Labyrinth Mandalas

On the sacred land of Dreamland Sanctuary in Worchester Vermont there is a labyrinth. The labyrinth was bult many years ago by the community of Druids. Myself and my sons were involved with the building, bringing many rocks from a nearby river. Now the labyrinth has tall hazelnut trees around it perimeter and is over grown with wild strawberries which are yummy. Many little snakes like to hang out here and slither off as you walk through. It is known as the “Serpent” temple. It is the Yin to the Yang of the “Dragon temple” which is a stone circle up the hill. Many walk the labyrinth finding peace and presence in this simple meditation in motion. I felt drawn to work here one day, as it is a source of nourishment for many and I wanted to give back to the temple itself in a way that felt significant.

In the very center of the labyrinth is this metal “ball” structure. It felt like the perfect place to work. I loved adding flowers to the structure making more of a three dimensional mandala. The ferns, Oak, Beech and other tree leaves were ones who called to me as I walked to the labyrinth asking to be included in the artwork. This was one of those times where I felt like the energies, and medicines of the plants and flowers themselves that I use in these works of art, have a truly deeper significance that is mostly unknown to me. I just listen. I listen to them and I follow my instincts as I work.

A stone at the start of the labyrinth also wanted some adornment. It had a metal spiral on it, which I lifted to place the rose in. I have worked with roses most of my life. They are powerful flowers which hold a lot of meaning. My Grandmother, a Catholic, used to pray to Saint Teresa for me. She was the young Saint who showered the earth in roses. I swear I used to find roses in the oddest places as a young adult in the middle of a busy city street for example. Whenever this happened I knew my Grandmother was at it again! Praying to Saint Teresa for me. I also want to mention my father’s affiliation with the Rosicrucian, a secret, mystical society associated with the rose.

But the rose also has a tie to the Dagon, and sacred geometry, and the sacred feminine divine. It’s beauty, fragrance, and thorny protection has often been the inspiration for poetry and prose. We all know if it’s connection to love being the primary flower given to lovers and partners for many centuries now. To me the rose has a power packed yet subtle energy. I always feel like it’s opening my heart chakra. Whether I am taking it’s medicine internally, tasting something with rose flavoring, or simply smelling a rose deeply, it always goes straight to my heart.

There is also a singing bowl at the start of the labyrinth which I placed flowers inside in the rain water that had gathered there, and around the outside of the bowl. This made for three significant splashed of color in the green landscape. I’m not yet sure the significance of this yet, but I did get a feeling of the three cauldrons when I looked at them. The three cauldrons are sort of like the Celtic version of the Chakras there are only three instead of the seven from Hindu traditions.