Hallie Sawyers and I constructed our first canvas labyrinth together for the Toastmasters Region VI Conference held in Rochester, NY June 1-2, 2007. The space allotted was small, so we used a heavyweight 12'x15' canvas drop cloth, which saved us some time. I ironed it first to get the worst of the wrinkles out. We decided to make a 5-circuit chakra-vyuha style labyrinth.
I calculated the size of the paths that would fit the fabric. Then we found the center of the fabric and started by marking the center and the paths across the center. Then we sketched in the top of the labyrinth lightly with #2 pencils. Finally we taped the labyrinth with blue painter's tape.
I was the most nervous about the painting process (particularly since Hallie was not able to fit that part into her schedule), but that turned out to be the easiest part of the job, thanks to words of advice from Lisa Moriarty.
When it was done and in place it looked like this:
The Labyrinth Society Gathering was held in Lenox, Mass. this year at the Eastover Resort and Conference Center, a lovely facility in the midst of rolling hills.
This picture shows the main building where the dining room and the vendor sales were located. There were outdoor labyrinths in back of this building as well as in front. If you look very carefully at this picture, you can see some of the flags from one of the labyrinths.
The General sessions were held in Tally Ho - a former horse barn that also held the Art Studio.
As usual, the sessions were fantastic. My favorite speakers were Richard "Feather" Anderson, who spoke on "Labyrinth as Grail Quest: Reawakening the Earth Steward" and Wayne London, who spoke on "The Biological & Medical Implications of the Classic Seven Path Labyrinth." I skipped the square dance Saturday night - not my bag.
Many of the workshops, including mine, were held in an annex to the main building. It was divided into two parts. One side was a museum with Civil War Memorabilia. The other side had a large fireplace and entertainment areas. This is where I gave my workshop, "Personal Intention Labyrinths."
One thing I realy liked about speaking this year was that they had someone assist me. As it turned out, Judy Clough, my assistant, not only helped me set up, but she was my saving grace when things started to go wrong.
As we were setting up all the craft materials I had brought, someone from the resort came in and started building a fire in that big beautiful fireplace. My first thought was, "Good! It's damp and cold in here!" I'd been freezing all day! I changed my tune about the time the workshop started because the room started filling up with smoke! Judy had to track down someone to help us. I carried on, unrattled. They got the smoke under control, but it flared up again at the midpoint of the presentation.
I had a good turnout and people gasped when they saw my labyrinth - it was a big hit. Unfortunately it won't photograph well because of the colors. The workshop inspired the people who attended, but few of them were able to stay until the end because of the smoke problem. Thanks to Toastmasters, I was calm and in control the whole time and did not let anything throw me. I'm sad that it happened, but there was nothing I could have done differently except not let the guy build the fire - but how would I have known?
Hallie Sawyers, who had her workshop scheduled for the slot after mine, ended up moving her workshop to the main building - and a good thing too, because the smoke problem only got worse. It was a good thing that the planners allowed one hour between sessions instead of the 10 minutes we had in Minnesota - another very smart move. I was very impressed with the planning for this conference.
One of my favorite workshops (though they were all excellent) was the one run by Carol Comstock - "Labyrinth Prayer Cloths." We made prayer cloths from handkerchiefs and tie-dyed them. Mine didn't turn out like I would have hoped, but I got the idea, and when I returned home I went shopping for materials so I can make a bunch of them for our labyrinth walks.
Because of the location, this conference did not have large portable labyrinths displayed, but there were displays of new labyrinth designs as drawings and Saturday night there were smaller paintings of celtic knots and other patterns in mandala designs. I am fascinated by celtic knots and have gotten a couple books on how to draw them - if only I can find the time!My favorite had the vesica triangle pattern I love in my favorite colors:
Hallie Sawyers and I created a "Dancing on Air" labyrinth for the ArtWalk festival on September 17th in front of Starry Nites Cafe. We did our usual concentric labyrinth pattern. This time we did it out of chalk again because the owner of the cafe had broken her foot and it was less cleanup. Themes of musical notes were repeated around the outside of the labyrinth and through it. Balloons added a festive air, but they kept breaking in the wind.
Harriette Royer and I created a labyrinth at Starry Nites Cafe for the Park Avenue Festival the weekend of August 6th. The Theme chosen by Starry Nights was Summer Fling. My camera didn't work, so I don't have photos. Use your imagination.
