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Find a labyrinth near you!

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Locate a Labyrinth

Enter or select as few or as many terms as you like to make your search precise - The fewer fields you fill or select, the more labyrinths you are likely to find - The more you fill or select, the narrower the search - the software will only return results that match all your criteria. (If you select a state/province, it's not necessary to also select the country - the software knows that those states/provinces are in the USA or Canada.

Hints: it's often best to just enter a city or town name and no other details for an initial search, and be aware that predictive text on smartphones and similar devices often enters additional spaces and/or punctuation that can confuse the search engine.

Please note: At this stage, not all of the labyrinths in our database have information about Material, Type, Designer or Builder. Searching by these fields may produce few results on their own; in conjunction with other fields, they may filter out labyrinths that would otherwise match. If your searches are returning very few or no results, try searching without specifying material, type, Wheelchair accessibility, Designer, or Builder. The Google Maps facility generally works for labyrinths in the USA and Canada, but is less reliable for other parts of the world, especially for those labyrinths with no street address or in remote areas with no zipcodes or postal service!

Likewise, note that the search radius utility will only work for the USA, as it uses the USPS zipcode system to determine the approximate location of nearby labyrinths - and consequently it will also not list those labyrinths with no zipcodes entered, so it's always best to try several different search stratagies.

And finally... if you are planning to visit labyrinths listed on this website, it's often a good idea to check the opening times and for any public holidays, etc., that might affect availability, and if the labyrinth is listed as situated on private property, try contacting the owner to seek permssion first, especially for those that are clearly in backyards or similar locations.

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2004-2021 ZD-CMS driven - © Zee Designs - zeedesigns.com

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The World-Wide Labyrinth Locator has been designed to be an easy-to-use database of labyrinths around the world. Information about labyrinths you can visit, including their locations, pictures, and contact details, are accessible here, along with information about the many types of labyrinths found worldwide.

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Does your job have you running around in circles? Are you super-stressed out, but too jittery to ease your tension with a sitting meditation? Then maybe it's time you tried a labyrinth. No I'm not suggesting you imitate a rat in a maze. A labyrinth, unlike a maze, has no dead ends, blind passages, or wrong turns to frustrate you. Being in one is usually soothing, like a walking meditation.

A single path, a serene setting

A labyrinth has a single path winding toward the center, which is visible anywhere from the circuit's perimeter. Each step takes you closer to its center.

Representing growth and transformation, a labyrinth can confer a sense of clarity, peace, and serenity. Psychotherapist Melissa West, author of Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide for Healing and Spiritual Growth, describes the labyrinth experience as walking toward one's own core and the center of one's soul. Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress calls a labyrinth a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul.

West shows her clients how walking a labyrinth can reconnect them to their souls. She believes a labyrinth can teach them about their feet, breath, and heart and the rhythm of their souls. For many people, she says, a labyrinth walk leads to personal revelations. Some walkers identify the twists, turns, and center of the labyrinth with the twists, turns, and center of their own lives.

Labyrinth proponents claim walking a labyrinth can lead to deeper relationships, a stronger sense of community, a feeling of being on a spiritual journey, a sense of inner reflection and connection to sources of guidance, a sense of living in the present, greater creativity, and stress reduction. (See Benefits of walking a labyrinth by clicking on the PDF icon above.)

History of the labyrinth

Labyrinths have been around since ancient times. During the Middle Ages, nearly 25% of cathedrals had them. Today, you can find labyrinths in many sites medical centers, spas, parks, schools, prisons, playgrounds, retreat centers, and even people's backyards. (See Finding a labyrinth near you by clicking on the PDF icon above.)

Preparing for the walk

There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth, but experts offer guidelines. Helen Curry, author of Way of the Labyrinth, recommends that you focus your attention inward, set an intention, choose a specific meditation or mantra, and recognize your personal feelings. An intention is a question or statement that a person in search of guidance sends to the universe. It might be a prayer, or it might be a statement about a particular feeling or emotion, a relationship or spiritual issue, or a particular event. Examples include:

"I am open to receiving guidance about"

Where do I need more clarity in my life?

Using a specific meditation or mantra can help unclutter your mind as you walk. Examples include reciting Bible verses or children's songs, and chanting. Typically, the walker repeats the verse, song, or chant during the walk. Curry recommends a rhythmic meditation or mantra that aligns with one's intention.

Walking the walk

In a labyrinth, let your walk unfold on its own. Don't try to make something happen. If you are seeking a more structured experience, Artress identifies three stages of walking the labyrinth:

Stage 1: Releasing. As you start your journey toward the center of the labyrinth, begin to release your thoughts and concerns.

Stage 2: Receiving. When you reach the center, stay there as long as you wish, meditating.

Stage 3: Returning. Once you return from the center and leave the labyrinth, you are ready to integrate back into everyday life with heightened spiritual awareness.

