Hosting a Women's Circle

Women’s circles are intentional gatherings that provide a safe space for women to share, connect, and encourage one another​. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned facilitator, the following steps will help you create a welcoming and meaningful circle for all participants. 

Step 1: Set a Clear Intention or Theme

Begin by defining the purpose or intention of your circle. Decide what you hope participants will gain and the kind of energy or focus you want to cultivate in the gathering​. For the New Moon Circle, the intention is to provide a safe space for self-reflection, to connect with intution, to share with the gathered community, and to set personal intentions for this moon cycle. 

Step 2: Choose a Welcoming Space

Select a space that fosters connection and makes everyone feel at ease. This could be a cozy living room, a quiet room at a community center, a yoga studio, or for New Moon circles, an outdoor setting is preferred. Think of a space that feels comfortable, private, and conducive to intimate conversation.

Arrange seating in a circle (using blankets and cushions on the floor or other seating) so that everyone can see each other. Soft lighting, candles, or calming décor can make the environment feel safe and inviting​.

If you’d like, create an altar with candles, plants, imagery, or other items that represent the season. If you like to work with oracle cards, set out a deck for participants to pull from during the gathering.

Step 3: Structure the Gathering

Here’s an example of how you might structure your New Moon women’s circle:

• Opening: Begin with a brief opening moment to create the sacred space and to welcome everyone into the shared space. For example, you might light a candle, take a few deep breaths together, or share another grounding practice. You can have each person do a quick check-in such as sharing their name and one word to describe how they’re arriving to the circle.
• Learning/discussion: Move into the heart of the circle. If you’re using the Zodiac sign in your circle, start by sharing general info about the current sign, and invite other people’s knowledge. Honor the names of people in your lives that have birthdays this month. If you’ve built an altar, you can take some time to explain the items or art that you’ve chosen to include.
• Guided Meditation: Use the suggested guided meditation or another one to deepen the experience with a guided meditation to allow people to connect deeply with themselves, and to connect on a spiritual level with all of the women gathered in your circle, and all of the women throughout time and space who gather at the New Moon. 
• Set Intentions: Use the worksheet offered to guide participants through a time of reflecting on the last lunar cycle, and then time to journal about intentions for this new lunar cycle. Find a playlist on Spotify that aligns with the season (you can search for the sign to find many playlists!). After a set time (about 10 minutes), invite everyone to go around the circle and share their intention for the month, or what came up during the time of reflection
• Group Ritual: Use the suggested ritual, or choose one of your own that aligns with the season. You can align with the solar season, the astrological sign, or whatever else feels right for your group. Ideas could include going around the circle and sharing affirmations, lighting a small candle, writing down what you want to let go of and burning it in a candle, performing an anointing with oil or water, or each person placing a flower in a bowl after she shares. Choose an activity that suits the intention you set – it should help participants reflect or bond in a meaningful way.
• Closing: End the circle with a thoughtful closing ritual or summary so everyone feels a sense of completion. You can close with a unifying memonet like a collective poem or prayer, a few deep breaths together, or a group chant. Thank everyone for coming and formally close the space, which helps distinguish the circle’s sacred time from normal social time (you can always continue chatting informally afterward).

Step 4: Facilitate Inclusive Participation and Sharing

Your role as the host or facilitator is to guide the circle in a way that everyone feels engaged and respected. Here are some tips for encouraging group participation and supportive sharing:

• Encourage every voice: Make sure all members have an opportunity to speak and share. It’s okay if there are moments of silence as people reflect – don’t rush to fill quiet gaps. Keep an eye on the group’s dynamics. If someone is dominating the time, you might say something like, “Thank you for sharing. Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t had a chance yet.” Also let people know that they can choose opt out of sharing.
• Practice active listening: Set the expectation that when one person is speaking, everyone else listens attentively. This means listening without judgment or interruption, and being fully present. You can model summarizing or validating what someone said, if it feels needed.
• No “fixing” or advising: Remind participants that the circle is a space to share and witness each other’s stories, not to give advice or solve problems (unless explicitly asked). Encourage a supportive, non-judgmental response to shares – often simply saying “thank you for sharing” is enough. 

Step 5: Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment

Establish a safe and inclusive atmosphere so that all participants feel comfortable. Here’s how to nurture that environment:

• Confidentiality and Respect: At the start, set clear ground rules to build trust and saftey. Emphasize that everything shared in the circle is confidential and stays within the group. Encourage everyone to speak from the heart and listen without judgment, with respect for each other’s feelings and beliefs​. When women trust they won’t be judged or gossiped about, they can open up authentically.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: Welcome diversity in your circle. Make it clear that all who identify as women (of any age, background, orientation, or identity) are respected and valued in the space. Work to honor your differences and find common ground.
• Support and Empathy: Foster a supportive tone in the group. Encourage empathy, compassion, and allowing vulnerability. Participants should feel free to express emotions without apology​. Remind the group to not offer advice unless consent is given.

By following these steps you will set the stage for a supportive and potentially transformative women’s circle. Happy hosting, and may your circle foster deep connection and empowerment for every woman involved!