The Science of Women’s Circles

In a world that often feels disconnected, fast-paced, and isolating, many women find themselves yearning for deeper connection and a sense of belonging. 

Enter women's circles. 

An ancient practice that’s finding its way back into modern lives, offering a safe, supportive space to share, reflect, and heal.

But what exactly is a women’s circle? And why do some of us bristle at the idea? 

Let’s unpack the power of these gatherings and address some of the most common objections (so you can decide if it’s the medicine your soul has been craving!)

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What Is a Women’s Circle?

A women’s circle is a gathering of women who come together to share, reflect, and hold space for each other. 

Historically, women’s circles were the heartbeat of communities. They were places where wisdom was passed down, rituals were performed, and transitions were honored.¹

Modern women’s circles can take many forms, from spiritual or ceremonial gatherings to simple support groups. They might include:

• Sharing stories and experiences
  
• Meditation, breathwork or cacao ceremonies
  
• Journaling or creative expression
  
• Rituals or intention-setting
  

At their core, circles remind us that healing happens in community, rather than in silos or in isolation.

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Why Women’s Circles Matter

Psychologically, humans are wired for connection. Research shows that social support is a key predictor of mental health and resilience.² Women’s circles offer:

• Belonging: A sense of being seen and accepted. They usually include a talking stick, which is a symbol of presence, active listening and reverence. Whoever holds the talking stick is the only one who can speak and be heard at one time.
  
• Emotional Regulation: Sharing experiences with others reduces stress and helps us process emotions.³
  
• Empowerment: Witnessing others’ journeys can inspire and strengthen your own.
  
• Wisdom Sharing: Learning from others’ stories can help you navigate your own transitions and offer reassurance.
  
  

Common Objections to Women’s Circles (and Our Responses)

1. “I’m not a ‘woo-woo’ person.”

It’s easy to associate women’s circles with spiritual or esoteric practices (which isn’t a bad thing!), but circles can be as simple or as soulful as you want. Many circles focus on storytelling, sharing, and practical support (no crystals or chanting are technically required… but why not?!).

 2. “I’m too busy for something like that.”

We get it… life is full. But here’s the paradox: the busier you are, the more you might benefit from a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. Life won’t stop, until you MAKE the time for intentional pauses to re-center, and return to your inner wisdom. Circles are designed to fit modern lives, often just 60–90 minutes a week.

3. “I don’t like opening up in groups.”

Vulnerability can be scary, especially if you’ve been burned in the past. But circles are brave spaces, not forced spaces. Sharing is always optional, and listening can be just as healing.

4. “Is it just like group therapy?”

Women’s circles are not therapy groups, though they can be therapeutic. Unlike therapy, circles don’t focus on diagnosis or fixing; they’re about holding space, offering support, and sharing wisdom.

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The Feminine Reawakening: Why Circles Matter Now

In a society that often rewards individualism and constant achievement, where we’ve been conditioned to operate in a hyper-masculine way (where linear growth, productivity, and biohacking are seen as the gold standard of success), we’ve learned to value the mind over the body, output over process, and logic over intuition. 

We’ve been taught to disregard the cyclical nature of life, our emotions, and the wisdom of our bodies leaving us disconnected, burnt out, and, in many ways, soul-less.

Women’s circles remind us of the power of community, cycles, and the feminine way of being. 

They invite us to slow down, honor our emotions, and remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. They offer a place to reconnect with the flow of life, to share from the heart, and to honor the wisdom that lives in each of us.

As Clarissa Pinkola Estés writes in Women Who Run with the Wolves:

“The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door; if you have an old, old story, that is a door.”

Circles help us walk through those doors, together.

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Join The In-Between: A Transformational Journey

At Seekr Wellness, we’re honored to hold space for modern-day seekers in The In-Between Transformational Journey—a 28-day experience designed to help you navigate change, let go of old identities, and embrace your most authentic self.

As a bonus, participants receive exclusive access to the Seekr App (iOS only)—your daily guide to rituals, meditations, and practices that nurture connection, self-trust, and resilience.

Reserve your spot now and rediscover the power of community, just like the elders intended.

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References

1. Bird, C. (1998). The Power of Women’s Circles: How to Create and Nurture Your Own Circle of Women Friends. Conari Press.
   
2. Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357.
   
3. Kross, E., et al. (2009). When the social self hurts: Neural correlates of social pain and its regulation. Psychological Science, 20(7), 1039–1045.