Whether you walk a labyrinth for stress reduction, problem-solving, or spiritual transformation, remember that there is no right or wrong way to journey on this path. The opportunities and possibilities are endless.Selected referencesCurry H. The Way of the Labyrinth. New York, NY: Penguin Compass; 2000.
Freeman VL. One path with many turns.Altern Med. 2005;80:43-49.Sandor MK, Froman MD. Exploring the effects of walking the labyrinth. J Holist Nurs. 2006;24(2):103-109. http://jhn.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/24/2/103. Accessed June 24, 2008.
Visit www.AmericanNurseToday.com for a complete list of selected references.Mary V. Shindle is Professional Development Coordinator at City Hospital (part of West Virginia University Hospital East) in Martinsburg.

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Walking the labyrinth: An exercise in self-healing - American Nurse

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Does your job have you running around in circles? Are you super-stressed out, but too jittery to ease your tension with a sitting meditation? Then maybe it's time you tried a labyrinth. No I'm not suggesting you imitate a rat in a maze. A labyrinth, unlike a maze, has no dead ends, blind passages, or [...]

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Walking meditation is a contemplative practice where close attention is paid to the action of walking. It is not thinking or contemplating while walking (which is also delightful), but being mindful of the muscles of the body, the placement of the feet, balance, and motion. Walking meditation has a long tradition in Buddhism and can also be practiced while walking a labyrinth. Steven Smith, the guiding teacher of the Hawai'i Insight Meditation Center, has provided us with this walking meditation instruction.

Walking Meditation Practice

by Steven Smith

In walking meditation, we become aware of the movement of each step. It is a way of using a natural part of life to increase mindfulness. Once you learn the practice, you can do it almost anywhere. It helps us feel fully present on the earth.

Find a place where you can walk back and forth, about ten to twenty steps in length. Keep the hands stationary, either behind the back, at the sides, or in front.

Feel the sensations of standing. Be aware of contact with the ground, of pressure and tension. Feel the entire energy field of the body, how it is all participating in this standing. Feel the hands hanging down...the shoulders weighted...the lower back, the pelvis...each having its own part in keeping the balance of the standing position.

Now bring your attention to the lower part of the body, from the hips downward, the primary foundation of standing. Staying aware, very slowly shift your weight from the left and back of your body to the right, noticing as you do how the sensations change as your balance shifts. Now hold your weight on the left for a moment, aware of the particular sensations in the leg... hips, thighs, legs, knees, calves, feet, toes, not particularly noticing or identifying those parts of the body, but letting the awareness fill the legs. Feel hardness, tension, tightness, heat, vibration, toughness, stiffness, whatever is there.

Now, keeping your weight on the left side, bring your awareness to the right and feel the relative lightness, emptiness, subtler sensations on the right leg. Now, with your awareness still on the right leg, slowly shift your weight to the right side. Let the awareness seep in right down to the bone, sensing the variations of hardness and softness, toughness, and fluidity, pressure, vibration, weight.

Now bring your awareness to the left side again, and move as if you are very slowly pouring water from a full vessel into an empty one. Notice all the changes as you shift your weight to the left side. With your eyes open just enough to hold your balance, very slowly peel your right foot off the ground and move it forward and place it on the ground. With your awareness on the right, shift your weight, bring awareness to the left, feel from the hips and buttocks down the sides, the whole range of sensations. Continue stepping slowly, keeping your awareness on the sensations. When you get to the end of the path, pause briefly and turn around. Center yourself, and be aware of the first step as you begin again.

You can do the walking meditation at different paces: brisk, normal, and very slow and meticulous. The idea is not to walk slowly; the idea is to move mindfully. As your mind begins to quiet, you will see how we notice more when we move slowly. More becomes clear, we get to feel the inter-relationship of mind and body.

If you like labeling, you can say to yourself "walking/walking" or "step/step," or "right/left." Not using the labeling as a cadence that becomes rote, but using it to encourage the awareness of the sensations of walking.

After some time, you can slow down a bit and actually feel more or less two sections of walking, the lift swing and the placing. So the label might be "lift" as you lift and swing, and then "place." It is a little slower, but not so slow that you lose your balance. Lifting , placing, stop. Feel the stopping, feel the turning. Lift and place, it is very simple, you are really just being with walking.

You are being really detailed, you are not assessing, you are not evaluating. It is a bare awareness, feeling the flow of sensations. When you lift, move, place, notice the shift of weight, the heel peeling off the toe, even the ground. Or you might notice the knee bending, the calf tensing, or the thigh being taut...sometimes you may notice the whole leg simultaneously, another time you might focus on tingling in the toe. Lifting, moving, placing.

Holding your visual field to a minimum-6,8,9 feet-is helpful for a period of time. Then, when you feel like you just can't take it anymore, open up your field of vision, look around, and just be aware of seeing and hearing for a while. It is important to keep a lightness of being.

If you feel flooded with thoughts, just stop for a moment and be aware of thoughts. Let the flood of thoughts come and go and then go back to the walking. You begin to see that nothing is a distraction, as long as you recognize what is there.

Think of it like this... you are starting off on a trek, and you just landed in Katmandu, You are going up to Mustang Valley....you are going to trek up one of these mountains, and there is the goal of reaching the top, there's the desire to get there, and then there's the realization that there is a whole process of getting there, and, along the way, more and more, there is the realization that the process is the goal. At first, you don't have your walking body...you have been busy and confined, muscles aren't loose, bones are a bit stiff....it takes a while for there to be a rhythm between mind and body, to get into that rhythm, to be carried by that rhythm, so that the experience becomes being carried by the mountain, and then the second winds come...and the body just feels in flow, it feels in harmony, it feels in sync with the mountain itself and the movements up and down.

