Creating The Ceremonial Circle - A Way to Enter Sacred Space
article by Khabira Paige

People have been gathering in Sacred Circles for thousands of years. The Chumash and Hopi people remind us that at one time the truth was known by every being. The truth of tribes, family and no separation– It is time for the mending of the “Sacred Hoop,” for returning full circle and recognizing ourselves as a Circle.

In megalithic stone circles like the Standing Stones of Callinash on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland, the stones themselves defined “sacred space.” There was no need to circumscribe the circle as there is today. For centuries these stone circles stand as silent witness to the need to gather on the earth.

During the 80’s I had one of my first experiences of a Ceremonial Circle. It was facilitated by Starhawk, author, priestess, and spiritual activist. We met in a beautiful valley in Hayworth, California on the high holy day, Samhein. About three hundred “goddesses” hiked down into the lush valley dressed in high ceremonial costume for an all night ritual, which included the making of sacred altars at the base of beautiful old trees.

We divided into smaller groups to process all of the emotions including Love, Anger, Rage, Fear, Sadness and finally Transformation. During the “visioning process,” we lifted our voices in song, dance, and prayer, for the earth until the dawning morning light. Since most of us were involved in spiritual activism at that time, we collectively agreed to converge at Lawrence Livermore Lab in the morning. Lawrence Livermore is one of our nation’s biggest weapons think tanks, and the creator of weapons of great destructive power to the planet and its inhabitants.

We all formed a bridge, linking hands while holding white handkerchiefs, so that the employees needed to drive under our “human canopy.” Most of the workers drove through the human arbor, looking neither left nor right, but straight ahead. However, the effect was compelling. Since then, many of us (including Starhawk) have moved further from the model of direct confrontation, to a posture of total oneness with All That Is.

Through the years, together with many beautiful “sisters” and “brothers,” I have developed a format for the Ceremonial Circle, which has a profound effect on the participants. We usually begin by “calling” in the four directions, as well as above and below, through invocation, dancing, breathing and chanting. The following is a powerful Celtic chant we often use:

• May the circle be open and never be unbroken.
• May the love of the goddess be ever in your heart.
• Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Here in Sedona, where I presently reside, it is my great pleasure to meet with groups in sacred outdoor spaces known as “Vortexes” or “spirals of electro-magnetic earth energy.” We will often journey to places where there are ancient artesian wells and enact a Blessing of the Waters followed by total immersion in the Waters of Life. The best way to contact the elements is to have a direct experience of them, in other words, immersing in the streams, a pool or ocean. We touch and hug trees with reverence, sometimes light a warming fire or scatter rose petals to the wind.

The following is a brief format of how to call in the four directions and elements while entering sacred space:

One representative goddess takes either the east, west, north or south while all the others go to the direction which calls to her most strongly. Typical invocations might go like this:

I invoke the guardian spirits of the East, the rising sun, the new day, calling in new beginnings, the air and all the winged ones.

I invoke the guardian spirits of the South, the element of Fire, all things growing green with summer’s warmth. The place of innocence and trust.

I invoke the guardians of the West, the element of blue water, the dolphin spirit and also the setting sun representing the indigenous people of the earth.

I invoke the element of the North, the Great Mystery, the path of wisdom and introspection, the snowy white owl and polar bear of the North.

Invoking the guardians is a way to “Cast the Circle.” We often proceed to drum, rattle, chant, using toning or well-loved chants. Very often, of course, simply dancing in joy and wild abandon.

We close our Circle with “Sacred Council.” Council is a native process used by indigenous people for centuries for the purpose of sharing visions and making important group decisions. I have been initiated into the council process in the Lakota tradition at the Ojai Foundation in Ojai, California.

The Ceremonial Circle has had a profound effect on my life, by reminding me that WE ARE A CIRCLE. The earth, sun, moon, and planets are circles. The ovum of our womb is a circle. The love we share seems to move in spirals and circles…

– Khabira Paige is an internationally known movement specialist, musician, dancer and producer of large celebratory events, usually held during the Solstices, Equinoxes and Earth Festivals. Together with her partner, Aziz, gifted sitarist, sound healer and composer, they have created many CDs and videos which create an experience of ecstasy through world unity. Khabira also facilitates retreats here in Sedona, AZ. You can contact her through email: khabirasan@aol.com, phone: (520) 204-9588 or visit the web site of their record label: www.peacethroughmusic.com, click on new releases, “Shapeshifters” for a sound byte.

