Canticle Farm Labyrinth

 

by Anne Rothmeier, OSF

 

On July 3rd, 2004 a labyrinth was built in the reflection area of Canticle Farm. For the past two years plans have been in process for the creation of a labyrinth and we are thrilled that it is now a reality.

 

Labyrinths have roots in numerous spiritual traditions and are found all over the world. They are non-denominational, cross-cultural invitations to peace and well-being. Labyrinths have been described in many ways, as a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul, just to name a few. We hope that our labyrinth will nourish to you in numerous ways. Perhaps it will be a way for you to quiet your mind, find balance, or take time for prayer while encouraging meditation, insight and celebration.

 

The labyrinth is not a maze. It has a single circuitous path that winds into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to enter the circle and to exit it. The path is in full view and there are no tricks, allowing the person to be quiet and focus internally. Generally there are three stages to walking the labyrinth which mirror the three stages of a pilgrimage: releasing in order to enter the mystery of the labyrinth, receiving in the center and returning to the world with what you have received. There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in any way that meets your needs.

 

The history of our labyrinth is very rich and as old as the farm, with the idea being discussed the very first year of Canticle Farm (2000). A very large, flat, triangular stone (4x7 ft) was donated by Cindy and Duane Karl in late summer 2002. This was purposefully placed on the site where a Mandala was created during our 2001 and 2003 Harvest Festivals. These Mandalas were made with corn husks, discarded cabbage leaves, blemished tomatoes, grasses, and plants which had gone to seed. It was meant to be symbolic of the full life cycle of the farm, from the planting, growing and harvesting of the vegetables to their decomposition in the Mandala ring, returning them to Mother Earth, which in turn nourishes next year's new growth. The triangular stone is now the centerpiece of our labyrinth.

 

Early this spring a sub-committee was formed to make definitive plans for the labyrinth and mobilize efforts for its creation. Brother Joe Kotula, OFM from Mt. Irenaeus, Anne Wachter, OSF, Eleanor Berret, OSF, and myself devised the design and decided that the paths, three feet wide in order to accommodate wheel chairs, would remain grass-covered while the seven circles would be outlined with small rocks and stones. The 900-1000 rocks needed for the circles were obtained thanks to our friends, Steve and Bonnie Andrews, who informed us of a good source of stones in Chipmonk.

 

On Saturday, July 3rd, a glorious sunny morning, over 14 volunteers responded to our request for help in gathering the stones and building the labyrinth. Our labyrinth became a reality that morning, and we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following people for their time, effort and energy in completing the work that we though might only begin that day! To Bonnie and Steve, Eleanor, Frances, Margie Foley, Joe Kotula, the Mt. Irenaeus summer interns, Kyle and Matt, and their friend Ben, Patrick, Mark, Trevor, Paula and Kim. Please know we will be forever grateful for your generous response and willingness to help us accomplish this special task. God Bless You All! It was great fun being with you that day. Now that you know a little about the labyrinth you are ready to walk it. Enjoy!

 

(This was written in July of 2004.)