It is the same way in meditation-first it's a stretch, and you feel a resistance, the push, the upward climb....but you can just take your time, keep learning how to settle back, lean back, and tune in to the process, until more and more, you feel carried by it itself, and it becomes restful.

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Walking meditation is a contemplative practice where close attention is paid to the action of walking. It is not thinking or contemplating while walking (which is also delightful), but being mindful of the muscles of the body, the placement of the feet, balance, and motion.

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The word ADHD brings up an image of a hyperactive child running around in a playground, but it also affects adults. On the other hand, the word meditation conjures up images of Buddhist monks meditating in a quiet monastery, but recently it's becoming popular and mainstream. The question is: can meditating regularly help an ADHD brain?
Meditation helps with ADHD by increasing our attention, reducing mind-wandering, and improving working memory and executive functioning in just a few weeks of practice. Scientific studies also reveal that mindfulness training is a promising way to improve ADHD symptoms.
Read on to learn the difference between an ADHD and non-ADHD brain, and how meditation helps with ADHD. We'll also discuss a simple meditation technique so that you can get started and a few tips that'll help you stick with it.

The ADHD brain

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that often begins in childhood and can progress into adulthood. ADHD can show up in three distinct types: inattentive, hyperactivity/impulsive, and combined. Its symptoms include hyperactivity, poor self-control, forgetfulness, and distractibility.

Four functional areas of the brain are impaired in the ADHD brain:

1. Frontal cortex: This region controls the executive functions and is responsible for tasks like planning, paying attention, organizing, and remembering.(1)

2. Limbic system: Two major structures in the limbic system are the hippocampus and the amygdala. They are responsible for emotional processing and impulsivity.(2)

3. Basal ganglia: These are involved in several emotional, cognitive, and movement-related functions. Impaired functioning of basal ganglia causes inattention and impulsivity.(3)

4. Reticular activating system: It's the attention center of the brain.A malfunction in this system may lead to memory issues, difficulties in learning, and lack of self-control.

We can see that poor attention and executive functioning are common symptoms of ADHD. Children with ADHD also don't have the same connections between the visual processing area of the brain and the frontal cortex. This means that people with ADHD process information differently.(4)

If meditation can strengthen these areas of the brain and improve our attention, then it can be a natural remedy for ADHD, right? Let's discuss what research has to say about it.

Meditation for ADHD

Studies reveal that meditation, both short-term and long-term, provides the following benefits. The longer you meditate, the more reward you'll get out of it. Although even a single meditation session affects the brain positively, it usually takes a few weeks to start noticing the benefits of mindfulness in our day-to-day lives.

Research shows that only five days of mindfulness training improves your attention.(5) Another study shows that four days of meditation practice significantly improves the ability to sustain attention, visuospatial processing, working memory, and executive functioning.(6)

Meditation also thickens your prefrontal cortex, which is a part of the brain that controls planning, focus, and impulse.(7) It also improves emotional regulation by teaching us to mindfully observe our emotional states as impermanent and let them go.(8)

A UCLA study examined the effects of an 8-week mindfulness training program on 24 adults and 8 adolescents with ADHD. After the training, the participants reported improvements in ADHD symptoms. They also performed better on tests measuring attention. Apart from that, the researchers also noted improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety.(9)

Similar findings have been reported in a study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.(10) A review published in Behavioral Neurology also suggests that mindfulness could be an effective way to improve ADHD symptoms in adults.(11)

Related: Is Meditation Overrated?

A simple meditation technique

Now that you know how meditation helps relieve ADHD symptoms, let's discuss a simple practice. Breath-focused meditation is easy to learn, and you can get started with it right away. It involves focusing your attention on your breath while sitting still. Here's how to do it:

Set aside a few minutes. I recommend starting with 5-10 minutes and gradually working your way up to 30 minutes.

Spread a mat or place a cushion on the floor. You can also meditate on a chair, but it's better to do it while sitting cross-legged on the ground.

Cross your legs and sit down. Keep your back straight and rest your hands in your lap. If you're sitting on a chair, you can gently place your hands on your knees.

Make sure you're looking straight ahead. Straight spine, neck, and head are the bare essentials of meditation posture. Try to sit still without moving during the entire session.

Take a few deep breaths to settle in. It's helpful to relax your mind before starting your practice.

Watch your breath. Let the body breathe on its own and watch every inhalation and exhalation. Notice the sensations in your nostrils caused by your breaths or the rise and fall of your belly button. The key is to stay with each breath.

When your mind wanders, gently bring it back. Don't scold yourself or get angry that you can't focus. As a beginner, take it as given that you'll be concentrating only 2-5% of the time. The effort of meditation lies in repeatedly bringing the mind back to your breath.

The beginning is the hardest part. Once you've meditated for a month or two, you'll see improvements in your ability to focus. More importantly, you'll notice the benefits of meditation in your daily life. Your self-esteem and attention will boost, and you'll experience increased positive emotions and reduced negativity.

