Welcome to Red Tent Bellingen
Red Tent Bellingen
A restorative space for women who have or have had a womb
"The great mother whom we call Inanna gave a gift to woman that is not known among men, and this is the secret of blood. The flow at the dark of the moon, the healing blood of the moon’s birth - to men, this is flux and distemper, bother and pain. They imagine we suffer and consider themselves lucky. We do not disabuse them. In the red tent, the truth is known. In the red tent, where days pass like a gentle stream, as the gift of Inanna courses through us, cleansing the body of last month’s death, preparing the body to receive the new month’s life, women give thanks — for repose and restoration, for the knowledge that life comes from between our legs, and that life costs blood."
Why 'Red Tent'
The above passage from the 2007 book ‘The Red Tent’ sparked a worldwide phenomenon of women longing for a space just for them ~ to laugh and grieve together, to truly hear one another and learn from one another. Red Tent circles have sprung up all over the globe. The sacred space of a modern Red Tent gives us the chance to meet once a month, around dark moon time, to remember and revive connection; to tell our stories and to be witnessed. Women of all ages and stages of life are welcome.
We gather together monthly on the Sunday evening closest to new moon in sacred circle to share the journey of womanhood; a place where we truly listen to our sisters and have the opportunity to be deeply heard as well. Our unofficial motto may be Present, Not Perfect; the full spectrum of who we are, the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ is accepted. We share our moon cycle and life cycle experiences and stories. The full spectrum of who we are is invited to show up. We keep our circle numbers to a maximum of 20, including facilitators. This means there are often only 16 tickets available for purchase. If you’ve never joined us before, or sat in a women’s circle, don’t let that keep you away, there are always a few women attending for the first time.
Why 'Red Tent'
The above passage from the 2007 book ‘The Red Tent’ sparked a worldwide phenomenon of women longing for a space just for them ~ to laugh and grieve together, to truly hear one another and learn from one another. Red Tent circles have sprung up all over the globe. The sacred space of a modern Red Tent gives us the chance to meet once a month, around dark moon time, to remember and revive connection; to tell our stories and to be witnessed. Women of all ages and stages of life are welcome.
We gather together monthly on the Sunday evening closest to new moon in sacred circle to share the journey of womanhood; a place where we truly listen to our sisters and have the opportunity to be deeply heard as well. Our unofficial motto may be Present, Not Perfect; the full spectrum of who we are, the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ is accepted. We share our moon cycle and life cycle experiences and stories. The full spectrum of who we are is invited to show up. We keep our circle numbers to a maximum of 20, including facilitators. This means there are often only 16 tickets available for purchase.If you’ve never joined us before, or sat in a women’s circle, don’t let that keep you away, there are always a few women attending for the first time.
What to Expect
When you arrive at a Red Tent gathering you can expect to be ceremonially greeted with warmth and acceptance, invited to share a cup of tea, and to sit in Sacred Circle.
We often sit in order of age, representing the stages of women’s lives and the wisdom that is inherent in each stage. Sharing within the space of sacred circle is supported but it is not in any way obligatory – communion in silence is also sacred. Know too that we share with the agreement that “what’s said in circle, stays in circle”…we hold each other in trust and confidentiality.
Often our monthly circle incorporates some type of special offering – a skill or wisdom in a specific field, made by either an existing member of our circle or an invited guest. These offerings are an inspiring mix of nourishment and fun, as well as being poignant and meaningful. We’ve offered sensual pampering, massage, crafts, talisman making, Yoni Whispering, The Sacred Walk of Grief, movie nights, spinning and other crafts, sacred dance, breath-work and many more.
In summary, our key circle principles are:
– Create a sacred space – Everyone’s voice is heard- Speak and listen from the heart- Listen with discernment instead of judgment – Speak from your own experience – Hold in confidence what is shared in confidence – Use silence for reflection, meditation, and prayer.
Teas and snacks will be offered.
Please note: Red Tent circles are NOT religious gatherings. Every woman brings her own spiritual path with her, and all women, no matter their beliefs, are welcome.
