Inside A “Spirit Circle”

To some people the idea of a “spirit circle” may draw up visions of cloak-draped people encircling a fire and calling upon entities from beyond, but that’s not what they’re all about at all. In this day and age almost any mention of something relating to spirits, ghosts, energies, or anything deemed “supernatural” often causes a little fear at first, then draws out our curiosity, and finally those who care enough to learn what it is actually all about find that it’s really much less frightening, far more energizing, and are even a lot of fun to take part in. So what exactly is a spirit circle?

The best way to describe a spirit circle is a group of people who come together with the intent of connecting with the energies that are around us all the time, but that we seldom allow ourselves to slow down long enough to recognize and acknowledge. These energies include spirits of loved ones who have passed, nature entities such as fairies (yes, they do exist!), angels and spirit guides, and a category that for lack of better term can only be listed at “others.” Though you may have heard the word “séance” attributed to these activities, a spirit circle is much different than that, and there’s nothing to fear from attending one. There’s no conjuring up evil, no danger posed from the spirits that do show up, and no dancing around the fire in black cloaks… well, at least not yet…

For a few weekends now a small group of us have gathered at Locket’s Meadow Farm for a spirit circle led by Kathleen Schurman, and from someone who has attended many of these events, I can tell you that the way she presents hers are very different from others I’ve been to. Kathleen makes it a point of being engaging, welcoming of everyone – no matter what your background or belief is – and focuses on the energy and messages, rather than trying to insist that she has all the answers. In fact, she frequently tells people that she only considers herself a “mediocre medium” and that she is not anywhere near the best out there, but let me tell you, she downplays herself a lot! Whether you’ve attended something like this in the past, or you’ve never taken the opportunity, dropping by for one of these Sunday night spirit circles is highly recommended.

Each circle is opened by the lighting of several different candles which each represent a different spirit, energy, or influence on our lives. As each candle is lit the group takes a moment to focus their energy in recognition of what the candle represents, for example lighting a candle for the spirits of our animals who have passed through our lives. After this opening ceremony of sorts the circle moves on to giving and receiving impressions and messages that are passed on from the spirit world. While Kathleen directs this part, she makes it a point to encourage everyone to chime in with any senses, messages, or feelings they may be getting, which adds to the collective energy of the group. Before “closing” the spirit circle the group takes a moment to focus on sending out healing energies, wishes and intentions, and thank s to the spirits for being there and invite them to revitalize their connections to our lives.

Really the most important thing about taking part in a spirit circle is to simply be open-minded, ready to feel and interact with energies, and understanding that this isn’t witchcraft or evil practices, it’s simply a way of connecting with a higher existence that we are all an integral part of. If you approach the experience keeping these things in mind you are certain to leave the evening feeling energized, revitalized, and have a sense of being part of something much larger than the daily grind that most of us think of as our life’s existence.

There’s so much more out there and around us than we let us see, and a spirit circle is sure to leave you connected with all of that. And if you decide to come back for another one, you can feel free to bring along your black cloak and dance around the fire… and if not, we can loan you one for the evening! Just kidding… sort of.

Got questions about spirit circles? Want to know more? Or want to attend one so you can find out for yourself? Contact us at sgra@sgra.org for details, and join the discussion on our Message Boards