Following the next story, there are examples of how to create the oldest labyrinth design, the Classical Labyrinth. Don't stop there, if you so desire, let yourself explore making labyrinths that seem difficult or complex, you will find some of them, very simple. If it does indeed become overwhelming, go back to the simplest design. Remember that your curiosity and intention is the most important gift that you will bring to making a labyrinth.

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What I Did on My Summer Vacation
© by Diane Terry-Kehner, USA

Wednesday, August 13th, 2003 was a warm but misty day at the New Jersey shore. I was with my family on our annual two week vacation in a condo that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Each day, I drew a different type or size labyrinth on the beach. Right and left turning classicals of 3, 7, 11 and even 15 circuits took their turns, along with some Santa Rosas and Hopi Mother and Child labyrinths. But this day I wanted to try something I had never drawn before, not even on paper: A Chartres. I made a quick sketch from a picture in a book, slipped it into my beach bag, grabbed my drawing stick, said a little prayer, and made my way to the beach.

The tide was nearly out and I was led away down the shore to a particular spot where the sand was smooth and empty. Using my body as a compass, I drew the center circle, then ever growing concentric circles, keeping track of the count in my head. I was aware that people were watching my efforts with great curiosity. A few asked questions while I worked, which I gladly answered. Finally, the 12th circle was complete, and I took out my sketch to see where to draw the switch-backs and cut in for the entrance and goal. It was much easier than I thought it would be to eye things up and give the right proportions to the four quarters. Although it was by no means a perfect Chartres, the damp sand was very forgiving of my mistakes, and shortly I began to round off the turns and add the six petals in the goal. I decided to leave out the lunations. Erasing the lines between the turns with my feet, the labryses appeared. I was very excited.

By now, several people were gathered around listening to me explain the origins and purposes of the Chartres labyrinth while I finished my work. One man, who spoke with a slight accent, revealed that he was French-Canadian. I lived in France for two years and speak French fluently, so our conversation switched seamlessly into French. What a thrill to have just drawn my first Chartres and to be discussing it in the language of the country where it was created! Then he called his family over and explained the whole thing to them in French.

Before I realized it, people were already on the labyrinth, following the spiraling paths in awe. More and more people flocked to the labyrinth: tiny toddlers, children, teenagers, moms and dads, grandparents. Dozens and dozens of people walked right out of the mist to enter the Chartres labyrinth, journey to the center and back out again. I was warmly thanked many times.

Later that day after I returned to our condo, I looked down the beach to the spot where I had drawn. Although it was too far away to make out the lines, I could still see people in the mist walking round and round, back and forth, pausing in the center and retracing their steps. And in the evening the rising tide claimed another labyrinth as my gift to the ocean.

Three Circuit Classical Labyrinth

Seven Circuit Classical Labyrinth

To make right turning three or seven circuit Classical Labrinths...