What is a Labyrinth?

“A labyrinth is different from a maze, though the two are often confused. The labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind, used for centuries for prayer, ritual, initiation, and personal and spiritual growth. This ancient and powerful tool is unicursal, offering only one route to the center and back out again: no blind alleys, dead ends, or tricks, as in a maze. No matter where you are in the labyrinth’s coherent circuits you can always see the center. Once you set your foot upon its path, the labyrinth gently and faultlessly leads you to the center of both the labyrinth and yourself, no matter how many twists and turns you negotiate in the process. Since the destination is assured, there are no obstacles to overcome, no muddles to figure out, no dead ends to retrace. What remains for the labyrinth walker is simply the deeply meditative and symbolic discipline of setting one foot in front of the other, of honoring the journey itself and what it has to teach. The mind can be stilled and attention paid to the body, the wisdom of the heart, and the graces of being rather than doing.”--Melissa Gayle West

This is my meditation labyrinth located just outside of my studio. At the center is a small bench and altar. This is a place I water, tend, and nurture. It gives much more than it takes. Photo was taken shortly after the labyrinth was built.

Taken two years later; landscaped and fenced.