Reprinted from Spheres, Women’s Circles Publication: Vol. 2, No. 1

Spheres Subscribers are invited to submit their “Circle Stories” to be considered for publication in Spheres Women’s Circles Publication and our developing web site. Email submissions to:spherescircles@earthlink.net

article by Suzanne Mulroy

The brochure says “the purpose of this weekend is to provide you with the guidance and opportunity to create your Vision and help you identify what stops you from living the life you want.”

I didn’t think thirty-six hours was enough time to figure out what stops me, but I thought, “why not?” I had hit the sludge on my spiritual journey of self-exploration and I was desperate. I was at a “crossroads” when I had heard about the “Vision Weekend” from co-founder/facilitator, Christine Iannone. I had to decide which fork in the road I would take - a job I was qualified for, that paid very well but I didn’t want, or do I risk it all, surrender to the universe and live the life I’ve always dreamt about…

What appealed to me about the “Vision Weekend” is it is held in Lake Arrowhead, a beautiful California mountain resort. I always wanted to go to Lake Arrowhead and somehow it is easier to work thru your “stuff” when errands aren’t beckoning you to be done. So I drove to this rustic destination ready to unleash my “chain of fools”. My excitement and anxiety mounted as I drove up the mountain, I’m sure my fear of heights and the 6000ft climb with just a guard rail between me and the valley below had nothing to do with it. The views were incredible and I knew I was on my way to heaven. A perfect metaphor for what I was about to encounter.

I entered the warm and cozy cabin with an open mind, leaving my ego and judgments at the door. What I found were seven open minded, intelligent, creative and beautiful women. I felt honored to be amongst them and knew it was no accident I decided to attend this particular weekend.

Christine Iannone and Laurie Goldey, founders and facilitators of the “Vision Weekend,” are wonderful combinations of casual and organized. They had a mission, ensuring we would get what we came for and nothing was ever compromised or sacrificed. They prodded and pushed with the patience and understanding of someone who only wants the best for you. After brunch and a chat session of getting to know each other - we went into the living room and sat in front of a roaring fire, armed with pens and journal. We formed our circle and started by listening to “The Rose,” by Lee Ann Rimes. We breathed in the moment, filled with anticipation of what would be revealed. It was so powerful - the last line is the Vision Weekend in a nutshell “beneath the snow lies the bud that with the sun’s love in the spring becomes the rose”. I was to later recognize, our Circle was the “sun’s love”, our dreams are the “bud” and our Vision is the “rose”. The mood was set, we were ready!!!

I sat in awe and gratitude as we were led down a series of thought provoking questions and mediations. We wrote in our journals and shared our deepest fears, joys, insights and insecurities. I learned how to listen, really listen, with my heart and to share only when it is relevant to the process of the individual. And, I learned I’m not alone.

One of the factors that made the experience so powerful was that we ate and slept together. We spent thirty-six hours in a safe, secure, loving and patient Circle. Their pain was my pain. Their joy was my joy. There was not one “story” I didn’t relate to. Here, I learned to live and to love. Because in that Circle that’s what we did - no masks, no illusions, no judgment. Here there was total acceptance of each other and most importantly, our selves.

Webster Dictionary describes a Circle as “an area of action and influence”, and that is exactly what our Circle was. Women taking action, fueling the power of their imagination, opening up to what it is they can become if there were no boundaries. We couldn’t help but influence each other, our very presence, experiences and attitudes pervaded the Circle and made it safe and warm to reveal our Visions, not only to each other but also to ourselves. Each one of us now has seven women out there rooting for our success, and as life takes us on our own special journey, we always have the memory and power of the Circle and the Circle holds dear all that we shared.

