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The Labyrinth |
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A
"LIVING" LABYRINTH |
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| To follow are composite pictures of the labyrinth. |
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All pictures can be enlarged by clicking your mouse on them. |
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Come and... ski the Labyrinth with us. |
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Check out our labyrinth... circa 2006... my, how your flowers have grown |
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| HISTORY of the LABYRINTH |
| Throughout the world
there exists a symbol, a series of carefully connected concentric lines.
This symbol has been traced back over 3500 years and is currently referred
to as a labyrinth.
It occurs in different cultures, at different points in time, in places as diverse as Peru, Arizona, Iceland, Scandinavia, Crete, Egypt, India and Sumatra. Contact between these widely spaced locations are difficult to trace, as is the origin of the Labyrinth. This simple symbol in mythology appears in many forms; carved on wood or a rock face, woven into the design on a blanket or basket, laid out on the ground with water worn stones in the desert or on shorelines, in colored stone or tiles on the floors of villas, churches and cathedrals, or cut into the grass on a village green. In medieval Europe the labyrinth was used as a symbol of Christian faith, the one true path to eternal salvation. In many cultures the labyrinth has been used as a ceremonial pathway and as a dancing ground. In the Americas, the labyrinth is found etched into the sands of the Nazea Plain in Peru, in use among the Caduveo people of Brazil and scratched on boulders and rock faces in Northern Mexico, New Mexico and by the Hopi Indians in Arizona. In Europe the labyrinth symbol is widespread and varied in its forms. Prehistoric labyrinths are found carved on rock faces at Pontevedra, Spain and at Val Camonica in northern Italy. The Rocky Valley labyrinths in Cornwall, England, are often described as Bronze Age, but probably date to the 18th century. The earliest examples for which an accurate date can be ascribed are found around the shores of the Mediterranean. A labyrinth inscribed clay tablet from Pylos, Greece is over 3200 years old. Turf labyrinths were once found throughout Europe. They are formed by turf ridges and shallow trenches marking a single pathway which often leads to a small mound at their center. Pavement labyrinths constructed with colored stone or tiles are often found in the early medieval churches and cathedrals of Northwest Europe. The best known is the 13th century labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, France. In Scandinavia stones were used to mark the walls of the labyrinth, and over 500 examples have been recorded. Stone labyrinths are known from Iceland, Russia and the Baltic countries. They also occur in India, Arizona and the British Isles. During the Middle Ages, many Christians wanted to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. However this spiritual goal could be quite costly and very dangerous since there were few roads and frequent bands of thugs and robbers. This meant that only the wealthiest and largest traveling groups were likely to make their journey safely. When pilgrims couldn't get to Jerusalem, many devised walkways which were like a "virtual pilgrimage". |
| SYMBOLISM of the LABYRINTH |
| A labyrinth is an
ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the
circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The Labyrinth
represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world.
Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.
A labyrinth is an archetype with which we can have a direct experience. We can walk it. It is a symbol that creates a sacred space, a place and takes us out of our ego to "That which is within." Labyrinths and mazes have often been confused. When most people hear of a labyrinth they think of a maze. A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved. It has twists, turns, and blind alleys. It is a left brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out. Unlike a maze, you cannot get lost in a labyrinth. Walking a labyrinth can lead to discovery and insight about ourselves as will any good journey. And when we have accomplished what we set out to do often there comes a peacefulness, happiness, and overall sense of contentment within ourselves. A labyrinth has only one path. The way in is the way out. There are no blind alleys. The path leads you on a circuitous path to the center and out again.. A labyrinth as a right brain task, involves intuition, creativity, and imagery. With a maze many choices must be made and an active mind is needed to solve the problem of finding the center. With a labyrinth there is only one choice to be made. The choice is whether or not to walk a spiritual path. At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are. A labyrinth is a pattern with a purpose. The many turns in the labyrinth reflect the journey of life. The labyrinth is a symbol of our passage through time and experience. Walking the labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination about joining body, mind and spirit. Walking the labyrinth can be an entry into sacred space and time that makes us more receptive to the presence of God in our life. Or it can be a chance to take "time out" from our busy lives, to leave schedules and stress behind. Walking a labyrinth is a gift we give to ourselves, leading to discovery, insight, peacefulness, connectedness and well being. The labyrinth is a spiritual tool, designed to awaken in us a deep rhythm that unites us to ourselves and to the God who created us. Based on the circle, the universal symbol for unity and wholeness, the labyrinth may activate our imagination or creative insights, thereby bringing unity and wholeness within ourselves and with others. |
| Three Phases of the Walk |
| SURRENDER- A
releasing, a letting to of the details of your life. This is an act of
shedding thoughts and emotions. It quiets and empties the mind.
ILLUMINATION- When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive. UNION- Join God and the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for |
| The LABYRINTH on the FARM at NOSTALGIAVILLE |
| After visiting a small
labyrinth near Paris, Tennessee in February, 2002, Cheri and Paul became
intrigued with the structure and decided to build one on their Farm located
near Springfield, Tennessee.
