Women’s Circles ~ things you might want to know for your first Ceremony.
A Women’s Circle is a gathering of women coming together in Ceremony to celebrate our Divine feminine and empower each other through sisterhood in a supportive and safe environment. To (re)-connect with our hearts & bodies, other women and remember our sacred power within. A space where we can be seen, embraced and heard without judgement, reminding us we’re not alone.
Oldest form of social interaction - a bit of history
Coming together in a Circle is our (men ánd women) oldest form of social interaction. Evidence shows these gatherings were already occurring 300,000 years ago - think of a fire circle, tribes sharing food and stories under the moonlight. In the middle of this Circle was a sacred center used for worshipping goddesses, sharing stories, rituals and passing down traditions.
Women in particular would often gather based on the moon and menstrual cycles. It is a tradition dating back thousands of years to when we lived in tribes and communities. These were opportunities for daughters, mothers and grandmothers to pass down wisdom, transition into womanhood, using plants for medicine and one’s role in the community.
This began to change with the advance of religious beliefs and patriarchal ideology. Humans began to think and behave more linearly. Circular meetings have been replaced by a linear configuration. Both men and women have become passive receivers of information and turning away from circular towards linear also meant turning away from authentic connection.
Additional, anything seen as pagan was deemed evil within most religions and many women were burnt at the stake or drowned in the name of a ‘witch hunt’… Women became scared to perform spiritual practices and in time forgot the importance of and need for coming together and supporting each other but rather began to judge, criticise and talk maliciously behind each others’ backs.
This began to change during the first rise of the feminist movements in the ’70’s. Women remembered the importance of coming together and supporting one another. Since then, there has been an increasing demand and return of Women’s Circles in Western society. This is a new movement for modern western women providing a safe space to share, listen and support each other. There is no place for judgement, criticism and comparisons- something we usually experience daily. It enables us to disconnect from the hectic external world and experience a safe internal world. It awakens our feminine power and energy from within.
‘Each time women gather in circles with each other, the world heals a little more.’
The influence of the Moon
A Women’s Circle is often based on a monthly natural occurrence like a full or new moon. This is because many years ago, when we lived in small communities, women were in sync with the lunar cycles and got their menstrual cycle at the same time during a new moon.
Women’s Circles are thus sometimes referred to as ‘Red Tents’, suggestive of the colour of the monthly bleed. They gathered together to celebrate and support each other through their monthly cycle. This is why modern day Circles are still held during a full or new moon (some women still get their menstruation in sync with the moon cycles), even though the meaning behind and reason for women coming together has evolved to modern times.
We all feel the effect of the moon, regardless if you’re getting your bleed on the full or new moon - or if you identify as a male gender. Our bodies are made out of 70% water, and the moon influences the water cycles on Earth, so does she on our bodies and bleeds.
Fighting stress and combatting loneliness & depression
A major benefit, supported by academic research, experienced subconsciously by women attending Women’s Circles is an increased ability to deal with stress. When humans experience stress, a hormone called cortisol is released. For men this often leads to the ‘fight or flight mode’, resulting in more aggressive behaviour. For us women cortisol sets their ‘tend and befriend response’ in motion, which can instigate a deeper desire for companionship and support.
Amidst the companionship and support of the circle, a hormone called oxytocin may also be activated. This hormone is released when we feel nurtured and connected, such as when humans share intimate moments together, helping to establish an emotion by showing we are not alone in this world.
Going to a circle also helps combat loneliness and depression. A sense of belonging and community opens itself up by conversations and deep heartfelt connections. This helps us to experience less judgement and criticism of each other in our daily life, which most of us unfortunately not necessarily find in common social events.
‘On days I could not move it was women who came to water my feet until I was strong enough to stand. It was women who nourished me back to life.’ ~ sister by Rupi Kaur
Key elements of a Circle
These differ per Circle, per theme but usually you can expect things like; A safe space ~ where women feel safe to share intimate stories with one another and listen without judgement. In a setting where women are not going to compete with one another, there can be a hormonal response of safety.
Sharing ~ the main part of a circle is sharing intimate stories with each other (only if you feel called to share, there is no obligation). A theme ~ Circles are generally based on a theme such as the time of year, season, the moon, connection, forgiveness, letting go, surrendering etc. Rituals ~ depending on the circle, rituals such as meditating, dancing, chanting, oracle cards, journalling, sharing cacao, creative expression are often enjoyed during gatherings. A circle center ~ which serves as an altar, which is usually decorated with incense, crystals, candles, personal items, (dried) flowers and oracle cards.
A Women’s Circle is open and welcome for any woman who feels the calling, regardless of age, size or background. You don’t have to know anyone beforehand. An experienced facilitator will guide you through the ceremony with openness and intimacy.
Creating a safe container of unconditional love to show up raw and authentically, with open hearts and to speak our truth. To support each other through our journeys, listening carefully, sharing openly, authentically, painfully and truthfully.
Our hearts cracked wide open ~
‘I actually don’t want you to see these sides of me, but here I am.’
Laid bare in front of you.
Connecting and holding space for each other through any hardship we face and endure as women in a patriarchal society. We come together to feel loved, nurtured, understood, empowered and seen.
This is where we heal as women.
I hope you feel you learned more on the history, modern times and all the in’s-and outs on Women’s Circles and feel confident and safe to join one soon - so that we may heal the women’s wound and together heal Mother Earth.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out