Four Quarters Labyrinth

Join us as we Continue our Construction in 2013! Spring: April 13, 2013! Fall: Samhain: November 2, 2013!   And more Labyrinth Photos Here! Have you seen our Labyrinth? Four Quarters’ Labyrinth is 84 feet in diameter, containing a single winding path to the Center, which then winds its way back out again. This is not a maze, but a purposeful path. The design is unique to Four Quarters, based on an ancient Cretan layout. The Labyrinth sits on the highest hill of Four Quarters, near Main Parking.  To walk the Labyrinth is a journey of almost one-half mile; it covers over 5,500 square feet and is being constructed of granite curbing blocks, sunk deep into the Earth. We build things to last here at Four Quarters, and we like them BIG!It didn’t magically appear there; hard work and dedicated members are making it happen. Its story follows…Labyrinths and Four Quarters have a long history. A labyrinth was part of the Church’s letterhead, logo and welcome sign. Temporary labyrinths were created for ritual to provide a meditative opportunity for spiritual seekers. The labyrinth was such a popular and compelling archetype that members felt it was important to have a permanent one on the Land. With the encouragement of the Board of Directors, the Labyrinth Committee began raising funds for construction in 2002.The Labyrinth is being constructed of granite curbing stones, with unfinished sections mowed into the grass. It has quickly become a popular feature at the Farm, and has been a part of many Events, Moon Services, private celebrations, Handfastings, and personal meditations. Our Labyrinth is always open, and in the evening is lit by solar lights; it is a great place to see the night sky in all its glory. Because of this ideal location, we mark the Summer and Winter Solstice Sunrise and Sunsets from the center. Four tall wooden poles on the perimeter of our Labyrinth mark where the Solstice Sun sets and rises. Standing in the center of the circle, face these poles; behind them on the horizon is the place where the Solstice Sun set and rose. When our Labyrinth is completed, these locations will be marked with Standing Stones. Through various fundraisers and through very generous donations of members and guests, the first stones were purchased in 2005, with a second purchase in early 2010. Construction started at Samhain ’05, and has continued each Samhain and early Spring. As of November 2012, 219 stones are now in place, and ~ 330 feet of the Labyrinth is now “set in stone!” Approximately 28% of the labyrinth construction is now complete! While very pleased at this growth, over 850 feet remain to be constructed, and about 1/3 of the stone needed remains to be purchased. Everyone’s support is needed for this project; this will be a work of years, stone by stone. How can you help the Labyrinth? •   You can support the fundraising by Sponsoring a Stone for $20, or just by giving a donation.•   Volunteer for the Labyrinth Committee—Dedicated folks who know how to Work and have Fun doing it!•   Get Down and Dirty!—Help us dig and lay the stone at Samhain and in the Spring-Watch the Forum for Dates!•   2013 Construction dates: April/May TBD, and Samhain, October 26.For more information and details, visit our link on the 4QF Forum or contact Carrie Krystek This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (703) 786-1880 Why Walk the Labyrinth?Labyrinths are walked as a form of meditation and celebration, and in the walking the spirit finds healing and wholeness. There is no absolutely “right” way to walk the Labyrinth!  Walk slow, moderate, or fast; walk with one foot in front of other or dance! Most walk alone, but you may choose to walk with another. It may be used to quiet the mind. You may silently repeat a phrase or mantra. You can pause now and then to record your thoughts in a journal. If you pray, this can be thought of as a body prayer. It can also be used as a dance of celebration or joy.You do not need a lot of concentration when Walking the Labyrinth. The sheer act of walking helps to discharge energy and focus the mind. We suggest that when preparing to walk you reflect upon what issues confront you. This helps you into a receptive and quieted state in which insights will come forward and inspiration will be received.Labyrinth Donor Honor RollWade BauerDenise ScottWilliam WurtzelEd MickleClarissa MickleRobin T.Lucinda V.The Pauls/Stevenson-Perez FamilyBill StaihoviakZone and Zonal PatcherSharon SickafuseScorch and the DC Radical FairiesRena DamskyJim DonovanMarcia BourgeoisBrendan RichHerschel NelsonWalter Weaving EagleJames and Deb FlorczykVictoria SmithAllysa Crews

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