Constellation work - guided by the wisdom of the herd
Our two-day spring workshop with the horses was a deeply potent and profound weekend.
Working on the themes of mothering, reconnecting with an absent father, homesickness and separation, these workshops combine equine facilitated psychotherapy with family constellation work.
Unusually, the whole herd wanted to be involved and even those not directly included in the constellations were calling from the field nearby, waiting at the gate for their chance to join.
It’s rare for them all to indicate a desire to participate and I felt it demonstrated just how prepared the humans were to face their issues and call on their ancestors for clarity and support.
Having gradually developed family constellation workshops with the herd over 20 years, I know this work is not to be taken lightly and the readiness of everyone involved is key. Often it brings up past trauma that continues to impact present generations, which needs careful and confident holding from an experienced therapist.
Guided by the wisdom of the herd and the ancestors, it’s a way for people to find clarity and a way forward. Our amazing equine partners, with their extraordinary sensitivity, offer insight and resolution, helping people to see and move beyond their obstacles.
I was particularly moved during this weekend to observe the quiet, but solid presence of Brodie, an older gelding who’s often described as a gentle warrior. While grief was expressed in one constellation, he simply stood in reverence with the human participants while they acknowledged the feeling, holding them as they drew strength from holding him. It was a beautiful moment.
Brodie stood with their grief in absolute stillness
Picture by Kate Edser
I call these weekends “Crossing the threshold into love” and, for me, such moments exemplify the work.
Each of the constellation workshops bring together a group of up to 12 people, five of whom work through their own constellation during the weekend - be it family issues, relationships, or personal challenges.
With only four humans choosing to work on a constellation this time, there was space to revisit a constellation we did last year for the stream on the farm, which has been severely depleted. Representatives for water, earth, trees and a recently discovered great crested newt worked alongside the water’s source in the constellation.
The source demonstrated complete exhaustion and also felt violated and angry that it has been driven so far underground. The group gave it support and encouragement and there was hope, too, for its rejuvenation and restoration.
Sometimes constellation work can be weighty and tiring, but there were moments of lightness and energy during this weekend, including stunning dancing displays from two younger members of the herd, Fizz and Caradoc.
Caradoc and Bugsy in full fun mode!
Finally, one participant wrote these poignant words after her experience:
“My heart is better, but I am still at times emotional as I am in awe how huge, wonderful and impacting my constellation was - and still is.
“To honour my ancestors again is so deeply felt, my thankfulness is vast and ripple effects are going out from me into the world I touch and am touched by.
“Thank you for voicing your appreciation of myself. All I can say that I am lucky to have found you and all that surrounds you.”
The next “Crossing the threshold into love” constellation workshop with the herd is on 13-14 September 2025. There are still spaces if you’d like to come along.