The Spirit of Veriditas Voices From the Labyrinth Winter 2012 The Photography, Technology and Research Issue elcome to the Winter 2012 one of the most chaotic shifts occurring edition of the Veriditas in Western culture. We are able to do Journal. We would not have this because of technology. If we did not Wa Labyrinth Movement in the Western have the Internet, we could not connect world if we did not have the evolving and communicate as we do. But there technology to support it. According is another layer to this: we have hearty to our Labyrinth Locator, labyrinths labyrinth builders and new building are now in 70 countries around the products recently created to help as world! Jeff Saward makes the point that well. Our labyrinths—given they are labyrinth “revivals” occur whenever there not destroyed by earthquakes and swept is wide spread cultural and sociological away by floods—will be around for a change. The last large one was during long, long time. Enjoy this issue and the the shift from an agricultural to unique view each person offers. industrial society in the West during the late 1800s. Blessings as you walk the Path, Currently we are creating together the Lauren Artress largest labyrinth movement ever amid

Photo credit: Andy Buchanan

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 1 www.veriditas.org Message from your Executive Director his is a brief report from the programming. She is ready to organize Board’s October 2011 Strategic the facilitators in the Philadelphia area, Planning Retreat written as a as well as the Episcopal churches in her collaborativeT effort from your Executive diocese that have labyrinths. Welcome Director and Board Member Cindy Sarah! Cleary. Our Continuing Story: We are in a time of great transition for Veriditas, as we deal with changing Our Story is one of how throughout economic realities and an evolving vision history the labyrinth emerges in times of chaos –as “a symbol of wholeness in Dawn Matheny, Ph.D. for the future. What follows are some Veriditas Executive Director highlights from a very energetic and broken times.” This is a new container email: [email protected] productive meeting, where we: for who we are. We have developed a revenue plan for The New Veriditas Mission Statement We are talking about the labyrinth the year-end fund raising drive that is and Purpose: now moving from the individual multi-facetted and employs much of to the collective; for Veriditas, now the principles just outlined. We are Veriditas offers the labyrinth experience – moving beyond Lauren’s initial vision looking at donors as partners in creating gathering, training and inspiring to a collective embrace of a world-wide this work, in the same way we consider people on the path. community of facilitators and seekers. facilitators and program participants as Veriditas is based on the work of New Ways of Looking Forward partners. Lauren Artress. Veriditas, through its We have many ideas moving forward in teachers, offers quality experiences of We began to look at our two the New Year on how to refigure pricing the labyrinth in workshops and retreats constituencies: “facilitators” and and fee structures. nationally and internationally, and “pilgrims.” All the programming professional training in how to offer the and teaching we do is connected to We developed Guiding Principles for the labyrinth experience to others. these. Behind the scenes, then, is the Board to use in our work: administrative basket where “donors” State of the Board: become another focused group. 1. Do what we say we are going to do. As a way to build continuity into Board We realized that the Facilitator 2. Honor time constraints. governance and institutional knowledge, Community is the real legacy of 3. Support each other. we created two new Board officers: a Veriditas, and that much more 4. Know how each thing we do is tied Vice-Chair and a Past-Chair. The idea intentional vision and action is needed being that the Vice-Chair will move to the revenue we need to make it to nurture that community. The role successful. into the office of Chair after a term of of the Council in this area was/is mentoring, and the Chair will remain on acknowledged and recognized as critical. A guiding force in the weekend for us the Board for a term after his/her term As we move forward, the Council and was from Linda Sussman, in her book as Chair has ended. the Board/office will work together to about the Holy Grail, which seems to fit strengthen what we have begun. so well in working with the labyrinth, Gary Petersen will remain as Board and, specifically in understanding why Chair for the next term – Lee Matthew Also, the Master Teacher program is Veriditas does what it does: was elected Vice-Chair. Cynthia Ries seen as critical to the future of Veriditas, is Secretary and Phyllis Carlisle is especially as Lauren moves closer toward “It meets you where you are; Treasurer. retirement – but even before that. The It gives you what you need; Master Teachers need to succeed if And, we have a new Board member – It forms an invisible web of relationship Veriditas is to succeed. Sarah Elliott – from the Philadelphia between individual destiny area. She is a lawyer by training, Communication and transparency and service to the planet.” but no longer practicing. She is are the underpinning of everything very involved in many ways with her as we move forward, including in any Episcopal church, and does labyrinth fundraising we do.

To view the Veriditas 2012 Calendar, click the URL http://www.veriditas.org/Calendar.shtml

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 2 www.veriditas.org Welcome to the Winter 2012 Issue by Robin Bradley Hansel ince your enthusiastic Please continue to share all your response to this edition’s exciting ideas for upcoming 2012 theme has been so stories and features with us. overwhelming,S we have designed a special combined issue to move Peace for your Path, gracefully from the last quarter Robin Bradley Hansel, Editor of 2011 into the fresh promise [email protected] of this New Year. Our Winter 2012 Issue features the creative Robin' enjoys uniting her and visionary work of many well- professional training as a known leaders within our own Certified Veriditas Labyrinth Veriditas family and introduces Facilitator, a Licensed Physical some fresh voices from the Therapist and a Certified expanding labyrinth community Pilates Instructor with her as well. Photo credit: Melinda Cropsey creative spiritual pathway as a Enjoy the many vibrant pictures, freelance writer/editor/blogger. personal stories, innovative research and diverse topics all share a distinctly Connect with her via her website technological applications. We hope common vision: a very bright future for www.labyrinthwellness.com and on you’ll discover that these three seemingly our collaborative labyrinth work. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Little Miracles on the Path

by Linda Mikell hen I heard the combined theme for this journal, I wasn’t sure I could find a “Little Miracles” story to go with technology or research. However with “photography,” I knew just the right story. It came to me from our Veriditas facilitator in Hawaii, Eve Hogan. Eve built a beautiful labyrinth on her property and was amazed with the “little Wmiracles” that seem to be occurring all the time. Here is her account of another one. Blessings on your Path, Linda Mikell

Linda Mikell has been a Veriditas facilitator since 2003 and she serves on the Veriditas Council. Linda leads a weekly labyrinth walk every Thursday at 1:30pm in the sanctuary of her Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Stony Brook, NY and also a monthly evening walk the second Tuesday of the month. Linda is very interested in collecting and sharing stories for Little Miracles on the Path. If you have a story, please send it to her at [email protected].