Like everything else associated with their labors of love and creativity at the Farm, the new labyrinth needed to be unique and distinctive... nothing short of "world class." Cheri chose the site, about 50 feet from the north end of the Village, with a great view from The Tower. With some help from the Internet, a pattern for a "7 circuit" labyrinth was selected. Construction started with a metal stake at the center of the area. The outer edge of the labyrinth forms a circle that is approximately 120 feet in diameter with seven circular paths reaching toward the center. A ground cover was laid down on the grass, and over 100 cubic yards of landscaping mulch was spread over the ground cover. |
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Landscaping timbers were placed around the outer edge of the circle forming a four foot planting bed. Next, over 5000 brick were placed on both sides of the seven circle boundaries, forming 18 inch planting beds. The circles are labeled "A" to "H" starting with the inside circles. |
| To divide the planting
beds, 35 spokes radiating from the the center to the outer edge of the
circle were created with brick. The areas created by these spokes were
numbered "1" to "35". Any planting or display bed within the labyrinth can
be identified by a letter followed by a number (Example: G18).
The use of the 250+ beds is limited only by our imaginations. Flowers and garden fruits and vegetables along with displays of crystals, Indian artifacts, drift wood, and rocks collected from our many travel explorations abound in the beds located in the labyrinth. The beds make a stroll through the structure a truly memorable experience. The term "Living Labyrinth" is used because of the many Flowers by Cheri and plants that line the paths on your journey to the sacred center of the structure. A ;journey to the center of the Nostalgiaville Labyrinth and back out represents a distance of 0.6 miles (a little over 1/4 mile each way) for those of you who would like to couple meditation with exercise. |
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Key to the Labyrinth Gardens at Nostalgiaville |
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LABYRINTH SACRED CENTER AREA
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Monty the Monk- Monty is a tireless greeter of all who walk-the-walk to the Magic Center of the labyrinth. Like most monks, Monty doesn't talk much but he is a great listener. If you are burdened with sorrow, don't feel well, or even if you are ecstatically happy, share your feelings with Monty. You may be surprised by the results. |
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Angela the Angel- Angela is a mischievous, impish, little angelic creature. She and Monty are the best of friends, and at times when no one is around, Angela can be heard telling Monty about her exciting day. Even if Monty wanted to talk, Angela won't shut up long enough for him to do so. Angela likes to play practical jokes, so be on your guard when you are around her. |
A CIRCLE
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A3 Large specimens of Quartz Crystal occupy this space. If you are sensitive to the energy from crystals, then you should expect a jolt from this display. |
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A7 Rocks |
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(A) Fossils collected over the years by Paul. |
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(B) Petrified wood found near Green River Utah during a trip to the Western United States in 1999. |
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A10 Other examples of Quartz Crystals clusters are found in this area. All of the quartz on display in the labyrinth and in other areas of the Farm were collected during many trips by Paul and Cheri to mines near Hot Springs, Arkansas. |
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A13 Indian arrowheads. Pause and create a mind image of Indian craftsmen reducing a common, ordinary rock into a tool for him and an art form for those of us fortunate enough to find his creation. |
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A17 This bed of Quartz Crystal contains examples of "clusters" of the fine gem. Look closely, especially at the small clusters, and note natures ability to create patterns of awesome beauty. |
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A20 Indian rock chips and tools for cutting and scraping hides |
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A24 Medium sized single point Quartz Crystals. Note the clear ones in the center of the bed. The clarity of the clear crystals is enhanced when water accumulates in the center. |
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A27 Indian arrowhead pieces and pottery shards. Most of the Indian artifacts displayed in the Labyrinth were the results of finds made around Old Hickory Lake near Hendersonville and Gallatin, Tennessee. Winds would create erosion by water washing away the banks of the lake. When the water level dropped, the artifacts could be found on the sandy beaches. |
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A31 Large Quartz Crystal surrounded by smaller fine grade single point crystals. It is thought by many that quartz crystals are sources of healing energy. Test your sensitivity by holding your hands near the large crystal in the middle of the bed. |
B CIRCLE
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B20 Rocks- |
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THE MAGIC CHICKEN- To make our labyrinth really special, we decided to see if we could fine the proverbial "goose that lays the golden eggs" to place in it. But, alas, where to find this special goose. Why not try the Internet we thought... where finding almost everything is possible. After a diligent search of the net, we found only one site that held possibilities for our quest. |
| We overlooked the
other sales offers made by this site... a special sale on the Brooklyn
Bridge... the availability of one of the pyramids of Egypt for which the
price was reasonable, but the cost of shipping was outrageous... or the
Golden Gate Bridge shipped overnight by Fed-Ex. Bypassing all these
tempting offers, we went straight to the "Goose section."
