Background of Red Tent Circles in the Comox Valley
In the spirit of reconciliation, we humbly acknowledge that we gather on the unceded traditional territory of the original keepers of this land, who know themselves as the Pentlatch, Sathloot ('sath-loot), Sasitla (sa-'seet-la), Ieeksen (eye-'ick-sun) and Xa'xe ('ha-hey), and are known in colonial terms as the K'ómoks First Nation.
The Comox Valley Red Tent circles create an opportunity to develop community with local women, trans women and teen girls; as well as for those who identify as female and those who are non-binary, two-spirited or questioning. We gather together, listen, share, nurture and support our soul’s journey in being heard, honest and authentic. Diversity is embraced and welcomed. With beautiful, billowing red fabric around us and a simple ceremony of honouring the feminine, we create a sacred space in an atmosphere of open exploration and suspended judgement.
The circles are intended to be an opportunity to go deeply inside ourselves and explore what is true for us on the chosen focus topic of the evening, as well as to connect with & support others. Sharing out loud is optional, as we acknowledge and respect that each person is at a different stage in her/their trust of other people and in knowing who she is/they are authentically at a deep soul level. Please know that we respect your choice to be quieter and more inward; we honour your presence and energy in the group.
Confidentiality is an important value of the Comox Valley Red Tents, and we foster an atmosphere of safety and bravery by reminding everyone that outside of the Red Tent, we speak only of our own personal experience, not of anyone else's words or experience revealed there, unless they have given permission expressly that you may do so.
Our circles are held once per month in a large yurt on a property at the edge of Courtenay, which is heated and fabulously decorated as a red tent for these special events. There are a few lamps to see by in addition to candlelight. We burn beeswax candles to minimize scent within the yurt. Please help us keep this a scent-free environment. You may also wish to bring slippers, your own journal and a water bottle.
In honour of Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and the value she places on bringing forth and expressing the wildness within ourselves, we always finish the evenings with some howling, followed by three ohms to ground ourselves back into our bodies.
Some of the words that have been used to describe the Comox Valley Red Tent circles so far include beautiful, positive, rich, inclusive, diverse, open, interesting, sacred, deep, authentic, safe, warm, welcoming, comfortable, encouraging, wonderful, interactive.
Each monthly circle is by donation to cover costs, and offered by volunteers.
HISTORY
These circles began in September 2013, planned with the vision and input of three Comox Valley ladies. We call it a “Red Tent” loosely based on the experience described in Anita Diamant’s fictional book, The Red Tent, where women in the pre-Christian era in the Middle East were required by law to take refuge together while menstruating or giving birth. This gave them an opportunity to offer mutual support and encouragement to each other, which is our wish as well. We’re broadening the experience, to include women and those who identify strongly with women's issues, at any stage in her/their life, pre- through post-menopausal. All cultural and religious backgrounds are welcome ~ the circles have a sacred atmosphere not associated with any particular religion.
In general, the "Red Tent Movement" that is occurring globally is a modern-day acknowledgement that it is time to support each other in being more empowered in this challenging world, to encourage inter-generational sharing and understanding, and to help develop a feminine-honouring culture among ourselves, our friends, our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, non-binary friends... That is being done with red tents held in many countries, many communities, where people want to build sacred time into their lives.
GROWING FORWARD
This is an evolving gathering, shifting and changing with feedback and past experiences to enlighten our way forward. We'd love to hear from you if you have ideas on topics or activities that may be suitable to bring into the Red Tent experience, or if you are intrigued to join the co-facilitation team.
Please share this website and spread the word about this gathering to any teen girls, women and those who identify strongly with women's issues who may be interested. There is also a Facebook Group which is "private," meaning that you must request to join, and subsequently any posts that you like or comment on will not be seen by any of your Facebook friends who are not also part of the group. This allows some privacy for communications and input on this facebook page, and we welcome non-commercial postings from our members on anything of interest to people who identify with women's issues.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/240185692808136/
Note that there are no further circles planned beyond spring 2023. The volunteers who have put time and effort into these experiences are taking a break.
The Comox Valley Red Tent circles create an opportunity to develop community with local women, trans women and teen girls; as well as for those who identify as female and those who are non-binary, two-spirited or questioning. We gather together, listen, share, nurture and support our soul’s journey in being heard, honest and authentic. Diversity is embraced and welcomed. With beautiful, billowing red fabric around us and a simple ceremony of honouring the feminine, we create a sacred space in an atmosphere of open exploration and suspended judgement.
The circles are intended to be an opportunity to go deeply inside ourselves and explore what is true for us on the chosen focus topic of the evening, as well as to connect with & support others. Sharing out loud is optional, as we acknowledge and respect that each person is at a different stage in her/their trust of other people and in knowing who she is/they are authentically at a deep soul level. Please know that we respect your choice to be quieter and more inward; we honour your presence and energy in the group.
Confidentiality is an important value of the Comox Valley Red Tents, and we foster an atmosphere of safety and bravery by reminding everyone that outside of the Red Tent, we speak only of our own personal experience, not of anyone else's words or experience revealed there, unless they have given permission expressly that you may do so.
Our circles are held once per month in a large yurt on a property at the edge of Courtenay, which is heated and fabulously decorated as a red tent for these special events. There are a few lamps to see by in addition to candlelight. We burn beeswax candles to minimize scent within the yurt. Please help us keep this a scent-free environment. You may also wish to bring slippers, your own journal and a water bottle.
In honour of Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and the value she places on bringing forth and expressing the wildness within ourselves, we always finish the evenings with some howling, followed by three ohms to ground ourselves back into our bodies.
Some of the words that have been used to describe the Comox Valley Red Tent circles so far include beautiful, positive, rich, inclusive, diverse, open, interesting, sacred, deep, authentic, safe, warm, welcoming, comfortable, encouraging, wonderful, interactive.
Each monthly circle is by donation to cover costs, and offered by volunteers.
HISTORY
These circles began in September 2013, planned with the vision and input of three Comox Valley ladies. We call it a “Red Tent” loosely based on the experience described in Anita Diamant’s fictional book, The Red Tent, where women in the pre-Christian era in the Middle East were required by law to take refuge together while menstruating or giving birth. This gave them an opportunity to offer mutual support and encouragement to each other, which is our wish as well. We’re broadening the experience, to include women and those who identify strongly with women's issues, at any stage in her/their life, pre- through post-menopausal. All cultural and religious backgrounds are welcome ~ the circles have a sacred atmosphere not associated with any particular religion.
In general, the "Red Tent Movement" that is occurring globally is a modern-day acknowledgement that it is time to support each other in being more empowered in this challenging world, to encourage inter-generational sharing and understanding, and to help develop a feminine-honouring culture among ourselves, our friends, our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, non-binary friends... That is being done with red tents held in many countries, many communities, where people want to build sacred time into their lives.
GROWING FORWARD
This is an evolving gathering, shifting and changing with feedback and past experiences to enlighten our way forward. We'd love to hear from you if you have ideas on topics or activities that may be suitable to bring into the Red Tent experience, or if you are intrigued to join the co-facilitation team.
Please share this website and spread the word about this gathering to any teen girls, women and those who identify strongly with women's issues who may be interested. There is also a Facebook Group which is "private," meaning that you must request to join, and subsequently any posts that you like or comment on will not be seen by any of your Facebook friends who are not also part of the group. This allows some privacy for communications and input on this facebook page, and we welcome non-commercial postings from our members on anything of interest to people who identify with women's issues.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/240185692808136/
Note that there are no further circles planned beyond spring 2023. The volunteers who have put time and effort into these experiences are taking a break.