Historically, women have gathered in circles to share stories and labor and to gain strength and support. After attending a few women’s circles last year, I took the training to run my own Wild Women’s Moon Circle Group (based partly on my training with the Wild Women Project International: https://thewildwomenproject.com . I discovered the power of a sacred space held with my sisters. I felt the ceremonious joy and reverence of setting aside time, lighting candles, laughing and crying together, and storytelling. These are some of the reasons to attend a women’s circle.

 1.        Sacred Space

 As Virginia Wolff asserts about all women needing a room of their own, all women need a circle of their own. I only understood the need for this sacred space, this container of my secrets, and this safe vessel for my emotions once I found my home circle. It felt like coming home. My heart center felt expansive and light, and I was completely present rather than caught up in the mind's chatter.

 2.      Empowerment

 Women gathering together can empower and uplift one another by deeply listening, sharing, and offering support. Participants find solace and comfort in disclosing experiences and challenges with like-minded women who hear them without judgment and with love. Sharing stories, wisdom, and insights builds confidence, self-esteem, and self-love. Secrets contribute to shame, and talking about our truths releases shame and guilt.

 3.       Intention Setting and Manifestation

Women’s circles often include intention setting and manifestation, facilitating growth and purposeful living. Intention setting involves mindfully choosing areas to focus on, setting goals, or directing energy toward them. Manifestation is believing something is or will happen and mentally and energetically sending energy accordingly.

 4.      Healing and Emotional Release

When women share their experiences, it fosters an environment of healing and emotional release. Circles provide relief from the fast-paced, demanding world where women often take care of others' needs and make ends meet rather than attend to their own needs.

 5.      Friendship and Networking

 The sister wound can be healed so that women are no longer competing against one another but instead are supporting and uplifting one another. Women have often been set up to compete against one another, whether for spouses or jobs, which creates an environment of cattiness and a tendency toward gossip and negativity. When women unite to celebrate and lift one another, we return to our natural state of kindness and mutual respect.

 Strong friendships tend to develop in women’s circles due to the intimacy of sharing and the consistency of meeting. This is also a great networking opportunity for professionals.

 6.      Shared Wisdom and Experience

 Women of different ages, backgrounds, and varied experiences can come together in circles and share experiences and wisdom. This provides an opportunity for intergenerational connection and is enriching, educational, and enlightening. It is also fulfilling on a deep level.

 7.       Ritual and Ceremony

 There is power in holding ceremonies and having rituals. Rituals are a part of every culture and help mark time, create consistency and predictability, and a way to reaffirm identity and a sense of self and community.

 8.      Cyclical Awareness

 Women’s circles often coincide with the moon's phases, encouraging women to connect with their natural cycles. This promotes self-awareness, a deep understanding of our relationship with nature, and a connection with the ebb and flow of life.

 9.      Spiritual Exploration

 Women may feel comfortable exploring spirituality with like-minded sisters on the same journey. They may explore together and deepen their connection to spirituality through meditation, prayer, movement, or other practices.

 10.   Social Advocacy and Activism

 Women’s circles can serve as an inspiration or gathering place for discussions on social issues, advocacy, and community activism. Empowering women in a circle can lead to collective action and positive social change.

 Women’s circles are empowering and uplifting. They are helpful for women looking to form connections with like-minded women. Circles allow women the delight of reclaiming and owning their power in ways both silly (munching on chocolates, sipping tea, etc.) and profound (free movement, guided meditation, etc.) in a way that lifts our spirits, ignites our inherent power, and highlights our collective oneness (magic).

If you would like more information about my Wild Women’s Circles, held monthly the week of the Full Moon, please email jo@tulasoul.com or https://www.tulasoul.com