwort Circle.  The old stalks of mugwort will be removed in time for Beltane which is 6 weeks away.  The New of the Moon was on the evening of March 20th in 2004, therefore the Ostara Full Moon will come in two weeks on April 5th.

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, Wisconsin, USA

20 Mar 2004 Circle Maypole on Spring Equinox © Nicholas Sea

25 Feb 2004 Circle Barn Garden Winter 02

25 Feb 2004 Circle Barn Garden Winter 02 ~ Here is another photo of Circle Barn Garden back in February of 2004.  It is a look at the barn and at Circle House 12 years ago.  Much has changed since then and yet the iconic nature of Circle’s buildings endures.  This photo of barn garden and shrine was taken from the south end of the barn.

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, Wisconsin, USA

25 Feb 2004 Circle Barn Garden Winter 02 © Nicholas Sea

25 Feb 2004 Circle Barn Garden Winter 01

25 Feb 2004 Circle Barn Garden Winter 01 ~ On the east side of Circle Barn is a long raised garden bed constructed and planted by the Garden Circle.  Many renovations on the barn have happened over the years, including this garden addition. The Circle Barn Garden is both beautiful and functional.  The garden structure provides a bit of buttress to the barn foundation.  I consider the Circle Barn Garden to be one of the multifaceted shrines at Circle Sanctuary.  It is important because it is wheelchair accessible and because it has so many components and people who have nurtured and cared for it.  This photo of barn garden and shrine was taken from the north end of the barn.

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, Wisconsin, USA

25 Feb 2004 Circle Barn Garden Winter 01 © Nicholas Sea