Abstract: An orientation apparatus for aiding the release of a lifting eye from a lifting anchor has a concave web with an open slot. The slot is configured to locate around a lifting anchor located within a hemispherical recess of a concrete element. The web is shaped to fit into the recess and so that a lifting eye, which engages the lifting anchor, can seat therein and be held so that its axis of rotation is prevented from rotating relative to the web. A shank which is integral with the web extends over a surface of the concrete element and away from the recess, and has a cable guide at a distal end trough which a cable, which is adapted for connection to the lifting eye and which can be pulled to rotate the lifting eye to a release position, is guided.