Okay so I am guessing your first question is....candice, what is a healing circle?

There is undeniable power in coming together to share our stories, listen with empathy, and support one another on our journeys to healthy and joyful living.

Healing circles do just this.

They create a sacred space outside of the pressures of day-to-day life, where we come together in community (something we have been disconnected from since the creation of smart phones and especially during this pandemic) Those who sit in circle gather in openness, empathy, and compassion, harnessing their combined energy to spark change and collective healing.

Such circles are a powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life. Too often we are expected to carry our burdens alone, without letting on that we are struggling. We hide our pain behind a brave face. But healing circles provide a space where we can take off the mask and share our authentic selves with others, safe in the knowledge that we will be held and supported and it is some of the most magical work that I have ever seen.

What Are Healing Circles Like?

At their simplest, healing circles are a group of people coming together with the shared aim of creating a space for collective healing and transformation.

Every circle will be different, depending on the aims and needs of the participants. Some are open to everyone, while others may be limited to people with a shared experience - our circle is open to any and all female identifying persons.

Women’s circles are particularly common. Both formally and informally, women have gathered for thousands of years to share their stories, celebrate or grieve, and make their voices heard.

Many healing circles meet monthly, typically with the full or new moon. Others may meet more regularly.

Because it is a circle, there is no hierarchy involved in these gatherings. All the participants come together as equals, and all are treated with respect and honor.

Usually, there will be a host and/or a facilitator who prepares the space for the group in advance and helps guide the process. In some circles, responsibility for these roles will be shared between the participants, with different people hosting or facilitating each gathering.

Other circles are led by professionals with experience in holding space for healing and transformation. These circles are often less daunting for beginners, who may appreciate knowing that someone with experience is there to guide them through the process.

But everyone who sits in circle is considered an equal. The host or facilitator may help to guide the gathering, but they are not in a higher position. Everyone can share their thoughts and emotions openly and without fear.

Healing circles are safe and sacred environments. Participants hold space for one another, welcoming everyone’s stories without interruption. Whatever comes up for you during a circle, you can speak freely, knowing you will be held in love and empathy. We do not attempt to offer each other advice or solutions.

We simply listen and bear witness.

Depending on the nature of the circle, it may also incorporate journaling prompts, meditation, some gentle yoga, breathwork or sound therapy, and the use of healing herbs and crystals. The session will usually start with some intention setting. There may be a theme for each gathering.

How Does Attending a Women’s Circle Lead to Healing?

In a patriarchal society that favors domination, competition, and individual achievement, women’s circles play a necessary part in female empowerment. When we sit in circle, we embrace our divine feminine power and start to heal the wounds from living in a world where masculine energy has become overly dominant.

It is rare during our daily lives to have the opportunity to speak honestly and deeply about the issues we face. Unintentionally, people in our lives may dismiss our struggles by attempting to reassure us or offer advice or solutions.

Well-meaning though those responses might be, they prevent us from truly unburdening ourselves. In contrast, when we meet in sisterhood in a women’s circle, we have space to share our stories and speak authentically. We also support others to do the same.

Hearing other women speak honestly and share their personal experiences helps us feel less alone on our own journey. We come together in community, listening and supporting each member of the circle on their healing path.

We learn to listen with patience and speak with intention, skills that help us find new ways to navigate our lives. We learn to trust our innate wisdom and recognize both our strengths and our weaknesses.

Is There a Spiritual Element to Healing Circles?

A healing circle is a sacred space and an opportunity to deepen your connection to your body, mind, and spirit.

Women’s circles, in particular, invite connection with the divine feminine. When we sit together in sisterhood, we acknowledge the creative power of the female spirit. We build spaces that focus on cooperation, connection, and compassion.

Healing circles embrace a sense of liminality – of stepping outside our everyday lives into a space where release and transformation can occur. While in circle, we seek a deeper connection with our high power, inviting the divine energy to spark collective healing.

Circles may use sacred herbs to purify the space. Tools such as crystals or oracle cards might be incorporated into the session. And many circles will have a particular opening and closing ritual to set the tone for the session and welcome members into the sacred space.

Having said that, there’s no need to subscribe to any particular spiritual or religious tradition to take part in a healing circle. People of all beliefs and none are welcome, as long as they come with an open mind.

Stepping Into Sacred Sisterhood

The power of healing circles to inspire collective healing and emotional release is something I have seen first-hand. And for many years, I have felt the call to create a sacred space for women to gather and embrace the power of our feminine energy.

I feel so honored to now come together with Neeyaz, founder of Unspoken Nutrition, to offer the monthly Unfolding Healing Circle.

Meeting at the full moon, this sacred circle welcomes women to sit in sisterhood as we explore our collective healing. Incorporating journaling, meditation, breathwork, and yoga, The Unfolding is a guided process that offers a safe space for emotional release and transformation.

If you feel called to sit in circle, we would be pleased to welcome you at the next full moon. You can find more details of what to expect at the Unfolding here.

It is my hope that you found this article informative and that it answered your questions while also solidifying your interest to join us. Neeyaz and I have had such gratitude and honor yo have hosted many women in their first circle and I cam only hope that we continue to do so.

For further information please know I am available for discussion via email or on socials and please sign up for my monthly newsletter below to continue receiving heart opening guidance and support as well as my free morning pages worksheet.