From Iowa to Illinois to New Jersey labyrinths drew us to them. Moline and East Moline, Illinois, have two associated with churches. Unity Center’s seven circuit labyrinth is a small affair placed in a huge field. Practically arranged for easy maintenance, it lacks the grace, depth and spirituality I associate with other labyrinths. But, the sun offered an interesting view and the walk was more like skipping, so it had a light quality to it.
First Presbyterian labyrinth, East Moline, IL
First Presbyterian Church of East Moline has a carefully mowed 11 circuit labyrinth that fits the space. Very easy to maintain and is used often. As we drove up, two pilgrims welcomed us. Walking it was a lovely experience as the sun set and cast long shadows. A deeply spiritual feel to the walk and space.
Of course my favorite labyrinth ever is the Children’s Labyrinth in the Holford’s front yard. When they moved in several years ago the area was a neglected rock garden. After the majority of the work on the house was done – clearing out the old and heavy energy, infusing it with Richard and Susan’s brands of energy – mathematical and artistic, they turned their attention to the yard. A neighbor had a small seven-circuit labyrinth in their back yard and so the adventure began. They smoothed the area, hauled in rocks from the ledge, received lovely rocks from friends and have in the center a green puddingstone that is simply delectable. It is just the right center stone. Richard studied labyrinths, calculated, designed and created the lines. Then, together they finished the project. I visit each time we are in Denville as it
is a spiritual place, one that welcomes fairies and waifs like me alike. And bears, too! The space is just right, nestled among the pines and firs, setting high above the road. Lovely to regard from inside and warming to view from outside in.
Next door, I padded on the soft pine needle ground as Susan watched and shared the history of their labyrinth.
Claire P arranged for us to visit a professionally crafted labyrinth in Mendham, NJ. The Quellen Spiritual Center houses a profoundly attractive labyrinth. A mason created the labyrinth and Henry P, who is a woodworker and who loves stone, was intrigued with the design, intricacy and quality of the labyrinth laid in 2007. Claire commented on the benches housed in the shade. Rich counted the steps. I loved the view from the rise above the labyrinth space. The labyrinth fit into the flat area with evergreens on one side, the complementary colored Quellen Center on two sides and a lawn that dropped away, creating a vista of sorts on the fourth side. Only reluctantly did I begin the outward journey – not wanting to re-integrate, just like I didn’t want to return to Iowa at that moment. But the return went well – metaphorically and literally. And, the drive from Quad Cities along the small roads and into CR from the East felt OK to do.
At my first chance, I walked the Laughing Labyrinth and was astonished at the profusion of Black Eyed Susans, and charmed by the appearance of the moon glow lily. Being home was settling as I sorted different pieces of information and conclusions revealed themselves.
Soon, I will walk the Prairie Labyrinth and see the changes.
1080 Labyrinth 