by Lauren Wallett
We are a society of storytellers. When we women gather to share ours together, magic is made manifest.
There is power in the collective. We strengthen ourselves through the quality of our soul tribe ties to others.
Now, more than ever, we’re being called to communicate: with ourselves, each other and the planet itself.
Healing is needed and in order to discover our wounds, hidden in the shadowy recess of our soul, we call on the light bearers to mirror reflect back to us, what they too conceal within.
When our words reveal, we heal.
Our words are the spells of our lives and with them we’re able to re-write our stories, flip the script and redefine our happy endings.
Our sharing is our caring. It’s the time to come together. The truism that’s stood the test of time: United we stand, divided we fall.
Our modern medicine is found within our connected collective conversations.
So if you’ve heard the call to gather your sisters from their hiding places and secret spaces … these are the 10 steps to follow to hold a safe container for a community coven conversation.
1. Prepare the space
This two fold service sets the scene for a caring, nurturing environment .
Clean by sweeping, dusting, scrubbing and polishing. Dust stores stale, stagnant energy so remove all dirt and debris.
Tidy away clutter and chaos to remove too many visual distractions. The focus should remain within the group. If it doesn’t compliment the purpose of the conversation, remove it.
(Sneakers, children’s toys, cat’s litter boxes, empty coffee cups, discarded clothing – put away.)
2. Clear the space
Sage the space (each corner, crevice and doorway) before your guests arrive.
3. Set the space
Holistically incorporate five elements (at least one but all is best)
Earth: Fresh flowers
Fire: Lit candles
Water: A jug of water
Air: A fan or heater
And for extra nourishment, provide some Soul with food and snacks (chocolate and fruit).
4. Invite Spirit
Invite sprit through scent. Either by burning sage, palo santo, burning oils or oil diffuser, or lighting scented candles during the circle.
5. Set your intention
Set an intention for the space. Something like:
My intention is to create a safe, held space for the women to share, connect and heal tonight.
May I be of highest service tonight.
May I listen, respect, encourage and honour each women, replacing all judgement with love, grace and acceptance.
May I offer myself the same.
The space is now sacred.
6. Upon arrival
As each woman arrives, have her do something.
Suggestions include:
Remove her shoes,
Silence her phone,
Put her bag down,
Write her intention,
Read something,
Light a candle,
Get a drink or/ and food.
There is nothing as uncomfortable as arriving and not knowing what to do. Busy hands. Happy heart.
7. Open the space
When all the women have arrived and been offered food and drinks, have everyone sit in a circle.
This is the welcoming to the safe space. Explain the proceedings of the event, show them where the bathroom and exit is.
Ask that everyone stays for the duration of the circle, leaving only to visit the bathroom and return.
8. Introductions
Introduce yourself, how you came to be here, and your intention for the gathering.
Let each women do the same, following the circle clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Prompt with intentional words as gifts to be used by the women:
To connect,
To reveal,
To discover,
To heal…
9. Ground into the space
Have everyone sit up straight, close their eyes and take three deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth.
After a moment of silence say,
We open the sacred circle. Welcome. Let us begin.
10. Begin with guidelines
Proceed with an overview of the event’s agenda, topic for conversation and sharing guidelines (talking stick, hands up to share, cross talk, no cross talk etc).
During the circle, ensuring that every women has the opportunity to share and ask questions.
When everyone is comfortable and ready, begin with your circle conversation.
As the conversation comes to a close. Ground into the space before closing.
IN CONCLUSION
If this essay resonates with you, please join our WITCH email list by using the forms on this website so we can stay in touch.
About the Author:
Lauren is a witch native to South Africa, now living in Hollywood. She’s a connection coach. If you would like to create a women’s circle but don’t have a conversation starter, email lauren@ilovemalva about Rebella: 7 phases of the heroine’s journey or Witches Rehab: 12 steps to magical reclamation. Meeting format, guidelines, agenda and scripts are available. Create your own circle to join the conversation from anywhere in the world.
featured image via Unsplash