As I embark back into the “real world” with clarity, a strong, surprising Vision and a personal mantra, amongst other things, I am reminded of a quote from the turn of the 20th Century by William James, ” The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their life by altering their attitude of mind”. *

Women create and sustain life, and when we use our creative forces as I witnessed during the Vision Weekend, we strengthen the bonds and the gifts that truly make us divine creatures. Every time we lend a helping hand, a sympathetic ear, give supportive advice, we strengthen our Circle, the Circle of Life.

I am still inspired today and am filled with respect and admiration for the courage I witnessed in our Circle. It truly is amazing - “Amazing Grace,” an appropriate closing song to solidify our Circle, our Vision, our friendship, our trust and our faith. And I say, Journey on, my friends.

* Author took poetic license, original quote says “his”.

– Suzanne Mulroy resides in Los Angeles, California and is a Speaker and Coach, helping people take the leap to achieve the next level of their lives For more information on the Vision Weekend visit www.visionweekend.com.

Reprinted from Spheres, Women’s Circles Publication, Vol. 1, No. 6

article by Kyra Dawn

St. George, Utah- My path took a turn one night…I was living with five men in one large house at the time, male yang energy was practically pouring out of the house. All five simultaneously decided to play Scrabble every night for two weeks. It was an intensive time of left brain activity that literally pushed me to create a solution. Those two weeks became a blessing. It was the impetuous for my creating W.I.L.L. I had a strong desire to connect with my female friends and surround myself with feminine energy of love, honor, intuition, support and understanding. This was what was missing in my life.

I went out to dinner with a girlfriend on the eve of the second week. During dinner I expressed the need for creating a gathering of women, to support one another in our paths and connect as Sisters - it was missing in my friends’ life too she said. All of the sudden I felt an energetic lightening bolt hit my head, the name “WILL” popped in - Women in Light and Leadership. All at once it all came pouring in - the name, the mission, the purpose and the vision - all in a matter of minutes. I dashed home to immediately write a list of the women to contact and see if it resonated with them to begin gathering. There was something universal I connected with it seems — a call by women on a subconscious level to gather in Circle.

Magically I had the opportunity to take care of my friend’s home for a weekend. Alone, I spent a weekend of discovery, to meditate and “down-load” more information. I started the weekend by reading “We the Arcturians” - a book about a civilization from a planet in another dimension. The information propelled me to write the mission and goals with ease. I thought that perhaps this other life form had already experienced our type of planet, history and bodies and then through thousands of years evolved spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. The culture seemed to have wisdom and kindness, and I drew from its template.

The mission was clear that weekend — to create a Sisterhood and increase the feminine energy in leadership. As I reflected on women as a whole it was an eye-opening experience to recognize the beauty, strength and fortitude of women in our time. And the realization that so much creativity and leadership is just blossoming, and only just begun. In fact we need now more than ever, to come together as Sisters and share, bringing our “knowingness” and strength together to increase peace, love, intuition, truth and balance in our world. We have the ability through connection in numbers. I have envisioned W.I.L.L. from that time, as a large network of points of light worldwide. It feels as if angels are guiding the vision. Each day I am amazed at the momentum and impact it has already made in many women’s lives on every level.

From the first WILL Circles that met in my home with six sometimes three women, we have gathered in a sacred circle. Starting out in meditation and prayer, we send energy and love to one another, individuals and the planet. We use a talking stick to share our individuals stories for a few minutes each. Then magically a theme emerges through conversation. Sometimes we have a guest who teaches us how to understand our dreams, acknowledge the goddess within, face our fears, balance our lives, We’ve experienced guidance from different channelers, and have also learned to help our community, do facials, start a business, understand and participate in investments, or create a “contract” for a partner.

There is an element of magic in each Circle, and it is always the perfect number of women and the most amazing sharing. In one of the most recent circles two women admitted to others for the first time, that they had been molested as children. Sometimes the Circles are a space to allow release and healing on an intense level and sometimes it is about having energizing exercises.

