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It is not a coincidence that in recent years, women's circles have increased as there is a shift in women's collective consciousness. We seek personal growth, deep self-awareness and connection more than before. Maybe it was easier in the past to connect with the women around us and to be in a community but our modern lives now are more individual-based, we spend more time on our own.
But healing is not just individual, it is also collective, especially in psychedelic spaces, and sharing circles are among the most powerful integration tools. Many women may feel alone in their integration journey because they might not know where to find others on a similar path. Without access to a supportive community or resources, they may struggle with the integration process in solitude.
Women's circles are particularly relevant to psychedelic integration because they provide a nurturing environment for women that supports emotional safety, community connection, and spiritual and personal empowerment - key elements that enhance the process of integrating psychedelic experiences.
Women Circles in Historical Context
Women’s circles have a long history across many cultures, often serving as spaces for community, ritual, support and shared wisdom. In many ancient cultures, they were closely tied to spiritual practices, often focusing on the cycles of nature and the moon, which were associated with femininity and fertility. In matriarchal societies, they played a role in governance and decision-making and allowed women to influence the community while sharing wisdom and responsibilities. Later, they were also a place to exchange skills and knowledge for midwifery and herbalists.
As we moved into modern times, women's circles started to become a feature of feminist movements. Women came together to discuss gender inequality, raise awareness, and inspire collective action. Lately, they have been places for self-discovery, and holistic healing, including the use of psychedelics.
The archetype of a Women’s Circle
The archetype of a women's circle is often rooted in the Feminine Collective, which embodies many qualities traditionally associated with feminine energy. These archetypal energies are expressed, nurtured, and celebrated in the circles. The Wise Woman, The Mother, The Healer, The Priestess, The Wild Woman, and The Protector are some of the female archetypes that can show up in the circles. The energy of each archetype can shift depending on the needs of the circle and women’s circles often evolve and change, just like the archetypes themselves. A circle might move from more nurturing themes into a creative phase, depending on where the group members are in their processes.
Integrating Psychedelics Through Women’s Circles
In the context of psychedelic integration, women’s circles create a safe environment where we can share and remember our experiences, reflect on our insights, and receive emotional support from other women who understand what we are going through. This communal aspect is essential, as it cultivates a sense of belonging and validation, which can be vital in integrating transformative insights that can arise during a psychedelic experience.
While individual integration is crucial, the community aspect of women’s circles offers ongoing support that extends beyond the initial psychedelic experience. Integration is not a one-time event but a process that unfolds over time. That’s why circles provide a continuous network of support where individuals can return, share updates, ask for guidance, and check in on their progress. This ongoing sense of community helps prevent isolation, a common challenge after profound psychedelic experiences.
The collaborative and collective wisdom in women’s circles can amplify individual healing by reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and encourage not just personal transformation but also collective healing, as women can uplift one another and learn from each other’s journeys. Feeling alone is one of the most common struggles women face during their integration period. After a deep experience, women may find that they no longer connect with their previous social groups or that their relationships no longer feel fulfilling or aligned.
Additionally, some insights or emotional revelations can be difficult to articulate or may not fit into the conventional language used in daily life. These can create a sense of disconnection from the people they once felt close to, and a barrier to sharing with friends, family, or even therapists. That’s why women’s circles can be an antidote to this loneliness, offering an environment for shared healing and understanding.
Facilitating Healing in a Safe, Sacred, and Empowering Space
Psychedelic experiences may bring to the surface deep-rooted emotions, traumas, and repressed memories. Moreover, many women come to psychedelics seeking healing from past trauma, especially experiences related to gender-based violence, societal conditioning, or family dynamics.
While these insights can be transformative, they can also be overwhelming if not properly integrated. Women's circles provide a sense of safety and sacredness, essential for vulnerable sharing. The energy in these spaces is ideally cultivated to be free from judgment, and confidential, and allow us to express ourselves without fear of criticism or misunderstanding.
In a women-only setting, we may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as trauma, personal struggles, and the deeper emotional or spiritual aspects of our psychedelic experiences. This safe environment can help us feel seen, heard, and valued, which is essential for healing. On the other hand, women's circles should not be seen as an alternative to therapy, but they certainly have therapeutic effects. The circle can become a space where all the issues can be addressed in a compassionate, trauma-informed way, with the guidance of empathetic peers or facilitators. Group members can support each other’s healing process, offer perspective, and share strategies for integrating these powerful experiences.
Louise and Sandra are two women who are part of a women’s psychedelic integration group and meet once a month online to support each other in their processes. Louise says that being part of a women’s psychedelic circle has widened her support network for both her integration process and also for her need to be in space with sisterhood. The circles provide a level of softness and intimacy that she doesn’t feel in mixed groups, and she looks forward to how the journey in their group will develop.
Sandra also shares her experience in the group as; ‘The women’s circles nurture both my integration process and my longing for sacred sisterhood. The women in the group come from all walks of life, each carrying incredible wisdom within them. Together, we are helping each other heal and step into new phases of our lives. The space holds a profound sense of safety and connection that feels deeply nourishing.’
How to Join or Start a Circle?
The first option to find and join a women’s circle might be with the other participants of the retreat or ceremony that you have joined. Sometimes, some retreat centers have their regular online integration circles, and if they do not have a special one for women, you can start to organize it on your own. You can also reach out to women around you who share the same interests and start weekly or monthly circles, in person or online. Begin with a manageable group size to ensure everyone has a chance to share and feel heard. You can scale up later if the circle becomes more established.
You can promote your circle through social media, such as Instagram, Facebook groups, or platforms like Meetup, where people interested in psychedelics or women’s wellness can find the group. It is important to set guidelines before you start, such as confidentiality, respect for differing opinions, no interrupting, and maintaining a non-judgmental space. Trust is key in any integration circle. Encourage vulnerability by ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and heard. And do not worry, it may take time for women to feel safe, especially if there are deeply personal topics involved.
It is important to build a sustainable women’s circle, with consistent communication and support. You can keep in touch with the participants through emails or a private group chat to remind them about upcoming meetings and any changes. You can also encourage the women in the circle to support one another outside of meetings. This could be through informal check-ins, offering resources, or simply being available for someone who needs to talk.
Be open to feedback and be willing to adjust the format or activities based on the group's needs, as they may evolve over time. If possible, rotate facilitation responsibilities among trusted members of the circle. This can empower women to take an active role in guiding the integration process. And eventually, celebrate your progress!
Another option is to search online to find an established and regular circle. I have an Online Women’s Psychedelics Support Group, in which every month we gather to share and support each other. You can reach out to me through Instagram (@symbiosis.yoga.plantmedicine) to join the group or to the circle.
As the psychedelic communities continue to expand, integrating the wisdom of women's circles into this process will ensure that healing is not just individual but collective, rooted in connection and mutual support.
While we honor the women’s circle tradition passed to us from our ancestors by keeping it alive, we also provide each other the support we need in our own psychedelic processes. As we continue to explore the intersection of psychedelics and personal healing, women’s integration circles hold the potential to revolutionize how we approach mental health, emotional well-being, and self-empowerment.
If you have embarked on this journey, or feel the call, consider joining or starting a circle. The road to integration can be challenging, but with the right support and a collective spirit, it can also be one of the most profound growth and connection experiences. * About the Author: Derya is a yoga teacher, massage therapist and plant medicine student. She has been living in Peru and Colombia for the last 3 years, mainly working with Ayahuasca. Since she experienced a deep connection with her feminine lineage with Ayahuasca and witnessed the difficulties women face in psychedelic spaces, she decided to dedicate more time to the topic of women’s safety in these types of environments and help them to integrate their experiences.
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