The labyrinth is an ancient symbol, a spiral not a maze; you cannot get lost and it is intended as a walking meditation, not a game or puzzle. From rock paintings to basket weavings to inlaid floors of 1,000-year-old French cathedrals, labyrinths have been used by a wide variety of cultures for at least 3,500 years.
Walking slowly and consciously from the entrance to the centre is an immensely calming and insightful process. The single path to the centre links the left and right brain as you turn one way then the other. By the time you arrive at the centre you are relaxed, present and alert and focused. Even a simple ‘lap labyrinth’ on a board that you trace the path on with your finger, can have the same beneficial effects.
The 100-foot diameter labyrinth at Innisfree Farm and Botanic Garden (3636 Trent Road, Courtenay) has been recently renovated and renewed with pure white oyster shells that gleam and almost seem to glow in the moonlight. To honour and celebrate the full moons over the summer months, Innisfree Farm and Botanic Garden will offer a free community event from May to September to walk the labyrinth by moonlight.
With the glorious voice of Joanna Finch, songstress extraordinaire, to lead us in sacred song, we will walk, pray and joyfully greet the full moon rising over the trees.
Come at 10:45 p.m. for a cup of hot herbal tea, going into the labyrinth at 11 p.m. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the walk.
This series of full moon labyrinth ceremonies is offered by donation to the Botanic Garden at Innisfree Farm and to the Gardens without Borders not-for-profit providing horticulture therapy.
The full moon labyrinth walks go May 21, June 20, July 19, Aug. 18, Sept. 16. For registration and information call 250 336 8767 or visit innisfreefarm.ca