Women's Circle Guidelines
A Women's Circle is a safe, mindful, and sacred space of gathering.
The following guidelines help us create and protect this space together.
1. Honoring the Sacred Time
The Circle is sacred time –
for you and for each of us.
- We arrive on time and stay until the end.
- We do not leave for the restroom while someone
is speaking. - Breaks take place only when clearly announced – after a round of sharing
or after the Circle is closed.
2. The Role of the Circle Holder
The woman holding (calling) the Circle:
- supports participants, sometimes offering gentle, clarifying questions.
- opens the gathering by sharing the purpose, intention, and theme,
- outlines the time structure and reminds everyone of the key guidelines,
- serves as guide, moderator,
and guardian of the space, - holds the energetic, emotional, mental, and physical safety of the Circle.
If someone's sharing significantly exceeds the time frame or crosses a boundary, the Circle Holder has the right to gently intervene
and redirect in a supportive way.
At the end, the Circle Holder closes the Circle with gratitude. She does not comment on
or evaluate individual sharings,
though she may reflect back the collective wisdom
that emerged around the theme and intention.
3. The Way We Speak and Listen
- We share one at a time.
- Only the woman holding
the talking piece speaks. - When you are not holding the talking piece, you remain silent.
- We do not interrupt with comments or questions.
- Questions may be asked
only after the sharing is complete
and with the speaker's consent. - When it is your turn, you may speak or simply pass the talking piece in silence.
Each woman has her sacred time.
4. We Speak From "I"
- We speak only about ourselves, our feelings, and our experiences.
- We do not tell other people's stories.
- We do not generalize, criticize,
or judge. - In the Circle, there is no right or wrong –
there is experience.
The most important thing is the courage to be authentic. You are welcome to speak your truth, even
if it feels unclear, tender, or difficult.
5. No Advice — Even Indirectly
The Circle is not therapy.
- We do not give advice, fix,
or rescue. - We do not share a "similar story"
in response to someone else's sharing if
the hidden intention is to advise. - Before sharing your own experience, ask yourself:
Is this person open to hearing it?
What is my intention — am I moved, or am I trying to teach,
correct, or speak from ego?
During breaks, we also refrain from commenting, advising, or subtly
diminishing someone's experience.
In the Circle, each woman is responsible
for herself.
6. Safety and Boundaries
- Confidentiality is essential —
what is shared in the Circle
stays in the Circle. - We are all equal.
- We care for each other's safety.
- Each woman's boundaries are sacred and respected.
7. Integrity of the Space
- The Circle is not a space for self-promotion or sales.
- Alcohol and substances are not permitted.