The index is set in the forms load event as is the order and relationship.
my code looks kindof like this:

SELE
INDEX ON TAG
SET ORDER TO TAG
SET RELA TO . INTO ADDITIVE

once the set relation line executes is where I am getting the cyclic relation error.
if I run the commands in the command window I dont get any errors at all but I am not sure if it is 100% functional and therefore uncertain if the problem is in my code of if it has to do with what is happening in the form.
this is VFP6 if that matters any.