CIRCLE is a Community of Individuals Revisioning and Celebrating Life on Earth

CIRCLE Principles

Since the beginning of CIRCLE there are several principles that flow and guide all our gatherings. By making a commitment to living by these principles you can become a Core Member of CIRCLE. Commitment ceremonies are held at various events.

• South - Trust ~ The first principle is that we need to treat each other and ourselves with love and respect. We are all souls here on spiritual journeys, which are sometimes difficult and sometimes magnificent. The compassionate acceptance of all, in both our best and worst moments, provides a foundation of trust on which we can build a loving community.
  
  
• West - Introspection ~ The second principle is that when we come into sacred time and space with each other we are asking to grow and become the magnificent beings that we truly are. That means that we can expect to have our buttons pushed and our old dysfunctional patterns come up for clearing. It also means that we are mirrors for each other, that is, the things we cannot see in ourselves we will project on to others so we can become more aware of them. So both the things that annoy you and most as well as the things that you admire the most about others are really about you.
  
  
• North - Wisdom ~ The third principle is that we each need to take responsibility for ourselves and not for others. This means that we must say what we want and need and we won't assume that we know what others want and need. Being responsible for yourself means that you are willing to speak what is true for you - to be authentic - and being responsible to others means that you are willing to listen to what is true for them.
  
  
• East - Vision ~ The fourth principle is that when we look at others we see them in their magnificence. We look beyond the struggles of the physical life to see the spirit which is worthy simply for being, in both ourselves and others. We are not in competition with each other because we are all unique beings with different journeys - one journey is not more or less important than any other.
  
  
• Below - Earth ~ The fifth principle is that we can look at our differences as strengths in our community. While differences often create conflicts, the resolution of those conflicts from a place of love and connection allows us to find new ways to be in good relationship with each other. Since all outer conflict reflects inner conflict, our individual growth as well as the community is enhanced when we can find solutions which work for everyone involved.
  
  
• Above - Sky ~ The sixth principle is that whatever is in your experience is of your own creation although not necessarily on a conscious level. Another way to say this is that nothing is by chance. If something is part of your experience then it is there for a reason. If we can assume that your life is guided than what comes up is there to help you change and grow in some way. We honor the teachers that are present in every moment of our lives.
  
  
• Center - Creator ~ The seventh principle is that everything that we do is important. If we say a prayer each day to honor Earth, our planet and animal relatives, or our human relatives, it directs energy to creating a more peaceful and loving Earth. If we treat any being with kindness, see and hear others, and care for whatever piece of Earth we find ourselves on, it is one step closer to creating a better place for the children. For each wound that we struggle to heal within ourselves, we add to the healing of humanity. For each level of conscious awareness that we are able to live in your lives, we are that much closer to the time of love and light on Earth. So I celebrate your growth and you celebrate mint and together we will move into a new time.

These seven principles are guidelines for how we wish to be with each other. While none of us has mastered these principles, we can remind each other when we forget and help each other clear the old patterns which stand in the way of loving community with ourselves, with each other, and with Earth.

CONTINUING COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

Women's Circle

Come join our community of inspired women as we continue to explore our spirituality together. Women's Circle, otherwise known as the Rainbow Chrysalis Lodge, meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome. See the calendar for topics. Meetings consist of drumming, singing, and dancing as well as activities, discussion, and/or ritual centered around the topic for the night. Donations $1-5.

Topics are developed by the Women's Council. Current members of the Women's Council are Deb Appleton, Holly Dubois, Helena Listowski, Sarah Merrill, Pat Tweet & Heron Wind. If you have any suggestions or would like to bring a teaching/topic to a Women's Circle, please contact one of the council members.

Butterfly Lodge
(previously known as Mother-Daughter Circle) -

Butterfly Lodge provides many exciting discoveries and awakenings for girls between the ages of 4 and 13, and their mothers or significant female adult. Self-discovery and enhanced honoring of our gifts and talents is the focus of our time together. Mothers, Grandmothers, and special Aunties are encouraged to explore their relationship with the unique girl or girls in their life through the Mothers talking circle time. Additional hands and hearts from CIRCLE women are always needed to assist the girls in the art projects and their talking circles.

Topics vary from year to year. We will weave these topics into the ceremonies of drumming, singing and dancing that we typically do. Recent topics have been on our ancestors' rituals and learning about the Medicine Wheel of the 4 directions.

Butterfly Lodge meets EVERY MONTH on the 2nd SUNDAY from 2-4 at the yurt. Donations of $1-5 are greatly appreciated. Contact Singing Wind at singingwind00@hotmail.com or call 585-742-1969 for information.

Changing Moon Lodge

Any women over 40 are welcome. Sponsored by Grandmother Lodge, we center our meetings around topics that address the transition into the Wise Woman phase of life in preparation for entering the Grandmother Lodge. We generally meet quarterly on Tuesdays from 7-9 in the yurt. Check the calendar for the next meeting date. Contact Heron 585-924-5620 (LHWind@aol.com) to be put on the email list for meeting notices. Donation $1-5.

Grandmother's Lodge

We meet on the third Saturday of each month, generally from 11-1pm in the yurt during the spring, summer, and fall months (check the calendar for the exact date and time). In the winter months we meet at different homes for lunch and tea. The purpose of our gatherings is to share wisdom and the journey of the Wise Woman. Our annual inductions are in October and the women from the Women's Circle are invited to join us for that ceremony to witness the initiation of new grandmothers. Contact Heron 585-924-5620 (LHWind@aol.com) for more information. Donation $1-5

Shamanic Practice Circle

Join the community of shamanic healers who generally meet on the First Friday of the month from 7-9pm (see the calendar for specific day) to explore shamanic traditions for personal and community growth and healing. Donation of $1-5. Contact Heron Wind 585-924-5620 or Carol McCoon 585-742-1969 or circleincoffice@aol.com.

Click here to learn more about Member Benefits and how to join CIRCLE

Click here for a list of Related Organizations