Stephen James O'Meara's Secret Sky: Winter wreaths
February 2009: The night sky's "magic circles" tell ancient tales of new beginnings.
Before DVR and DVDs, before radio soap operas, before the printed word, gathering around a fire at night and listening to a loved one spin a tale was part of everyday living. Families and friends relied on this "magic circle" to provide them with nightly entertainment, which helped them forget the troubles of the day and their fears of the night. Like the magic circle of old, the night sky can forge bonds (even if it's just between observers and the stars) and offer us timeless enjoyment.