Believe it or not.....more miracles continue! Check out this picture a woman brought to me that her husband took of her as she walked our labyrinth. If you look closely, you’ll see that the light in the labyrinth, which matches her outfit exactly, is spiraling.....like a vortex. This was shot with film, not digital, and none of the other pictures had the light in it.

My labyrinth has only been here for three and a half months....but miracles are already so plentiful I could practically write a book about it! Thanks for letting me share!

Love and light, Eve Eve Hogan - http://www.EveHogan.com

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 3 www.veriditas.org The Worldwide Labyrinth Locator by Jeff Saward,WWLL Administrator t all started in Glastonbury, England, administrator be appointed, and Jeff labyrinths already listed, and some in May of 2002 - an appropriate Saward stepped forward to assume the labyrinths have been deleted, as they birthing place for any labyrinth position. no longer exist. However, maintenance Iproject. Sitting in the front room of Sig of labyrinth listings requires ongoing and Karin Lonegren’s house were Jeff feedback and interaction from and Kimberly Saward, Helen Curry both owners and visitors, and I am and Lauren Artress, and of course, the always keen to hear from both with Lonegrens. This group of labyrinth information, corrections and updates. luminaries had come together for the The Labyrinth Society Glastonbury If you own or maintain a labyrinth you Symposium, but on this afternoon they should make certain it is listed on the were meeting to discuss a possible Labyrinth Locator. If your labyrinth is project - the concept that Veriditas and already listed, then take a moment to TLS could partner to create an easy- Photo of Helen & Lauren taken by Jeff Saward at the check that the current details are up to-use and maintain, comprehensive TLS Glastonbury Symposium, May 2002. to date. Should you visit a labyrinth labyrinth locator, to serve the worldwide that is not as described, is overgrown, labyrinth community. This was a big Two years of planning and hundreds of or even destroyed, then please ensure step, requiring careful consideration hours of programming later, the World- that you contact the administrator (via as to how this new relationship would Wide Labyrinth Locator (WWLL) the contact page on the website) with work. was finally up and running in May your findings. And likewise, if you have 2004. Initially containing some 900 questions concerning how the database Both organizations already had online labyrinths, the number quickly grew, works, how to use the search utilities, labyrinth catalogues, but the Veriditas and now, at the end of 2011, the total or encounter problems, get in touch. At Labyrinth Locator lacked active data stands at around 3900 active labyrinths this level the Labyrinth Locator is, and management (and consequently in the database, with new examples will always be, a community effort and contained much duplication of entries), added on an almost daily basis. Each a work in progress, but it is certainly and The Labyrinth Society database new labyrinth uploaded to the Locator the most comprehensive catalogue of had recently been seriously labyrinths worldwide, in damaged by a hacking attack. existence! All of these issues would need to be addressed, but an agreement To visit the Labyrinth was reached to explore the Locator, please go to www. possibilities for creating and labyrinthlocator.org financing such a project and Based in England, Jeff take it from there. Subsequently, Saward was first captivated there were hours of meetings by the labyrinth in 1976 between Lauren Artress, founder and is a world authority on of Veriditas, and Helen Curry, the history and development then president of The Labyrinth of labyrinths and mazes, Faith, Hope and Society. The the author of Magical Love Foundation generously Paths and Labyrinths & agreed to provide the funds Mazes, editor of Caerdroia Photo credit: Warren Lynn to hire a programmer and a – the Journal of Mazes project director to see the project and Labyrinths and co-founder and through to its launch. Initially, it was is carefully checked before it is added. director of Labyrinthos: the Labyrinth thought that volunteers might manage As the database has grown and matured Resource Centre, Photo Library and the online database, but the scope of the over the years, much effort has been Archive - www.labyrinthos.net project clearly required that a dedicated expended on updating details of those

iSpiritual has partnered with Veriditas for the sale of labyrinth related products to facilitators and others to aid them in their work with labyrinths.

