Where it's from
The Wheel of the Great Turning is an interactive and dynamic group practice designed to recognise and celebrate the diverse ways people have contributed to the Great Turning—a concept in ecological and social activism that refers to the shift from an industrial growth society to a regenerative one.
What you need
Duration
Varies. Depends on the number of participants involved.
Preparations
- Circular Space
Clear a circular space, six to ten feet in diameter, for participants to sit around. - Number of Circles
If there are more than 12 participants, consider forming two or more circles. - Objects for Symbolism
Gather three objects to represent the three dimensions of the Great Turning:- Holding Actions: Materials in which their function is to heal or repair, such as rolls of bandaging.
- Transforming Foundations: An organic, living item, like a leafy stalk of a growing plant.
- Shift in Perception and Values: Something that causes a change in sensory perception like a pair of eyeglasses.
How it's done
Here's a list of step-by-step instructions to conduct the Wheel of the Great Turning as a group.
- Setting Up the Wheel
Arrange the seating in a circle around the cleared space. Place the three symbolic objects in the center of the wheel. - Introduction to the Great Turning
Briefly explain the three dimensions of the Great Turning to the group. - Participation in the Wheel
One by one, participants reach into the circle, pick up one of the objects, and share their personal involvement or experiences related to the dimension the object represents. For example:- With the Bandaging (Holding Actions): Sharing about direct actions like volunteering or community activism.
- With the Plant (Transforming Foundations): Describing initiatives like community gardens or cooperative childcare.
- With the Eyeglasses (Shift in Perception and Values): Speaking about personal growth experiences, vision quests, or educational groups.
- Group Response
After each person's sharing, the group responds in chorus with a phrase like, “That’s how it goes in the Great Turning!”. This keeps the energy high and acknowledges each contribution. - Maintaining Pace
Encourage brevity to maintain a lively pace and ensure everyone has a chance to participate.
Take it further
Reflection and Discussion
After the practice, facilitate a discussion where participants can reflect on the diversity of contributions and how they felt about the practice.
Adapting the Objects
Depending on the context or theme of the gathering, the symbolic objects can be adapted to better represent the specific focus of the group. Perhaps using objects that are more relatable to the participants instead of the ones suggested above.
