Mystery of the Labyrinth

The Aistear Labyrinth was created in the autumn of 2002. It is constructed in the grass below the Maze on the Southern end of the Aistear. The pathway is cut at lawn level, while the higher grass creates the boundary of the path.

The lunations were added in autumn 2004 and are made of two hundred and fifty hornbeam plants. The plants are trained on wire to create the cusps and foils which are particular to the eleven circuit design of the Chartres Labyrinth.

The lunations are the two third circles with cusps/points that comprise the outside ring of the Labyrinth.

There are one hundred and eleven foils and one hundred and twelve cusps, which circle the outside ring of the Labyrinth in one unbroken unity, leaving the entrance or mouth of the Labyrinth clearly visible.

Located in the quadrants of the Labyrinth are the labrys. These are the double edge symbols visible at the turns of the pathways which are traditionally associated with femine power and creativity.

There are ten labrys in the Labyrinth which have been planted with white flowering winter heathers and seasonal flowers. Viewed from the entrance to the Labyrinth or from overhead, they form a cruciform.

The centre of the Labyrinth is shaped in the design of a six-petalled rose. The rose is a symbol of Mary the Divine Mother and in the mystical tradition the rose is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Red roses have been planted in the rose-petalled shape and purple heathers define its centre.

The Labyrinth design is sculpted in the rock at the centre of the ground Labyrinth. A clear crystal has been placed in its centre, symbolising the ancient knowledge and beauty inherent in this sacred pattern.