Women today are individually searching and exploring their inner depths. Each woman holds the answers within to life’s questions. Some may even hold clues for others. In the "search" for answers some women find it helpful to gather together to share, explore and grow as individuals by combining their knowledge and talents.

At this point in our history and culture, women’s lives are very full; as a result stresses are manifesting in many ways. In order to reverse the effects of a hectic pace, it is important to set aside intentional time, to seek and learn, both individually and with others. In the past in many cultures women retreated during their moon time and were allowed to find healing and achieve understanding through searching of self. Solitude was respected but the need for sisterhood was equally respected.

In my own life, the past few years of my journey have been very intense and beneficial. I have had the opportunity to work with some very wonderful women to help me on my way and for this I am very grateful. Just as I know they have touched my life, I too have touched theirs, thus being doubly blessed. I have come to realize upon my journey, as I speak to women of all different backgrounds, how important it is to have a sacred space for women to do their searching and healing. Thus began a new vision that I formulated while at my home, which is located at the north end of Turtle Lake on the fringe of the provincial forest. A vision of a sacred space where women can come and share, experience and heal their spirits. A place where women can experience nature and nurture and receive knowledge through a variety of techniques.

There are many techniques that can be used to enhance growth. I wish to share a part of my journey that I have found to be healing–it is circle or council. It has held some very valuable lessons and teachings for me as well as many others. Council has been an integral form of communication since the beginning of time. If we go back to our ancestors, all of them, at one time, met in a circle to discuss issues, make decisions and heal. Circle has been used for so long that it has carved an ancient pathway in the subconscious. Once the commitment is made to use this form of expression and healing, it becomes sacred and the individual Spirit manifests to its full potential. When circle is conducted, the container is woven and the rim held with intention, allowing our true voices to be coaxed out in a non-judgmental environment.

According to Peer Spirit Teachings, there are three principles that form the foundation of a circle practice: rotating leadership, shared responsibility, and reliance on Spirit. Rotating leadership relies on the assumption that each person is capable of assuming small amounts of leadership. Shared responsibility is based on the trust that, in using the form, someone will provide what is needed and also that everyone participates in doing his or her share, thereby becoming a link of the circle. Reliance on Spirit is the continual focus so the highest intention of the group may be achieved. In forming a circle it is helpful for each participant to bring an article of importance to them to place in the centre. This forms their attachment and commitment to the centre, from which the energy is drawn. A talking piece is chosen and each person speaks, if they choose, in a clockwise direction. One is safe to express all feelings and thoughts and they are received with deep empathic listening.

While we practice circle skills, we honour four intentions–goals for which we strive. First we speak from the heart, saying whatever it is in our heart at that moment, using as much trust as we feel at that point in time. Secondly, we listen from the heart, trying to take in the person speaking with our whole body. This is easier said than done. Many of us have an internal dialogue while others are speaking. Thirdly, we try to be spontaneous, and try not to rehearse what we are going to say, because if we don’t we lose the opportunity to really be in the moment. Lastly, we try to be cognizant of the time factor, recognizing how many people have to speak within the time frame. These are all goals that we strive to attain, which assist in shaping the circle.

One of the most important healing forces for us on our earth walk can be finding our voices and a place to express them. As Starhawk so eloquently states in Dreaming the Dark: "Community. Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power. Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free."

Judy Wilkinson lives in the boreal forest at Turtle Lake, SK. She has studied circle practices with Peer Spirit in Washington, U.S.A. and has completed a third level council training with Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle from the Center of Council Training at the Ojai Foundation in California. She currently offers the council experience with guest workshop presenters in a series of Women’s Mini-Retreats. For information call (306) 845-3056.