Awareness ·
What Happens in a Women’s Circle? A First-Timer’s Guide
A women’s circle is a gathering where women sit in a circle, talk around a theme and listen to each other. Most circles move through an introduction round and a sharing round, and close with a short silence. Sharing is voluntary, confidentiality is a mutual promise, not a guarantee, and a circle does not replace psychological or medical support.
Hello dear friends. 🌿 A women’s circle is a gathering where women sit in a circle, talk around a theme, listen to each other and share some quiet time. Sharing is always voluntary; you are welcome to come only to listen. A circle has no head and no end; everyone is equal and everyone is seen.
I wrote this as a general guide for anyone thinking of going for the first time. Every circle has its own flow, shaped by the person who holds it. So here I gather what most circles have in common and the questions worth asking before you go. I would like you to go to your first circle with an easy heart.
What usually happens in a circle?
Most circles open simply. A candle is lit, everyone takes a few deep breaths together, or there is a short meditation. That way everyone leaves the rush of the day behind and arrives in the moment. Then the person holding the circle introduces the theme of the day. It might be a season, the moon cycle, letting go or setting an intention.
- Opening round: each woman says her name and, in a sentence or two, what she brings that day.
- Sharing round: one person speaks at a time while the others listen without interrupting. Some circles pass a talking piece from hand to hand.
- Supporting practices: meditation, journaling, cards, movement or music, depending on the organiser.
- Closing: a short silence, a thank you and the candle blown out.
A circle is not a therapy group and it is not a class. In most circles the focus is on listening rather than giving advice. What matters is being heard without interruption, and listening to others with the same care. Being listened to from the heart, and listening from the heart, are both very precious to me.
Do I have to share?
No. In a well-held circle sharing is always voluntary. When your turn comes you can say, “I would like to just listen this time.” Listening is a way of taking part too. You also decide how much you say; you never have to tell something you are not ready to tell.
How is confidentiality handled?
Confidentiality is handled through a few agreements that are recalled at the start of the circle. The most common one is simple: what is shared in the circle stays in the circle. Who said what is not discussed outside. Not interrupting and not commenting unless asked are common agreements too.
Still, this is a promise between people, not a guarantee. Confidentiality depends on the care of everyone in the room. At your first circle you can share only as much as feels comfortable. You can also ask beforehand whether photos are taken or posted on social media.
Can I go alone, and what should I ask the organiser?
Of course you can go alone. Coming to a circle alone is very common. You can also come with a friend; then it is lovely to set the intention to listen to the whole circle, not only to each other. Before you book, you can ask the organiser:
- The date, start time and how long it lasts
- The venue and how to get there, indoors or in nature
- The fee, what it includes and the cancellation terms
- How many people will join and which language the circle is held in
- The theme, the flow and what to bring
- The agreements on confidentiality and photos
If you are an expat or a visitor in Istanbul, ask about the language before you go. A circle does not replace psychological or medical support. If you are going through a hard time, support from a professional is precious, and a circle can walk alongside it.
Is there a workshop for women?
I hold a workshop for women with its own flow: Feminine Energy Activation. It takes a full day and is held in nature in Şile, the Black Sea town outside Istanbul where our organic farm Şifa Köyü is. We work with Goddess, God and Angel cards and with crystals, we dance in candlelight and we meditate. Standing on the grass and being together under the open sky gives the day a softness of its own. In this workshop I open space for you to notice the feminine and masculine energy within you. Everyone’s experience is different.
To ask about dates and details, write to us and we will get back to you. I work in Turkish and English. If you are curious about the idea of feminine energy itself, I wrote about it in a separate post; the link is below.
Is there anything on your mind before your first circle? I would be so happy if you shared it with me. May you find many gatherings where you feel heard and where you can be gentle with yourself. With love. 💛
Explore the Feminine Energy Activation workshop →
Read my post on feminine energy →
Write to us with your questions →
Frequently asked questions
What is a women’s circle?
A gathering where women sit in a circle, talk around a theme and listen to each other. The flow depends on the person who holds it.
Do I have to share in a women’s circle?
No, sharing is voluntary. When your turn comes you can pass and simply listen.
Is what I say kept confidential?
Most circles open with the agreement that what is shared stays in the circle. It is a mutual promise, not a guarantee, so share only as much as feels comfortable.
Can I go to a women’s circle alone?
Yes, coming alone is very common. Writing to the organiser beforehand about the flow makes a first visit easier.
Is a women’s circle a form of therapy?
No. A circle is a space for sharing and listening; it does not replace psychological or medical support.
Is Feminine Energy Activation a women’s circle?
No, it is a separate one-day workshop in Şile with its own flow. With cards, crystals, dance and meditation I open space for you to notice your feminine and masculine energy.