This land is filled with magic. Angele & Richard Ortega, the former owners of the Retreat Center, shares the enchanting creation story of our Labyrinth:
“I have often wondered how sacred sites get the amazing energy that they seem to hold. Here is my personal experience of how this phenomena takes place.
When the Center first opened we hired some earth moving machinery to do some major landscaping changes. We connected with the Spirits of the Land and asked permission to clear and level certain areas. While the equipment was here we had a large flat circular area leveled off and cleared to the south of our Tipi site. Our intent for this site was rather vague, maybe it would become a native medicine wheel or a Labyrinth site. After the rocks were pushed off to the sides and a large flat area was etched we left it sit, not knowing what to do next. The seasons came and went and weeds and thistles filled the site.
When we were planning our 2004 season we received a call from a woman in Vancouver that wanted to do a workshop titled Building a Labyrinth – Accessing the Power of Personal Ritual. Her plans include building one onsite. It felt to me as if a Labyrinth for the Center was being birthed. Spirit had given us the ingredients that were needed to take the next step.
As the date for the workshop approached the facilitator called to say she was not going to be able to make it. I contacted all the registered participants and suggested that we work as a team and do the Labyrinth ourselves. The response was “Yes, lets continue.” I did some quick reading and figured out the construction details for the project and continued with a weeks worth of site preparation, preparing a forty-two foot level circle with industrial landscaping fabric covered with a deep layer of sawdust.
After the introductory portion of the workshop we headed over to the banks of the Lardeau River, to collect river rock for the Labyrinth. The group of us held a sacred ceremony to connect with the Spirits of the Earth to ask permission to take rocks for our Labyrinth. We selected the rocks in silence and headed back to the Retreat Center when the truck box was full. The rest of the day was spent laying out the concentric circles, designing the entrance and turning points, as well as placing the rocks with sacred intent. When the day ended we had three quarters of the Labyrinth completed. The next morning we headed back to the river for a second batch of river rocks.
When we approached the Labyrinth to finish the pattern I ceremoniously moved the stones near the entrance, opening the gateways into the various walking paths. This was done so that we would not step over any of the rock path walls. The next three hours were spent completing the pattern. When the group of us were satisfied with the work, we all came out of the Labyrinth. Coming out last, I bent down and closed off the various gateways to complete the Labyrinth design before I exited. The group of us stood outside the Labyrinth and I felt the huge rush of energy coming up from the Earth out of the middle of the Labyrinth up into the sky. I looked to both sides and noticed the people had astonished looks on their faces as they had experienced the same energy rush.
Later in the day we held an opening ceremony where we dedicated the Labyrinth to the Spirits of the Land by conducting a smudge ceremony with sage, cedar and sweetgrass. We then presented four hand painted directional rocks that we had made as gifts to the Labyrinth and placed them in their appropriate places. Once again the overall energy of the Center increased and a sense of deep connection prevailed.
I believe that we as individuals can create sacred space simply with our intent. When the will, the mind and the heart are all focused on the same outcome
miracles do happen.” ~Richard Ortega, April/May 2006 for Issues magazine
Upon hearing this tale, I delved into the world of labyrinths, exploring their significance and historical background. Much of their history remains elusive, yet I believe we can still forge a connection with the ancestors who designed these purposeful spaces. Whether we use them for self-reflection, to connect with nature, to chant mantras, to engage with various deities, or to ponder the vast universe, these spaces hold great importance for humanity, inviting us to explore their mysteries. Here’s what I found:
Labyrinths can be seen as symbols of a journey, where individuals traverse a path leading to salvation or enlightenment. Throughout history, various mystical teachings have interpreted them as intricate maps representing the spiritual journey.
The four-axis medieval patterns likely evolved from Roman designs, yet they showcase greater diversity in the way the four quadrants are outlined. Many medieval examples feature a Minotaur or other demonic threats at their center. The “Chartres” pattern, named after its presence in Chartres Cathedral, stands out as the most prevalent medieval design, with appearances in manuscripts dating back to the 9th century.
The labyrinth design does not have a known starting point and serves as a universal archetype in human consciousness. These patterns appear globally, from ancient petroglyphs to Native American basket designs and various artworks. The earliest known labyrinth was a two-story stone structure in Egypt, as noted by the Greek historian Herodotus, but the term itself originates from the Cretan myth involving Ariadne, Theseus, and the Minotaur, which is also depicted on ancient Cretan coins. During the Christian Middle Ages, labyrinths were commonly created with colored stones in cathedral floors, particularly in Europe. Over time, they evolved into turf or hedge mazes, especially popular in England.
The seven pathways of the Cretan labyrinth align with the seven sacred planetary spheres, the seven principles of humanity and the universe, the seven days of the week, and various other interpretations of the number seven. Journeying to the labyrinth’s center and back symbolizes the universe’s cycles of flux, involution and evolution, reflecting the birth and death from earthly existence. It represents a deep exploration into our inner selves, looking for completeness, and the search for our origins.
The intricate design of any labyrinth mirrors the flow of vital energies within us, resembling the twists and turns of the brain and intestines—two essential aspects of our being that relate to our consciousness and its physical form. Navigating the labyrinth serves to unify all facets of our existence into a harmonious whole.
The labyrinth, akin to the serpent, the flood, and the trinity, represents a Jungian archetype seen in ancient rock art. This circular unicursal design embodies the cosmos, wholeness, and unity, symbolizing the spiritual journey of life. Beyond being just a garden feature, it offers a tranquil, secluded space that helps focus the mind. Walking the labyrinth is akin to returning to the womb and embarking on an inward journey, with emerging from it signifying a form of rebirth.
In recent times, many labyrinths have been built in places like churches, hospitals, and parks. These spaces are frequently utilized for reflection; as one navigates the twists and turns, they often lose their sense of direction and disconnect from the external world, allowing for a peaceful mind.
With this all in mind we hope you take the time to explore your inner realms in this space that has been dedicated to the land. It is a good thing to connect to the physical place where we do our work and at the retreat center a lot of healing work is done. This may be a good spot to integrate after ceremonies, sweats, sharing circles or whatever ritual you have taken part in during your stay with us.
