Opening The Circle

About Opening The Circle

A podcast offering spiritual nourishment that is both timely and timeless. Reflections that open the circle of contemplative Christian practice. Rooted in mystery, mysticism, and ancient wisdom traditions, and shaped by poetry, depth psychology, ecology, liberation movements, and the long arc of history. Created for seekers, wonderers, and doubters alike. You are welcome in this shared exploration— opening the circle, together. Produced by The Open Circle in Santa Fe, New Mexico. www.theopencirclesantafe.org (http://www.theopencirclesantafe.org)

Publisher

Opening The Circle

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Feb 2026

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   9: Ep. 9 - The Now

   “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” In this episode, we reflect on Jesus’ first public words in Luke’s Gospel: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Returning to a prophetic vision of liberation, Jesus breathes new life into ancient words, revealing a tradition that is not static but alive, unfolding in the present moment. Exploring themes of lineage, renewal, justice, and spiritual awakening, we consider how the fire of transformation is carried forward through us in the here and now. Sources Luke 4:16-21 from the Bible The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali “When He Opened the Book” essay by Debie Thomas https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/2060-when-he-opened-the-book (https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/2060-when-he-opened-the-book) Commentary on Luke 4:16-21 by Eric Smith from the “Beyond” General Assembly Preaching Resource of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) https://disciplespreaching.org/resource/beyond/ (https://disciplespreaching.org/resource/beyond/) The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer The poem “Lead” by Mary Oliver Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Music Inspired by and adapted from the song "The Kingdom of God" from the Taizé Community in France https://www.taize.fr/en/ (https://www.taize.fr/en/) by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

2. 

   20 Sept 2026

   8: Ep. 8 - The Waves

   This episode explores the story of Jesus calming the storm as an invitation to meet fear with presence. Together we reflect on the cycles and waves of energy that move through our lives. As we attune to the patterns of transformation unfolding within us, like waves rising and falling, we are invited to trust life's rhythms and discover the calm, freedom, and love available in the present moment. Sources Luke 8:22–25 in the Bible Quotes from Hannah Arendt and Thich Nhat Hanh from “The Four Buddhist Mantras for Turning Fear into Love” from “The Marginalian” by Maria Popova, https://www.themarginalian.org/2020/12/01/thich-nhat-hanh-fear-love/ (https://www.themarginalian.org/2020/12/01/thich-nhat-hanh-fear-love/)“Wave Dynamics” Segment from The Mythic Body (https://www.themythicbody.com/courses/) Course Quotes from Carl Jung from the anthology Jung on Death and Immortality, ed. Jenny Yates, as quoted in “The Marginalian” by Maria Popova: https://www.themarginalian.org/2026/07/31/carl-jung-death-immortality/ (https://www.themarginalian.org/2026/07/31/carl-jung-death-immortality/)Excerpt from John O'Donohue’s poem “In Praise of Water” in his book To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

3. 

   20 Aug 2026

   7: Ep. 7 - The Deep

   From the swirling waters of Tiamat to the Spirit hovering over the face of the Deep, this episode traces humanity's oldest creation stories in the primordial waters and asks what they can teach us today. What might it mean to co-create with the unknown depths - this fertile source from which all life and emergent becoming arise? Sources Genesis 1:1-9 in the Bible Class notes from Introduction to the Hebrew Bible at Harvard Divinity School, Prof. Michael Coogan Cosmic Ocean myths: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_ocean (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_ocean) https://www.amacad.org/publication/daedalus/water-mythology (https://www.amacad.org/publication/daedalus/water-mythology) Enuma Elish translation: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/225/enuma-elish---the-babylonian-epic-of-creation---fu/ (https://www.worldhistory.org/article/225/enuma-elish---the-babylonian-epic-of-creation---fu/) The Face of the Deep: A Theology of Becoming by Catherine Keller In Search of Now: The Science of the Present Moment,  by Jo Marchant as quoted in the Marginalian https://www.themarginalian.org/2026/06/30/jo-marchant-now/ (https://www.themarginalian.org/2026/06/30/jo-marchant-now/) John O'Donohue’s poem “In Praise of Water” in his book To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

4. 

