The Order of the Sacred Circle represented the primary faith that held sway over the planet Monastery. The organization's title came from the debris rings that encircled the world. These rings symbolized the unending and constantly-repeating pattern of existence. A High Priestess governed the Order, and the Circle of Elders served as its principal administrative group. For the most part, the Order attempted to maintain a position of impartiality. In the course of the Separatist Crisis, Monastery welcomed displaced persons, on the condition that they adopt the Order's beliefs upon their entering the world.
In the time of the Galactic Civil War, their dedication to the circle of life, and their conviction that conflict would disrupt it and bring about galactic destruction, caused them to remain unaligned. The Galactic Empire sent Darth Vader to persuade the Order to support the Emperor. Finally, Domina Tagge, the Order's leader, was persuaded to align with the Empire. Sister Domina had already made plans to support Vader in order to force him to fight Luke Skywalker. The Order experienced considerable hardship as a result of the Imperial presence on their world. The Circle of Elders decided to form an alliance with the Rebel Alliance after Domina resigned as High Priestess of the Order.