Tips for meditating with ADHD

The thought of sitting still and focusing your mind on a single thing may sound daunting, especially if you're already inattentive and/or hyperactive. Truth be told, meditation is not an enjoyable experience in the beginning. Here are some tips to help you stick with it:

Make it a routine

Meditation yields results when you practice it regularly. It's best to incorporate it into your daily routine so that the mind doesn't get to make excuses. Set your phone to remind you at a specific time, or mark it on your calendar.

Remember that habits are built on cues and rewards. Try attaching meditation to something you already do daily and reward yourself after every session to solidify the routine. Reading the article on 10 practical tips to make meditation a daily habit will give you some ideas on how to go about it.

Try walking meditation

Sitting still and doing nothing may sound like a nightmare for people with ADHD. The good thing is that you don't always have to sit like a rock to meditate. While sitting still trains the body and the mind, walking meditation is also an excellent way to train our attention and mindfulness while strolling around.

To meditate while walking, wear loose and comfortable clothes and shoes. Take one step at a time, slowly and mindfully. Notice your body's weight shifting with each step. You can also sync your breath with your steps, breathing in for 2-3 steps, and breathing out for 4-6 steps.

Too many thoughts?

If you're feeling restless, and thoughts are flooding your mind from all directions, stop meditating. Keep your eyes closed, but stop all efforts to meditate for the moment. Take a few deep breaths. Don't meditate; just inhale deeply into your belly and exhale slowly. Do it a few times and get back to meditation.

If you're still having difficulties, it's okay to get up. The mind isn't the same every day, and it's fine if you have to take a little break. You can perhaps do walking meditation for a few minutes and get back to your sitting session when your mind calms down.

Takeaway

ADHD is a childhood-onset neurological disorder that makes a person inattentive or hyperactive. ADHD patients usually have problems paying attention, sitting quietly, or focusing on what's in front of them.

Mindfulness meditation is an ancient practice that trains our attention by forcing us to focus our mind on a single object. Several scientific studies show that it's helpful in the treatment of ADHD. Since meditation is simple to learn and costs nothing, there's no reason for you to not give it a try.

I hope you found this article useful. Good luck and happy meditating 😊

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Does Meditation Help With ADHD? Mindfulness and ADHD - Meditation Sphere

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The word ADHD brings up an image of a hyperactive child running around in a playground, but it also affects adults. On the other hand, the word meditation conjures up images of Buddhist monks meditating in a quiet monastery, but recently it's becoming popular and mainstream.

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4 Rs: Remember, Release, Receive, Return

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4 Rs: Remember, Release, Receive, Return

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Basic Guide/Scriptural Guide

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One common way of walking a labyrinth is to think about your journey in four phases. These 4 Rs can be a helpful way of guiding your reflections no matter which season you may be walking the labyrinth.

Remembering
Remembering serves as the first part of your labyrinth journey. That you have come to this site is the beginning of remembering that you are a seeker. God promises to be found by those who seek. Remember that you are loved. You walk in the presence of the One who cares about you and longs to bless you. While you may bring doubts or fears with you, the path is a place of safety and peace.

Releasing
Releasing begins as you enter the labyrinth and continues through your journey to the center. As you walk, quietly begin "letting-go" of concerns and distractions. As with the Lenten practice of fasting, what needs to become empty? What needs to be released? Our hands cannot receive if they are full, and neither can the heart. Walk slowly, perhaps even clenching and then opening your hands, each time speaking what you are releasing. Be mindful of your breathing. As you exhale, offer a word or phrase that describes what you are releasing. And then, as you inhale, offer a word or phrase that invites God to come in.

Receiving
Receiving becomes the third movement of your journey. Linger at the center of the labyrinth. Stand or sit, palms open. Receive the sunshine (or the rain!); allow the breeze to remind you of the stirring of the Spirit (in ancient languages, "wind" and "breath" and "spirit" were the same word). Having released cares and concerns, there is now room for God's Spirit to share guidance, assurance, insight, wisdom, peace and other gifts. Be aware of the blessings in your life - people, opportunities, these moments of quiet. You may sit or stand in the center as long as you like. Receive and accept whatever is offered as a divine gift.

Responding
Responding forms the last part of the journey. It begins as you leave the center and begin to walk the path back out of the labyrinth. Responding may take a variety of forms. Gratitude. An action to take. An insight to share. As you return to your responsibilities, you do so aware that you are not empty-handed or alone.

Blessings to you on your journey!

________________________
Scripture-based guides for walking the labyrinth

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A Simple Guide for Walking the Labyrinth - Heritage Baptist Church

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One common way of walking a labyrinth is to think about your journey in four phases. These 4 Rs can be a helpful way of guiding your reflections no matter which season you may be walking the labyrinth. Remembering Remembering serves as the first part of your labyrinth journey.

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The labyrinth is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single circuitous path that winds its way into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return from the center and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally.

Generally there are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the center and returning when you follow the return path back out of the labyrinth. Symbolically, and sometimes actually, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received.

There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in any way that meets what you need while being respectful of others walking. You may go directly to the center to sit quietly -- whatever meets your needs.