This was the second labyrinth I had done at this location. It was a 7-circuit concentric labyrinth.
This time, because the weatherman was calling for a chance of showers. instead of using chalk for the paths, we used blue painters tape. I used chalk to lay out the original design and to mark in enhancements. This labyrinth was much easier to walk because the paths were clearer. When I do another labyrinth here for Artwalk, I will use the same method.
The outside was marked by orange surveyor's flags alternated with flashy foil-topped hors d-oeuvres picks. We did not have people cutting across this labyrinth like we did during last year's ArtWalk when I used sunflowers as a marker. Don't people respect Mother Nature?
I used bright blue foil streamers to guide people from the walk to the entry and two large, colorfully striped citronella candles marked the entrance. Their orange and blue stripes reflected the colors used in the labyrinth. Garlands of sparkly foil stars ringed the center, which contained a large heart, which was created using both stick and liquid chalk.
Because the major action was a block away on Park Avenue, we did not suffer the crush of crowds that we did at last year's ArtWalk, but there were bands playing onsite and people walking by or stopping to get a meal. It was a fun experience, and the tape alowed the labyrinth to be useful for days afterward.
Last weekend Hallie Sawyers and I attended Robert Ferre's labyrinth workshop at the Summer Hill Country Inn and Retreat Center in Sherburne, NY. (See http://www.summerhillretreat.com/ for more information.) It was an incredible weekend. The inn is a warm and nurturing place, and their chef is inspired. Jude Thomas and her husband also head the Eden Alternative, which provides nurturing, holistic communities for the elderly. I'll be writing about that at a later time.
Summer Hill's new labyrinth (all photos here are by Robert Ferre) is an exact replica in measurements of the one in Chartres Cathedral, but was built from concrete that had been "textured" while the concrete was still damp and sand blasted, so the lines and lunations show the pebbling below. Although the labyrinth was built last fall, the artistic touches to the design gave it a much older, seasoned feel. Jude Thomas, who did much of the work on the labyrinth along with John Ridder, put the same careful thought and loving extra touches that she puts into everything she touches. The labyrinth is heated, both from the sun and a built-in underground heat source, so it is always comfortable to walk, even in the rain. We did have some rain, but for the most part it was a warm and sunny weekend, much better than the weatherman had led us to expect. People had plenty of opportunity to walk the labyrinth, climb the hill behind the retreat center, or just explore the territory.
A mixed group of people attended the workshop. Some had many years of labyrinth experience and some were novices, brought along by a spouse. Everyone was interesting, and the range of mealtime topics was incredible. You can see some of them in this picture of the labyrinth by Robert Ferre. What the picture doesn't show is the hilly environment, which made for incredible scenery on the ride there. Also, please note the porch swing. These swings and hammocks (and comfy couches!) were everywhere! It was a wonder I could stay awake - I felt so relaxed - but I didn't want to miss a word Robert had to say...
Robert Ferre has made more labyrinths than anyone else on earth, so the workshop itself covered making labyrinths: learning the patterns, discussing various materials and tools, addressing issues that come up in labyrinth projects, and covering the veritable tip of the iceberg on Sacred Geometry. Robert had put together an outline and resources for us. In addition, many of his booklets were available and I purchased most of them. He also had large laminated Chartres labyrinths. I purchased two of them - one for home and one for the road, when I give workshops.
This wealth of information was what I had anticipated, given my knowledge of his website, http://www.labyrinth-enterprises.com/, which is a treasure trove of labyrinth information. However, the labyrinth usually provides "extras" and this time was no exception. Hallie and I met many friendly people we hope to meet again - and probably will.
Many "coincidences" had occurred to bring me there and I enjoyed myself totally. I expected to come right home and write about the whole weekend in the blog, but it has taken some time to process everything and get regrouped.
The workshop and some of the resources will be food for many blog entries in the days ahead. I'm planning interviews with a few of the workshop participants who are doing interesting things, and will also do a few book reviews. There are a number of exciting labyrinth projects coming up, so I will keep you posted.
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Deepak Md Chopra: The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life
Fifteen Spiritual Secrets for Enlightenment. This is one of his best books to date and takes everything he has ever taught to a deeper level. Highly recommended.
Michael S. Schneider: A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe
I have many books on Sacred Geometry and I have to say this is the best. (*****)
Jerry Hicks: Ask And It Is Given: Learning To Manifest Your Desires
THE best book on manifestation. (*****)
