Women Gather to Share and Empower: A Red Tent Event at Mount Holyoke College

A woman belly dances on Wednesday night at the Red Tent Event in Eliot House. Photo used with permission by Anna Smith.

It is not often in a person’s life that you have a truly life changing experience. This past week I attended an event (sponsored by the Mount Holyoke Pagan Wiccan Collective) called the Red Tent. Some may have read the book this event is based on called The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, but for those who have not, it is set in the Old Testament of the Bible and describes a red tent where women gathered while they bled to talk about being a woman and celebrate their power as woman.  The Red Tent Temple movement has attempted to create this sacred space for women throughout the world.

A table in the center of the room with different representations of goddesses from various faiths. Photo used with permission by Anna Smith.

Walking into Eliot House, the non-denominational religious gathering place at Mount Holyoke College, transformed by red fabric padding the walks and draped over the furniture last Wednesday night, I was transported into a space filled with life and hope and peace. A period of unstructured relaxation time started the meeting with women talking, drinking tea, coloring and crafting, reading and sitting, soaking up the experience. Conversation and questions flowed freely and there was an air of community, compassion and respect. I met some truly interesting and wonderful women who entered with an open mind and open heart, but the magic of the night was just beginning.

After being greeted by an alumna of the class of 1978 who shared part of her story and her wisdom, we engaged in a talking circle, going around and introducing ourselves. Women had the option of not speaking, but each and every person introduced herself to the group and shared a bit about what brought her there and what a sacred space meant to her. There was not fear of judgment or violation; it was a sacred space for most, and the energy and love contained in that space was warming and amazing. The openness with which each person spoke reflected the tone and atmosphere of the event. Here was a group of women, many of whom had just met, sharing intimate pieces of themselves, listening to each other and connecting on a deeper level. The sad truth is that many women go through life never having this kind of experience. The Red Tent Temple’s goal is to have a monthly gathering in every town and community so that all women have access to this kind of experience. I hope that one day this goal may be realized because this is the kind of event and movement that can make a huge difference in the lives of women.

For more information about religious events on the Mount Holyoke campus, check out MHC Uloop writer, Lauren Cabral’s, article Eliot House: Finding Spiritual Life at Mount Holyoke College.