Divas Divine

Hello my name is Melanie. For a year I facilitated a womens circle, a group of women meeting in East London, of various ages, cultures, faiths and lifestyles joining together in friendship to form a community, at new and full moon, in recognition of women‘s physical connection to the phases of the moon through our own hormonal cycles, to listen, to support, share, grow and learn with a focus on womens issues, health and spirituality. The group which is also an online community, is called Divas Divine (more info here ). Organising, running and participating in the group was a truly rewarding experience.

No More Venue

At the end of the year I wanted to continue but there was a problem. I couldn’t find a venue that could hold the group comfortably, allow for privacy, at low cost, (especially as there was no charge for participating). Places where we held the group either became busier and couldn’t accommodate our needs as a growing and lively group or suitable venues we had used closed down! As a result we were unable to continue. I am asked regularly if I will run the group again and I am aware that the need for this type of group is as important now as it ever was.

The Purpose of Raising Funds

My intention is to raise funds to buy an adequately sized Tipi to create a “Red Tent Experience” as well as mats, cushions, drapes, blankets, decoration and lighting, a small table, chimes, , singing bowl, crystals and other similar items to create a temporary and easily transportable haven of tranquility that can host the Divas Divine Circle of Sisterhood and be a meeting place for other womens circles, to hold women focused workshops, lectures, meetings and yoga etc. to be of benefit not just to the Divas Circle but to many womens groups and womens events.

The Red Tent

The red tent concept is based on a tradition in many cultures that excludes women and girls from their household when menstruating or after childbirth. There are obvious negative connotations to this practice in what can be very harsh circumstances, still happening in places around the world today with women and girls being considered cursed or unclean at this time, yet the idea of women creating a place of community, support and healing in a “red tent” as a representation of solidarity and connection through shared experience is a modern reevaluation of an ancient practice which probably had its roots in matriarchal societies celebrating and honouring this powerful time in a womans cycle.

Support & Gratitude

We live in a patriarchal society that often doesn‘t understand, acknowledge or accommodate the female experience or the needs of women and girls. Women can become isolated, disconnected and more stressed than ever especially as community and family support can be absent, so it is important for women to have safe places to be listened to, to connect, share, empower and support one another. I hope you will support me in in raising the funds to do what I can to play my part and further this aim. I will be deeply grateful for any support provided.

Thank you

Melanie