In-Person vs Online Women’s Circles: Which Is Right for You?
Why Women’s Circles Are More Relevant Than Ever
Women’s circles are having somewhat of a renaissance. Considering the world we currently live in, with so much division and polarisation, it’s not so surprising that more and more women are seeking out circle, whether consciously or unconsciously, as medicine.
As we’re slowly waking up to the fact that we’ve been divided, isolated, too many expectations lumped onto our shoulders, we’re also remembering ourselves. There is a wisdom that flows within each one of us, a wisdom that was often suppressed within our ancestors but was never destroyed – and we’re learning to reconnect with it.
Circle is the safe space we need to put down what we have to carry day-to-day, and begin that process of reconnecting with the wisdom within – as well as connecting with those around us in community.
If you’re new to circle, you may want to read this post on what actually happens in a women’s circle first, or listen to this old EMN Podcast episode on When Women Gather: The Hidden Power of Circles in Our Time.
In this post, we’re going to look at the two formats of being in a circle – together in-person, and together online. Choosing the right format can be overwhelming, and also is a really individual choice – what works best for one woman may not be the best fit for another!
So let’s delve in to some practical factors here like energy, intimacy, convenience, price, and outcomes to help you decide whether you should try online or in person women’s circles.
Energy and Presence in Women’s Circles
Although less easy to describe than some other factors, most women would agree that the energy and presence of the space is of the utmost importance for them. Circle is meant to be a safe space, and so if the energy of the group doesn’t feel a fit for you, your nervous system is going to pick up on that and you may not feel safe enough to be fully authentic, or share what you may feel comfortable to share in a different space.
Let’s unpack this.
In-Person Circles
In-person circles can directly provide you with that energetic connection that feels so supportive, even if you cant name it. The immediacy of shared space, body language, scent, touch, and unspoken connection provides something tangible. Participants are usually very present during these experiences, and actively listening to one another.
Online Circles
There’s no doubt that the experience of an online circle is different – there can still be a shared energy to the group, but it often feels more diffuse. You are maybe seeing some other women on the screen, so there’s a sense that there are a group of people present, but you don’t really have things like body language to pick up on as you would if you were sat in close proximity to someone. Participants may vary a bit more in terms of their presence – there can be more distractions when you’re tuning in from your own space.
From my own experience, I’ve certainly got emotional and spiritual fulfilment from online circles, but not as much of an emotional connection with the other members of the group as in person.
Bottom line – Do you crave a tangible, embodied connection, or can you thrive in digital intimacy?
Building Intimacy and Trust
In-Person Circles
An in-person women’s circle makes it easier to create deep trust quickly, thanks to the above points on energy and presence. This trust stemming from the physical presence of others helps us to feel less vulnerable and like we’re in that safe space, and so it can be easier for emotional release to take place.
Online Circles
This can be harder to find in online circles – or easier. It can be harder because you’re not all phyiscally present in the same space – some women may have cameras off if they’re feeling vulnerable, and you can’t always build up that ‘getting to know you vibe’ with the other participants. Inversely, some of us can find that actually, it’s easier to open up to people that we dont really know, and the safety of being behind a computer screen rather than sat out there in a room with others can help lessen that sense of vulnerabilty.
Some ways to deepen the intimacy of an online circle can be organised my the facilitator, such as guided exercise and a bit more structure to the flow of circle than would be in place for in-person events; small breakout groups if there are a large number of women in the main group; and encouraging use of good lighting and cameras on when possible.
Bottom line – In-person circles build trust quickly; online circles can be intimate with intention.
Convenience and Accessibility: Choosing the Circle That Fits Your Life
In-person Circles
This is an area where in-person women’s circles may be harder to commit to for many – there is likely travel involved, if you care for someone or have children then cover or childcare is needed to allow you to go, and as many in-person circles are in the evening, schedule clashes or simply being too tired to leave the house at that point of the day can all factor in.
Online Circles
This is where online circles can be a boon for busy mums and caregivers. There’s no travelling to factor in, and although you may need someone else about to keep an eye on the kids for example, it’s easier to join in circle when you do have that backup of being able to nip off for a minute to sort something pressing.
Location is no longer a restriction, so you can join in with a circle from anywhere in the world – this makes online circles tailored to specific groups really useful as you can build a community that’s independant of location and connect with others that you never would of been able to otherwise.
Bottom line – What’s your time worth? How much effort are you willing to put in to attend?
Price & Value
In-person Circles
In comparison to online women’s circles, these are often more expensive due to factors like room rental, setup/takedown of the space, facilitation, and refreshments. Value is often dependant on group dynamics and engagement.
Online Circles
Often lower cost with more flexible pricing models, but outcomes and value for money will again depend on engagement within the group, which can be more likely to fluctuate with online gathering.
Bottom line -Price isn’t just money—it’s also time, energy, and emotional investment. Think about your goals: what return do you want from this experience?
Outcomes & Transformation
Although its hard to measure outcomes regardless of the setting, it may be that one type of circle serves your needs better than the other. This is where is can be useful to ‘try out’ both settings, then you can start to see what works best for you in terms of personal growth, emotional release, creativity, accountability, and sense of belonging.
Something that’s useful to get clarity on is your intention of going to circle. For example, if you’re yearning for deep healing and creative exploration, then an in-person circle designed around this them would suit you best.
If you’re looking for connection with a particular group of women (mothers, neurodiverse, moving through menopause etc.), and perhaps your intention is that you do actually show up on a regular basis, online circles could be a fit for you.
Bottom line – Some experiences are just richer in person—rituals, shared meals, movement. Online circles shine for consistent support, reflection, and global perspectives.
Quick Decision Guide: Which Women’s Circle Is Right for You?
| Factor | In-Person Circle | Online Circle |
|---|---|---|
| Energy & Presence | Tangible, immersive energy; body language, touch, scent, and unspoken connection enhance safety and presence. | Shared energy can be felt but more diffuse; distractions at home may reduce focus. |
| Intimacy & Vulnerability | Deep trust forms quickly; easier emotional release and connection with others. | Can be intimate with structure (guided exercises, breakout rooms); some find opening up easier behind a screen. |
| Convenience & Accessibility | Travel, childcare, and scheduling may make attendance harder. | Join from home, flexible timing; location no longer a barrier; great for global connections. |
| Price & Value | Often higher due to space rental, setup, and refreshments; strong group dynamics amplify value. | Usually lower; more flexible pricing; engagement levels influence outcomes. |
| Outcomes & Transformation | Ideal for deep healing, creative exploration, rituals, and embodied experiences. | Supports regular connection, reflection, accountability, and building community across distances. |
How to Choose the Right Women’s Circle for You
- Go In-Person If: You crave embodied connection, sensory experiences, shared rituals, or deep emotional healing.
- Go Online If: You need flexibility, consistent support, global connection, or have time/transport constraints.
- Pro Tip: Try both formats if possible — your preference may shift depending on your goals and season of life.
Finding your Circle
Whether you choose an in-person circle or an online circle, the most important thing is simply showing up. Your growth, your voice, and your tribe are waiting—ready to hold you, support you, and witness your journey.
Some women thrive in the embodied energy of in-person circles, where rituals, shared space, and movement deepen connection. Others find the flexibility and accessibility of online circles perfect for ongoing support, reflection, and community-building across distances. And many of us discover that a mix of both formats works beautifully depending on the season of life.
When you feel ready to enter circle, choose the path that feels most supportive. At present, all circles are held in person here in Sedbergh, and you can click here to join the list.
I’m also listening for an online form of this work — a ritual-led gathering for those who aren’t local — sign up for the Journal below if you’d like to be the first to know when it’s ready.
