Our Richmond Red Tent was founded in May 2017 and has become a place of peace, support, friendship, community and exploration for the women who gather with us. Whether you come every month, or just every now and then, it always feels like home.
A Red Tent circle is, very simply put, a space for women of all ages to gather and just BE. To let go of the masculine, Yang, 'DOing' energy that we can so easily get drawn into regardless of whether we feel up to it or not. Traditionally it would have been a time when the women of the tribe, often menstruating together (a time of great personal power if you embrace it), would gather to receive the deep wisdom of mother nature, to meditate, to receive the teachings of the matriarchs in post-menopause, to initiate and guide the young women through the menarche, to share and to regroup, before taking their insights back to the greater tribe. The New Moon traditionally represents this time of quiet, rest, of gathering power before new beginnings.
The format is simple... we start in circle, when each woman can share how they are feeling, and we take it from there. We may sit with story sharing; or, depending on numbers, we may have a group activity that will be nourishing for all, or we may split into smaller groups - maybe someone has something they'd like to offer to the group, or someone really needs to receive something, and we make space for this to happen. We always meet back in circle to regroup and close. The container for this structured space is 2 hours, but we can hang out afterwards for chats, food and wine if you wish.
While the gathering is free, a small donation is appreciated (£2 suggested) to go towards essential supplies of chocolate, tea and candles for the evening. There is a pretty box to receive these offerings. If you fancy hanging out afterwards, please also bring something edible/drinkable to share (yes, wine is always welcome). Help with washing up would also be appreciated.
Consider wearing something red, and also consider whether there is something you would like to offer our circle of women, or if you just want to hang out, soak up, and receive. Here's a clue - if you're due to be menstruating, maybe consider embracing the art of receiving, and see what it's like to Not Give and Do Nothing for a couple of hours? Don't worry if you can't think of anything to offer, but some things we've had in the past/have thought about offering are Reiki, guided meditation, hand/feet or head massages, readings from gloriously powerful books, Runes, art and craft work. If you think it might be nourishing for the group - bring it on!
A Red Tent circle is, very simply put, a space for women of all ages to gather and just BE. To let go of the masculine, Yang, 'DOing' energy that we can so easily get drawn into regardless of whether we feel up to it or not. Traditionally it would have been a time when the women of the tribe, often menstruating together (a time of great personal power if you embrace it), would gather to receive the deep wisdom of mother nature, to meditate, to receive the teachings of the matriarchs in post-menopause, to initiate and guide the young women through the menarche, to share and to regroup, before taking their insights back to the greater tribe. The New Moon traditionally represents this time of quiet, rest, of gathering power before new beginnings.
The format is simple... we start in circle, when each woman can share how they are feeling, and we take it from there. We may sit with story sharing; or, depending on numbers, we may have a group activity that will be nourishing for all, or we may split into smaller groups - maybe someone has something they'd like to offer to the group, or someone really needs to receive something, and we make space for this to happen. We always meet back in circle to regroup and close. The container for this structured space is 2 hours, but we can hang out afterwards for chats, food and wine if you wish.
While the gathering is free, a small donation is appreciated (£2 suggested) to go towards essential supplies of chocolate, tea and candles for the evening. There is a pretty box to receive these offerings. If you fancy hanging out afterwards, please also bring something edible/drinkable to share (yes, wine is always welcome). Help with washing up would also be appreciated.
Consider wearing something red, and also consider whether there is something you would like to offer our circle of women, or if you just want to hang out, soak up, and receive. Here's a clue - if you're due to be menstruating, maybe consider embracing the art of receiving, and see what it's like to Not Give and Do Nothing for a couple of hours? Don't worry if you can't think of anything to offer, but some things we've had in the past/have thought about offering are Reiki, guided meditation, hand/feet or head massages, readings from gloriously powerful books, Runes, art and craft work. If you think it might be nourishing for the group - bring it on!
The Richmond Red Tent is co-facilitated by Sophie Archer, Katrina Beath and Bera Benitez.
Sophie Archer is a qualified Counsellor and she works in mental health. Her particular interest is in the affects of art and nutrition on mental wellbeing, She runs several groups for Richmond Borough Mind to share this knowledge and passion.
Sophie is also a Reiki Practitioner of 20 years, and a talented Artist with a past career in theatre and television as a prop and costume maker.
Katrina Beath (www.klbtherapy.com) is a qualified Counsellor, massage and Reiki therapist, specialised in women's health and fertility. She also works with horses, teaches Reiki and Equine Healing and is an Academic Lecturer / Primary Tutor for the Metanoia Institute. Katrina runs several groups including Reiki Shares, women's cancer support, and is a corporate wellbeing consultant and therapist, informed by her past career in HR.
Bera Benitez is a student of all subjects related to spirituality, moon cycles and Sacred Femininity, experiencing
through her own journey of pregnancy, birth, post-partum and conscious parenting the lessons of Mujer
Lunar (https://www.mujerlunar.com/). She got a diploma for a year class as a Medicine Woman,
Visionary and Guide to Women’s Rites of Passage in 2019 and is currently studying for a Diploma in the
13 Original Clan Mothers based on the book of the same name by Jamie Sams, which concentrates on
native American wisdom centered in the heart.
Sophie Archer is a qualified Counsellor and she works in mental health. Her particular interest is in the affects of art and nutrition on mental wellbeing, She runs several groups for Richmond Borough Mind to share this knowledge and passion.
Sophie is also a Reiki Practitioner of 20 years, and a talented Artist with a past career in theatre and television as a prop and costume maker.
Katrina Beath (www.klbtherapy.com) is a qualified Counsellor, massage and Reiki therapist, specialised in women's health and fertility. She also works with horses, teaches Reiki and Equine Healing and is an Academic Lecturer / Primary Tutor for the Metanoia Institute. Katrina runs several groups including Reiki Shares, women's cancer support, and is a corporate wellbeing consultant and therapist, informed by her past career in HR.
Bera Benitez is a student of all subjects related to spirituality, moon cycles and Sacred Femininity, experiencing
through her own journey of pregnancy, birth, post-partum and conscious parenting the lessons of Mujer
Lunar (https://www.mujerlunar.com/). She got a diploma for a year class as a Medicine Woman,
Visionary and Guide to Women’s Rites of Passage in 2019 and is currently studying for a Diploma in the
13 Original Clan Mothers based on the book of the same name by Jamie Sams, which concentrates on
native American wisdom centered in the heart.
