Symbology and genogram

Color and ribbon as role marker

Some Constellation facilitators use colored ribbons to identify specific roles during the Constellation —red for victims, black for excluded, white for the deceased, gold for honored ancestors—.

Daniela Giraldo Systemic Glossary

Some Constellators —it's not a universal convention but it is frequent in specific schools— use colored ribbons or scarves during the group constellation to identify specific roles or systemic states of the represented member. It is an optional tool that adds a visual dimension to the work.

More frequent conventions (without official standardization; they vary by school):

Red: victims of violence, women in mourning, members wounded by the system. Also vital energy or matrilineal menstrual blood.

Black: excluded from the clan, family secrets, members who died prematurely without grief processing.

White: honored dead, peaceful ancestors, ancestors who 'rest' after the work.

Gold or yellow: revered ancestors, honored figures, spiritual connection.

Green: life, restored flow, offspring.

Blue: spiritual or transcendent dimension, deep peace.

Operational applications: the ribbon is placed on the representative's shoulder or hand, according to the role. When there is systemic movement (an excluded person is reintegrated, a victim receives dignity), the ribbon can be changed —from black to white, from red to gold—. This makes the symbolic change visible to the client and to the group.

Caution: the use of ribbons requires the Constellator to be careful not to turn the work into visual folklore. If the ribbon reinforces contact with the field, it adds value. If it distracts with showmanship, it detracts.

For Constelando: the use or non-use of ribbons is a methodological decision for each Constellator. In individual online sessions, their use is practically unfeasible; in in-person group sessions, they can add value when used judiciously.

Bibliography

  • How to Work with Family Constellations — Constellator's ManualBrigitte Champetier de Ríos. Editorial Grupo Cero, 2010.
  • Images of the Soul — Family Constellations and Shamanic RitualsDaan van Kampenhout. Alma Lepik, 2008.
  • Family Constellations — A New Way to Face LifeBertold Ulsamer. Sirio, 2007.

These books are in the reference library that nourishes Constelando el Origen.

Are you experiencing it?

A session that names what hurts

If you recognize this dynamic in your own story, a Family Constellation can reveal where it comes from and what movement brings order to it. Daniela accompanies each case with respect.

Sessions in Spanish only