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The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 4 www.veriditas.org Seeing Ourselves in the Labyrinth Creating & Sharing Meditative Self-portraits by Lars Howlett hotographs create on-going from the start. Take into account the Depending on the weather conditions, opportunities for deeper environment, presence of others, your stark shadows or reflections in puddles reflection of a momentary focus, energy and intention. Enter with mirror or echo our form. One hand will Pexperience. You can return to past an open mind, a sense of curiosity, be at your eyes, but the other arm and labyrinth walks and memories from and openness to a shifted sense of legs can add expression. Evidence of a a certain time and place. Details, self-awareness. You might see it as a walk such as footprints or offerings also phenomena, and environmental performance or try to forget the camera can communicate our relationship to elements are revealed that might off in the distance. the labyrinth and personal experience. otherwise be overlooked or Whether conscious or forgotten. The camera allows accidental, some journeys leave for another perspective on artifacts along the way. the self- a quiet witness to be consulted for greater insight Setting the camera on a tripod and understanding of whom or solid foundation allows for we are and how we engage the self-portraits from a distance. world It’s usually best to set the timer for the maximum delay Our world is flooded with possible. Remote controls images depicting conflict, (often purchased separately) suffering, tragedy and allow you to control the destruction. As people all shutter from a short range. over the globe have turned With interval exposure the to labyrinths to relieve stress, camera will continuously take reflect on their experience and photos… one every fifteen cultivate mindfulness, images Photo credit: Lars Howlett seconds for half an hour (as an that communicate our journey example). Be careful to leave with sacred geometry help to promote Even if you lack a still or video your camera in a secure situation as you another path. Meditative portraits have camera, most cell phones will do! For want to be able to trust that it will be a calming affect for others who share photography, wide-angle lenses help to there when you return and not fret over in the experience second-hand. They include more of the self in the context losing it. also provide examples, inspiration, and of the path and amplify the design. reminders for those who are interested A tripod is useful for documenting Lars Howlett is a visual artist in different walks of life. Shared self- an entire walk from start to finish, in and teacher primarily focused on portraits in the labyrinth create wider whole or parts. Light sources such as a photography. Through love, loss, reverberations in cultivating peace. flashlight or candles are wonderful for and new beginnings his moving twilight or night portraits. Fully charged meditations created through videos Preparation batteries and empty memory cards and photos help him to examine his may be necessary to record the entire identity, share his story, and connect With most labyrinth walks, mindfulness experience. with others. Investigating sacred is the key to cultivating a deeper geometry and exploring organic forms. experience. Cameras can distill or Still Photography Techniques A new book by Lars is available for distract, so consider your intention preview and purchase on-line, in print Holding one hand on the camera and and digital editions: turning it on yourself is the most classic http://www.blurb.com/user/findlars. and straight-forward approach. It’s He will also be holding exhibitions usually best to hold it high to see the and workshops in the SF Bay Area pathway with the widest angle possible. in January at the ENSO Gallery in Aiming at your hands or feet is perhaps Half Moon Bay. For updates and the easiest of all self-portraits as you are insights, ‘like’ his biomorphic facebook looking through the viewfinder. Feet on page http://www.facebook.com/ the path make for wonderful metaphors biomorphicdotorg. Photo credit: Lars Howlett of presence and journey.

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 5 www.veriditas.org Researching the Behavioral Effect of the Intuipath® Labyrinth on Children Diagnosed with ADHD by Neal Harris t is estimated that 3-5% of school- (baseline phase) and after playing with child will receive a free Children’s Cretan age children in the US are diagnosed the Children’s Intuipath® for 5 minutes Intuipath® finger labyrinth upon com- with ADHD, making this the most at a time, 3-5 times/week for a 4 week pleting the study (a $44 value). Icommonly diagnosed psycho-social dis- period (treatment phase), there is no order in childhood (Shaw, 2007). The question that children in the Intuipath® Neal Harris is a Licensed Clinical three general categories of symptoms groups are seeing mild to significant Professional Counselor, with a that are characteristic of this Master’s Degree in condition are hyperactivity, Applied Psychology, a impulsivity and inattention. diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association Over the past 13 years, com- and a Reiki practitioner. pelling anecdotal evidence He is the managing director has been reported by teachers, of Relax4Life, a holistic therapists and parents who in- education, services and troduced children to the Intu- labyrinth products center ipath® double finger labyrinth and has been a workshop design (a mirror-image, inlaid leader in the holistic wood labyrinth design involv- health and self-enrichment ing the use of both hands fields since 1985. Neal simultaneously moving in is the originator of the opposite directions). For ex- first permanent outdoor ample, teachers reported that and hospital labyrinths following recess periods, chil- in Illinois. He is a creator dren using the Intuipath® ap- of other public, portable peared to calm down quickly fabric and unique wood which led to better attention Photo credit: Neal Harris finger labyrinths as well span, mental focus and greater changes in the 56 ADHD behaviors as manuals for creating outdoor impulse control. looked at by the ADHD-SRS evaluation labyrinths. He is an active workshop scale we’re using. leader, and his articles on using The Intuipath® design stimulates both labyrinths in therapeutic settings sides of the brain simultaneously, thereby We have also noted that the frequency have been published in professional pairing reasoning, problem solving and of ADHD behaviors start to rise back journals. He is a founding member of language skills (left hemisphere) with in- up when the children are not permitted The Labyrinth Society and a Certified tuition and creativity (right hemisphere). to play with the Intuipath® for the two Veriditas Facilitator. In addition, he This effect, known as Brain Synchrony weeks following the treatment phase. is heading up a national, ongoing, in- (Fehmi & Fritz, 1980) creates a prepon- Using the ADHD-SRS to evaluate their home research study to determine if derance of alpha and theta brainwave behaviors directly following the period of his Children’s Intuipath® design can states, leading to enhanced mental relax- not using the labyrinth is a way to deter- make a difference in the behaviors of ation and a greater repertoire in adaptive mine if any short to long-term benefits children and adolescents diagnosed responses to the environment (Ayres, from initial play carry over in its absence. with ADHD. 1979; Hutchison, 1994; Harris, 2002). This rise in the frequency of ADHD behaviors after two weeks without the Since the study began three years ago, 87 use of the Intuipath® is a good indication children (ages 7-17) have completed it. that playing with the Intuipath®, even for To be eligible, children may or may not a short time, has a positive, carry-over be on medication to manage their symp- effect on behavior. toms of ADHD. Our goal is to have 200 children complete the study. For a one page questionnaire to find out if your child qualifies to participate in We have not performed any definitive our study, please visit: statistical analysis of our results so far, http://relax4life.com/research.htm. but in eyeballing the data from the chil- There is no cost to participate, and each dren’s’ behavior before the study begins Photo credit: Neal Harris