To prepare, you may want to sit quietly to reflect before walking the labyrinth. Some people come with questions, others just to slow down and take time out from a busy life. Some come to find strength to take the next step. Many come during times of grief and loss.

Children enjoy the labyrinth and we ask that parents supervise their youngchildren so all may enjoy the meditative aspects of the walk.

There are many ways to describe a labyrinth. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul.

To download a handout with guidelines for walking the Labyrinth, please click here.

(image courtesy of Lars Howlett: Discoverlabyrinths.com)

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Veriditas is dedicated to inspiring personal and planetary change and renewal through the labyrinth experience. We accomplish our mission by training and supporting labyrinth facilitators around the world, and offering meaningful events that promote further understanding of the labyrinth as a tool for personal and community transformation.

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In Signs of Life, Angeles Arrien defines five shapes found in the art of cultures around the world: circle, square, triangle, cross, and spiral. Not only is the use of these shapes universal, the symbolic meaning given to each carries across cultures as well. It is the form itself, in fact, that brings meaning, and the spiral, a curving line around a central point, symbolizes movement, growth, and change. It indicates a continually shifting perspective that is inspiring and life-renewing.

The labyrinth, a twisting, turning spiral path leading to a central point, offers a direct experience of the energy of the spiral. Labyrinth designs appear throughout human history, sewn into basketry, etched on cliff walls, and built into the floors of cathedrals. Labyrinths create a sacred space where time slows down and the potential for growth and change is palpable. Walking a labyrinth is a metaphor for life-the path shifts in unexpected ways, sometimes diverting you from your goal, but ultimately leading you to the center. Unlike a maze, there are no dead-ends and you can't get lost.

The labyrinth is a powerful meditation tool, helping to quiet the mind and allowing time for personal reflection. As your fingers or feet trace the path toward the center, you are drawn deeper into yourself, toward your own center; as you trace the path back out, you emerge with new-found clarity and connection to your true self.

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Labyrinths: Walking a Spiral Path | Divine Template Creations

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In Signs of Life, Angeles Arrien defines five shapes found in the art of cultures around the world: circle, square, triangle, cross, and spiral. Not only is the use of these shapes universal, the symbolic meaning given to each carries across cultures as well.

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Spiral Symbolism: Its Spirit of Creativity and Organization in the Universe

You are probably wondering what spiral symbolism is. Also, what does it mean to you as an individual? It turns out, that spiral symbolism is one of the oldest ways in which our ancestors could relate to the creation of the universe. Also, it is one of the symbols that represent the spiritual enlightenment and how we relate to the cosmos. Moreover, it is there in many of the world's cultures.

Plus, it has representation in the religious and sects that are all over the world. Some of these include magic, ritual art, geomancy, dragon lore, cults, serpent, and shamanism. Some even believe that the spiral is the gateway to a higher level of consciousness. That is why many of the people in occultism use it. However, it also has a more top place in the field of science. Moreover, the structure of DNA has a representation of the spiral. It is also visible in whirlpools and tornados.

Spiral Symbolism: Meaning of the Spiral in Our Lives

As one of the oldest geometrical signs, spiral symbolism holds a prominent place in most of our lives. Therefore, you should know why you find yourself being drawn in by it. There is a wide range of meaning of this symbolism across many cultures and religious practices. However, the general sense of it is that it represents, life, higher power, consciousness, and creation. For example, some believe that spiral is the path that will lead you to a higher power. Therefore, it is the power of the cosmic wisdom that can connect us to the universe.

On the other hand, it stands for the path of growth and creation. So, in some sense, it gives the representation of the consciousness of nature. Plus, it is clear that most of the characters plus our solar system have the description of moving from the insides to the outer part. So, this is some of the reasons why it also has a report in the irreligious sects. Some even use the spiral to mean that there are free. This means that they have the power to achieve the absolute most freedom to be creative. Moreover, this process is present in most of the Celtic culture and their amazing defining artwork. This is one of the reasons why the spiral is a significant symbol in the Celtic culture.

Representation of the Spiral Symbolism in Different Cultures

Spiral symbolism is one of the factors that will take anyone that has gained interest with owe. This is because it will make you have a feeling of creativity and wholeness. Plus, it will give you the sense that you are getting an understanding of the universe. Perhaps, this is why the spiral symbol is given adequate representation in many of the cultures across the world. Some of them are as old as the study of astrology itself.

The Irish Culture

In Irish culture, they had famous tri-spiral. It is present in Newgrange, a large ancient circular mound. It bears the meaning of reincarnation to the people of the old Irish world. Also, some view it as a symbol of immortality among the people of Ireland. They would see such spiral to mark the grave or burial sites of the people. Such marking would be visible on big stones where they would be curved.

Native American Culture

As per the singular belief of the ancient Native Americans, there is a belief that one can walk in the spiraling labyrinth. This way they could feel their consciousness grow and it would mar one of their many rituals. They would even sometimes dance in spiraling spins to represent their connection to the vast universe. All, of these walks and dances, is one way that can act as one for the ancestors of the Native Americans to communicate with the world. By doing so, they would also gain the comprehension of the spiral itself.

