Druid Polarity: February 2010

Three-circuit Labyrinth

Practice / Experiment

Materials: measuring device (recommend 50-100 ft tape measure), strong nylon carpenter's string, metal rod, hammer/sledge hammer, compass, flour, powder creamer container, landscape rocks, book with a step-by-step drawing of a three-circuit labyrinth (I used: "Labyrinths For The Spirit: How to create your own labyrinths for meditation and enlightenment" by Jim Buchanan, Gaia Books, 2007, ISBN 978-185675-261-9)

Preparations: practice drawing a three-circuit labyrinth on paper; gather all materials, decide the path width size for the labyrinth.

Location: Try to get a rather flat location, if possible. Even better, a flat location does quite well if there is a slight run-off slant to the location, according to the above-referenced book.

We found our location, then estimated the center, measured its' cross length (diameter), to make sure the estimated space is sufficient for our desired 3 foot wide path.

Once this is done, we set our center pole, used the compass to figure the directions north and south, then east and west, using a carpenter's string, small rocks, measured the length of the cross lines, then tapped out lines of flour onto the ground.

Then we followed the rest of the step-by-step three-circuit drawings (p.20), tapped out flour,

finally deciding we might want to return to this experiment later, added some small landscape rocks that we can either tap into the ground if we decide to keep this labyrinth, or can take a twig broom to sweep it away to reconfigure a new labyrinth design.

We're considering testing the seven-circuit labyrinth, but we might just put it in a different location and leave this one here.

The referenced book for this project also has other labyrinth projects of various kinds, history, and a word on preparing a space for sacred use in the meditational journey of the creation of labyrinths.

There are several publications available, as well as online references for creating a labyrinth.

Labyrinths are often used for meditation, healing, contemplation and more perspectives may be garnered with actual use; a wider set of concepts is discerned with the labyrinth, as a tool, in journeying, has its' residual values. Additionally, there are labyrinths of all sizes, from the size of the palm of your hand, using a stylus to trace it, lap size (size of a lazy susan turn table), to the size of a field, or a garden, as you choose.

As I walked the labyrinth, there was no real deep impression or epiphany; rather, I was in the moment, wondering what would happen, if anything, just as I would tasting something new or experiencing something new for the first time. I left the labyrinth with no impression other than having walked around. Later, as I reflected on this nothing feeling or impression, I actually felt I wanted to return to the labyrinth again. I will. The journey is in me. :>

(This post link is: http://druidpolarity.blogspot.com/2010/02/three-circuit-labyrinth.html#links)

===================

(Addendum to original blog made here on 02/15/2010)

A friend, Aigeann, who shares an interest with us about labyrinths (aka "Labyrinth Geek":) sent some additional info of interest on the subject, as well as thoughts on how one may possibly use the Labyrinth, so here's that info along with a nice link to the subject of Labyrinths.

Quoted from a doc / zip file sent to me:

There is no required way to walk a labyrinth.

The beauty of the labyrinth is that you can approach the experience on your own terms. It is helpful to pause at the entrance take one or more deep cleansing breaths.

Allow your body meditation to determine the pace.

Ours is small so it would be best to go one at a time.

Others waiting their turn may wish to ground and center.

II. Enter:

It may be useful to consider a question, or to choose to let all thought go.

III. Walk:

Quiet your mind and put one foot in front of the other to determine your own pace.

IV. Time Spent in the Center:

Also called " illumination," this is a time of openness and peacefulness to experience, learn and receive what this time offers.

You may sit, stand, kneel, sing, cry or whatever you feel comfortable doing.

V. The Journey Outward:

You choose when to leave the center, following the same path.

This is a time to reflect on what occurred in the center and how it may be applied in your life.

Also called "union,"

VI. Implementation:

This stage represents your life after leaving the Labyrinth.

If you keep in conversation with yourself, you may come across memories, fragments of dreams, or insights to carry into your everyday life.

Listen to your inner wisdom, look for Divine guidance and be open to whispered guidance from your Ancestors and the other Powers.

Walk in balance.

==================
A few additional Labyrinth links:
http://www.labyrinthos.net/rockyvalley.html
http://www.veriditas.org/