The-Knowing-Field-Issue-34

Dear Reader,

It’s interesting to me that the journal seems to have an ebb and flow rhythm to it, much like life in general. The last issue was a real bumper one, and this time we have fewer articles, but nonetheless some very interesting themes.

We start as usual with two pieces from Bert Hellinger: the first taken from his book *Neue Geschichten*, which describes how often something or someone is knocking at our door. We often try to resist it, whether it be an illness, love, or even death; however, if we open the door, the effect can be transformative. The second piece is taken from his book *The Churches and Their God* and looks at the prefixes of “Des-” and “Dis-” in the words “Despair” and “Discord,” through the lens of separation. He describes how bringing our mother and father together in union can bring many things together again within us, with a resulting feeling of oneness with all that is.

Diana Claire Douglas interviews Karl-Heinz Rauscher in this issue, continuing her ongoing interest in collective constellations. Karl-Heinz describes the work he does on this important theme, both with Anngwyn St. Just and on his own. He discusses his work with ‘Healing Voices’—sounds and voices that come to him from the Field during constellations—and how they can help with particularly difficult situations involving victims and perpetrators.

Anngwyn St. Just presents us with striking images of the effects of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl and the long-term devastation, which seems to have impacted every aspect of the environment there. She portrays the strange irony of a group of people holding a rave at this dangerous site, speculating on the attraction many feel toward such horrific scenes. In a second piece entitled “Exodus,” Anngwyn reports on the plight of Central American migrants, who often meet a hostile reception in many countries. The USA, with its history as a country formed by immigration, genocide, and slavery, currently represents one of the most resistant attitudes toward immigrants, with Donald Trump symbolizing a deeply racist section of American society.

Her final piece, “Rashomon” (named after the Japanese film), further examines this racism. She recounts a young white American apparently mocking a Native American. Coming from a Catholic area promoting white supremacy, it’s hardly surprising such a confrontation would occur. More disturbing is the subsequent attempt at an apology, with various “truths” presented by the media.

I am pleased to present Jonathan Hooton’s first article on Shame, which I hope will be helpful for facilitators and trainers. Recognizing when we might trigger shame in a client and knowing how to manage it are crucial skills for our field.

Representation is a strong theme in this issue. For the first time since becoming Editor, I posted an excerpt on Facebook addressing representation and invited additional articles on the subject. I received two extra pieces from Catherine Geils and Alemka Dauskardt. Alemka challenges us all to step forward and allow ourselves to fully engage in the emerging paradigm, which considers representation through a new, holographic, Field-based perspective. This view diminishes the separation between representatives, clients, and the holding group, challenging our deeply ingrained belief in individualism.

It was timely that Catherine Geils, Thirusha Naidu, and Stephen Edwards had just completed a research project on representation, and I’m pleased to include that work here as well. As Karin Dremel reflects, considering the central role of representation in Constellation Work, it’s surprising that more is not written on this topic. Personally, I have gained as much from being a representative as from being a client. In fact, as Poppy Altmann notes, some facilitators charge less for participants who only represent than for those attending as clients, which might give the impression that representation is somehow less valuable than client work. Her exploration touches on attunement and embodiment, both essential for effective representation.

Ricí Ní Chléirigh delves into the concept of Fields, describing her ability to connect with this phenomenon when in nature. Presence, closely linked to the concept of Fields, is an essential quality for representatives, clients, facilitators, and group participants. David Cagney shares his own journey toward developing presence, including a harrowing experience when he lost it and the resulting consequences.

With embodiment so central to representation, Franziska Pretsch’s piece on body image is timely. She describes her personal journey and her professional work on this theme with both adults and children.

We have just one report this time on the recent West Coast Systemic Constellations Intensive, contributed by Josh Alexander, who describes it as a nourishing experience for all involved.

Karin Dremel returns at the end of the journal to review Anngwyn St. Just’s latest book, *Time, Space, and Fractals Volume II,* challenging us all to recognize that trauma is systemic and will repeat until we adopt a fractal view of trauma in line with a new paradigm.

The journal concludes with inspiring poems by Angus Landman and first-time contributor Samo Koprivec.

As Britain approaches the departure of our Prime Minister after a protracted struggle to secure a dignified exit from Europe and as climate change continues to press us all, the future seems uncertain, not only in our country. However, Constellation Work offers hope to counterbalance the daunting global picture we face, for ourselves and future generations.

My thanks to my team, especially Francesca Mason Boring and Abi Eva, and as always, to my graphic designer Lubosh Cech.

Barbara Morgan
Editor