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 6 www.veriditas.org "The Unattended Shadow" Enlightened Wisdom from Jim Buchanan Interview by Maia Scott he incredible creations MS: For the labyrinth loving DIY of masterful land artist, geek who’s inspired by your work labyrinth designer, and and ready to explore new ways of authorT Jim Buchannan have manifesting the path in unique appeared world-wide to spark ways, would you share your thoughts the curiosity of those fortunate and ideas on how to get started enough to encounter them. working with alternative media such Imagine a labyrinth so temporary, as Shadow and light? it disappears completely when the lights go out. Ponder a path JB: I would suggest transforming so malleable that it ripples upon your favourite labyrinth walk by passing by. Indeed, Buchanan’s illuminating it at night, preferably recent art installations encompass from above with spot-lights. such media. Water becomes Experiment with the intensity the canvas on which projected Photo credit: Andy Buchanan of the illumination, and if you light and shadow play amongst currently have commissions in Canada, only have some torches, use these themselves and participants walking USA & Europe. smaller spreads of light to set up ‘goals’ the path. Visit http://www.youtube. along the path or just at the centre. com/watch?v=yqFfOuacUgQ&feat MS: Along with water, shadow and light MS: Looking ahead, do you have any ure=youtu.be to witness, “Labyrinth also seem to play a reoccurring duet in your exciting projects planned? Are you of Light and Music Impossible Light installation work. Would you describe exploring new, alternative ways to build Installation”, a recent venture in which some of the ways you have manipulated labyrinths? Buchanan transformed an old market these elements? building during a concert series in JB: Of my forthcoming projects I am Glasgow, Scotland. Jim Buchanan’s JB: I find light and water the two most deeply evocative materials. Both most excited by my collaboration at work and wisdom inspires the Labyrinth the Alberta Children’s Hospital, where enthusiast to think outside the rocks. are essential in supporting life – so it seemed a natural development in my we are exploring the opportunities of clinical therapy within the projected Mais Scott (MS): What sparked your work. The light illuminates the way, labyrinth of light. From these trials interest in working with the labyrinth? but the walker’s shadows counterbalance we will design a permanent labyrinth What came first, the land artist or the this with obscuration. In all my projection, and prepare guidelines on its labyrinth creator? projects involving water, the walker (or swimmer), is invited to therapeutic use. Jim Buchanan physically engage with it. If you haven’t had enough of Jim (JB): I became The key is the ritualistic Buchanan, pick up his book, Labyrinths aware of the act of washing oneself for the Spirit: How to Create Your classical labyrinth as part of the experience Own Labyrinths for Meditation and design as a - maybe touching with Enlightenment. Also, if you would like child through the hand, stepping into to be kept up to date regarding up and my parents it with barefoot, or fully coming labyrinth projects, please email ceramics. I would immersing oneself. By Jim at [email protected]. draw my own putting water and light interpretations together a dynamic Maia Scott is a body worker, artist and on paper, clay, alchemy begins. The recreation therapist from Northern and on the nearby Photo credit: Allan Pollok-Morris water refracts the light CA. Maia currently embellishes beach. Later as a taking it slightly out of your her three jobs with presentation landscape architect in private practise, I control, and offers up all manner of engagements ranging from classroom created them in public parks for events direct reflection of what is projected visits with her guide dog, Tessa, to and community celebrations. Now as an onto it, but also reflects the cast shadow conference workshops which include artist I explore the boundaries of form – which means that the visual effect sessions walking a tactile portable and material, with a particular interest can be twice removed from the walker’s labyrinth under blind-fold. in exploring the dynamics of site specific body, and is therefore an unattended installations – both indoors and out. I shadow.

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 7 www.veriditas.org New Facilitators Feature: The Labyrinth and Slow Education By Nina Johnson y career as a university of community and connectedness, and this may make economic sense, it does English literature and suggests a life-long and patient journey not necessarily make educational sense. Mcreative writing instructor that seeks personal transformation and We all seem to need a way to cope and re-imagine our sense of purpose. The labyrinth shows me a path. had reached a stagnation point where wisdom. The labyrinth honours insight I began to imagine a physical space on I was finding it increasingly difficult and intuition, as well as creativity and campus that would create an oasis for to reach the students in a meaningful wholeness. tranquility and reflection; a low-tech way. Upon experiencing the labyrinth, place to pause and to breathe; a space “to I found that new metaphors for my The mounting pressures on students do” nothing except “to be.” I began to life and work were becoming apparent. to achieve and succeed in this rushed imagine a quiet garden with a labyrinth. The metaphor of the Pilgrimage now and detached learning environment seems not only apt, but insistent in my have led to unmanageable waiting lists I began to imagine work as a teacher. The university has for students to seek counselling. The adopted the language of commerce and counsellors cite significantly increased a physical space on commodities in which the learning that cases of exam anxiety, alcohol and drug campus that would takes place becomes a competitive and addiction, violence, depression, and create an oasis for individualist pursuit, a hasty transaction attempted suicide. I have realized that tranquility and with a goal of information consumption. I share some responsibility to help the In contrast, the idea of education as university redefine “success” and to reflection; a low-tech pilgrimage implies an acknowledgement offer coping strategies for students. The place to pause and to labyrinth shows me a path. breathe; a space “to do” As I began researching the potential nothing except “to be.” mental and physical health benefits of the labyrinth, I soon realized I began to draw pictures and then to that students are not the only map them as a landscape. I chose a community in distress. The faculty location on campus and then dared to and administration also suffer from the dream. Sharing this dream with my stress of this imagined foot-race. Rates colleagues might be the most courageous of absenteeism and stress-related illness thing I have ever done. To my surprise would appear to be increasing as the and delight, the labyrinth garden is status of the university evolves in its receiving tremendous support. The level of prestige. We all seem to need a labyrinth shows me a path. way to cope and re-imagine our sense of purpose. The labyrinth shows me a Nina Johnson is a lecturer in the path. English and Modern Languages Department at Thompson Rivers In a culture that values speed, University in Kamloops, British technology, and instant gratification, I Columbia where she has taught was quite nervous about sharing a vision composition, literature and of what I think of as “slow education.” creative writing for 14 years. Her My institution, for example, is pushing research interests include creativity, to compress a 4-year degree to three mindfulness practices and university years so that students can “finish” faster applications of the labyrinth. Photo credit: Lars Howlett and be marketable sooner. Although

