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My Labyrinth Project

A Labyrinth is a meandering but purposeful path that forms an ancient symbol.  Walking the path helps one to get centered and to get in touch with oneself.  It’s hard to describe why this happens but for me it does. When most people hear of a labyrinth they think of a maze. But unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path that leads you in a circuitous walk to the center. The way in is the way out; and there are no false turns. You make no decisions but simply decide to walk the path. Labyrinths can be used for meditation, for prayer, and for fun.

I've been fascinated by Labyrinths ever since I first became aware of them a few years ago. I decided to build my own backyard Labyrinth after my friend, Jill, gave me Depok Chopra's book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.  You see, one of the steps to achieving success, according to Chopra, is to take time each day to just BE, to sit alone in silent meditation.  Around that same time, I went on retreat to Shrinemont (in Orkney Springs, VA) which had recently built a Labyrinth for their visitors. I found the Labyrinth a wonderful tool to help me center myself for meditation. Wouldn't it be great to be able to step outside my back door and walk a Labyrinth each morning before starting my day? An idea was born.

Now the Labyrinth at Shrinemont is huge. I think it uses the design of the famous Labyrinth at Chartres and has 7 circuits.  My back yard is not big enough for that so I did some research and found a design for a 5 circuit labyrinth that would fit.

The biggest hurdle to making a Labyrinth is getting the materials (in this case rocks).  Rocks are heavy; gathering enough for the whole Labyrinth at one time would be difficult backbreaking work. In addition figuring out the total amount of rocks needed is problematic. I got around these problems with a little help from my friends... and the universe.

How to Build a Backyard Labyrinth - the easy way...

Materials Needed:

1. The first thing you need to do is to measure the space you will be using for your labyrinth.   This information will help you decide how many circuits your labyrinth will have. For example, I had a little over 43 feet square for my labyrinth.  So taking into consideration that I wanted a center circle with a 4 foot diameter (to fit my bench), I wanted my pathways to be at least 18 inches wide for comfortable walking, and figuring that the rocks I would use would average about 4 inches in width, I decided that I could comfortably accommodate a 5 circuit Labyrinth. That’s 4’ + 2 ft (4”(X6)) + 1 1/2 ft (X5) = 43.5. (I ended up need a little less room than that.)

2. The next step is to pick your design.  Labyrinths have been around for centuries so I there are all sorts of styles from which to choose.  I choose a medieval design which is based on a circle and my method works best for that design. You can easily find designs for 5, 6, 7, 9, and 11 circuit labyrinths on the internet.

3. Send out an e-mail to all your friends and relatives, explaining your project and asking for rocks. Be very specific as to the size and shape rocks you desire. Give a timeframe for the project.   I also told them about the Labyrinth Blessing Party I would have once the labyrinth was complete. The beauty of this approach is that you get the rocks gradually  and no one is overburdened by work.  You will be sending out periodic progress reports to serve as a reminder and a pep talk to your friends. This approach also creates a real feeling of community and connectedness.

4. Now you can ready the space.  Plant your stake (or post) in the center of your labyrinth area and attach a long rope to the post.  You will be using the rope to help you mark the pattern for your labyrinth. You’ve already decided on the diameter of your center circle.  Measuring from the stake, mark the rope with duct tape at half your diameter.  Next, using spray paint or chalk and your duct taped rope as a guide, mark the circumference of your first circle onto the ground. You are now ready to receive your rocks!

5. Place the rocks along the marked section of ground. Then mark your second ring using the same method with the duct tape and rope as before.  Continue this process until you have 6 circles of rock (for a 5 circuit labyrinth).  It took about 2 months from my first e-mail to my Labyrinth blessing party. Rocks magically appeared as I had time to place them.  Some days I went out to get my own rocks too. It was truly a group effort among a wonderful family of friends.

6. Once you’ve got your rings, you will be ready to arrange them into a labyrinth. Take up the stake, decide where your entrance will be and use your rope to mark a line across the center.  If you have another rope, do this again to form four sections. This will make it easier to arrange your rocks into the labyrinth design.  Using your printed design as a guide, rearrange your rocks to match the design.  Work slowly one section at a time stopping to reorient yourself as necessary. I think it’s easiest if two people work together on this. When you think you’ve got it, walk the labyrinth and see.

6. Invite all those who helped you to participate in a thankful celebration.  Enjoy!