This summer was a perfect time for landscaping our front yard. The whole family was enrolled in the project and we decided to do it ourselves. The end result is beautiful, but after six weeks, we were all exhausted. It was at this point that the backyard began to call to me, “Don’t forget the labyrinth!” Oh my, how could I now go to everyone and ask for more help? I asked anyway. They all looked at me as though I must certainly have heat stroke. “Maybe next year”, was the universal cry. I couldn’t argue so I quietly retreated to the backyard. 

Standing very near the space where my husband and I were married, I marveled at how strong the pull was to put in a labyrinth.  I had been secretly wanting one for a long time. As a labyrinth facilitator I am blessed to have two canvas indoor labyrinths to use for workshops. How different  it would be though to have a  meditative path to walk outdoors whenever Spirit called. I could settle for a circle of stones that I could do myself this year, and bring the sacred energy to the spot in anticipation of the right time.

“Don’t forget the labyrinth!” continued to ring in my ears. My son, Mark, agreed to help wheelbarrow the stones we’d found  into the backyard. He helped find the circle’s center in the yard’s most level and mossy spot. We took a rope and measured a  24’ circle. Mark went back into the house. If this stone circle were to happen, it was up to me. I began to place the stones and an amazing transformation took place. My husband, Adam, came to see what was happening and began to help. The area immediately took on a sacred quality.  It was exhilarating. Just placing the stones in a circle had created a sacred space. I was delighted with this beginning.

I was satisfied, but Spirit had something else in mind. Amazingly, when I went inside, my husband was measuring a picture of the Santa Rosa labyrinth on the computer. He was laying out the path’s and stone’s measurement on a paper labyrinth he had created. How wonderful! I  was so grateful for his effort and willingness to talk about how the construction might work.

We discussed how to begin by marking the four directions using string and a compass. I wanted the entry path to face eastward allowing us to walk into the rising sun. Next, we discussed the seven concentric circles and the material we would use to make them. My friend Billy had sprinkled lime to create a labyrinth in the woods, perhaps we would do something similar. We decided to outline the paths with a medium-sized light purple gravel, leaving the moss to walk on.  We were really beginning to create and birth this labyrinth. What was going on?

Clearly, Spirit was moving this project ahead despite any thoughts to the contrary. Only a week later my friend Barbara and I had the seven circles laid out using grain rather than lime. It took about 15 pounds of wheat, bran and corn and some tired backs but we were on our way. Again, the transformation was remarkable. The next day Adam and I laid the gravel over the grain. As we began, I lit candles and placed them in the center and around the circle. With sacred music playing in the background, we began to birth our labyrinth. We graveled in the lines and turns first, saving the center and altar for last . When it was complete, we walked it together with great joy and gratitude for it’s existence. Reaching the center and looking at what was created was a very special and emotional moment to be cherished.

Our labyrinth is a constant reminder of the sacredness of the Earth. Friends have come to walk the path and one remarked of picturing “lovely fairies” surrounding it and filling it with light and love. What a gift to have it where we can walk it anytime!  Just seeing it from the window can cause one to take a deep breath and slow down a bit. I encourage each of you to consider a sacred space somewhere in or on your surroundings, it is truly magical.

May your path be filled with blessings!!!
 

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