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The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 8 www.veriditas.org Photography by Warren Lynn ach labyrinth abides in a contrasting beauty of the gray stone the beautifully colored lichens upon wider context that empowers and gravel lines, the rusty tans of the the individual stones that make up the the sacred potential of that cleared pathway, and the deep lapis labyrinth’s lines; for it is not only the Eparticular pathway. I like to approach waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a place entire journey where one finds Truth, to feel as intentional but in each tiny step along the way. as a Buddhist monk in mindful Iona Labyrinth (Iona, Scotland, meditation, and as U.K.)—This labyrinth was a pleasant open to possibility surprise during my last pilgrimage to as a Raven Iona, Scotland. On previous visits, I had playfully riding an walked another Classical-style labyrinth empowering Pacific in the center of the isle. That labyrinth breeze above coastal still remains, in a hidden place amidst headlands. the heather and bogs. In fact, it is one labyrinth that is so sacred to me that Red Sun labyrinth I’ve never photographed it. But this (Bitterroot Valley, time there was also this labyrinth just MT)— Near above Columba’s Bay on the south end Victor, Montana, of the isle. A very young labyrinth at in the heart of the the time, it had already gained a strong Bitterroot Valley, and ancient feel. Who knows how many the powerful countless pilgrims had already walked each labyrinth as a thin place; a holy Red Sun labyrinth holds sentinel in a this pathway. My intent for this photo habitation wherein Spirit and our quiet cloistered garden. At 108-feet physical lives engage in intimate in diameter, this labyrinth is not to possibility. My photography becomes be approached lightly. And yet, in the prayer when I try to somehow capture growing season it is surrounded by a tall whispers of this relationship. Such often garden of grape arbors, heady flowering involves not merely taking a photo of hop vines, luscious Current bushes, the labyrinth’s design, but also paying and other herbs and medicinal plants attention to light and shadows, color set into a substantial circular berm. The and shape, surrounding architecture or circular garden around the labyrinth geography, different angles of view, and serves to contain the space, and ground the collective essence of all my senses the labyrinth with a soft nurturing spirit while abiding in that space. and not-too-expansive feel. Another factor that helps provide appropriate Land’s End Labyrinth (San Francisco, context for the size of this labyrinth is CA)—Less than seven years old, on the Bitterroot Mountain range towering was to convey that ancient feeling, but public land, and largely the effort of in view, just to the west of the labyrinth not betray the young nature of the one person, the 36-foot diameter Land’s garden. All comes together beautifully labyrinth as well. The hint of blue sky End labyrinth is one of rugged and wild in this place, and I found myself drawn helps to balance the otherwise mostly beauty. The location of this labyrinth to photograph, no only, the great gray and green hues. Sometimes, even requires an approximately ¾ mile hike expanse of this Chartres-style labyrinth, youthful energy and beginner’s mind out onto a rocky shelf situated above but also capture macro-exposures of holds enough room for the ancient the pounding wisdom of Spirit to tides west of the have its way. Golden Gate bridge. Initially, I Photo credits: was not sure how Warren Lynn to convey the semi remote beauty of this rough and rocky path. But, looking down from a ridge above the labyrinth, I was struck by the

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 9 www.veriditas.org Labyrinth APPeal 4.2 Ways to Swipe a Moment of Peace by Maia Scott f you are looking for the short answer to follow the marker with your eyes as it moves toward the edge. If you choose, these days, consider asking, “What slowly progresses to the center and back. Crystal bowl tones will accompany the doesn’t that device do?” It knows the Chakra inspired colors along the way. Igalaxy, tracks your health stats, and says Access the help section to see a brief hi to all your friends at once... Oh! And explanation. If you want more designs, currently it offers four different ways the creators of this app also offer their to walk the labyrinth. These apps leave version of the Nazca lines. that trusty little square on your device, reminding you at a glance to slow down iMade-It-Myself is your universal and take a virtual journey. All the option. If you aren’t running iOS..." labyrinth apps described below can be but have a portable device that displays downloaded for less than five dollars pictures, consider downloading your apiece from the iTunes Store onto your favorite labyrinth patterns into an favorite phone or tablet running current iOS software. Finger Labyrinth HD sets you up with a wide range of labyrinth styles, primarily seven circuits and under. Labyrinth Ball pushes the envelope with a three dimensional approach to traversing the path. The groove circumnavigates a five circuit path from one side of the ball to the Chartres style “Center” at the other. As you move along, the ball rotates to keep your location facing you. This app has an Android version that features a day and nighttime setting with optional chimes. The iOS version features the daytime easily accessible photo album. Even if setting with chimes included. This you don’t carry a cell phone at all, you app was created around actual ceramic can still easily print out your favorite labyrinth spheres which can be found at labyrinth patterns four to a page, www.labyrinthball.com. folding, securing, and inserting into an easy-reach pocket.

You can explore an interchangeable With all the mobile labyrinth options assortment of shaded backgrounds, field available, there is every excuse to fit line colors and meditative sounds to in a daily walk somewhere during the manifest the complete, perfect labyrinth busy day. When it proves challenging walk experience. As you move around to make it out to that favorite sanctuary the screen, a comet trail follows behind for the full effect, remember the your finger. This app also provides the possibilities: Simply breathe, ground novice walker with a basic how-to page yourself, smudge, pray, meditate, and and a concise history of labyrinths. pull out your device to, uh, swipe a moment of peace. iPause offers an assortment of more traditional labyrinth patterns, including Maia Scott is a body worker, artist and a Chartres style eleven circuit Medieval recreation therapist from Northern design. The patterns are high contrast CA. Maia currently embellishes set on a parchment-like background. Labyrinth Walk makes use of your her three jobs with presentation You have the option to play music accelerometer, requiring that you tilt and engagements ranging from classroom selected from your own collection. rotate your device in order to walk the visits with her guide dog, Tessa, to Settings also provide a means to change path. Only part of this colorful Chartres conference workshops which include the motion of the dot you push through style labyrinth appears on the screen sessions walking a tactile portable the labyrinth, also providing the option which pans along as your triad wheel labyrinth under blind-fold.

