Labyrinths

A Brief Exploration...

Labyrinths are ancient sacred patterns consisting of a single continuous spiraling path, winding from the entrance to the center. Labyrinths are spiritual tools, a walking meditation based on the circle, a universal symbol for wholeness.They serve as metaphors for our life's journey. Joseph Campbell said "...we have only to follow the threas of the hero's path." So with faith, we always arrive at the center.
        The history and mythology of Labyrinths dates back thousands of years. From ancient rock carvings of Cornwall, England, to the great 10th century patterns built into the nave of Chartres Cathedral in France. They have appeared in every culture on almost all the continents.
        Today the modern Labyrinth movement has birthed them around the world. In churches, retreat centers, hospitals, and backyard gardens everywhere, these unnatural pathsways are helping people find a space for quiet peace in their daily lives.
        Many others have spoken on labyrinths much better than I. Please visit our Links page for many of the wonderful scholars and walkers who are helping to being them into the world. To see more of the Labyrinths we have created and some that we have visited, see our Photo Gallery We would love to hear from you and about your own Labyrinth Journey. Please take time to sign our Guestbook.


The "Classical" Pattern.
The most ancient of designs. Original graphic © Shane Odom.


An overhead view of our own "Rose Garden Labyrinth Nature Trail".


One of two Labyrinths located behind our studio. This a "Baltic" pattern, done in a "Brick in Ditch" technique. Easy installation and maintenance.

Our Services...

Interested in labyrinths and not sure where to start? Let our experience and years of research guide you on the way. We are members of the international, nonprofit organization of enthusiasts known as "The Labyrinth Society". Information about TLS can be found at www.labyrinthsociety.org.
        We offer consultation services for Labyrinth installations of all sizes. From backyards to grand processionals for special events. We pried ourselves on finding simple and affordable ways to bring these mystic pathways into your lives. No space, or budget, is too small. Permanent labyrinths can be constructed from found and recycled objects, or laid in elegant flooring materials. Our expertise in pattern selections, layout, maintenance, and history can answer your questions and show that labyrinths are available for all to enjoy. Temporary installations for churches, weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, nature festivals, garden shows, and anywhere a walking meditation can bring a contemplative space to the celebrants. We also create for purchase affordable, transportable labyrinths stenciled on canvas, and carved finger tracings for personal meditation.
        For consultation, information, or just to learn more about these fascinating walkways, please contact us.

Our Labyrinths...

Our own Labyrinth journey began with a pattern stomped into in a heavy snowfall. It has since blossomed into a lifetime passion. We have constructed Labyrinths as backyard patios with brick and flagstone, built them of native rocks in the mountains of Virginia and Montana, installed temporary paths of lights and greenery for a holiday fest, built them of flags and ribbons for children's events, and using marking paint, created complicated patterns for ceremonial movement.
        Our Labyrinths are located behind our studio in Crownsville, MD. "The Green Rose Labyrinth Garden" contains two walkable patterns. One is the "Baltic Wheel" shown at left, and the other is a 900+ foot nature trail, cut into our woodlot. A central fire ring with surrounding benches is available by appointment for group use, and the Labyrinths are open for contemplative walking from dawn to dusk. The Garden is located on an alignment of sacred sites stretching across the country. Known as the "Artline Project", more information about it can be found at www.prairielabyrinth.com.


Young Revelers explore a Labyrinth at the annual Spoutwood Farm Mayday Fairie Festival.
Stenciled Canvas Personal Labyrinth

There are many very nigh-quality canvas Labyrinths available on the Web. Ours are designed to be very simple and affordable. Stenciled in leaves, flowers, or other patterns such as faux mosaic or flagstone, on painters drop cloths. Please contact us for pricing and options.

Ivy Labyrinth shown: $250

I saw this pattern within the Chartres while meditating on a note card of it. It was then carved into a "finger tracing" board, became our logo, (much thanks to Robert Ferre for the original graphic at right) and was cut into our wood lot as the "Green Rose Nature Trail Labyrinth". See the images below to learn more.

Our first Labyrinth stomped into a heavy snowfall.


Looking down the entrance trail to the central firepit. This shortcut to the center facilitates fire tending.


One of two sets of stairs built of recycled concrete rubble.


A mosaic of a turn in the labyrinth. The paths are lined with green moss.


The entrance to our nature trail labyrinth.


The central fire hearth circle. A great place for a pot of tea and some music.


The second set of stairs leading to the Green Rose Reading Room. A lovely spot for a read and bird watching.

The Circle as Symbol
from "The Power of Myth", conversations between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Moyers: Jung, that famous psychologist, says that one of the most powerful religious symbols is the circle. He says that the circle is one of the great primordial images of mankind and that, in considering the symbol of the circle, we are analyzing the self. What do you make of that?

Campbell: The whole world is a circle. All these circular images reflect the psyche, so there may be some relationship between these architectural designs and the actual structuring of our spiritual functions. When a magician wants to work magic, he puts a circle around himself, and it is within this bounded circle, this hermetically sealed-off area, that powers can be brought into play that are lost outside the circle...The circle represents totality. Everything within the circle is one thing, which is encircled, enframed. That would be the spatial aspect. But the temporal aspect of the circle is that you leave, go somewhere, and always come back. God is the alpha and the omega, the source and the end. The circle suggests immediately a completed totality, whether in time or space.

Moyers: No beginning, no end.

Campbell: Round and round and round . . .