Most of us are probably aware of Circle Sanctuary, Lady Liberty League , and all Selena Fox’s other work for the Pagan community at large. Her work towards the success of acquiring the pentacle as an accepted symbol on veteran’s headstones was a wonderful achievement that is still fresh in our minds.

As we begin to make plans for our upcoming Yule season, we should also take notice of another program on the Circle Sanctuary website. Right now we may be planning our sabbat feasts, designing rituals, purchasing Yule gifts and running back and forth to stores for the items we need. Let us, for one moment, wonder how it would be if we didn’t have what we needed day to day, much less what we wanted for a special meal. No Yule feast. No incense. No Yule gifts. Not even a candle for an impromptu wishing spell or to pay respects to the Goddess and God. Our troops overseas are in dire need of help from those of us who are in a better position to make their lives just a bit easier or more spiritual. We at home can help them have a glimmer of faith in their tumultuous lives. Operation Circle Care is a program designed to gather Yule packages from us, at home, to send to them, overseas. Many items are needed, but the most-needed items are listed on the website and include these ideas:

*Pagan pentacles, ankhs, spirals and other medallions of the Pagan faiths
* Pagan Music, Meditation: CDs & DVDs
* Gift cards from store that ship overseas, for example Barnes and Noble, Amazon
* Gift cards can be used for online holiday shopping (So deployed soldiers can send gifts home to their children from overseas)
* ATT phone cards
* Crystals
* Small God and Goddess statues
* Pagan Books (No nudity)
* Incense
* Oils
* Herbs
* Small Wands
* Small travel chalices
* Altar cloths
I would also suggest such items as sea salt and small candles of all colors.

We all know that the economy is terrible and it is difficult for all of us right now. However, remember that even the dollar stores have items that can easily be used in rituals of the Pagan traditions!

If you’d like to help our Pagan brothers and sisters but can’t make it to the stores, you can donate by credit card at their secured site: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/donate/
or send check or money order payable to "Circle - Operation Circle Care"  and mail to Circle, PO Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507 USA.

Paula Johnson, the coordinator of this program can be reached at occ@circlesanctuary.org if you have any questions concerning what you should send in your package. Also, any Pagan/Wiccan soldiers who would like to be included for gifts through this program may contact the program by emailing circle@circlesanctuary.org. Those of us at home may also contact them to add a soldier to the program – just remember to include their full name, rank, branch of military service, country and war where serving, postal address, and email address for the Pagan soldier. Also include your own name and contact info, plus your relationship with the soldier. They have affirmed that they keep contact information confidential.

As the Wheel turns closer to Yule, I wish you a joyous season. I also hope that you will remember those who are not home with their loved ones and that you choose to do what you can to help. We can all play a little Santa while remembering that Santa was a Pagan tradition, after all!

Blessings for Yule to all around the world.