Full Moon Circle Gatherings

So, what happens during our circles, exactly? Well… usually, once everyone has gathered and chit-chatted a bit, we position ourselves in an actual circle around an altar, then we begin our ceremony with smudging and an invocation…

The “circle” itself is a representation of wholeness, unity, the infinite, cycles, timelessness, and so on: it is a place where we come together with mutual respect and without judgement, to share and connect with our universal experience. The “altar” is a central focal point where I set out items that symbolize the various aspects that I wish to refer to during the circle: the elements around us, tools we might use, even themes/ideas that I wish to touch upon. “Smudging” is a centuries old process of bathing in the smoke of various plants in order to both physically and energetically cleanse a person or area: it helps to remind us to let the everyday fall away while we are in circle, and to be fully present in the current moment. During “invocation”, I invite in/help tune our thoughts in to some basic foundational elements that we can work with and use on our journey inward and forward…

Before we go further, please note: the circle itself is comprised of a variety of women, with a variety of beliefs. I envision my job as “leader” as more of “the scientist” piece of the whole – I theorize/test/research a vast amount of information and condense it into manageable pieces that the rest of the circle can discuss and examine further. When I draw upon the immense variety of wisdom traditions out there, I try to present things in more of a “non-denominational” way which allows individual members to attribute / contribute as much spirituality as they are comfortable with. However. Also be aware that the past couple of years has exposed me to and opened me up to some experiences (for lack of a better word) that my wee scientific brain can’t fully fathom as of yet… but that have set even me on more of a spiritual path than I ever thought possible. In a good way!

For example, while Studious Kate might enjoy the way different geological samples appear and are formed in nature, as well as how they can provide a physical point of reference for some psychological ideas… Sacred Kate is starting to enjoy working with the subtle, un-measurable (for now) “vibes” that these gems and crystals give off. 😉 And if *I* can take that kind of leap waaay out of my comfort zone, so can you. It simply requires taking a “what if” approach to things rather than a “that’s impossible” one. Sometimes, I may very well sound a bit too “woo-woo” for you. Just keep in mind that I may be directing a certain idea towards a more spiritual member of the group… or trying to present an idea in a way that expands your current thinking. All we ask during circle is that you respect each person’s unique experience, and that you remain open to the possibilities…

Okay. So, once we’ve all stilled ourselves and retrained our focus to the current moment and group, I will introduce a topic or themes that we will cover during a given meeting. Lately, I’ve been using astrological information as a starting point for these discussions – the endless variations in the path of the stars and the resulting interpretations of their journey provide ample inspiration for examining our own personal journey. ♥ Based on the topic at hand, I will usually then lead a meditation or visualization to help us tune in to our own “inner knowing” about these topics. Then we will often either discuss what we’ve uncovered… or maybe perform a ritual of some kind (like writing down things we wish to release and burning them)… or do something that helps us to work within that topic / framework in order to learn more about ourselves and grow.

The next part of circle is usually dedicated to examining some aspect of spiritual exploration/the metaphysical world. In the past, we’ve discussed crystals, we’ve made essential oil sprays and dreamcatchers, we’ve learned about the Akashic records, we’ve had angel readings, we’ve sent out healing energy to surround the globe… we’ve touched on SO many different things, and will circle back to various topics if enough people are interested or the timing seems right. ♥ (Don’t worry, we’re not going to cultishly demand you try anything out of your comfort zone! We simply want to take a look at what’s “out there” and see if there is anything we can learn from it… Feel free to offer up ideas/curiosities at will!)

Then, when we’re all happily buzzing with shared information and energy… we pull out the oracle tools (cards, runes, books, etc.). 😉 Whether you use these items as tools to tap into your own inner knowing (from a psychological standpoint, how you interpret the symbols/information presented helps to reveal your personal filters and belief systems), OR whether you believe the spirits themselves work through these items to deliver messages just for you… either way, we use these tools to find guidance on the issues that we are facing at a given time. (It’s also nice to have others around you to offer possible alternate interpretations to help you go beyond what you already know or believe.)

And then… 2ish hours later, usually… we express our gratitude, wrap things up, and head back to regular life, now armed with new supports to help us deal with whatever may come our way. ♥

Please understand that I am no “expert” in any of this. I am merely a person who enjoys exploring a wide variety of subjects (the circle being reserved for more esoteric topics) and sharing those findings with like-minded individuals. If you think you may be one of those individuals – if the information and photos above have pulled at your heart or made you curious in some way, please consider joining us. 🙂 (Self-isolation is a perfect time for some radical self-examination.)

Of course, moving things online will obviously change certain aspects of our circle… but if you truly are interested, message me and I will send you instructions on how to join us. (Given the number of flagged/removed FB, IG and YT posts lately, I think I will be posting information+photos for a circles right here on this blog, but in privacy-protected posts… which I can send you a password for. Again, just let me know if you’d like to receive it.)

Anyhow. That’s a little bit of what I’ve been “up to” since my former regular blog posting. (That, and a bunch more crafting… I just haven’t been great about blogging about all of it. Though, I have been posting creations to FB, so you may want to catch up on crafty stuff there… 😉 ) Isn’t it funny where life can lead you? ♥ Stay well, my friends. xo

“Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others… re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul…” ~ Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass