The Bestiary

Where it's from

The Bestiary is a Work that Reconnects practice that emerged in 1981 during a midnight gathering in Minnesota, where participants mourned the loss of endangered species through ritual and keening. This practice honors the beauty and wisdom of species threatened by the Industrial Growth Society. It is rooted in Macy’s broader work, which integrates systems thinking, deep ecology, and spiritual principles to address ecological grief and foster reconnection with life

The name and concept is derived from medieval bestiaries, which were illustrated volumes describing various animals, birds and even rocks, with each entry accompanied by a moral lesson.

It helps participants own and honor their pain for the world, and experience compassion by "suffering with" other beings. This opens them to the wider reaches of our interconnectedness.

What you need

The Bestiary poem

Duration

30 minutes

Preparations

• Obtain a clacker and a drum. These are used to punctuate the reading and to mark the solemnity of the occasion.
• Gather several strong, clear voices to read aloud. Having four readers, as suggested in Coming Back to Life, will allow for a variety of tones and a dynamic listening experience.
• Distribute parts of The Bestiary among the readers beforehand and allow time for them to practice, ensuring they understand the pacing and tone required for the reading.
• Decide which reader will handle the reflective paragraphs following the naming of each species
• Arrange seating in a circle to foster a sense of community and equality among participants.
• Consider the acoustics of the location to ensure that the readers and sounds of the clacker or drum are audible to all participants.
• Create an atmosphere that reflects the serious and reflective nature of the event. This could involve dim lighting, candles, or other elements that contribute to a somber environment.
• Depending on the formality of the event, you could hold a rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their role and the flow of the event.

How it's done

Here's a list of step-by-step instructions to conduct The Bestiary as a group.

1. Set the Context
   1. The guide begins by explaining the purpose of the ritual: to honor the unique and irreplaceable species lost or endangered due to human activity.
   2. Emphasize that this is not about guilt but about opening to grief and reverence for life. Share how this practice connects participants to their ecological grief and fosters solidarity for action.
2. Form a Circle
   1. Participants sit in a circle to create an inclusive and communal atmosphere.
3. Reading The Bestiary
   1. Designate four readers spaced around the circle. Readers take turns reading sections of The Bestiary.
   2. After each species is named, strike the drum or clacker once with a slow, deliberate rhythm to evoke a funereal tone.
   3. Reflective paragraphs within the poem are read by the person who names the preceding species.
4. Invite Naming
   1. After completing The Bestiary, invite participants to name other aspects of life disappearing from Earth (e.g., “clean air,” “coral reefs,” “hope”).
   2. After each naming, strike the drum or clacker again with measured pacing.
      
5. Closing Reflection
   1. The guide concludes with words honoring the losses named and acknowledges the honesty and solidarity shared during the ritual.
   2. Encourage participants to carry this awareness into their work for ecological regeneration.

Take it further

Cultural adaptation

Incorporate local endangered species or ecological elements relevant to participants’ regions. Also, use culturally significant instruments or rituals (e.g., smudging with sage, calling directions) relevant to local contexts to deepen connection while being mindful of avoiding cultural appropriation.

Broadening participation

Invite children or younger participants by simplifying language or adding creative elements like drawing endangered species before the ritual begins.

Extending reflection

After naming losses, allow time for journaling or group discussion about feelings evoked during the practice. You could also incorporate deep time, perhaps with reflections on ancestors and future generations, emphasizing continuity and responsibility across time. Also, ending with a collective action plan inspired by the ritual (e.g., supporting conservation efforts) would be appropriate to solidify participants' commitments.