Flourishing communities develop their own distinct reality - a special place where the norms, language, experiences and social rules differ from the world outside.

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Magic Circle is both a description of the atmosphere and culture that emerges naturally as communities develop and a set of clues that signal to community builders that they’re heading in the right direction. When these signals begin to appear they suggest that other community-building principles are working effectively. 

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The formation of this distinct reality serves important functions:

• It creates psychological safety for members to be themselves in ways they might not be elsewhere.

• It deepens bonds through shared understanding.

• It provides a sense of identity and belonging. 

 

When people step into a space where they understand the unwritten rules and shared references, they experience a powerful sense of inclusion and ‘being seen’.

 

What clues should you be looking for? Here are some examples:

• Language. Are people using words like ‘community’, ‘family’ or ‘tribe’ to describe the group?

• Attendance. Are they there regularly? Do they show up even when it’s an effort?

• Recommendations. Do they bring friends? Do they spread the word?

• Sharing. Is there reciprocity, generosity and trust within the group?

• Culture. Are there emerging Traditions [5.2], Symbols [5.3] and Stories [5.4]?

• Norms. Does the group regulate itself? Do people step in to address transgressions?

 

While the Magic Circle effect can be thrilling to be a part of, and validating for community builders who feel their hard work has been vindicated, it requires thoughtful management. A Magic Circle that becomes too impenetrable or self-referential might make it difficult for newcomers to join a community, potentially leading to insularity - it’s the opposite of ‘feeling included’ for new members. An extreme version of the Magic Circle can feel cult-like - it should never get to the point where members doubt outside reality. Effective communities maintain permeable boundaries, allowing new people to gradually learn and adopt the distinctive culture, while still preserving what makes them special.