The Celtic Culture

In the Celtic culture, the spiral is one of their ways to express their divine creativity. Plus, it would show that they have an understanding of the universe. Also, it would mean that they are one with the cosmos. Moreover, this spiral symbolism would be the best way for them to express their holistic growth and evolution. To some, it would mean that one has let loose and is ready to be one with the powers of the universe.

Effects that it Presents in Our Lives

When one takes a closer look at the representation of the spiral symbolism in our lives, they would realize that it touches almost everything. This means that most of God's creation has a touch of spirals in them. Some of these things are whirlpools, tornadoes, typhoons, snails, vines, ram's horns, snakes and even seashells. So, one can say final say that the spiral is one of the heavenly designs of creation.

Also, they can say that it is one of the astral worlds way of representing their effect on us. This one can realize by looking at the picture of the universe especially ours. This gives us the insight that spirals are symbols of the heavenly world and that the ancient people were right about them. Plus, they could make sure that we have the power to understand the universe itself.

Summary

Spiral symbolism is one of the essential subjects that can serve to enlighten you your life. Plus, it would open your imagination to the wonders of the universe. Also, it shows that there is a high similarity in the effects of creation because spirals are everywhere. Moreover, they have more profound meaning to many people depending on the cultures. Also, their symbolism seems to have similarities in that they are a point to one creator. Or, let me say that it points to the sense of the creation of the universe by singular being.

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Spiral Symbolism: Gaining Wisdom from the Influence of the Spirals -

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You are probably wondering what spiral symbolism is. Also, what does it mean to you as an individual? It turns out, that spiral symbolism is one of the oldest ways in which our ancestors could relate to the creation of the universe.

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Geometry Applied

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With knowledge of the so-called 'seed pattern' it is possible to create your own seven-circuit classical labyrinth design. Using simple methods and inexpensive materials (such as cutting into existing turf and using gravel to mark walls) this can be made permanent. More elaborate, higher quality installations will require professional help. The Labyrinth Builders offer a dedicated labyrinth design and construction service.

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labyrinth how to build labyrinth how to make

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The Labyrinth Builders/Canterbury Web Services Limited

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With knowledge of the so-called 'seed pattern' it is possible to create your own seven-circuit classical labyrinth design. Using simple methods and inexpensive materials (such as cutting into existing turf and using gravel to mark walls) this can be made permanent. More elaborate, higher quality installations will require professional help.

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TLS Members e-Newsletter

Members eNewsletter
At least four times a year, TLS members are rewarded at their inboxes with a copy of the Labyrinth Society e-newsletter. It serves as a means of direct communication with the membership and provides an historical record of the Society.

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2003-2020 ZD-CMS driven - © Zee Designs - zeedesigns.com

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The Labyrinth Society: The Labyrinth Society: TLS Members e-Newsletter

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TLS Members e-Newsletter Members eNewsletter At least four times a year, TLS members are rewarded at their inboxes with a copy of the Labyrinth Society e-newsletter. It serves as a means of direct communication with the membership and provides an historical record of the Society.

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Building a labyrinth? Lars Howlett is an expert labyrinth designer and master builder offering site visits, workshops, tours, and events.

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Made with Rope

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Introduction: Build a Backyard Labyrinth

My mom has wanted to build a labyrinth in our backyard for a long time. She first walked in a labyrinth many years ago in a park and really enjoyed the experience. From that moment on, the special process of walking a labyrinth was something that she had always wanted to recreate in her own home. My mom turned 60 this past November and as part of birthday celebration my family and I finally built a labyrinth in the backyard.

We came up with a rope and steel stake system which was relatively low cost, easy to install and semi-permanent that looks and works great.

Here's why and how we did it...

Step 1: Theory

What is a labyrinth and why would anyone walk in one?

Simply put, a labyrinth is similar to a maze, however unlike a maze which has branches, a labyrinth is one single path, and as such, there are no wrong turns. A labyrinth's path is supposed to be easy to follow and is not constructed with the intention of making the participant feel confused or lost. Instead, one of the intended outcomes is quite the opposite, as labyrinths are used as meditation tools, to calm and focus the participant.

Generally speaking, the labyrinth has a single opening, you walk in a back and forth pattern on the path until you reach the end. At the end, you turn around and walk out along the same path you came in on. It's pretty straight forward when you see this in person. Most labyrinths don't come with signs, or directions, they are "just there" for people to walk on and enjoy.

Why someone would want to walk on a labyrinth is a simple question with many different answers. Labyrinths are found all over. Sometimes they have religious affiliations, others are simply just installed in a natural and beautiful setting like a park. Some walk them to feel a sense of calm, meditation and clarity, others probably just think of it as a fun path to stroll on. No matter why you may find yourself walking a labyrinth, it's generally agreed that labyrinths are beautiful and interesting creations. In short, labyrinths are built to be enjoyed, and that's certainly why we built ours.

Wikipedia's labyrinth page has lots of interesting information on the history of labyrinths and their uses. While labyrinths warrant a more detailed explanation then what's offered here, this Instructable is more concerned with how to make one and assumes that if you are reading this, you've already got some interest in making one yourself, or at least learning how one is made, and can research more about the derivations and properties of labyrinths from other resources.

