5 reasons why sacred circle is a catalyst for rapid healing and growth
Sacred Circles are a social phenomenon that have been taking place in various forms for hundreds, if not, thousands of years.
However, because of its private nature, this phenomenon is almost invisible to the public eye.
The internet has allowed for a modern revival of these circles. Unfortunately, they often get labeled by the mainstream as woo-woo spirituality movements or witchcraft - intended to strip from it any intrinsic value or as having little to do with the “real” world.
But, in recent years, the collective experience has intensified and is forcing more and more people to look deep within themselves because the discomfort has become too great to continue on with the same patterns and systems.
Gathering in circle has become an irreplaceable space, where those longing for authentic emotional support finally find a sense of safety and intimate connection they’ve lacked in previous and/or existing relationships.
Who is circle for?
There can be a circle for any one and any purpose. At Budding Moon, we hold circle for anyone who identifies as a woman, non-binary or trans woman.
What happens there?
Every circle is facilitated differently and finding one that you resonate with might take time. At Budding Moon, circle is a sacred space that is created using the power of intention, breath, and meditation.
We have certain codes of conduct that serve to maintain the safety and sacredness of our gatherings, including:
Complete confidentiality: Anything another person shares will be kept within the circle time and space. Building and maintaining complete trust and safety is extremely important for vulnerable sharing to transpire.
Unconditional non-judgement: Individuals are invited to practice self-acceptance and acceptance of others. Together we encourage and welcome diverse points of view.
Deep listening: Let words arise from the present moment, from your heart. When another person is sharing, listen deeply to them, rather than thinking about what you are going to say when it’s your turn. Be curious about what will come up for you when it’s your turn to speak.
Respectful sharing: Please share succinctly. There is no commenting or replying to another person’s share - this prevents moving into problem solving or “helping” mode, and ensures each person’s share is protected. Each person is invited to speak with “I” statements to share one’s own truth rather than “We” statements that can be generalizations. (Example: “We often get overwhelmed with life,” to “I often get overwhelmed.”)
What makes circle so damn valuable for healing and growth?
Sacred circle is held near the dark or new moon, which aligns to the natural cycle of releasing and new beginnings. Thus, the intention held during circle is to release that which no longer serves you, as well as to set your intention for the upcoming cycle.
It is a healing circle to reflect on the past moon cycle and to feel and release what you’ve been holding onto.
Common experiences arise from participating in circle regularly. I’ve found that these common experiences are the reasons why sacred circle is a catalyst for rapid healing and growth and why people continue to come back time and again.
1. Serve as a ritual - marking a regular passage of time
Within a linear moment of time, say 60 minutes, you can have an internal experience that moves your understanding of the world and your Self in huge and meaningful ways.
Often times, when coming into circle, one realizes that so much has happened internally within the past month.
Upon taking a moment to slow down and reflect, one can juxtapose where they sat one month ago next to where they currently sit, and realize that much transformation has actually taken place.
2. You are seen and heard
Circle can be the first time in a long time that someone feels seen and heard by others.
Family and friends can unconsciously not allow for our feelings and our experience by:
Dismissing your feelings or trivializing your experience.
May redirect attention to themselves or newsworthy events because your feelings make them feel uncomfortable.
May immediately try to solve your “problem”/feelings (even with a loving intention), but skip over being fully present and acknowledging how you feel.
Feeling seen and heard are fundamental needs every human being has.
When these needs are regularly met, we feel loved, connected, and supported, which allows us to fully thrive.
3. A safe space for vulnerability
Seeing that others are being seen and heard, allows us to understand circle is a safe space to open up and be vulnerable about our own experiences.
The importance of having a safe space to reflect, release, and process cannot be undervalued. The feeling of safety is essential to moving through any challenging and uncomfortable experiences we are carrying within ourselves.
4. A connection to something beyond oneself
This could be your Highest Self, God, Goddess, Earth, Creator, Spirit Guides, Angels, … It doesn’t matter how or with what you connect to beyond yourself.
The value of coming into your own understanding of the All Knowing / All Is-ness / All Being that carries one through all things cannot be communicated or understood through words - only a personal, internal experience. Sacred circle offers space for this experience to take place and evolve.
5. You are not alone on your journey
Hearing the shares of others allows us to gain perspective.
It is a common experience to see pieces of yourself in another’s experience. This opens up the path of compassion within our hearts for others and for ourselves.
Sacred circle brings the experience and knowing that others are with us as we move through painful experiences, and as we attempt to break patterns that no longer serve us.
Circle offers a sense of comfort in knowing that you are not alone in the heavy work of healing yourself and what you’ve inherited.
There’s a Circle for You
The self-discovery and healing process moves rapidly when we are supported by others.
If this sounds like something for you, explore my Return to Heart Circle.
An online circle for women who are ready to build resilience and tap into the wisdom of the Heart.