"Don't
Forget The Labyrinth"
by Tricia Kibbe
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!!!
____________________
Tricia Kibbe lives in Sudbury,
MA. She is a
Veriditas certified labyrinth facilitator trained at Grace Cathedral
in 1997. She facilitates labyrinth workshops and walks around the Northeast.
In May, 2000, Tricia co-coordinated the “Let Us Walk With Mary” retreat
sponsored by Veriditas at Chartres Cathedral in France. She would love
to help in any way those who might wish to create a sacred path in their
space. Please feel free to contact her at www.spiraltouch.com.
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