By Dee Rowe

The circle, a simple closed shape with no beginning and no end has captivated the human imagination for millennia. It is a universal symbol of infinity, unity, and the sacred feminine that transcends cultures and epochs, weaving a common thread of understanding and connection. This exploration delves into the circle's profound symbolism and reflects on its role in societal constructs.

The Circle: A Universal Symbol with Endless Meanings

At its core, the circle represents wholeness and eternity. It is the shape of the sun and the moon, the most primal of symbols, and it mirrors the cyclical nature of existence. The circle has no corners to hide secrets; it is complete and perfect in its continuity. This perfection has made it a revered symbol of the divine, a representation of the infinite that is both inclusive and all-encompassing.

The circle, a shape that has captivated human imagination since time immemorial, is not just a geometric figure; it is a powerful symbol that carries a multitude of meanings across different cultures and belief systems. The circle's influence is profound and pervasive, shaping our societal structures and the way we interact with each other. Let's explore other circular symbols that have historically held significance and continue to resonate with us today, deepening our understanding of the world around us.

The Mandala: Cosmic Diagrams of the Universe

Mandalas are intricate circular designs used as spiritual symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism. They represent the universe and serve as tools for meditation and trance induction. Creating a mandala is a ritual that symbolizes the transformation of the universe from chaos to order. This may be why I love incorporating them into my altars for the Women's Circles I lead when I have time.

The Enso: Zen Buddhism's Circle of Enlightenment

In Zen Buddhism, the Enso is an incomplete hand-drawn circle that symbolizes the beauty of imperfection. Drawing an Enso is a meditative practice that reflects the artist's inner state at that moment. It represents enlightenment, the universe, the void, and the cyclical nature of existence.

The Ouroboros: A Serpent Eating Its Tail

Among the most evocative of circular symbols is the Ouroboros, an ancient icon depicting a serpent consuming its own tail. This symbol speaks to the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth, the unending nature of life's journey. The Ouroboros is a paradox, simultaneously embodying creation and destruction, life and death, and the unity of opposites. It is a visual mantra that vividly reminds us that from every end springs a new beginning.

The Dharma Wheel: The Cycle of Rebirth

The Dharma Wheel, or Dharmachakra, is a symbol representing the teachings of Buddha. It is one of the most commonly used symbols of Buddhism, much like the cross is to Christianity. It typically has eight spokes, which stand for the Noble Eightfold Path. The wheel's circular nature signifies the cycle of rebirth in samsara, the continuous journey toward enlightenment and liberation.

The Celtic Knot: Eternity and Connection

The Celtic knot, often depicted in a circular form, symbolizes eternity and interconnectedness. The endless loops of the knot represent the spirit's timeless nature and the uninterrupted cycle of life. It is a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things, without beginning or end.

The Peace Symbol: A Modern Circular Emblem

The circle here encapsulates the idea of global unity and harmony. The peace symbol, a circle with three lines within it, was initially designed for the British nuclear disarmament movement. American "Hippies" adopted it as a symbol of the protest against the Vietnam war. It is now universally recognized as a symbol of peace and anti-war sentiment. 

The Yin & Yang: Harmony in Duality

The yin and yang symbol, an emblem of harmony and balance, is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy. It is a visual representation of dualism, depicting how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. The symbol is a circle divided into swirling black and white sections, each containing a dot of the opposite color, signifying the presence of yin within yang and yang within yin.

The Circle and the Divine Feminine: Embracing Wholeness and Creation

The circle, an ancient and universal symbol of unity, wholeness, and infinity, has long been associated with the sacred and the divine feminine. The circle's representation of the cyclical nature of life and the nurturing aspects of creation and regeneration are often attributed to feminine energy. This insight into the circle's spiritual significance can deepen our appreciation for its symbolism.

The divine, or sacred feminine transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It represents the nurturing force that exists within all of us. It is the source of life, the wellspring of creativity, and the nurturing energy that sustains the universe. The divine feminine is often associated with Mother Earth (often represented as a woman with a circular globe belly) goddesses, and the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature.

In many spiritual traditions, the circle symbolizes the goddess, representing the womb from which all life springs. It reminds us of the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and the eternal nature of the spirit. The circle embodies the goddess's qualities of compassion, wisdom, and nurturing care.

No wonder women feel the call to sit in Circles with one another. It makes perfect sense.

Circles in Society: From Inner Circles to Women's Circles

Beyond these spiritual and religious symbols, the circle's symbolism also finds its place in social constructs. It is woven into the very fabric of our society. 

The term 'inner circle' denotes a close-knit group, highlighting the circle's aspect of unity and protection. A true inner circle is a space where members are equidistant from the center, symbolizing equality and shared focus. A legendary example is King Arthur's Round Table, where the Knights of Camelot sat.

Women's Circles, a modern manifestation of the circle's symbolism, have emerged as powerful spaces for connection and empowerment. These gatherings, often conducted in a circular formation, foster a sense of community and support. They are a practical application of the circle's capacity to unite and provide a collective strength that honors the individual within the group's continuum.

These social circles embody the ideas of unity and connection that the geometric circle represents. However, we must take care to ensure we are not using them to divide and exclude rather than bring together and include.

The Circle's Universal Resonance

The circle is more than just a shape; it is a profound symbol that resonates with the deepest parts of our psyche. It reminds us of our connection to the cosmos, each other, and the cycles that govern existence. Whether in the spiritual realm with the Ouroboros or in the societal context with inner circles and women's gatherings, the circle remains a powerful emblem of unity, continuity, and infinity.

As we participate in or observe the traditions of women's circles, we carry forward the ancient practices that celebrate the divine feminine. We acknowledge the circle's power to unite us in our shared humanity and the cyclical nature of our existence. In its simplicity and perfection, the circle continues to be a profound symbol of the sacred, the divine, and the eternal feminine spirit.

So, the next time you see a circle, remember the rich tapestry of symbolism they carry and the universal truths they hold. The circle is a reminder that life is a continuous loop, an endless dance of beginnings and endings, and it is within this dance that we find the essence of all that is eternal and unified.

XOXO,

Dee Rowe is a Certified Reiki Practitioner and Women's Circle Facilitator based in Santa Clarita, CA. She leads Reiki-infused Circles in the general Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas. To get information on upcoming Circles and more, use the form below.