They were all out of golden egg-laying geese, but had instead in stock for immediate shipment a Chicken that laid golden eggs. The price was reasonable... so we ordered one. We tethered and placed the golden egg-laying Chicken in the labyrinth, waited overnight, came back the next morning with eager anticipation, and found... not golden eggs, but large multi-colored stone eggs... and our magic golden egg-laying chicken... had turned to wood. So, we go out every morning, still looking for the golden egg, but, alas, we are beginning to give up all hope of finding one. |
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B29 Rocks |
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(A) Black obsidian rocks from near Black Rock, Utah. |
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(B) White crystalline rocks (forgot their names) found near Furita, Colorado |
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B32 Seashells |
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(A) Inside steel
ring are seashells from Love Key State Park on the west coast of
Florida (B) The shells on outside of the ring were found on the shores of Kentucky Lake at Land Between the Lakes National Park near Paris, Tennessee. |
C CIRCLE
| C3 Rocks |
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| (A) Orange mica rocks with flakes found near Franklin, North Carolina. | (B) Shiny black slag from early 1800's iron furnaces found at Montgomery Bell State Park near Dickson, Tennessee. |
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C15 |
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Iron Ore from Wisconsin |
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C18 SEA SERPENTS FROM THE OHIO RIVER- Driftwood from the banks of the Ohio River near Metropolis, Illinois has been crafted into a display created by Paul and Cheri. |
D CIRCLE
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D10 |
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We were assured by the unsavory character that sold us this bench of several pertinent facts concerning its origin. The bench was supposedly crafted by artisans of the 15th century and transported to this country by Columbus on his epic voyage. Another claim was that George Washington obtained the relic and often sat reflectively on it at his Mt Vernon home. |
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D11 Rocks |
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| ( A) Crystal from near Henderson, New Mexico | ( B) Miscellaneous Rocks finds | ( C) Mica Rocks rock from western North Carolina | ( D) Miscellaneous rocks collected over many years by Paul |
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D24 |
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A "Scurvy Elephant" is defined by Wayne Dwyer as a person of unusual character who is characterized by the "Tribe" as out of step with "Normal" people. Take care... just sitting on the "Scurvy Elephant" may provide an insight into what a wonderful world we live in and that if you will just "Let Go" of the "Past" and live for "Now"... your "Future" will be filled with all of your "Hearts Desire". |
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D25 Driftwood from the beach on the coast of Oregon. |
F CIRCLE
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F5 |
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As you pass by the Bird Bath, pause for a moment, look around you... and "Drink In" what God has created for you... birds, trees, grass, sky, clean air to breathe, and a myriad of "Little Things" from his creation that you won't see unless you really look for them. |
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F7 |
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Angelica won't speak to you... she communicates by telepathy. Present any problem you may have to Angelica by just thinking about it... and ask her for a solution. You may be surprised at the results. |
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F14 |
( A) Petrified wood
from near Green River, Utah ( B) Blue agate rock found far out into the desert near Austin, Nevada ( C) Miscellaneous rock finds. Many were from a trip to the south west United States. |
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F15 |
Sitting on this inlaid marble "Prayer Bench" can be a truly enlightening experience. Ask and you shall receive. |
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F26 |
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Ali McGator is a prehistoric beast... got caught in a volcanic mud slide way back in BC... turned to stone. The guy we bought Ali from swears that sometimes after dark she springs to life and is ravenously hungry... eats everything is sight.. including Labyrinth Walkers. It might not hurt to confer with Angelica as you pass about safe passage by Ali McGator. |
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F27 |
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Angelia is a very special Guardian Angel. If you ask... she will follow you in your walk through the Labyrinth. No... you won't see her, but rest assured, if you ask she will be there beside you. Share your problems with her and expect a response and a resolution. If you are really sincere in wanting your problems solved, Angelia will stay beside you always. |
G CIRCLE
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G9 Miscellaneous rocks from a trip in the year 2000 to the Northwest United States |
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Section A a display of red rocks |
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Section B a display of black rocks |
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Section C a display of multi-colored rocks | Section D a small display flat mostly black colored oil shale rocks found near Parachute, Colorado. |
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Section E a display of green rocks from the tailings of copper mines near Milford, Utah |
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Section F a display of colorful rock chips from near Green River, Utah |
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Section G a display of rare blue agate rocks found near Austin, Nevada |
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Section H a display of flat crystalline rocks found near Green River, Utah |
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G13 |
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Freddie, the free-loading Frog is a mosquito eater. Long after the sun sets, Freddie turns from stone into an "attack frog" and no self respecting mosquito comes within a mile of the Labyrinth. |
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G32 |
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I bet you thought this was a really special bench too... and that it has a magical purpose. Well forget all that mumbo-jumbo... this bench is just to sit on and rest. |
| G33 Mixed rocks from a 1999 trip to the southwest United States |
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H CIRCLE
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H1 Garden Plants-
Tennessee Beauty Strawberries H12 Garden Plants- Ebony King Blackberry H29 Garden Plants- Mary Washington Asparagus |
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