Today W.I.L.L. has expanded from one small Circle to over 300 women having attended gatherings in eight cities worldwide. The international headquarters is in St. George, Utah where I now reside. A “spoke” of W.I.LL. that I’m very excited about is W.O.W. - Women of Wisdom - our elder council, who provide counsel and wisdom to the younger members via email and the W.I.L.L. newsletter. W.I.L.L. continues to develop in providing local workshops, weekend retreats, the “Encircle” newsletter, electronic W.I.L.L. E-news, fundraisers, and membership.

I invite you to participate and share in the magic of the feminine energy rising, by creating or joining in a circle in your area and providing the gift of your knowledge and leadership.

– After ten years in the technology industry, Kyra Dawn has been on a new journey creating and leading W.I.L.L., and is a new mother. She has owned her own technology consulting company, developing communications plans for schools and the aerospace industry and has appeared on CBS-TV as a technology expert. For more information on W.I.L.L. and to contact Kyra Dawn email: kyradawn@lycos.com. or visit www.willwomen.org.

Reprinted from Spheres, Women’s Circles Publication, Vol. 1, No. 4

From Vivian Silva, MSW’s featured Shared Circle Story:

Arlyne: “I moved to Northern California after the death of my husband to be near my elder daughter. I had a horrendous year dealing with having breast cancer. During that time my husband came down with a rare form of cancer and died within 4 months, while I was undergoing radiation with more chemo to come. I had left behind many friends when I moved, and suddenly found myself alone, except for my daughter and her family. I decided to do something about it, and moved into a senior retirement community. I attended “A Women’s Circle” program with Vivian Silva, and have been attending faithfully on a weekly basis, ever since. Vivian opened my eyes and ears to many things. I have learned so much about myself and how to fend for myself. The Group’s input has been most helpful. I have made bonding friendships from the group and no longer feel so isolated and alone.—I don’t know how I would have coped without these wonderful women!”Kayla:” Being in this “Women’s Circle” has created a strong bond between us, and become a top priority for me and the other members. The experience of having a voice and being heard on such a deep level, has formed an incredible trust that few of us have had in our lives. Having a place to reach out regularly has created a networking of helpmates and camaraderie. The women who are on their own don’t feel so alone. On a daily basis I find myself looking at things differently– with sharing in mind.”

Lorie: “For approximately three years, I have been a member of the “Women’s Circle”, described in our activity guide as “A chance to be heard”. Earlier this year, our facilitator began a full-time position, and we have continued to meet on our own. Our current group consists of 10 to 12 “regulars”, who meet on a weekly basis. We have shared many concerns and experiences, and given each other much support. Most importantly, we listen. We have developed a closeness and deep bond as we relate to each other. I look forward to our weekly circles and find each member contributes to the atmosphere of caring, kindness and respect that prevails.”

The Guidelines that were set in the beginning by Vivian have been most helpful in setting the tone and creating a safe space for “The Women’s Circle” to continue on their own. They are as follows:

• Only one person speak at a time
• Give your full attention to the person speaking
• Confidentiality. Anything said in the circle is not repeated outside the circle unless the person speaking gives permission.
• Speak in “first person” when stating opinions.
• Be non-judgmental. Do not judge yourself or others for expressed feelings or opinions.

The “Women’s Circle” at the Sunnyvale Senior Center has been meeting every Tuesday morning for the past two years. Many times their “Gatherings” extend into lunch and other social events throughout the day, and have been the catalyst of many lasting friendships that continue to enrich their daily lives.

– Vivian Silva, MSW, Gerontologist and Counselor, resides in San Jose, California. To contact her email: vivsilva@aol.com

