The Talking Circle

The Talking Circle

• Chairs are arranged for the talkers to sit in a circle around the fire, with a space forming a channel that opens to the east.
  
  
• One of the participants, who will begin the talking circle, carries a large feather.  (Traditionally, this person would begin the talking circle by offering a prayer to the Great Spirit.)
  
  
• Starting south of east, as the feather is passed to the left, the privilege of speech moves from one to the other in a clockwise direction around the circle.  The person holding the feather has the right to speak.  Time taken may be as long as the person wishes - all others respect the person’s right to speak and will not interrupt.
  
  
• When the speaker has finished, the feather is passed to the next person on the left.  After the circle has been completed, any member of the circle may request the feather, and speak again.