Practice of Nature Constellations in Agriculture

Nature Constellations are a group activity led by a trained facilitator, who will work with individuals or organizations to address particular questions. For example, looking at the overall health of a farm system or exploring the impact of proposed changes on specific animals, plants or humans.

The specific question will determine which elements of the system are to be included in the creation of a living map. People from the group then ‘represent’ the parts of the system in that map, which means paying attention to their body sensations, emotions and thoughts. When they report on these, what emerges is information about the system itself.

The initial information can provide valuable insight as to the current state of a system. Continuing to explore the relationships between the parts can show solutions to benefit the whole system.

For example, in a Constellation, a representative was set up for olive trees that had been severely pruned. They reported severe weakness, so were presented with different options to support their growth. The representative of the trees showed significant strengthening when asparagus was planted in their vicinity, which also helped the asparagus.

It is worth noting that being part of a Constellation can be profoundly transformative. The representatives can tell that what emerges is ‘not theirs’ and are often very touched by ‘tuning in’ to other-than-human experiences.

While Constellations are geared towards bringing benefits for the system being looked at, they are also a form of research. They generate fresh data and understanding that can be checked against evidence and theory from elsewhere.

An article based on research into Nature Constellations can be found in The Knowing Field journal, January 2018: ‘Exploring our Profound Interconnectedness with All Life’ by Melissa Roussopoulos.

More background information can be found on her website www.forgottenconnections.org