DAWA Circle Starter Guide

DAWA Circle Starter Guide

DAWA is the Kiswahili word for medicine. Nature’s medicine.

What is a DAWA Circle?

A DAWA Circle is a small, intentional gathering of women who come together to heal, , learn, and support one another. Whether it’s once a week or once a season, these circles are sacred pauses—a chance to root deeper in community and care. We need each other.

Why Create One?

• Because community is medicine

• Because our ancestors healed in circles

• Because we don’t have to do it alone

• Because in these times, it’s more important than ever to work together—our collective strength matters

When & How Often?

There’s no one right way. It could be:- Weekly: for check-ins and grounding- Monthly: for deeper sharing, learning, and ritual- Seasonally: to mark changes and set new intentions, Choose a rhythm that feels doable and nourishing.

How to Begin

1. Gather 2-6 women who are open to growing together

2. Choose a time and space—someone’s home, a park, or even a virtual space

3. Set an intention: healing, rest, womb wellness, creativity, joy

4. Begin with something grounding—tea, breath, a song, silence

5. Close with a ritual—lighting a candle, speaking affirmations, giving thanks

A Note on Building Trust

Sometimes we need time before we feel ready to open up emotionally. You can begin by simply doing things together:- Cooking a nourishing meal- Making herbal medicine- Practicing yoga or movement- Sitting in silence or reading aloud

These shared experiences help build safety and connection—so when the time comes to go deeper, the trust is already there.

This is your medicine. Keep it simple. Keep it sacred. Just begin.

Examples of a DAWA Circle

Womb Circle

Talk about your cycle, emotions, and how your body’s really feeling. Sip tea, journal, and share womb wisdom.

Move + Breathe Circle

Stretch together, breathe, and set intentions. Close with fruit or tea. Great for starting the week grounded.

Medicine-Making Circle

Make herbal remedies like syrups, teas, or oils. Learn as you create, then share stories around the table.

Moon Circle

Gather during the full or new moon to release, pray, journal, and affirm what you’re calling in.

Nourish Circle

Cook and eat together. Share food, recipes, and ancestral wisdom. Break bread and be in joy.

Mama Circle

Hold space for mamas to share what’s real. Bring snacks, let the kids play nearby, and exhale together.

Homeschool/Childcare Collective Circle

Create a circle to care for each other’s children.Start small: rotate homes, share lessons, nature walks, story time, or just quiet space.We don’t have to keep sending our babies into systems that weren’t built to protect them.Our ancestors raised children in community—and we still can.

Need support getting started? We’re here for you. If you have questions, want to share how your circle is going, or need help shaping your gathering, reach out to us at:

📧 dawaisjoy@gmail.com

DAWA is medicine—and you don’t have to do this alone.