A metaphor for life, the labyrinth symbolizes our search for answers. Its twists and turns represent our sometimes confusing and conflicting path on life's journey. At its center we discover the essence of that journey. The labyrinth is a symbol and ritual tool for transformation that has been used for thousands of years. Earliest representations of the labyrinth and the spiral have been found on pottery shards dating to at least 14,000 BC. It represented the Goddess in several of her many manifestations including the womb, the path of the serpent, the flow of water, the mating dance of the crane and the spider's web. It speaks to us of the great round of being, the threefold path of birth, death and rebirth and reminds us of our interconnectedness and participation in the cycles of life. To walk the labyrinth is to be reconnected with the body and the earth.

In modern times, the archetype of the labyrinth is reemerging as a pathfinder for the evolution of human consciousness, the healing of the spirit, and the balancing of vital life force energies. It gives us a path for the way ahead, the way through and the way into healing and wholeness. Ironically the reemergence of the labyrinth comes at a time when much of the story of its original use in ancient times has been lost. Yet, as an archetype, a universal pattern of wisdom and energy deep in the collective unconscious, the labyrinth will arise again in our dreams, as it did mine, to teach us all we need to know.

Like most all school children, I read the classical labyrinth myth about King Minos' daughter Ariadne rescuing her lover Theseus from the frightful Minotaur who lived at the center of the labyrinth in Crete. And, for her efforts, Theseus betrayed Ariadne. Not a happy ending. The labyrinth was a frightening place. However, when I began my studies at Avalon Institute in Jungian and Archetypal Psychotherapy, in 1990, I was required to journal extensively about my dreams and inner life. At that time I had a series of dreams about various three dimensional grids of light down through which I would travel to meet a teacher deep within. My teachers at Avalon told me this "grid" image was a kind of labyrinth and that I should study and meditate on the labyrinth as an archetypal image. That was the beginning of my deepening journey into the labyrinth.

Some of what I discovered follows: The labyrinth, for centuries an archetypal image, is related to all sacred circles, the medicine wheel, the spiral, the maze. It differs in that while there are twists and turns that double back on themselves, the paths that spiral inward always lead to center. There are no dead ends, no traps, as in a maze. The labyrinth may be found in the decorative art of many cultures, but is most powerful as a tool for ceremonial and meditational walking and pilgrimage. Important cathedrals in Europe have labyrinth's on the floor which may have been borrowed from ancient circles built on the same sights. Ancient stories tell of a numinous woman who presides over the sacred labyrinth sites. Under her guidance, the seeker travels through the labyrinth to the spirit world and back again to learn the lessons of ecstasy and transformation. In modern times, the labyrinth is again emerging as a sacred form. Churches are incorporating them into their architecture and landscape. Groups are building them in public parks and on private land. There are even companies who create small finger labyrinths for personal focus and meditation.

When I eventually returned to Montana to begin my counseling and bodywork practice, I imagined a dream home and sacred place that I would share with others. Part of the vision included enough land to build a sacred circle. My strong interest and study of Native American tradition called me to build a medicine wheel which also teaches us about the path of life to center. But, again the labyrinth began showing up in my life, in dreams, external images, references from friends and students, until it became clear to me that the sacred circle I would build at my new home would be a labyrinth. Recently, my choice was further confirmed when I learned of the labyrinth's connection to the mating dance of the crane, for the Sandhill cranes we share our land with have become a symbol of our work. No accident then, that the labyrinth was the circle to find a home here at Dreamweaver Lodge.

In the summer of 1997, two colleagues and I came together to plan our summer women's retreats. We decided that our July event would be a building and walking of the labyrinth, and the dream began to become reality. We met the weekend before the workshop to decide on a location, to measure and plot out the circle and paths with flags and strings and to haul loads of river rock from Rock Creek to outline the final design. The location I had originally chosen was too small. The second choice was definitely inappropriate according to the pendulum I used for dousing. The very best place, again according to the pendulum, was in the center of the woods where the fire circle was located. This meant extra work to move the fire circle, but when this was done by my hardworking partner Bob, and the labyrinth measured and staked out, it was perfect. The clearing is a natural vortex with the trees encircling and bending in towards center.

During the workshop, the women laid the rock circle and paths weaving a web of spirit and a soul bond as they created the sacred site. The following morning, dressed in our ceremonial clothing, we each entered and journeyed to center guided by the steady beat of the drum. Each one of us seemed to find answers to bring back into the outer world. This is the essence of the walk to center and out again through the twists and turns of human existence. Walking the labyrinth can create experientially, the balance between our inner and outer worlds that is so crucial at this intense time on the planet. The journey takes us into our deepest center. When you enter a labyrinth, ask yourself a question; state your intention. An intention is an idea or vision that guides action. Let your question guide you to the center of the labyrinth and as you stand in center, listen for guidance. Then return from center to your outer world with your experience. Even if you receive only silence in the present moment, consider that this could be the most sacred gift of all.

Nearly three years later, our labyrinth still stands as a permanent sacred circle at Dreamweaver Lodge for all to enjoy. I walk it several times a week and never fail to have a meaningful experience. I use it in workshops and to assist clients in self discovery. It is a perfect place for initiations and ceremony and thus I have used it in Reiki Attunements and for graduation ceremonies in the Qigong School. When you come to Dreamweaver Lodge for a Dream Quest or personal retreat, the labyrinth becomes a tool for your transformational journey. The possibilities are limitless, and, the Divine touches us in the labyrinth whenever we enter there.

If you live in the area or are visiting, you are welcome to walk the labyrinth at Dreamweaver Lodge. Just call (406) 445-2517 for directions. If you are interested in building your own labyrinth, contact me at info@dreamweaverlodge.com for more information.

Like a journey we All must take in our Becoming, You enter this Rite of Initiation , Not only to walk but To Heal.

Many thanks to Sharon Shannon for her research and contribution to this writing, to Monique Mandali for her support and wisdom with sacred circles, to my partner Bob McTaggart for his loving labor and to the women who made my labyrinth dream their sacred work and walk.

Jaqui Thier, M.A.