DIY Labyrinth

As part of my Spring Equinox celebration I decided to walk a labyrinth.   When you hear the word Labyrinth, you may think of a complicated network of paths designed to trick and confuse while trying to discover the way out.  Or like me you may think about *swoon* David Bowie in 'leave nothing to the imagination' riding pants (surely I'm not the only one who wanted to be spirited away by this Goblin King!)

The labyrinth is used as a form of walking  meditation or prayer that by it's very nature is said to balance the brain's hemisphere's and can be extremely healing to the body, mind and spirit.  Unlike a maze, a labyrinth does not have dead ends.  They usually have one way in and one way out, though there are double entry labyrinths.  I was introduced to labyrinth walking several years ago when I had the fortune of participating in a women's group at the local Unitarian Universalist Church and I've been hooked ever since.  

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Some thing magical happens when you choose to 
enter a labyrinth.  With its conscious use answers
to questions begin to appear.  Spiritual awareness
and clarity of purpose meet you at it's center.  

There are labyrinths all over the world waiting for you to 
experience their peaceful centering energy. But if you're not fortunate to live with one close by, why not make one for yourself?  

I plan to make a permanent one in my yard but until I get the 
supplies I decided to make a portable one.  We made this 
classic 3 circuit labyrinth for about $50 and I'm thrilled with the results!

I found it very easy to do and I hope in sharing how I made mine you are encouraged to make one for yourself!  













Supplies:

• Painter's tape (3/4 to 1 inch width)

• A large canvas drop cloth (mine is 9x12)
• Paint brushes and a paint container

• Paint -using a combination of acrylic canvas paint and wall paint we had leftover, we had about 24 oz. of acrylic and a little under half a gallon of contrasting paint (you can easily omit the half gallon or check your hardware store for 'oops' paints which are usually at a discounted price)
• A warm, sunny day and a large flat area to lay out your canvas
• An extra set of hands 

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First, decide on the finished look of the labyrinth. I wanted to use up all the space on my drop cloth but I love the gentle curves of a classic labyrinth, so we decided on what we call a 'cinnamon roll' pattern.  
Next draw a 'seed pattern' to know which line connects where.  We did this on paper so we would know exactly what we needed to do on the canvas. 

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Using the painter's tape, we started our cross in the center of
the canvas but discovered we would run out of space so I 
recommend starting at about 12 inches from the bottom edge 
of the drop cloth. I stood on the cloth feet shoulder with apart as
we placed each of the corners.

For the wall lines on the edges, we just eyeballed placing them about 1 inch from the canvas edge.  Once all walls are laid out, start at the center and paint on either side of the tape lines.  If 
the day is warm and sunny the center will be dry once the outside lines are done.

Fill in the path with a contrasting color if desired and allow to dry thoroughly for 3-4 hours.

Once it's dry it's ready to be used.  To walk the labyrinth, follow the path to the center.  Once in the center you can pause for a moment or turn and and then all the way back out again which completes the walk.  .  Here are a few additional suggestions:

• Sing a song or play music (Steven Halpern's music feels especially appropriate)

• Chant, repeat a mantra  (any music by Deva Premal is wonderful)
  

• Recite a prayer or litany
  

• Repeat an affirmation
•  Walk fast, slow or in between
•  Walk with a specific intention (clarity, receiving guidance, etc) or none at all
  
• Visualize the turns as a physical part of your body that needs the healing walk

I encourage you to make or seek out a labyrinth and participate
in the World Labyrinth Day walk on May 4. Each step we take 
within a labyrinth brings us closer to the change we wish to see 
in the world.