Menstruation & Puberty

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

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

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, and much more
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Menikdiwela

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.