Sisters in Circles: What To Expect at a Women's Moon Circle Gathering
"The circles of women around us build invisible nets of love that carry us when we're weak and sing with us when we're strong."
Sark
The first time I attended a women's circle was in the midst of my divorce. I didn't know what to expect and felt completely out of my comfort zone, despite me loving all things "woo." I tend towards introversion and shy away from vulnerability with strangers. It all sounded in one word... intimidating.
I am glad I took the risk. Turns out, dancing and crying in someone's living room was exactly the kind of therapy I needed at the time. I proceeded to attend the monthly gatherings off and on for a year and each meeting served as a mirror of my life, a moment frozen in time.
It also shifted my perspective about group healing. There is certainly a place for more private and personal practices like journaling and meditation, but something about processing pain (or celebrating joy) with others feels completely different in the heart and body.
Circles are for feeling heard, and also hearing others. You don't feel so alone on your path when you realize there are others also struggling and suffering, going through their own seasons of life. Your intentions for the future also hold more meaning when heard and held by others. It's a beautiful thing. Afterall, connecting in community is in our blood. Togetherness is like a deep grounding, a return home.
As a healer (and a self-healer) I resonated so much with these gatherings, but was hesitant to host my own because I lacked confidence and courage. (Hello imposter syndrome!) Over the years I kept receiving signs that I was meant to extend this offering. I kept serendipitously attracting and connecting with other women who were desperately in need (without even knowing it) of this type of community and ceremony. Eventually I was finally found myself in a space, physically mentally and emotionally to be able to give back.
I am grateful for this opportunity, this blessing, this gift to share.
“Although many things are good and nutritious for the soul, most fall into Wild Woman's four basic food groups: time, belonging, passion, and sovereignty. Stock up.”
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
What are the origins of women's circles?
Across cultures of the world, Women have been gathering in groups since the beginning of time. Circles with a collective spiritual purpose are an ancient tradition, some of the oldest forms of socialization. This sacred practice was almost always rooted in the Rhythms and Cycles of Nature, of reverence to our Mother Earth.
Moon phases
Seasons
Menstruation
Over time these traditions have faded as the patriarchy felt threatened by feminine power in mass. Women still craved connection, so they evolved to be more discrete in modern times, disguised under more informal themes of
Book clubs
Sewing and quilting circles
Tea parties
Religious studies
Clothing swaps
Recipe swaps
Women's circles have made a resurgence with this new era of spirituality and personal development. Today we can call them whatever we want, as long as there is an intention of connection and healing.
"Sacred Circles"
"Manifestation Circle"
"Meditation Circle"
"Divinity Circle"
"Goddess Circle"
"Women's Wellness Circle"
"Moon Circle"
"Healing Circle"
"Divine Feminine Circle"
"Circles are living entities: a full-bodied presence that we create together. They’re the mother of methodologies and are based on the fires that our ancestors gathered around to build tribe and clan."
Diana Lindsay
Why are Moon Circles valuable?
Women gather in groups for a variety of reasons.
To set intentions and plant seeds for the future
To clear energy from the past
To support eachother in life's transitions and uncertainties
To find peace, clarity or grieve during a time of loss or challenge
To overcome loneliness, depression, rage, anxiety
To share stories, traditions, medicine, wellness wisdom and resources
To discuss individual and collective healing - social justice, activism, allyship
To worship and honor Spirit, Source, divinity, higher intelligence, the cosmos.
To mark the passage of time
To connect with themselves
To connect with the earth and its elements
To connect with spirit team
To connect and collaborate with each-other.
to BELONG.
"Shame dies when stories are told in safe places."
Ann Voskamp
These are opportunities for like-minded souls - daughters, mothers, and grandmothers, female friends, family and neighbors to come together to connect, teach, learn, grow and heal.
These gatherings then become tiny quiet revolutions, helping to
Experience true heart opening and transformation
Elevate the collective vibration
Encourage the world to slowly shift towards consciousness, balance and sustainability.
The best part? Women's Circles are a judgement-free places where you can come exactly as you are - messy and imperfect. They are the rare safe spaces where you are accepted and embraced as is. Where the patriarchy and oppression has no place. Here our divine feminine energy can circulate and rise.
Your pain
Your sadness
Your shame
Your guilt
Your anger
Your joy
Your grief
All of you is welcome here.
What Can I Expect at A Women's Moon Circle?
Moon circles are as varied as the women who host and attend them! Every gathering is different and becomes a tapestry of new faces, personalities, themes and ideas. Some are serious and solemn, and some are more fun and whimsical. All of them are magical and vital.
The Time
Womens circles are typically scheduled during any period of change or transition as they are grounding and supportive.
Monthly New Moon - best for reaffirming and reflection on manifestations for future
Monthly Full Moon - best for releasing limiting beliefs, stagnant or stressful energy of past
Quarterly Solstice or Equinox - best for renewal
Blessing a birth
Honoring a death
They are usually held in the mornings or evenings, for no more than a few hours
The Place
Women's circles can be held anywhere that is safe, private, and peaceful. Examples include