My initiation weekend took place at House-in-the-Woods in Delavan, Wisconsin. I drove alone from Milwaukee, which I regretted later because it was one of the worst knuckle gripping rides I’ve ever had. The March blizzard only got worse the closer I got to the little island. After two hours of snow coming straight at my windshield, I really questioned my sanity. Bathed in fear and sweat, I was certain that this was only an omen of things to come during the weekend.

Yet, despite all the unknowns and all my fear I had this feeling as I sat in a circle with 50 some women that I had finally come home. I had found a place where I felt I belonged. And when the weekend ended the island was white and peaceful, bathed in the aftermath of the storm. And I wanted more; more women in my life, more ritual, more crying and more beauty. Joining an Empowerment Circle (e-circle) was the next step in the continuum, to keep the connection going. I have sat in several circles, since my initiation weekend in 1989 and I have felt scared, happy, challenged, ashamed and gradually more whole but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. They’ve made me who I am today.

Melissa Mondschain (WWTW) Sept. 2003 Delavan, WI

As Woman Within has grown nationally and now internationally, so has its number of circles. Many women want to be in a circle after the weekend, but have difficulty finding a circle. Melissa Mondschain, the e-circle coordinator for Illinois and Wisconsin, shares some of her insights and suggestions. “We ask that women register their existing circles or a new circle with the E-Circle Coordinator via phone or e-mail. Initially, we need to find out just how many circles there are, what geographic radius we’re reaching, and which communities we need to do a better job of reaching.”

“I need to have a list of registered circles available to help the woman looking for a circle. When a searching woman contacts me, my desire is to contact a circle in the area for which she is looking and ask if they are open to me making an email introduction. The circle always has the right to say no. I am aware that the notion of being an open circle, triggers many women. I am challenging those women to look at how staying closed serves them. One recent circle I spoke with maintains an open status. When asked, they shared that there attitude is ‘if a woman needs a circle, then we are open’. This particular circle is not only stretching themselves by using this approach but assisting our community at large.”

“It is important for circles to know that with intention, location and some safety parameters, a safe container can be built with any combination of women. The ever changing energy of a circle is something that many circles have historically in our community tried to avoid. I invite you to welcome and embrace it,” Melissa concluded.

If you’re looking for an E-Circle, contact Melissa, E-Circle Coordinator for Women in Circle, at ecircle@womenincircle.org or call her at 847.520.7223.

Enjoy the journey. With intent, desire and passion, you’ll find the circle you’re meant to be part of.

Edna B. Wilson,
Heartbeat Roving Reporter
(WWTW) March, 1989
Delavan, WI