Women's Circle.... ‘It’s about allowing women to connect with each other’

A CARNAROSS holistic therapist says she started a ‘women's circle’ to create ‘a safe space for women to connect with each other.’

Sandra Henry set up ‘Mná Aoibhínn’ meaning radiant women in Irish, in honour of her four year old daughter, Aoibhínn. Sandra who had attended similar events a number of years ago in other parts of the country wanted to bring women together in her local area of Kells back to the ancient ways of supporting one another.

Meditation, mindfulness, themed discussions and energy healing all are part of this “sacred circle” according to business owner Sandra who says she is trying to allow women to connect with each other once again.

“Women’s circles have deep roots in ancient traditions, including here in Meath with spiritual rituals held at sacred sites like Newgrange and Loughcrew,” she said.

“Women have long come together to share wisdom, healing, and connection,” added Sandra.

“They would have always gathered in circles to support each other, to heal, to empower each other and I suppose to be seen and heard by like-minded women.

“But obviously, as like everything else, with the way we live now, these things have all been kind of thrown to the side. It's all about bringing people back to the old ways, the simple way of life and doing what our ancestors were doing.

“Our modern women’s circle are continuing this tradition.”

The “Mná Aoibhínn” group will have a different theme every month as Sandra explains:

“Last month, the theme was called ‘Coming Home’ and it focused on our true selves. We started with a quick round of meditation and then if you wanted to say hello and why you were here, you were welcome but there was absolutely no pressure to speak.

“And I really want that to be important for my circle because I've been to ones before, and they literally go around in a line, and some people may just not feel comfortable with speaking out like that.

“It was very moving to hear what had brought people there, everyone had a reason and then we did some journaling and I gave them some prompts like if you weren't a mother or you weren't a daughter and you weren't a worker, who would you actually be what would you want to be doing?

“The one for next month is about releasing things that are holding you back.

“I always make clear that everything that is said in the room is confidential and if any heavy topics are spoken about, I give them some tools to deal with that so they don't bring that home with them.

Sandra finishes the circle with some Reiki, a practice which she is trained in and offers in her Deerpark Holistics business.

‘Mná Aoibhínn’ takes place in Dance Mania Kells and will soon have events in Loughcrew Megalithic Centre. Sandra charges just €10 for the class to cover the cost of the venue and any materials provided during the circle.