Working the Constellation Field with Izak Barnard
- resolving the core family, relational and ancestral issues
There is a great deal of hype at the moment around Constellation Therapy following the popularity of the recently released Netflix series, Another Self (2022). The aroma of drama and sensationalism exhibited in the series is evident, yet the core of interconnection between the past, dating through our ancestral lines, and present is captured quite profoundly. On top of that the portrayal of necessary change that unfolds in the characters lives post their constellation is a fair depiction of the power of this energy work. One of my favourite healing spaces is Constellation Therapy (Family & Systemic) because of the clarity and subsequent welcomed ripple effects after a session, even if I only participate as a representative. Having briefly walked down several shamanic roads for healing and exploration, I value Family constellation therapy as a gentle way to work with the sometimes dense ancestral & family field. Each modality has its place and knowing what is useful for specific phases of life and development is a journey.
Inspired by Zulu wisdom and structural beliefs around family, Bert Hellinger developed this multi-dimensional group process to open the way towards healing unconscious family wounds and patterns developed at an early age. You might be thinking, “Why bother if it’s all in the past?” Because we are all interconnected to our ancestral lines through our DNA. The past literally runs through our veins and can rule the present reality, influencing you to make unconscious choices that keep you stuck and unable to live your unique truth. Repeating patterns of the past can result in varying degrees of poverty, addiction, illness etc. What world are we creating if we’re continuously looping through these patterns?
Recently I again braved the Constellating field with Izak Barnard, who is an incredible TRE and Family Constellations Practitioner. In a nutshell I wanted to work with difficulties in fully trusting the masculine, referring to men and my relationship with my own masculine energy. Being a woman, distrusting the masculine is not conducive towards healthy relationships along with my ability to successfully manifest my magic and sustain it in the external world. This theme is hugely universal and ultimately caused by centuries of masculine dominance over the feminine – men dominating women as well as the shadow masculine way of doing things over-riding the feminine for the sake of control and power (war as a clear example of this). I chose to work with this theme because I could sense is hovering in my field, still coming to terms with the sins and the fate of my fathers and mothers while simultaneously ready to set old grief and accompanying emotions free.
The group participants waited while I sat with Izak to share what was on my mind and heart. There were a few things that were optional to work with. Through some untangling and Izak’s guidance we pin pointed the most present concern. With over 12 years of facilitation experience, Izak has a knack for noticing what patterns in the individual and family field are asking for attention. Even if you arrive wanting to work with a specific issue, the field will ultimately reveal more pressing concerns. It’s modern magic working for the highest good! What you can constellate is limitless really. During the day I represented and witnessed participants work through topics of money, property, family conflict, mother-daughter issues, becoming a father, life purpose enquiries and more. The idea is to see where the current difficulty comes from at its root and find a solution by naming your desired result. The core of Family Constellations is forgiveness, yet there tends to be micro steps before authentically reaching this, in my case “a deeper trust in life” was what I wanted to walk away with.
The dynamics of the masculine and feminine played out through the mothers and fathers throughout my lineage, apologies and forgiveness unfolded and through the participant I chose to represent me, I was empowered to observe and reconnect to the essence of trust in the feminine within. As soon as I did this, the masculine responded with support, protection and healthy curiosity. The heart warming part for me was literally seeing and sensing that the feminine can flourish by trusting and being itself. I saw myself and my parents in a different light. At one point the energetic shifts happening in my constellation became far greater than me because these parts of the feminine and masculine exist in us and in nature.
It’s been over a week since the constellation and I notice a lightness of being connecting with and trusting me and the feminine wisdom that flows through me. Literally every area of my life feels like a beautiful flower unfolding, encouraging you to note that when you do this energetic work, the results are tangible and totally worth the effort. I am grateful and deeply trusting of Izak, his profound work and devotion to assisting humanity. Check out my blog on a TRE session I experienced with him and do yourself a favour and book a session. Izak is situated in George in the Western Cape.
Shaking Medicine with Izak Barnard:
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