   20 Jul 2026

   6: Ep. 6 - The Transfiguration

   A golden light pours through a café window. A mountain blazes with hidden glory. In this episode of Opening the Circle, we reflect on the Transfiguration as a story of transformed vision—an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and glimpse the sacred radiance shimmering beneath everyday life. What if the miraculous has been here all along, just waiting to be seen? Sources Matthew 17:1-9 in The Bible Quote from “Letting in the Golden Light” from “The Marginalian” by Maria Popova https://www.themarginalian.org/2025/02/09/oliver-sacks-love-letters/ (https://www.themarginalian.org/2025/02/09/oliver-sacks-love-letters/) Quote from The Irrational Season by Madeline L’Engle Quote from The Star Thrower by Loren Einsley, as quoted in “The Marginalian” by Maria Popova https://www.themarginalian.org/2024/02/03/loren-eiseley-birds/ (https://www.themarginalian.org/2024/02/03/loren-eiseley-birds/) Quote from Mary Oliver’s essay "Teach the Children" from the collection Upstream Quote from Sister Joan Chittister https://www.joanchittister.org/ (https://www.joanchittister.org/) The poem “Miracles” by Walt Whitman Quote from “The Sense of Wonder” by Rachel Carson Scripture commentary from The Salt Project https://www.saltproject.org/progressive-christian-blog/2020/2/18/transfiguration-salts-lectionary-commentary-for-transfiguration-sunday (https://www.saltproject.org/progressive-christian-blog/2020/2/18/transfiguration-salts-lectionary-commentary-for-transfiguration-sunday) Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; This month's original song is from Elizabeth Fagan's folk art project Lili St Anne - learn more at https://lilistanne.com (https://lilistanne.com/) Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

5. 

   20 Jun 2026

   5: Ep. 5 - The Cosmic Hum

   There is a cosmic hum - a resonance - that connects all creation, from birdsong and ocean waves to the gravitational music of colliding black holes. Drawing on the poetry of Psalm 98, we reflect on how joining in this universal song deepens our sense of belonging with the world and strengthens our capacity to resonate with love. Through humming, listening, and acts of care, we discover how our individual vibrations are part of a larger harmony that can heal and transform. In this episode, we are invited to listen for the music of the spheres and add our voices to this universal hymn of praise. Sources Psalm 98 from The Bible, as translated by Pamela Greenburg in The Complete Psalms: The Book of Prayer Songs in a New Translation Story about Pythagoras drawn from “The Marginalian” newsletter by Maria Popova https://www.themarginalian.org/2021/03/02/pythagoras-sappho-music/ (https://www.themarginalian.org/2021/03/02/pythagoras-sappho-music/) The Harmony of the World by Johannes Kepler “Astronomers ‘hear’ the celestial choir of gravitational waves for the first time” article June 2023 https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/29/world/gravitational-wave-background-study-scn (https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/29/world/gravitational-wave-background-study-scn) “On Singing to The Beloved in Times of Crisis” episode from The Emerald Podcast with Joshua Schrei “Where the Spirit Speaks” Randy Woodley, Center for Action and Contemplation Daily Meditations, April 2024 Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

6. 

   20 May 2026

   4: Ep. 4 - The Magician

   From biblical prophets to mystics, activists, and healers across history, we reflect on how transformative visions have always shaped the world. We contemplate how the Magician archetype within each of us channels imagination, spiritual insight, and communal energy to co‑create new possibilities. This episode invites us to see ourselves as active participants in a time of profound transformation, each called to be vessels of Divine vision and love. Sources Revelation 21:1-6 in The Bible The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By by Carol S. Pearson “For the Intuitives, Part 1” episode from The Emerald Podcast with Joshua Schrei Quote from Grace Lee Boggs https://www.boggscenter.org/ (https://www.boggscenter.org/) Quote from Adrienne Maree Brown https://adriennemareebrown.net/ (https://adriennemareebrown.net/) Quote from Margaret Wheatley from A Simpler Way Crisis Contemplation by Barbara A. Holmes The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   3: Ep. 3 - The Warrior

   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/ (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

8. 

   20 Mar 2026

   2: Ep. 2 - The Wanderer

   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 Oliver Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

9. 

   20 Feb 2026

   1: Ep. 1 - The Way

   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 Frost The 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 Hollis John Sanford - The Kingdom Within: The Inner Meaning of Jesus’ Sayings Irenaeus - 2nd Century Christian Theologian Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis; Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan; Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.