by Winding Pathways | Jan 18, 2018 | 1080 Labyrinth Blog, Labyrinths, Reflections/Profiles, Wonderment
Nelda, Teri, and Wahneta constructing the Phoenix Harmony Labyrinth.
Midwest by West by Southwest, I walked several labyrinths and with the help of several stellar friends re-created the labyrinth in our front yard. With the help of wonderful friends, the five-circuit Phoenix Harmony Labyrinth replaced the seven-circuit Classical labyrinth. The magnolia that was dying came down and a small bur oak took its place. New circuits were measured and established. And, a lovely cross-quarter day dedication ceremony welcomed the Phoenix Harmony Labyrinth. All summer, fall and early winter pilgrims walked in groups and individually helping to settle in the labyrinth in our front yard.
We traveled north into Minnesota, East to New York, West to Washington State, and Southwest to Arizona enjoying labyrinths and solitude along with communing with friends and family.
The 1080 Labyrinth blog picture gallery documents the travels, the travails, and the joys.
by Winding Pathways | Jul 13, 2017 | Chickens, Labyrinths, Wonderment
What fun hosting Bankers Trust staff and clients and welcoming an out of town visitor to the Phoenix Harmony Labyrinth. Tuesday, July 11 was steamy and threatening storms. But, the hardy crew engaged in lively discussions and asked probing questions about the more simple lifestyle we embrace at Winding Pathways. Now, simple does not mean easy. Tending a large yard and five circuit labyrinth are work. Rewarding work. And, people are curious about chickens, managing small gardens, maximizing space, retaining water on our property, heating with wood, and creating diversity that welcomes wildlife. Topics like ways to save energy which saves money to be invested or used caught their attention. And questions on managing pests like ground hogs and deer. We touched on a lot and had a great time.
Go to 1080 Labyrinth for a photo album of the afternoon and evening.
Then, with storms obviously to the south showing off cumulus and anvil clouds but no threat, all walked the Phoenix Harmony Labyrinth. Mike T’s comment summed it all up. As he and Terri entered the center a cool breeze touched their faces. Mike paused and said, “I never want to leave.”
Thanks Terri Doyle for organizing and promoting!
by Winding Pathways | Jul 4, 2017 | Labyrinths, Wonderment
Labyrinths come in many shapes and sizes. This spring and summer we’ve been busy re-designing and re-naming the 1080 Labyrinth. Now the Phoenix Harmony Labyrinth, it is five circuits and is honored in its center with a Bur Oak. Phoenix because we burn the labyrinth every year to promote the prairie plants and Phoenix because from the ashes we re-designed a dual entry Harmony labyrinth in the Lisa Gidlow Moriarty tradition.
Also, I’ve hosted walks with the most recent being in Duluth, MN, at the Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference.
Enjoy the photo albums and reflections.
by Winding Pathways | Feb 10, 2017 | Labyrinths, Wonderment
“It is better to light just one little candle than to stumble in the dark….” SONGWRITERS
GEORGE MYSELS, JOSEPH MALOY ROACH
A collection of labyrinths I visited and walked across the country in 2016.
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A slightly neglected and charming labyirnth is tucked in near the church in Fairfield.
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A special gift from Amy and Mark.
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Intriguing and beautiful.
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Set next to a busy sidewalk yet, discreet in location.
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This labyrinth is surrounded by colorful forbs
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Valparaiso, IN, houses several beautiful labyrinths.
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Emily and Zach created a fanciful and practical labyrinth in Kansas.
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Accompanying a friend after the death of her spouse. An honor.
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A large river stone labyrinth set among garden plots.
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Walking alone yet together.
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Inspiring pilgrims to move through.
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Creating a visual of their journeys
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A special quality surrounds walkers at night.
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Chartres replica in courtyard.
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Wesley Cntr Labyrinth_Woodward,LA
by Winding Pathways | Nov 5, 2016 | Labyrinths, Wonderment
Energy
We could not have asked for better weather, especially in November! On the first several Pilgrims walked the 1080 Laughing Labyrinth reflecting, soaking in the sun and warm air, and sharing experiences. Some left quietly. Others shared a hug and thoughtful remark.
Still others were obviously energized. That variety of experiences is a gift of labyrinths.
And the energy that builds as people share their walks is
The labyrinth revealed its energy as the dowsing rod spun around.
palpable and measurable. Before the walk and before I “opened” the labyrinth, the dowsing rod swung around six times. Low energy. After I walked clockwise to open and welcome in healing energy, the rod swung 19 times. Then, I walked with gratitude and joy. The rod responded by spinning 31 times. As pilgrims finished and before they left, I stood quietly for five minutes as the dowsing rod located the energy, swung fast then slower then faster 136 times around. I thanked the labyrinth and dowsing rod, closed the labyirnth by walking counter-clockwise and gratefully came inside.
Feeling the energy of the Magnolia Tree.
In this time of angst, consider walking a labyrinth physically or virtually. Several on-line designs can inspire “walkers”. And, The Labyrinth Society has a Labyrinth Locator where pilgrims can find a labyrinth near them to walk.
Eastern Iowa has many wonderful labyrinths to walk and simply sit near. One of my favorites is at Regis Middle School. Set atop a knoll overlooking downtown Cedar Rapids, the seven circuit labyirnth, created for beloved teacher Jim Sells, soothes, stabilizes, and invigorates me each time I walk.
Consider grounding yourself as we move into and through this
period of rapid change and preparation for the major holidays that many cultures celebrate in late fall through early winter.
May it be so. Be at and of peace.
