Eternal Flame Women's Circle

Each month in 2019, Ginger Lazarus, Magdalena Curtis and I co-lead a women's circle building on the theme Eternal Flame at Cult of Gemini in Grass Valley, California. These circles hold a special place in my heart and have changed how I move through the world (I've been attending for 4 years now). Each circle differs. There's not a set formula, although there are many tools we call on and return to. One of these tools is free writing.

When given permission to express away from the incessant chatter of the internal judge and editor, poignant messages flow through our pens. Often they move so quickly that the words are unknown until read.

I enjoy the rawness of this process and the unpredictability of the direction of the writing. Emotions often rise that rarely surface. Here's my writing from February 7, 2019. Unedited. Each woman's writing presents different words, unique perspectives that round out the experience. Imagine all those voices. And, for more information on joining us, see the bottom of this post.

Prompt: What is my flame telling me?

My flame is telling me it feels safe. She feels safe. She is willing to be free. She knows she can come out into the open. There is no fear. She trusts herself. Even if she gutters, she will not falter. She is low and strong and stable. I can lean on her. She wants me to.

Here is what she says in her own words:

Dearest Kat, last of the Brave Bacchus women who came to this new land seeking light. You may be a seeker, but you are also the light in the darkness for many. I am your fuel. I am here for you. We are in this together.

I will be strong for you, and you feed me with your curiosity, your courage, and your many passions. You can give me your grief and your pain, for I am now free to alchemize and transform it for you. I am the fire in your belly. I am the one who gives you warmth, but you, you my beloved, are the spark.

Thank you for freeing me. For setting me inside your sacred womb space. We will warm the world, but first we will start with you. We will work to melt your walls and soften the mortar that binds them. You are surrounding yourself with strength and beautiful souls, so you can do this. You can trust. We will do it together. Gently. I am the long, low flame. I am not raging. I am steady. I am reliable. Know and love me.

On the first Thursday every month during 2019, women gather in circle. There is no commitment or requirement. You show up as you are, how you are. No excuses or stories are needed. You can release mothering, comforting, and problem solving. Through meditation you can release what you are carrying. Simply be with what is. Commune. Hold space, witness, be held and witnessed.

You will be guided through various experiences to help unlock blocks and awaken wisdom for more sense of flow and wholeness.

Each circle is unique. Different women gather. Different emotions arise. Various messages come through. We often leave feeling lighter, more grounded and more connected. You learn tools for re-establishing this connection between gatherings.

Join us for one or all circles! Circles take place at Cult of Gemini in Grass Valley, California, 6:30–8:30pm. The cost is $15. Signing up in advance is recommended because space is limited by the size of the room. Click this link for classes held at Cult of Gemini — the Eternal Flame Women's Circles will be mixed in according to date. You can click and sign up online or visit the shop in person. I'd love to sit in circle with you. Let me know if you have any questions, or reach out if you'd like to host a circle where you are.