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First Moon Circles

What are First Moon Circles?

First Moon Circles are beautiful, celebratory three-hour events that offer holistic menstrual education to empower children and their families so that they can feel prepared, informed, and positive about menstruation. The circles help children embrace their whole selves: body, mind, and spirit while also recognizing the onset of menstruation (menarche) as an extremely important rite of passage.

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Why should you attend First Moon Circles?

A few of the benefits of attending First Moon Circles are:

  • Children learn to accept and embrace their bodily changes, so that they can traverse this next part of their life journey with confidence and a sense of ease in their changing body.

  • They have a greater respect for and understanding of their body, which helps them make better choices for themselves.

  • They learn how to care for their body, emotions, moods, skin, thoughts, and spiritual selves as they approach menarche, and how to continue this care for the next 40 years of menstruation.

  • They also learn the practical aspects of caring for their bodies such as how to work with period products.

  • Periods and menstruation are normalized as they sit in Circle and ask questions, learning from me, as well as from each other that this part of their life is something to be proud of.

  • For attendees who do not menstruate, First Moon Circles provide an insight into the life of those who do and promote compassion and understanding of how to support their loved ones through their cyclical journey.

Testimonials

  • Close-up of a woman wearing glasses with purple-tinted lenses, smiling indoors with office furniture and a blue wall in the background.

    The First Moon Circle was fantastically organized. My daughter was taught all about periods, about how important and precious womanhood is. There was an emphasis on doing away with period taboos and the idea that women dirty, impure, or sinful while menstruating. It helped the mothers and daughters see the light through the darkness of so many myths about this natural part of life. The girls were also taught about the importance of hygiene. Since this is a topic not raised enough in society, and even in schools, this program is a very insightful event. As a mother, I treasure the moment I was given, to tell my daughter how inestimable she is to me in my life.

    Nirosha Liyanage

  • Portrait of a woman with dark hair, smiling, wearing earrings, a black blazer, and a red lace top, against a plain white background.

    Excellent First Moon Circle and first of its kind in my personal experience. I wish every girl would have access to this. I rate it 10/10 on all dimensions that matter: Superb facilitator Shivani who has a way with kids and is very thoughtful and experienced. Excellent content curated carefully to include science, stories, emotions. Thoughtful hands-on activities that got the girls comfortable. Exercises that went way beyond periods and puberty and started instilling much needed self-confidence in girls about their bodies, appearance, support system, biases, and breaking glass ceilings.

    Vidhya

  • A smiling woman with short gray hair, wearing a light-colored traditional Asian-style shirt, standing outdoors with green leafy plants in the background.

    Thank you so much for the AWESOME learning you instilled in the girls today. The one hour I spent with you was so interesting, educational, and empowering. Thank you for taking the initiative to teach the young generation to love themselves and be proud of who they are. In this world which spews a lot of negative vibes about being a woman/menstruation, etc., these sessions will drive the message into these young minds and make them stronger and braver girls who are proud of being a woman!

    Manisha Jayasinghe

  • A woman with curly black hair, wearing a sleeveless orange top, sitting at a table in a restaurant, smiling, with a large green coconut drink with a straw in front of her. The table has a red checkered surface.

    My daughter and I really enjoyed being a part of the Circle. It was informative even for me and empowering for both of us. We love that such an intimate and comfortable environment was created for us. Thanks for making this process special for us, Shivani.

    Fazeena Rajabdeen

  • Two women smiling, one with her arm around the other, in a brightly lit indoor setting with colorful lights in the background.

    Thank you so much for conducting the First Moon Circle. I’m glad you gave an opportunity for the young ones to discuss/learn about their periods. A lot of kids are not encouraged to discuss these sensitive topics so openly even in this modern day and age. It was an eye opener for them and also quite emotional for us mums. Arya wanted me to personally thank you and also to let you know she had an amazing time!

    Pavithra Wijesooriya

  • A woman and a young girl smiling and hugging in front of a plain background.

    Attending Shivani’s First Moon Circle with my daughter was a positive experience. We found the space to be safe and welcoming, and her compassionate approach allowed my daughter to discuss sensitive topics related to menstruation and puberty with ease. Shivani’s ability to foster an atmosphere of openness and respect was appreciated, and we both left feeling more informed and empowered.

    Azri

  • Blurred image of heart-shaped bokeh lights with a soft pink and white glow, creating a romantic or dreamy atmosphere.

    The First Moon Circle with Shivani has been pivotal for my 9 year old daughter, and surprisingly, for me too! This program is unique in nature with age appropriate explanations to kids. This experience with Shivani turned the fearful and scary idea of menstruation into a beautiful and exciting future for my child. Thank you so much, Shivani.

    Jyothi Periwal

  • Blurred photograph of small heart-shaped lights creating a bokeh effect, with indistinct dark, blue, and yellow background elements.

    Yohali had a great time and the knowledge she gained was very important. I am so glad that she was a part of it. Thank you so much for giving us that mother-daughter time.

    Elisha

  • Blurred photo of pink and white heart-shaped bokeh lights with some dark and yellowish background elements.

    Shivani, I had a chat with Nuha and she explained to me everything that was done during the session. She seems quite confident to handle her first period when it happens. She really enjoyed the session. Once again, thank you.

    Rishada Ameen

  • A woman is sitting close to a young girl, gently kissing her on the forehead. The girl is holding her hands close to her face, and they are sitting indoors with a window and wooden door behind them.

