Women’s Circles: What ARE THEY?
What to Expect at a Women’s Circle: Origins, Benefits, and Why You Should Consider Attending
In a world that is increasingly busy and individualistic, the concept of community and connection is more important than ever. One beautiful and empowering way for women to gather and nurture their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being is by participating in a women’s circle. If you’ve never attended one, you may wonder what it’s all about. Is it just a group of women chatting, or is there something deeper at play? In this blog post, we’ll explore what a women’s circle is, its origins, and why you might want to consider joining one.
What Is a Women’s Circle?
At its core, a women’s circle is a gathering of women who come together to share their experiences, express their feelings, and support one another in a safe and sacred space. While these circles can take on many forms, they typically focus on fostering connection, healing, personal growth, and empowerment. They often involve sitting in a circle (hence the name) for some or all of the activities, which symbolizes equality, unity, and the cyclical nature of life.
Women’s circles are deeply rooted in ritual, and the experiences can vary from meditations, guided discussions, creative activities (like journaling or art), or even just a quiet space for reflection. The goal is always to create a nurturing and non-judgmental environment where women can open up, be heard, and offer support to others. It’s not about competition, comparison, or judgment; it’s about solidarity and mutual care.
When I host a Women’s Circle, I typically include meditation, some gently movement practice to help release stress and tension, and then a focus around a central theme or activity, be that creating a vision board, focus on the chakras, or release rituals. Click here for more information on current and past Light Soul Wellbeing Women’s Circles.
The Origin of Women’s Circles
Women’s circles have ancient roots. Throughout the ages, women’s circles have been a way for women to gather in community for healing, sharing wisdom, and passing down traditions. These gatherings were often sacred spaces, held under the moon or in connection with seasonal rites, where women would come together to support one another and connect with the rhythms of nature.
In many indigenous cultures, women’s circles were central to the community. They served as spaces for ritual, storytelling, celebration, and spiritual connection. In some traditions, women would gather during specific phases of the moon to honor their cycles, reflect on their personal journeys, and support one another through various life stages—whether it be birth, motherhood, or menopause.
Today, women’s circles continue to thrive, often outside of religious or spiritual organizations, with many women drawn to women’s circles for connection and healing.
What to Expect at a Women’s Circle
While each women’s circle will be unique, here are some common elements you can expect:
A Safe and Supportive Space: One of the main features of any women’s circle is the sense of safety and mutual respect. The atmosphere is one of trust, confidentiality, and non-judgment. Boundaries are respected, and there is an emphasis on creating a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
Sharing and Listening: It is typical that as women gather together, we enjoy sharing our stories and experiences, and learning from each other. While no one is ever obliged to talk about anything they don’t want to, many women find it connecting and healing to speak from their hearts about their personal experiences or challenges. Speaking in the circle can feel cathartic and empowering, especially when the group shares a deep connection.
Guided Practices or Rituals: Many women’s circles involve some form of guided activity, whether that’s meditation, breathwork, dance, or creating something. These practices help create a sense of mindfulness and deeper connection to oneself and others. Rituals may vary depending on the focus of the group, with examples from some of our recent circles including release rituals around a fire, guided meditation and journaling.
Community and Sisterhood: The magic of a women’s circle lies in the bonds that are formed between women. The shared experience of vulnerability, mutual care, and support fosters a sense of sisterhood. Women tend to leave the circle feeling more connected to other women and empowered in their personal lives.
A Focus on Personal Growth and Healing: Many women’s circles are centered around personal growth, healing, and spiritual development. They often explore themes like self-love, boundaries, empowerment, inner wisdom, or overcoming trauma. The idea is to support women in growing into their fullest, most authentic selves.
Why Attend a Women’s Circle?
If you’ve never attended a women’s circle, you may wonder what the benefits could be. Here are a few reasons why someone might want to join one:
Connection and Community: In today’s world, it’s easy to feel isolated, especially as we juggle busy lives, work, and family. A women’s circle offers a space to connect with other like-minded women who understand your struggles, celebrate your joys, and offer a sense of belonging.
Healing and Empowerment: Whether you’re going through a personal challenge, processing emotions, or seeking deeper connection with yourself, women’s circles provide a space for healing. Sharing your story and hearing others’ can be incredibly cathartic, helping you process your emotions and move toward empowerment.
Self-Discovery: Through the practices and rituals that often accompany women’s circles, you may find that you uncover new insights about yourself. The space encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and an increased awareness of your inner strength and wisdom.
Spiritual Connection: If you’re interested in exploring spirituality, a women’s circle is a wonderful way to connect with your inner self and the collective energy of a group. Whether you’re drawn to the moon cycles, nature, or other spiritual practices, the circle can provide a meaningful connection to something greater than yourself.
Support and Encouragement: Life can be difficult, and having a supportive network of women can make all the difference. Women’s circles often provide a level of encouragement that might be hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re working through a tough time or celebrating a success, your circle is there to cheer you on and provide love and wisdom.
feeling curious?
A women’s circle is a powerful and nurturing space that offers connection, empowerment, and healing. Rooted in ancient traditions, these circles continue to provide a safe environment for women to share, support, and grow together. Whether you’re looking for spiritual connection, emotional healing, or simply a sense of community, attending a women’s circle could offer exactly what you need. It’s a chance to step into a sacred space, rediscover yourself, and build lasting connections with other women who are on similar journeys.
If you’re feeling drawn to a women’s circle, why not give it a try? You might be surprised by the transformation it brings. Check out our Women’s Circle page for our latest offerings.