Circles:The Space of Making

It is the last Tuesday of the month and I arrive a little late as usual. I drive 45 minutes to join my sisters in The Circle. We each bring a dish and once we're all here, we feast as we catch up on the events that have transpired in our lives since our last meeting. Our hostess has already lit candles around the room and the fragrance of Oxygen incense fills the space. Eventually, we all move to the couch or a comfortable chair and select two sheets of paper on which each of us will write a burning question to which we have been seeking an answer from Spirit and it has not yet been forthcoming. On the other sheet, we will each write a positive statement and each paper will be folded and put into its designated basket. Then as though a bell rings, we all quiet down and listen to some music that is a favorite of the hostess for this particular meeting. As we listen, our focus shifts from the outside world to our small community of Wise Women and we join hands as the hostess begins an opening prayer.

This is the preparation and beginning of the gathering phenomonen now known as circles. We are just one of thousands (if not millions) of groups of women who meet to share, bless, listen to and heal one another on a monthly basis. Some circles meet more or less often. Some circles begin their meeting by performing a movement prayer to the four directions.

The faces of the women in the circle testify to the varing ages within The Circle. As we close our eyes, we turn into the energy in the room. I feel safe, nutured, wrapped in a soft cocoon, highly favored and blessed.

Circles are support groups and can become a powerful and integral part of the lives of each member. Most women, if they are dedicated, are capable of starting a circle and learning to lead it.

While in East Africa, I formed two groups one The Wisdom Circle of Kibera and the other The Pretty Ladies Circle of Vihiga. And like any mother who gives birth, I am responsible for the life support of the circles until they mature to support and nuture themselves.