    Thank you for the informative session, Shivani. Dua has benefitted immensely and I’m so pleasantly surprised that she’s not terrified or scared as I thought she would be. That shows how well you have explained the entire process to them. We will definitely be recommending these sessions to others.

    Khadija

  • A woman with shoulder-length, wavy, reddish-brown hair, wearing a yellow top with a dark floral pattern, sitting indoors against a plain beige wall, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

    Dear Shivani, thank you so much for the informative session. It was really great and the girls really enjoyed themselves. Please do let me know about any future sisterhood circles.

    Shamika Cooray

  • Blurred image of heart-shaped bokeh lights, creating a romantic or festive atmosphere.

    Shivani, thank you for the beautiful circle. Apsara was very happy with the entire event and is no longer worried about starting her period.

    Namalie Menidikwela

FAQs

  • A Rite of Passage is an important transformational event that occurs in a lifetime and signifies leaving one group identity and entering into the next phase.

  • For so many reasons! Some of which are:

    • They acknowledge personal transformation.

    • They prepare individuals to handle change.

    • They teach responsibility and the skills of the new role.

    • They pass on knowledge, heritage, and culture.

    • They build a support network to family, community, and peers.

    • They affirm identity and belonging.

  • Menarche is the first period. It is important to celebrate it for the following reasons:

    • Menarche defines a transition in a young person’s life which impacts their self-worth, self-belief, and self-confidence.

    • Celebrating menarche ensures better long-term health, wellbeing, sense of identity, and empowerment.

    • There is a direct connection to a sense of self, connection to body, innate power, to community, and to Mother Earth.

  • Yes, they will. Do you remember how period education was in school for you? For me, I barely even remember it - I only know that I did not know enough when I did get my first period. School education, as of now, does not hold the sensitivity and reverence that a celebration of menstruality deserves.

  • Yes. You do not have to prepare your child or give them any prior information. I ensure that the entire process is sensitive and supportive to all levels of knowledge.

  • Absolutely! The purpose of the Circles is not just to educate them but also to CELEBRATE their bodies and their cyclical nature. When this is done in community, with peers, it creates a lasting memory and a deep sense of belonging in each person who attends.

  • Yes, I do. Please get in touch with me via the contact form or through social media for more details.

  • I hold First Moon Circles for girls and all people who menstruate. I also hold the Circles for those who do not menstruate but live with menstruators. It is an inclusive, open space. Please get in touch with me for more details.

Three women holding hands in a circle, close-up shot focusing on their hands and clothing.
A woman surrounded by five girls, holding hands and smiling in a brightly lit room.
A lit candle in a glass holder surrounded by small tea light candles on a woven mat, on a purple patterned tablecloth with tarot cards nearby, in a cozy setting with a person in yellow clothing reaching across the table.
A woman with black hair holding up a crochet baby rattle toy, showing it to a group of women who are sitting and listening attentively, in a room with a beige wall and a basket of supplies.
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A woman with dark hair is sitting and holding a small pink container. She is wearing a colorful patterned top with yellow sleeves and appears to be engaged in a conversation or activity.
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A group of women sitting comfortably in a bright room, sharing a joyful moment as they hug and chat, with natural light coming through the open door.
A woman sitting on a green cushion in front of a decorated table with snacks, fruits, books, and a candle in a circle, inside a bright room.
Group of women and children sitting on mats and cushions in a brightly lit room, engaging in a joyful moment, with some clapping and smiling.
A group of women and children sitting on the floor inside a bright room with large windows. Some are engaged in conversations or activities, and there are cushions and a candle in the center.
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A woman with long black hair wearing a printed dress, sitting cross-legged on the floor, holding two crocheted objects, one beige and one pink, in a room with a plain wall. She appears to be explaining or demonstrating something to children in front
A group of children sitting on colorful cushions in a circle on a wooden floor, listening to an adult woman who is talking. There are snacks and drinks on a patterned mat in the center.
A woman sitting cross-legged on a yellow cushion floor, reading a pamphlet with diagrams of the female reproductive system, with children nearby.
Group of young girls sitting on colorful cushions in a circle, listening to a woman who is speaking and holding a book, in a spacious room with a high ceiling and large windows.
A woman and a girl sitting closely, with the woman kissing the girl's forehead, in a room with wooden floors and a glass door in the background.
A woman and girl sitting on a green cushion, smiling, with food bowls and utensils in front of them, in a room with wooden door and white wall.
A woman is kneeling down on the floor, holding hands with a young girl in a pink dress who is sitting on a green cushion. Another girl in a red dress is sitting nearby, smiling, while a third child is sitting on another green cushion, holding a devic
Three women and a young girl play a game with a wrapped object, sitting on a green surface indoors.
A woman and a young girl are sitting on the floor, with the woman helping the girl with a string. The floor has a colorful patterned cloth with plates of treats, a card, and a cupcake. There are decorations, a book, and some household items in the ba
Two women engaged in conversation indoors, one wearing a gray top and the other in a pink dress, sitting on a green seating cushion.
Two women sitting on green cushions on the floor, smiling and engaging in conversation. One woman is wearing a yellow dress with a floral scarf, and the other is wearing a black polka dot top and maroon pants. There are small green bowls and a water
Two women sitting and talking, one dressed in black with short black hair, and the other in a red patterned dress with a matching headband, seated on green cushions.
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