The labyrinth at the Benediktushof

We will build a labyrinth was the theme of a workshop by Beatrice Grimm from May 19 to 23 in 2004. Because it was meant literally, a new labyrinth was created in this workshop.

The labyrinth should be a Classical one with 7 paths and a larger center. Such a labyrinth could be found in Jeff Saward's journal Caerdroia Nr. 33. Just a few years ago archaeologists found a block of marble with a labyrinth engraved at Knidos in the Southwest of Turkey, dated to the 6th to 7th centuries AC. Therefore this type of labyrinth is as old as the origins of the Benediktushof.

More about the Knidos labyrinth here >

This knot on a Medieval pillar in the Zendo is in its structure a sign for the labyrinth. The pattern of the Classical labyrinth is made out of 9 points. On the Chinese bell in the yard you can also see patterns of 9 points, meaning abundance and perfection.

The labyrinth was built with love and enthusiasm. Since the first moment of its origin people walked the labyrinth.

The first labyrinth (diameter 18 m) was too large for the area. The definitive labyrinth has a diameter of 14,40 m, the pathways are 50 cm large, seperated with small hills of 30 cm, all is made out of grass.

The way in measures 182 m. Walking inside and outside you cover 364 m. All things, like the exact position, how to build the labyrinth, what kind of material to use, was discussed with the landscape gardeners.

The realisation was done with the help of workshop participants and longer staying house guests.

To get the water away grooves had to be built. This was a very hard labour in the heavy ground containing loam. The rain softened all to pulp, the sun burned it to concrete.

But finally all was prepared to to put the turf on earth.

This was the day of the expert gardeners (August 17th, 2004), who layed the 2 years old turf across the labyrinth.

In the time from July 3rd, 2004 till the day of inauguration on November 14th, 2004 the new labyrinth at the Benediktushof was created.

The labyrinth: A spiritual path in a Center for Spiritual Paths.

Attractive, beautiful and charming.

We are coming from the shadow and are wandering to the light.

Angaangaq, Shaman, spiritual healer, and an Elder from the Eskimo-Kalaallit, was visiting the Benediktushof on October 19th, 2007. He wants make melting the ice in the hearts of man, to make us understand that we can no longer let melt the ice cap of Greenland.

More about that on this website ... Link >

Angaangaq makes P. Willigis a present at the fireplace, and wishes all the best for him.

Standing Eagle, Shaman and spiritual healer from the tribe of the Sonoran Yaqui Line at Colorado, was on the Benediktushof from November 18 to 20, 2007, for a symposion "Healing".
He was initiated to the Tewa Pueblo tradition through his grandmother as a little child.

More information about him here ... Link >

For more pictures of the labyrinth please go to the Photo Gallery under Holzkirchen >

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