What to Expect
When you arrive at a Red Tent gathering you can expect to be ceremonially greeted with warmth and acceptance, invited to share a cup of tea, and to sit in Sacred Circle.
We often sit in order of age, representing the stages of women’s lives and the wisdom that is inherent in each stage. Sharing within the space of sacred circle is supported but it is not in any way obligatory – communion in silence is also sacred. Know too that we share with the agreement that “what’s said in circle, stays in circle”…we hold each other in trust and confidentiality.
Often our monthly circle incorporates some type of special offering – a skill or wisdom in a specific field, made by either an existing member of our circle or an invited guest. These offerings are an inspiring mix of nourishment and fun, as well as being poignant and meaningful. We’ve offered sensual pampering, massage, crafts, talisman making, Yoni Whispering, The Sacred Walk of Grief, movie nights, spinning and other crafts, sacred dance, breath-work and many more.
In summary, our key circle principles are:
– Create a sacred space – Everyone’s voice is heard- Speak and listen from the heart- Listen with discernment instead of judgment – Speak from your own experience – Hold in confidence what is shared in confidence – Use silence for reflection, meditation, and prayer.
Teas and snacks will be offered.
Please note: Red Tent circles are NOT religious gatherings. Every woman brings her own spiritual path with her, and all women, no matter their beliefs, are welcome.
What to Bring
Please bring a cushion, yoga mat or sheepskin, or chair, water, a wrap or blanket in the cold weather, and your own beautiful self. You are welcome to bring an item that holds meaning for you to place on our ‘altar’, for the duration of the event, to honour something that you are bringing to the circle.
Children?
Red Tent circles are intended to create a sacred space where you can be you in a relaxing, comforting environment, uninterrupted by the demands of the outside world. Girls who have reached menarche are welcome, quiet babes in arms are welcome, otherwise these circles are child free. If we are able to offer babysitting services at any of our circles, this advice will be noted on individual events. We are hoping to create a solution for sole mamas who wish to come but who are, at present, excluded by their circumstances.
What to Bring
Please bring a cushion, yoga mat or sheepskin, or chair, water, a wrap or blanket in the cold weather, and your own beautiful self. You are welcome to bring an item that holds meaning for you to place on our ‘altar’, for the duration of the event, to honour something that you are bringing to the circle.
Children?
Red Tent circles are intended to create a sacred space where you can be you in a relaxing, comforting environment, uninterrupted by the demands of the outside world. Girls who have reached menarche are welcome, quiet babes in arms are welcome, otherwise these circles are child free. If we are able to offer babysitting services at any of our circles, this advice will be noted on individual events. We are hoping to create a solution for sole mamas who wish to come but who are, at present, excluded by their circumstances.
Is There a Cost?
Yes. Booking is essential; tickets can be purchased via our Events page for individual Red Tent circles. We ask a $16 concession or $20 salaried entry fee (plus booking fee), this goes toward the hire of the venue, cost of refreshments, candles and other sundries. Please contact us if cost is a barrier.
A small amount from each circle is donated to TreeSisters in an act of giving back to nature, in reciprocity for all she provides us, and in our commitment to support women and their communities. (We may from time to time choose a different cause, but it will always be one that supports the well-being of girls and women).
If purchasing tickets online is a barrier, please contact us at info@goddesstemplebellingen.org
Is There a Cost?
Yes. Booking is essential; tickets can be purchased via our Events page for individual Red Tent circles. We ask a $16 concession or $20 salaried entry fee (plus booking fee), this goes toward the hire of the venue, cost of refreshments, candles and other sundries. Please contact us if cost is a barrier.
A small amount from each circle is donated to TreeSisters in an act of giving back to nature, in reciprocity for all she provides us, and in our commitment to support women and their communities. (We may from time to time choose a different cause, but it will always be one that supports the well-being of girls and women).
If purchasing tickets online is a barrier, please contact us at info@goddesstemplebellingen.org
All artworks on this page, excluding top image, are by artist Freydoon Rassouli
Testimonials