Reprinted from Spheres, Women’s Circles Publication, Vol.1, No. 3

article by Vivian I. Silva, MSW

Sunnyvale, California-The spark ignited for starting a women’s circle in 1993. I attended a workshop with Clarissa Pinkola Estes, author of “Women Who Run with the Wolves.” By the end of the weekend I realized how difficult it was for me to be free to express my own voice. Clarissa had asked the participants to write a poem based on a significant dream. It so happened that one of the three men in attendance was a teacher from my high school and my Saturday catechism classes. When she asked for volunteers to read their poems, I said to myself, “No way can I read mine, Mr. Kiely is here. He’ll wonder what happened to ‘nice’ Vivian”. Just then I heard a voice in my head saying, “All the more reason to read it!” I took a deep breath and raised my hand to volunteer. “Not such a big deal,” you may be thinking to yourself as you read this—But in my dream the words “Fuck You,” screamed out of my mouth at my ex-husband. I rarely used the “F” word, so I realized how significant it was for me to express my anger. This went against all I was taught about being a “nice girl”. Growing up in my Portuguese family, children were to be seen, not heard. In later years, I found myself in a long-term relationship and marriage where I didn’t have a voice. I left that weekend workshop with a mission–to help give older women a voice!

As a social worker and gerontologist at the Cupertino Senior Center, I noticed there wasn’t a format for women only, to discuss aging issues or life situations. Thus began “Lady Guinevere’s Round Table Discussion Group.” Often a new attendee would ask if I was Guinevere, and with a smile I’d answer; “No, but King Arthur probably never invited Lady Guinevere to his round table discussions, so this is a chance for women to be heard”.

The success of this group encouraged Sunnyvale Senior Center’s director to ask me to facilitate and implement a women’s group there. Thus began “A Women’s Circle”, where I continued to pursue my passion—to give women a voice and an opportunity to get to know themselves and each other better. I wanted to present aging topics in a fun, non-threatening way. I continue to hear from participants stating the value of being heard in a circle of women. Comments range from “learning new communication skills”, “not feeling alone”, “new friendships”, “to feeling supported”, and “a bonding unlike any others experienced”.

The experiences of following my passion to help older women find their voice, continued to ignite my creativity; thus, sparking exploration of my own voice. I’ve designed and implemented formats for a variety of topics such as divorce, dreams, transition, film, aging and “free-to-be-me-groups.” I owe much gratitude to the women sharing their voices, sharing their lives with me. They will forever be in my heart’s circle.

article by Sig-Britt Cox

San Francisco, California–I started a Women’s Circle, or “Healers Group”, after reading an article by Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen, entitled ” Women’s Circles: Witnessing Each other. “I was so inspired after reading it, that at one in the morning, I went through my Rolodex and picked ten likely candidates for a group. Bolen suggests to “trust your intuition” and make sure to invite fairly easy-going women. And also, to invite only “juicy women’s-women, who know how to laugh and are not prickly or over-sensitive.” She recommends six to eight women, as a perfect number for a group. I was so excited, the next day I called everyone on the phone and got their email address to form an efficient way of communicating, a listserve. The response was enthusiastic.

We held our first meeting on a Tuesday night, and surprisingly, almost everyone was able to attend. My boyfriend went out for a movie for the night. I lit candles and prepared the space. There was a certain, unexplainable energy in the room. A soft feeling, a warmth and open space. Once we were all together, it was a time to relax, talk about yourself and goals for a moment, and to get to know some very exceptional women.

Everyone in our circle is fairly self-sufficient, successful and somewhat artistic. It’s not easy to get this type of busy women together in one place, at one time. Our second meeting wasn’t as well attended. It was the day after the Memorial Weekend and most people couldn’t make it. We plan on having another meeting soon. I know many of us got a lot out of the experience, even if it was just a chance to bond with other women and getting to see your friends–

One of the women in the group is going to have a baby any day now. She is one of the women who hasn’t been able to attend our gathering yet. I know when she does make it, there will be another special, unforgettable light in the room that is worth nurturing-This beginning experience of being in a Women’s Circle, has already given me the sense that, as we heal ourselves, come together in Sacred Circles and realize our power– we will begin to heal the world and be creating a safer place for our children.

My interest in feminine energy and spirituality has extended into my educational background. I’m currently engaged in a graduate program at a school in San Francisco, called The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). Some of the most interesting classes that I have taken have been in the Women’s Spirituality Program. My first class at CIIS was Eco-feminism, which basically taught how women can be effective ecology advocates and voices for change. One of the most compelling books we read was, “Shakti Woman-Feeling our Fire Healing Our World”, by Vi