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 10 www.veriditas.org Building an Online Footprint One Step at a Time by Christine Hume n early 2009, I sent an email to a events; and more. A fundraising of followers rather we simply want to small committee that was dedicated thermometer widget was added so that continue to build awareness and usage of to building a permanent labyrinth in campaign results were viewable at a the CP Community Labyrinth. ICarleton Place, Ontario, Canada. I had glance and we offered an email signup only just sent out my email volunteering widget (using Feedburner) so people Plans for 2012 include preparing a to help in some way when I heard back get notified about blog updates in simple social media plan for the blog within the hour! I attended my first their email inbox. We signed up with and FB page that ties into our events committee meeting in the fall of 2009 “Networked Blogs” (a service that helps and media relations plan. We are also while they were in the midst of making a your blog get found) and new blog posts setting up an online photo album series of presentations to Carleton Place appear in followers’ Facebook feeds. and connecting it to both pages. And Town Council. we look forward to reaching out and By the end of 2010 we had raised the connecting with more folks in the Our little group had ambitious plans to money needed to actually build the community and other labyrinth folks obtain funding to go towards building labyrinth! The landscaping work started around the world! These words came to a community labyrinth. Our commit- in October/November 2010 and the us online as a thank you from someone tee also planned a $10,000 fundraising labyrinth was completed by the end of who walked the CP Community May 2011. We held a wonderful one- Labyrinth this summer: “I pray others campaign and to apply for a Trillium th Foundation grant to raise all of the capi- day festival (Saturday June 18 , 2011) to see the Labyrinth as a calming force in tal needed to move forward to build the officially commemorate the opening of their lives. For them, I thank you and your permanent labyrinth. the Community Labyrinth. companions for your insight in a world so needing a time and a place to take a deep I gradually realized that my contribution In early April 2011, we set up a Carleton breath and a moment to reflect.” This to the group was to become our Place Community Labyrinth Facebook wonderful feedback was deeply satisfying web/social media guru. I had taken (FB) page initially to help promote to us all. some social media courses and was Labyrinth Fest. https://www.facebook. Christine completed her Veriditas keen to put what I had learned into com/carletonplacecommunitylabyrint Labyrinth Facilitator training action. We did not have funds h?sk=wall. We linked the blog to the with Rev. Artress in May 2010 and build a website so we established FB page, and vice versa. Here we use travelled to Chartres in September a "Carleton Place Community a shorter, more conversational style 2010 to take the course “The Spiral Labyrinth: blog instead. http://www. of post, to engage with folks that are of Transformation.” She describes carletonplacecommunitylaby.rinth. interested in the labyrinth and activities this as a life-changing experience and blogspot.com/ We set up additional taking place. The number of “likes” for is looking forward to wherever her static pages of content that provided the page is gradually increasing. We are labyrinth journey is taking her next. background information; upcoming not concerned about getting hundreds

Veriditas, in partnership with Labyrinthos, has produced a key collection of historically accurate labyrinth information with nearly 100 photos and graphics of labyrinths ancient and modern, from around the world. This professional, user-friendly PowerPoint presentation includes presentation notes and was developed for use exclusively by Veriditas Trained Facilitators. "Labyrinths: Their History and Development", is supplied on a convenient USB Flash drive. Cost for Veriditas Trained Facilitators only $125 USD First class postage included. Additional cost for Priority Mail. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Veriditas Scholarship Fund. For further information or questions, please email [email protected]

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 11 www.veriditas.org A New Symbol for a New Age by Melinda Cropsey

n the early spring of 2009, having River Valley pea-stone for the path and captures the beauty and the wonder of recently been introduced to the concrete pavers to delineate the borders. the labyrinth experience. The labyrinth labyrinth, I perceived our lawn and Layers of stone dust, weed barrier, and is a place of continual transformation. Igarden in a new light. For years we’d masonry sand were each delivered and Upon reflection and contemplation, pondered the dilemma of what to do smoothed. We added a compass, a level, a symbol of far-reaching significance with the remains of an asphalt tennis masonry twine, stakes and a measured revealed itself to me which may account court installed circa 1940. Too costly to set of 2x4’s to our collection. With these for the labyrinth’s startling resurgence in restore and too unattractive to ignore, tools, we began to plan and install the popularity at this time in human history. we simply decided not to decide. Then, labyrinth. The magical process, which Born of the ancient and mysterious this thanks to a series of sparks ignited by the took the better part of the summer, is image at its heart symbolizes: documented in a series of photos. / \: The Opening: This welcomes ALL I briefly enjoyed my favorite photo as a to enter and Receive. screen-saver, but found it too powerful and almost unsettling for repeated O: The Heart: The quiet place where encounter. The image was, however, we receive the message of Oneness: We indelibly stored in my mind and recognize the interconnectedness of all resurfaced as a result of my discovery of beings great and small. We understand Sue Swanson’s images of the Feminine that we are connected to each other Divine in the spring 2010 Veriditas and the environment in ways that we cannot even begin to know or imagine. This realization and acknowledgement tug of what author Sue Monk is the key to our Kidd describes as “feminine ability to save our spiritual consciousness,” planet. In the I began the work of words of Thich transforming an eyesore into Nhat Hanh; “In a sacred space: a labyrinth! order to save the Our budget was limited Earth individual and the task was daunting, awakening is not however, as with any project enough.” that is truly spirit-driven, it ( ): The Loving flowed seamlessly. Armed Hands: The with a can of spray paint symbol of the and a pick-axe, my teenage Universal Spirit sons, my husband and I which protects began the task of visioning and guides us on the space. We loosed and our journey. peeled away slabs of asphalt Photo Credits for both photos: Melinda Cropsey and piled them around the I realized that in the process of creating perimeter of our 50 foot circle. It quickly Newsletter. I found the Matisse-like a labyrinth I’d unearthed a new symbol became evident that we’d found the ideal cut-outs, snippets of the Chartres for a new age! location and a terrific foundation for our labyrinth, artfully interpreted by Sue, to labyrinth. We augmented our tool chest be inspirational! I have had a life-long In addition to being a labyrinth to include a spade, wire clippers and the fascination with symbols. I believe, as enthusiast, Melinda is a wife, mother ultimate “saws-all” and proceeded with stated in the words of Manley Palmer of three sons and fiber artist. She has a zeal to remove every last vestige of the Hall, that “symbols are keyholes to doors small business: “Green Sleeve Designs” tennis court. in the walls of space, and through them specializing in 100% recycled wool man peers into eternity…symbolism, then, and cashmere felted sweater-jackets The design, a neo-medieval Eight Circuit is the divine language and its figures are a for infants and children. For more labyrinth, piqued my imagination. celestial alphabet.” information, please visit Desirous of complimenting our New www.greensleevedesigns.com England setting, we selected Connecticut This photo, in its startling simplicity,

