Opening The Circle

In today’s episode, we revisit the biblical story of David and Goliath to explore the Warrior archetype—our inner source of courage, discernment, and fierce self-respect. Through the contrast between David’s humble shepherd skills and Goliath’s overwhelming power, we see how true strength often springs from inner clarity and a grounded sense of purpose. We expand the archetype of the Warrior beyond the battlefield, looking at how healthy Warrior energy shows up in setting boundaries, pursuing goals, defending the vulnerable, and contributing to social change. We are invited to reflect on how our own inner Warrior can help us act with courage, dignity, and love in challenging times.Sources The Book of 1 Samuel in The Bible The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By by Carol S. Pearson The Measure of My Days by Florida Scott-Maxwell The Book of Hosea in The Bible “Block Build Bridge” article from the “Joy in Justice” Substack by Sandhya Jha, August 2025 Deepa Iyer’s “Social Change Ecosystem Framework” https://www.socialchangemap.com/“Here I am, Lord” song lyric by Dan Schutte (based on Isaiah 6 & 1 Samuel 3)Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis;Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan;Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

In this second episode of Opening the Circle, we explore the Wanderer archetype—the timeless human experience of exile, longing, and the search for belonging. We draw on myth, scripture, psychology, poetry, and song as we reflect on the spiritual pattern of departure and return. From the biblical Exodus story to humanity’s millennial migrations, from the movements of nature to the restlessness in our own hearts, we trace these ancient rhythms. This episode invites us to see wandering not as a mistake, but as a natural, perennial, and sacred journey. Sources: The Prophet by Khalil Gibran“It’s Time…”  poem by Gregory Orr “Falling through the Scenery: On Accidents and Exile” Meditation and Reflection from David Keplinger’s Substack, October 2024  “Order, Disorder, Reorder” Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation Daily Meditations, August 2024“Movimiento” song by Jorge Drexler “Let Us Sing of the Syncretic Gods of Outcasts and Wanderers” episode from The Emerald Podcast with Joshua Schrei The Book of Exodus in The Bible The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By by Carol S. Pearson “Long Time Traveller” song, traditional, arr. Wailin’ Jennys “I’ll Fly Away” song, traditional “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” song, traditional“I Found A Dead Fox” poem by Mary OliverReflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg 

In this inaugural episode of Opening The Circle, we explore what it means to be on "the way" in our spiritual lives. The path of growth and awakening is one of dynamic movement, accepting uncertainty, and cultivating inner commitment. What might we need to let go of to enter a deeper, more expansive relationship with God, the Self, and the Living Mystery? The Way is a journey of unlearning, transformation, and ultimately, becoming more fully alive.Sources: Luke 9:51-62 (New Revised Standard Version) First line of Dante’s Inferno Excerpts from “The Road Not Taken” by Robert FrostThe first line of the Tao Te Ching Marion Milner’s book published under the pen name Joanna Field, A Life of One’s Own, as quoted by Maria Popova in her newsletter The Marginalian The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning at Midlife, by James HollisJohn Sanford - The Kingdom Within: The Inner Meaning of Jesus’ SayingsIrenaeus - 2nd Century Christian TheologianReflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg