Institutes for Women and Global Change

Our recommended formats for Spiraling Circles

There are many different ways to organize a circle. We prefer to have a specific focus and to organize the circle around it. The group can decide from the onset on topics. For example, the processes I have been teaching regarding (1) balancing power and beauty or (2) how does a women’s power differ from masculine power, (3) learning about ancient Goddesses, (4) women’s history and (5) need for global gender balance and so forth. (Good to ask women for a list of issues they would like to focus on in upcoming meetings.)

Creating the group.

First, consider the background of the women as this will impact the style of the setting and the processes.

For a beginning group it may be best to simply hold hands and have 10 breaths so that everyone feels a sense of deepening and connecting. 

Set a theme for discussion and have everyone share their experience with it. Its best to stay away from cross talk and for everyone to learn to listen. This is important training for those who are new to group experience. It is also important that everyone know that it is important to stay in the moment rather than going into long histories of an experience that isn't directly related to the topic. Perhaps after the circle ends, there can be place for Tea or coffee and discussing other issues.

The main purpose is that women are learning to be with one another, speaking of topics such as how "power and beauty" manifest (or do not manifest) in their lives. Why these qualities are important for women at this time. How have these qualities and images of the feminine been demonstrated by the patriarchal influence?  How can women find their true identity?

The following directions are especially for women who are focused on including ritual in order to deepen the process.

It is good to have an initial meeting to learn about the directions (elements of air, fire, water, earth, powers above and the powers below, etc.). Acknowledging these directions empowers the circle by setting sacred space. It is also good to have different women focus on what direction they will be calling in so they can focus on it ahead of time. (See bottom of this page for some defining of the and six directions and related elements.)

Creating a center with scarves and candles provides an awareness of setting sacred space. Women can bring special relics, jewelry, etc., and put it in the center during the circle gathering. Then when they leave these act as reminders of the time and learning spent together.

Learn how to “release” the directions as the circle ends. (See directives at the end.)

Actual Circle Meeting

Preparation can be drumming (percussion). Also, smudging with incense sets the space. This can be done by “smudging” with incense as each woman arrives and enters the room.

1.      Call in the directions. This can be done by one woman or by  each woman taking a  direction. I usually add a final dedication to the Earth Mother to "set" the circle. It is explained in my chapter, Tales of the Goddess: Healing Metaphors for Women (also on this website).

2.       Inspirational reading (poetry, something from “Circle of Stones” or something similar. A member of the Circle can do the reading.

            How might your life have been different if there had been a place for you, a place of women? A place where other women, somewhat older, had reached out to help you as you rooted yourself in the earth of the ancient feminine...A place where there was a deep understanding of the ways of women to nurture you in every season of your life. A place of women to help you measure your own stature...to help you prepare and know when you were ready.

A place where, after the fires were lighted, and the drumming, and the silence, you would claim, finally in your Naming, as you spoke slowly into that silence, that the time had come, full circle, for you, also, to reach out...reach out as younger women entered into that place...reach out to help them prepare as they struck root in that same timeless earth. How might your life be different?(Judith Duerk (1989). Circle of Stones. San Diego, CA: LuraMedia.  p. 67).

3.       Name the topic that will add to the development of the group/individual woman. Each woman discusses her experience with this.  (This could be something such as the focus of the Institutes on balancing power and beauty.)

4.       Some sort of deepening process occurs. This can be chanting, breathing, creative imagery, etc.  Allow enough silent time after the process so any integration, intuition, guidance arises from within.

5.       Each woman then shares her experience with this.

6.       There are Goddess focused songs to sing or some focus to draw to end circle

7.       Release directions. Can chant, “Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again.” With a close group it’s very uplifting to pass a kiss on the cheek around the circle.

Note:  We find it is best to keep the group focused. Then after the circle has been opened, tea can be served and the women simply enjoy one another and hang out.

© 1994-2012 Sharon G. Mijares

Institutes for Women and Global Change

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DIRECTIONS:

East is the element Air and is associated with mental clarity, enlightenment. Bird: Eagle

South is the element Fire and is associated with inspiration, enthusiasm, the inner child

West is the element Water and is associated with flow, emotions, relationships.

Nortb is the element Earth (think of the force bringing form into being) and is associated with endurance, strength.

Powers Above is all of the celestial bodies (sun/moon/planets/stars and so on), Angels, Archangels, Buddha, Christ, Masters…

Powers Below is that which is still unknown/unconscious as available power.

(See Starhawk (1989/1999) Spiral Dance. NY: HarperCollins for more information and training in this area.)