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 12 www.veriditas.org 2012 Global Healing Theme: Balance “Balance is Beautiful.”—Miyoko Ohno

January-February-March Focus: Compassion

Photo by Roger Lynn QUOTE: “A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe” -Wayne Dyer

PICTURE/SYMBOL: Fire

COLOR: Yellow, like the flame and the third chakra of control and freedom and power

PRAYER: The first step toward balance is finding the center. Let us breathe together, as a prayer-- Breathing in, I’m fed by Spirit; Breathing out, my Soul is cleansed.

(Repeat this prayer, while breathing, slowly, naturally, deeply, again and again, until you feel settled and ready to move into the labyrinth. Any time during your walk, if you feel unsettled, stop, breathe and repeat the prayer until a centering comes back to your experience.)

IDEAS FOR BENEFITING ORGANIZATION: Various organizations that provide centering and mindfulness resources, and deep care, for the most-vulnerable in our midst. A couple of many examples:

• Inside Passages, an organization teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction skills to VA Hospital patients suffering from PTSD http://insidepassages.com/

• Enso House, providing physical, emotional and spiritual support when nearing the end of life http://www.ensohouse.org

• IDEAS FOR AMBIANCE AROUND THE LABYRINTH: Banks of candles at several stations around the outside of the labyrinth; one candle is a centering symbol of new hope coming into the world. Several candles together become a powerful light that is not easily overcome, but still quiet enough to give awareness of shadow. Perhaps a station near the entrance of the labyrinth could be a shallow decorative container filled with decorative sand, into which participants can light and place a candle of their own; a symbol of solidarity.bells or chimes to ring while walking.

MUSIC: Selective playlist from Trio Mediaeval's album, Soir, dit-elle. These selections offer a soundscape that plays well with the literal and metaphorical vision of candles flickering amidst shadows. Suggested 30 minute playlist would include the following tracks in this order: ( 5) Leonel Power (1370-1445) - Credo - Missa "Alma Redemptoris Mater" (13) Leonel Power (1370-1445) - Agnus Dei - Missa "Alma Redemptoris Mater" ( 9) Leonel Power (1370-1445) - Sanctus - Missa "Alma Redemptoris Mater" ( 4) Gavin Bryars - Ave Regina Gloriosa -Lauda VII- (1943) (11) Gavin Bryars - Venite A Laudare -Lauda I- (1943) ( 3 ) Gavin Bryars - Laude Novella -Lauda II- (1943) (14) Alma Redemptoris Mater (Gregorian Chant)

(Special thanks to Ellen Bintz Meuch and her committee, for the Global Healing Quarterly Resources)

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 13 www.veriditas.org A Photographic Meander by Cindy Pavlinac

there were just a handful of them in North America. Now it seems there are new ones every day, and although I have walked and photographed thousands, I’ve finally admitted there isn’t enough time or travel budget to photo every one. But I’ll keep seeking! Photographing labyrinths can be tricky. Their participatory nature is a challenge to communicate. I first greet each laby- rinth by surveying the environment with different mental filters. Is this an artistic installation, theatrical set, portrait, sacred space, event? Quickly judging the light and color balance for technical decisions about exposure and focus, I attune to the mood, tone, and narra- tive suggested by the visual possibilities. Advance research helps me understand, honor and reinforce the intent of each abyrinths have influenced my show and in Time Magazine’s Pictures of labyrinth’s creation, use, and commu- art and travels since discovering the Year. nity. Ariadne as a teen. An encoun- terL with Dionysus at Delphi, Greece, My first walk in Grace Cathedral on a Indoor events often present low-light while photographing archeology in painted canvas set down for the evening situations, so I use a tripod to get sharp 1977, awakened a personal connec- was a transformative event. Although I images with greatest depth of field. Time tion to ancient sacred place. Study with had walked outdoor labyrinths before - Native American Medicine people led athletic field painted Cretans, Peruvian to a decade visiting megalithic stone fire spirals, and English garden mazes - circles in Europe, seeking Celtic roots experiencing the Chartres pattern in the and recording astronomical alignments. sacred space of the Cathedral’s medieval While presenting one of my slide/ geometry turned everything inward. I music extravaganzas at the West Coast was raised to sit still in church. Walking Dowsers Conference in 1991, someone the labyrinth required movement! My mentioned a new labyrinth at Grace mind relaxed as my heart opened and Cathedral. I showed up, asked if anyone my feet brought me to the center. was documenting the project, and took Astonishing. So simple. So profound. the blank stares as an invitation to set up my tripod, inadvertently launching my I co-taught one of the first Quest courses role as the unofficial official pro bono using the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral, photographer of the Grace Cathedral bringing in the arts in the form of color- labyrinths. ful scarves, tiny bells, and journaling prompts to deepen intuitive awareness Hundreds of events and thousands of and ground fleeting insights in tangible, photos later, my images of the labyrinths retrievable form. The quiet public walks at Grace have been published around the grew into 24 hour New Years Eve vigils world, drawing pilgrims to San Fran- with thousands of people celebrating cisco and providing visual reference for the labyrinth. In 2000, I gave myself a countless creations. What began as an millennium challenge to photograph artist’s attempt to visually communicate medieval European labyrinths, joining the inner experience of the labyrinth ex- Veriditas at Chartres for an extraordi- exposures display everything moving as panded into the Labyrinths of Spirit and nary pilgrimage. blurred; seated people in the labyrinth Grace Image Library, with a thousand center may be surrounded by colorful published appearances of labyrinths, When I first started to include laby- traces as others flow around the path- including on the Martha Stewart TV rinths in my sacred places photography, ways. I adore this effect because it veils continued on page 15

