FAQs about Family Constellations

How long does a constellation take?
Sometimes they are quite short, other times they are longer never usually longer than an hour, or an hour and a half.

Do members of my family have to come to the workshop with me?
No, because other group members stand in for your family members.

Is it still possible to do a constellation if my family members are deceased?
Yes, The deceased remain a very significant dynamic and part of the subsequent generations’ lives. Members of the group can represent members of your family whether they are living or dead. Constellations work is a work that is working on a soul level, because of this the family is seen as one organic unity.

What happens if I don’t know anything about my family?
It does not matter, many of us know very little about our family history. All the information we need is within us and emerges through the representatives who connect with your family field during the process. All the information we need will surface.

How can Family Constellations help me if I have a serious disease or long-term illness?
Constellations can allow the possibility to look at a deeper dynamic behind the illness and allow us to investigate if it is coming from a systemic issue. It can uncover a great deal about the emotional stress that may lie within the illness and provide support. Illness is always a multidimensional situation. Family Constellations offers a place where we can see the hidden dynamics and the loyalties that sometimes can lead to serious illness. Once these have been acknowledged and honoured often you find that the person feels able to do the things they need to do to get better or to fall into a place of peace with their situation.
Every illness is different, and we cannot substitute constellations for medical attention. Charaka believes with an illness it is always good to take a multidimensional approach to your healing journey.

I am adopted and don’t know my real parents or family. Can this work be helpful or do I have to have information about my family of origin?
Yes, certainly constellations work can help you to get in touch with the roots of who you are and where you come from, even if you have little or no knowledge about your original roots, it can help to heal these gaps. It also provides a wonderful space for parents who have adopted a child and wish to move forward in the most healing and loving way for everyone.

Can constellations help with business issues?
Much of what happens in business comes from our roots of origin and our family of origin.
It is not really possible to separate the two, so this is a great way to look at business issues. It can also be a useful tool for looking at what is the best way to bring a business forward and make the best business decisions.

I am wondering if I can do one-to-one work as I’m very nervous about attending a course that involves group work, is this possible?
Yes, one-to-one work is also a great way to start this work and offers a very safe place.

Each issue in the group workshop is treated with care and confidentiality. It is a very nonjudgemental and loving environment and with bigger situations group work can also be very beneficial.

Can I attend if I’m pregnant?
Yes, you may attend if you are pregnant, it is important that the facilitator knows you are pregnant beforehand. Sometimes it is better not to represent in other peoples’ constellations, but just to have your own work.

Are there any age restrictions to attend the workshop?
There are no age restrictions all are welcome young and old. All ages can have some profound and positive changes occur, sometimes parents will work with issues for younger children who are not present.

Would it be advisable to come to constellations if I have serious mental health issues?
Yes, all are welcome, however you may want to bring a licensed therapist with you for support for which there will be no extra charge.  Please consult them before you come to the workshop and please do not hesitate to contact Charaka to discuss your personal situation privately and confidentially before attending the workshop. This work can be very helpful for mental health issues.

How often should I do a constellation?
A constellation can take time to integrate and the full effects to be seen. Therefore, it’s recommended that you allow for this to happen without interrupting the process.
Generally, I would wait at least one month before setting up another constellation. But it is still okay to attend workshops and take part in representing and observing this will help deepen your process during that time.
Often homework is given and some time to integrate that is needed.
Keep in mind that we don’t talk about your issue because the work focuses on your subconscious mind rather than the story that we tell about the issue. Also, the group commits to confidentiality at the outset of each workshop.

What do I need to do after setting up a constellation?
In order to have the most beneficial results after you set up a constellation, it is recommended that you follow the advice below:

• Do not go over the steps of your constellation after it has taken place. In doing so you are interrupting the movement through analysing what happened, and this work goes far beyond the realm of the mind into the soul of the family.
• Keep the last image, from the end of the constellation in your heart, and see that it has been planted with you and it will grow in its own time.
• Trust the work, trust that you got what you needed and that you picked the right person to help you.
• Allow time to integrate what has been experienced, constellations can have an immediate effect but sometimes take up to 2 years for the full effect.
• If you have been given some homework, some steps to follow after the constellation, make sure you do them with honour and in a sacred way.

What does it mean to represent in a constellation?
Representatives stand for family members or aspects of the issue that we look at; they begin to feel sensations and urges to move which come from the family system through them. Simply by intention they connect to the energy field of your family and the family soul. They allow themselves to flow in what energies, feelings and movements arise, and how they feel towards other representatives standing in the family field. This can often bring light to deep hidden loyalties and dynamics that consciously we are unaware of. This is very hard to describe but when you attend the workshop it isn’t difficult and everyone can do this. You also have the option to take your time before stepping into representation, it is a roll of great honour.

Do I have to say a lot before my constellation?
This work is not a therapy and requires nothing except for you to say what issue that you would like to look at. Occasionally the facilitator will ask you some questions, but they will be simple and direct about facts related to the family history. There is no need for lots of talking, emotional content or a big story before a constellation is begun