The Spiral of Human Development (Stage Two)
Order of the Moon: Clan, Ancestors, and Nature (Purple)
(BEIGE) Order of the Naked: Survival, Sensation, and Self-Concept
(GREEN) Order of the Leaf: Environment, Consensus, and Equality
(YELLOW) Order of the Nautilus: Integration, Emergence, and Complexity
(TURQUOISE) Order of the Lotus: Holism, Paradox, and Ineffability
Spiral Dynamics is a model of human development introduced by Don Beck and Chris Cowan, which was built upon the work of developmental psychologist Clare W. Graves. The model presents a dynamic, emergent view of human nature and proposes that our values, beliefs, and systems are influenced by various factors, leading to an ongoing evolution of consciousness and culture. The model outlines several distinct stages or levels of consciousness, each associated with a particular worldview and set of values, and each emerging in response to changing life conditions amid increasing complexity.
Welcome to the clan. Our communal ties are strong. Our blood ties are stronger. In the harsh milieu of the steppe or the forest, we have to look out for each other. Without interdependency, we would die. Some hunt so that all can have meat and fat. Others gather so that all can have berries and tubers. Still, others settle disputes and offer wisdom to the group, especially the elders who have seen many cycles. For our clan to survive in harsh conditions, we must share, which means hoarding is detrimental to our survival.
If we do not share in life, we will undoubtedly share in death.
We sit together around the fire, which is sacred. The firestones circle a space into which only our ancestors can go. Fire is a doorway to the next life among the creatures, trees, and lichen. We regale one another with stories of ancestors, daemons, and animal familiars. After the children drift off to sleep, we configure ourselves using the moon’s phases and the position of the stars. We used to hear wolves circling our camp at night, but we drew in a couple with the marrow of broken elk bones. Now they protect us. The elders say one of those wolves is your great-great-grandmother, who guards you when you sleep.
The elders have enormous power. One we call Soaring Spirit. When he closes his eyes and goes into a trance, his soul floats above him and interacts with the dead. From their communion, Soaring Spirit relates messages to us, which help us to heal. Sometimes, Soaring Spirit delivers bad omens or sees death. But we must listen, for we are all fated to become protector wolves, swooping hawks, or guardian stones. Until we die, we live in harmony with everything around us, even the spiders, snakes, and scorpions.
For they, too, are part of the cycles.Â
But life here is not easy. Resources are getting scarcer. Today we went out for a hunt. Instead of finding food, we encountered others like us. Only they bore odd hair, skin, and markings. They commune with different spirits. We suspect they have begun to kill our game and take our women. Therefore, we must learn to fight as a unit.
Dr. Don Beck, with co-author Christopher Cowan, expanded Clare Graves's original vision and applied the insights around the world. Dr. Beck passed away on April 17, 2023. May he rest in peace. This series is meant to honor his efforts.
Next week: Order of the Fist: Courage, Honor, and Egoism (RED)