Boring - Connecting to our ancestral past: healing through family constellations, ceremony, and ritual

Yet another gift of cross-cultural medicine carefully drawn from the universal indigenous traditions of spirit and the European tradition of mind. As Francesca Mason Boring says, this is not a book for those in search of psychological theory inherent within Systems Constellation work. The treasures offered here lie within other worldviews of healing individuals and communities, of supporting rituals and stories and the prospect of a good long walk with this gentle and very wise lady.

ANNGWYN ST. JUST, PhD, director of the Arizona Center for Social Trauma and author of Relative Balance in an Unstable World: A Search for New Models for Trauma Education and Recovery and A Question of Balance: A Systemic Approach to Understanding and Resolving Trauma

For those who want to make a connection between Systems Constellations and nature-oriented spirituality, there is no better guide than Francesca Mason Boring. Her humble voice inspires trust. The wisdom of her mothers Native American lineage speaks through her words and her fathers Western roots give structure and clarity to her message. On the walk she invites us to take with her, she not only shares concepts and rituals with us, but also introduces us to a variety of people from very different backgrounds who all have something valuable to share. Pointing out what the essence of the work should be, she guides us to treat ourselves and each other with more respect.

DAAN VAN KAMPENHOUT, founder of the Practice for Shamanistic Ritual, Netherlands, and author of Images of the Soul: The Workings of the Soul in Shamanic Rituals and Family Constellations

Francesca Mason Boring guides us on a journey whereby we can begin to understand Family Constellations through indigenous eyes. By evoking the elemental, her language connects us directly to natures resources. This very naturally brings us to the act of ceremony and accessing the archetypal story as sources of healing. At the same time Mason Boring projects a rare natural humility and groundedness that maintains respect for science and Western psychologies. It is delightful and edifying to read this clearly and beautifully written book.

CHRIS WALSH, MBBS, DPM, psychiatrist, international Constellations trainer, and founder of Constellation Talk, an online discussion group for Constellations practitioners

Connecting to Our Ancestral Past is a wonderful guide to bring healing to indigenous people suffering from trans-generational trauma. Using ritual, ceremony, and Constellations together will bring new hope to people who are suffering. Many Native people will be open to these rituals and ceremonies as they were practiced for centuries among many indigenous people. Helping those who want to heal is an honor; the circle of healing benefits everyone. It is my hope that others who seek healing may find comfort, hope, and laughter in this book as I did.

INEZ LARSON, PhD, counselor and healer

Francesca Mason Boring moves beyond traditional Family Constellations and presents community and ceremonial Constellations that incorporate her profound understanding of indigenous healing practices, nature, and Constellations. Her work is deeply honoring of all nations, cultures, and races, and has the ability to transcend the marginalization of non-Western communities and practices. Mason Borings humility and deep honoring of all nations of ancestors, including those of the earth, inspired and touched me deeply as I read this book.

TANJA MEYBURGH, founder of African Constellations, South Africa

Connecting to our Ancestral Past is clearly one of the most important books of our time. Like ceremonial sweet grass, Francesca Mason Boring has braided together a deep understanding of Family and Systems Constellations, and indigenous life and stories, with a heartfelt wisdom that can only come from years of deep personal interaction with people and the field. As modern humans have lost touch with the ecological and psychic reality of Gaia, this book shines a ray of sunshine and hope that we can become connected again.

TERRY WILLARD, PhD, clinical herbalist and author of Flower Essence: Emotional Alchemy and Spiritual Evolution and Mind Body Harmony: How to Resist and Recover from Autoimmune Diseases

This book is an important, timely contribution to our human familys understanding of what family really means. Through clear, heartfelt language, Francesca Mason Boring provides readers of all lineages the opportunity to see, feel, and experience the importance of embracing connection with our ancestors. Whether the reader is experienced with Systems Constellation work or not, this book is a gentle, illuminating guide on the path of embracing our humanity. Mason Borings expression of indigenous wisdom is a gift to all and beautifully embodied in this book.

LISA B. IVERSEN, MSW, LICSW, author of Ancestral Blueprints: Revealing Invisible Truths in Americas Soul

Francesca Mason Borings book introduces us to a different quality of the here-and-now with every traditional ceremony, ritual, and sharing of an elder that she presents. The book took me gently but powerfully into that inner ceremonial space that connects us with that deep wisdom within. This is a must-read for anyone interested in or called toward the integration of ceremony and ritual in Constellation work.

AUREL MOCANU, psychologist, shamanic practitioner, and Family Constellations facilitator

Feather Medicine: Walking in Shoshone Dreamtime:
A Family System Constellation

Coyote Dance

Copyright 2012 by Francesca Mason Boring. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwisewithout the written permission of the publisher. For information contact North Atlantic Books.

Portions of this book were previously published: Botschaften aus dem indigenen Feld: Rituelle Elemente und Zeremonien in Systemaufstellungen 2009 German translation by Carl-Auer, Heidelberg; Wandelen door het wetende veld 2011 Dutch translation by Altamira, Haarlem, Netherlands

Connecting to Our Ancestral Past: Healing through Family Constellations, Ceremony, and Ritual is sponsored by the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, a nonprofit educational corporation whose goals are to develop an educational and cross-cultural perspective linking various scientific, social, and artistic fields; to nurture a holistic view of arts, sciences, humanities, and healing; and to publish and distribute literature on the relationship of mind, body, and nature.

North Atlantic Books publications are available through most bookstores. For further information, call 800-733-3000 or visit our website at www.northatlanticbooks.com

The Library of Congress has cataloged the printed edition as follows:

Boring, Francesca Mason.
Connecting to our ancestral past: healing through family constellations, ceremony, and ritual / Francesca Mason Boring.