Step 2: Design and Scale

The first step was to identify a labyrinth design that we liked. We chose to go with the fairly conventional design pictured above. This 7 circle concentric pattern with a straight forward entrance, simple pattern and non-bifurcating path spoke to my mother (and my dad and I were confident we could re-create it without much fuss - other labyrinth designs can get more complicated).

My dad had the great idea of drawing grid lines over the design. That way we could scale up the drawing to something we could actually walk on...while my mom isn't a needy woman, she was expecting a labyrinth bigger then the 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper we printed the design on.

With the grid lines drawn, a simple letter labeling system for the y axis and a number labeling system for the x axis, it was pretty easy to identify where the pattern crossed a grid line. We circled the easiest to spot intersections that occurred at whole value number/letter intersections and declared our first step of the design process complete.

The next thing to consider was scale. We had a patch of the backyard in mind where we wanted the labyrinth to go that was roughly 20' x 20'. Some labyrinth's are bigger, some are smaller. Doing some testing with two pieces of 2 x 4, we identified that 16" was the narrowest path that still felt comfortable to walk on. Any smaller and you feel like you're on a bit of a balance beam. This defined a few parameters for us, the whole thing had to be within a 20' square, and the path couldn't be any less than 16". Luckily these two requirements work out just about perfectly with the design we chose.

If you follow x axis line "G" across the drawing you can see that it crosses 15 boxes along the way from edge to edge of the labyrinth. With a path width of 16" that results in 240" in total width across the labyrinth, which is exactly 20'. Perfect!

Step 3: Rope and Steel

The next question we asked ourselves was what the heck should we build this thing out of?

We have seen labyrinths that are built out of just about everything, from wood, to stone and rocks, earth, grass, vegetation, a flooring material, and even a cloth mat you can spread out on the floor.

No one in my family was too enthused to dig up the backyard with shovels over Thanksgiving weekend, so we quickly vetoed the paver/stone idea - plus that stuff is expensive! We also didn't want to hire a professional with an earth mover, since that's also expensive and not very DIY. My parents live in New York, where the winters are cold and everything dies, so a "living labyrinth" was out too.

To be honest, nothing that we'd seen before was quite right for what we wanted, and what's more, my parents are planning on moving in the near future, so we wanted to installation to be only semi-permanent, and ideally, movable to their next home. After some further consideration my dad suggested that we use a wide diameter rope to create the bounds of the path and some steel stakes to hold everything in place. This system is relatively cheap, semi-permanent and easy to work with.

Rope

Wanting a natural look I suggested that we test with some wide diameter manilla rope. We quickly learned from the salesman that manilla rope on the ground will quickly rot. Luckily there is a landscaping product called"promanilla" or "unmanilla". It's made from polypropalyne instead of natural fiber like manilla is. To the eye, and even to the hand, it looks and feels just like natural manilla rope. It's completely static, doesn't leach, doesn't shrink, and won't rot when it sits on the ground and weathers the long wet New York winter. We ordered a few samples of the stuff in all the different sizes that it comes in, from 1/2" to 3". The bigger diameter stuff looks and feels great, but is unfortunately really expensive and so we compromised and went with a 1" diameter unmanilla rope that we bought online for around a buck a foot (prices vary depending on supplier - so poke around for good deals). According to our calculations which we derived from adding the different circumferences of the 7 circles that make up the labyrinth which can be calculated from the graph paper, we estimated that we'd need between 225' and 250' of rope to construct the labyrinth. We ordered 300' of the stuff just to be safe as it would be hard to order more rope over the holiday week and we really wanted to have this ready for my mom's birthday which falls a few days after thanksgiving. A few days later the roll arrived in one giant piece.

Steel Stakes

The rope needed some kind of a stake system to hold it in place. I can remember my dad saying "we need something like croquet wickets!". We settled on forming custom steel "J" shaped stakes out of 18" long 1/4" diameter steel rods. 1/4" steel rod is great stuff. It's thin enough to bend easily, but strong enough to actually build with - I love it.

My dad found a steel yard on Long Island that was willing to not only sell us the 20' long 1/4" rods, but even cut them down for us into 18" long sections - awesome! I think we had around 250 rods cut thinking that staking the rope out every foot or so was sufficient. Rope can't move that much between two fixed points that are only 1' apart.

Step 4: Additional Supplies

Before building can begin we had to round up a few more things...our dog was not one of them, but she's in the picture above any way.

The job requires lots of cheap twine, like 1000' or so, wooden stakes that we cut out of some old cedar shakes, some hammers to whack things into the ground with, paper and pens, tape, a big tape measure that can measure at least 20', miter box with hack saw, tape and lighter to seal the ends of the cut rope, a few extra copies of the plan from step 2, and lots of helpers. Luckily my sister and girlfriend were all around to help me and my parents build over Thanksgiving.

Step 5: Build a Stake Bender

Building a labyrinth is actually far easier and quicker than I ever would have thought. We finished the thing way ahead of schedule and once everything was all purchased and ready, it actually went together in a few short hours...broken up of course by our state mandated union lunch.