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 14 www.veriditas.org continued from page 14 the identity of walkers while artistically directions are often vague or outdated, book and iPad app integrating photos, depicting that we blur when we rush I confirm present condition and exact itineraries, location services, and music and only appear solidly present when we location with Google satellite views. with monthly walking prompts based are still. Combined with iPhone and car GPS, I in Celtic tradition and ancient seasonal can drive right to a labyrinth’s entrance. holidays. Photography shifts attention. Setting boundaries for photo creation will result I’ve been presenting contemplative What an amazing time! Blessings on in better quality Your Path. photos. A flash full in the face as you are Cindy A. Pavlinac is a Fine Art blissfully rounding Photographer specializing in images of a turn will signifi- sacred sites and labyrinths. Her images cantly alter your state have won numerous awards and of mind. I arrange appeared in over 1,000 publications, advance photographs including Time Magazine’s Pictures with event organizers, of the Year 2002 and as Principal or set specific periods Photographer in Labyrinths and for walkers who agree Sanctuaries of the Goddess. She creates to be photographed. site specific interactive installations for My tripod is plainly labyrinth walks and Dream Quests, visible to allow people projecting images onto hanging silk to get comfortable veils. Her Masters Degree in Arts and with my presence. Consciousness Studies focused on I am respectful, subtle, and never use multimedia extravaganzas since the 70’s healing arts in ancient cultures, and flash, so they soon forget a camera is and now dazzle audiences with sharp her B.A. in Photography minored in there. When I’m finished, the tripod is digital images and snazzy transitions. astrophysics and archaeology. Cindy packed away to signal no more photos. Performance art, video, narration, and lives in Marin County, California, To consistently produce quality images graphics can be creatively combined with her musician husband Martin requires forethought, planning, staging, digitally to inform and inspire. Com- Gregory and their magical dog, scouting, and patience. My photographs poser extraordinaire, Martin Gregory, Merlin. She can be found in her studio, strive to convene wonder, discovery, and I are also developing labyrinth apps on a road trip, or walking a labyrinth. for iPhone/iPad to choose patterns, cal- wholeness, balance, and hope. culate construction materials, and adjust [email protected] Being a techie from way back, I’m very designs for actual terrain. We’ve been excited about the emerging technologies geo-tagging every labyrinth we walk for http://www.sacred-land-photography.com for creating, viewing, locating, and shar- 12 years, building a database to show- ing labyrinths. The World-Wide Laby- case labyrinth photography in a digital http://merlinsroadtrip.blogspot.com rinth Locator suggests sites but because gallery. I’m also creating an electronic

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 15 www.veriditas.org Books, by Lauren Artress

Walking the Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice was the first book written to offer the Medieval Eleven-Circuit Labyrinth as a spiritual practice. It is now in its second edition with a new preface and epilogue to capture all that has happened with the labyrinth since this book was first published in 1995. The book was instrumental in launching what the New York Times in May of 1998 named The Labyrinth Movement.

The second book, The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform places all Lauren’s teachings since 1995 about the labyrinth in one place. In Four Guidelines to Gauge Your Spiritual Growth she outlines how we can measure our increasing spiritual maturity. In Lessons of the Labyrinth Lauren articulates what the practice of labyrinth walking can nurture within us. First time labyrinth walkers will find a useful introduction to the practice in The Art of Labyrinth Walking. Thoses knowledgeable about labyrinthwalking will be interested in the Applications and the many suggestions around forgiveness, grieving, engaging our shadow, and strengthening in Part 2: Specific Uses for Healing and Transformation.

The Companion Guide offers short journaling exercises in the chapter Start Where You Are for those who want to take stock of their lives. Others may want to dip into the sections on Healing, Shadow Work, Soul Assignment or Initiatory Rituals, depending upon what life’s challenges are for them at that time.

The Sand Labyrinthis both a meditation tool and a lovely accent to home or office. Keep it in plain view on your coffee table, desktop or nightstand. Use it frequently to calm yourself before a stressful meeting, to focus your thinking, to find solutions to problems, to open yourself to your own inner wisdom.

Veriditas Mission The Spirit of Veriditas, Winter 2012 Contributing Writers stateMenttateMent Voices From the Labyrinth and Photographers and PurPoseurPose Journal Team continued Robin Bradley Hansel Veriditas offers the Lauren Artress, Dawn Matheny, labyrinth experience – IS A Tina Margason, Maia Scott Neal Harris VERIDITAS PUBLICATION Eve Hogan gathering, training and Lars Howlett inspiring people on the Editor path. Robin Bradley Hansel Christine Hume Veriditas Nina Johnson 101 San Antonio Road Graphic Designer Andy Lynn Veriditas is based on the Petaluma, California 94952 Marjorie Connelly Warren Lynn work of Lauren Artress. 707-283-0370 (tel) Jo Ann Mast Veriditas, through its teachers, offers quality 707-283-0372 (fax) Dawn Matheny experiences of the http://www.veriditas.org Contributing Writers Ellen Bintz Meuch labyrinth in workshops and Photographers Linda Mikell and retreats nationally Allan Pollok-Morris Lauren Artress and internationally, and World Wide Labyrinth Locator Andy Buchanan Cindy Pavlinac professional training in http://labyrinthlocator.com/ Jim Buchanan Maia Scott how to offer the labyrinth Anna Cook Jeff Saward experience to others. Melinda Cropsey

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From The Labyrinth - Winter 2012 16 www.veriditas.org