The slowest and most complex portion of the build was figuring out a way to build a custom bender using only stuff from my dad's shop in the basement. If I were at my shop in California for this step, I would have welded some pegs onto a sheet of steel, thrown some square tubing on top of a 1" diameter rod and had a home made steel bender that would last a lifetime.

In New York however my dad is more set up for wood working and so we had to work with the tools and supplies that he had on hand. The bender we came up with has a large double thick plywood base, some heavy duty 3/4" hardware forming the pivot point, and a long double thick plywood bending arm for leverage. I slid a short section of 1" diameter piece of pipe over the pivot point to ensure that the radius of the bend was 1" - the same diameter as the rope that the stake would later be hammered over.

We used some scrap pieces of steel to form a stop block for the rods so they'd all be bent at the same location, and another piece of steel plate placed adjacent to the pivot point, exactly the width of steel rod away to hold everything in place during the bend.

The lever arm has an old file cabinet drawer slide embedded in the bottom of it which rides along the smooth pre-finished plywood. The metal bracket slides along the wooden top surface of the base until it hits the steel rod. At this point, the bend begins. The lever is pulled on until it moves all the way around the pivot bolt and hits the stop on the far side. Then, we simply released pressure on the lever, backed it off a few inches and removed the perfectly bent steel rod.

Once you get the hang of it, the process goes pretty quickly and I'd estimate that it only took about 15 seconds to bend each stake.

After we built the bender, it was so much fun to use, that my mom really got a kick out of making the first few stakes.

Step 6: Mark Exterior Dimensions

Before we actually started constructing the labyrinth we all went outside and stood around for a while looking at the plan and then down at the ground. I think this part was important, kind of a mental acknowledgment of "we're going to take what's on this piece of paper, and make it go on the ground, only much, much bigger".

*note - we had already identified the area where we wanted to the labyrinth to go and had covered this spot in the backyard with mulch so that grass would not grow there. It previously was sort of muddy anyway and not good area for grass to grow anyway so it was a natural fit for the labyrinth. In any case, it's important to prep your ground surface to be however you want it before proceeding with the next step.

When we were ready to accept our destiny, we measured out a 20' x 18' 8" perimeter box. This represents the area that the labyrinth will fit completely inside of.

*note, according to our design, the labyrinth is one grid line (16" in the real world) shorter in height than it is in width, hence, we measured a box that's 20' x 18' 8" instead of 20' x 20'.

Mark the four corners of this box. The labyrinth is now located in the real world.

Step 7: Mark Every 16" Along the Edges

Step 8: String Cord to Create a Grid

Step 9: Mark Grid Coordinates

Step 10: Find Intersections

Step 11: Hammer First Stake

This part is a little like bingo. Start with the very first point, there are two to choose from, we called out "C,6". My mom then walked to that location on the grid and hammered in the first stake at the very end of the coil of rope. This is the first stake in the labyrinth, there will be many more. Get a feel for how this whole process works, and be ready to repeat.

Step 12: Keep Calling Out Additional Points and Hammering in Stakes

Step 13: At End of First Piece, Cut and Seal Rope End

The labyrinth is actually made up of two separate lengths of rope. When you get to the endpoint of the first piece, mark that location on the rope and then cut the rope using a hack saw and a miter box. The rope cuts very quickly. We taped the cut end and then used a lighter to fuse the fibers together so it didn't unravel.

Step 14: Repeat for Second Piece of Rope

Step 15: How to Deal With Twists

As you uncoil the rope from it's box, spool or coil it's bound to have some twists in it. Wanting to lay down unkinked and as straight rope as possible, we simply rolled the box in one direction or another to work out the twists.

Step 16: How to Deal With Twists Better

Step 17: Hit All the Major Points

Make sure that you've hammered in stakes at all the major points and intersections so you've got the basic shape represented.

Step 18: Refine Curves

Step 19: Remove Grid Lines

With all of the rope correctly located in place, there's no longer any need for the grid lines. Using a scissors, cut the grid at many locations and begin pulling out the twine. The twine slips out from underneath the stakes easily and should not disturb the rope's position.

Step 20: Walk the Labyrinth

The final step is to make the maiden voyage/walk on the labyrinth. My mom went first of course since it was her birthday present. She really enjoyed it and was really excited about how it turned out!

The next day we realized that we wanted to walk it at night, and so we strung up some tasteful christmas lights in the backyard above the labyrinth from the tree branches and lit everything up. It actually looks really cool at night and is a very peaceful time to be out in the backyard.

I can't say that I feel any immediate effects from walking the labyrinth other than it simply being a pleasant way to spend time walking outdoors - two things that feel good to me anyway, but I can say that it was a whole lot of fun to have the opportunity to make something that involved my whole family working together and that I'd definitely recommend the rope and steel construction method we pioneered in this project to anyone looking for a low(ish) cost, semi-permanent, DIY Labyrinth solution.

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Build a Backyard Labyrinth: My mom has wanted to build a labyrinth in our backyard for a long time. She first walked in a labyrinth many years ago in a park and really enjoyed the experience. From that moment on, the special process of walking a labyrinth was something that ...