Jill K H Geoffrion Bird Seed Labyrinth Construction 2002

Bird Seed Labyrinth Construction
Made During a Winter Contemplative Praying Retreat

The Rev. Jill K H Geoffrion, Ph.D.
Portrait © Marilyn Larsen

We were scheduled for a labyrinth retreat. We thought we would be praying the labyrinth. Little did we know we would first build one, and then pray it!

We had just learned about the 7 circuit seed pattern. Once we understood how to draw it, we were challenged to go make one on the frozen Minnesotan lake. So, on that cold, snowy February Tuesday morning we bundled up and went outside to see if we could make a labyrinth out of birdseed on the fresh snow. We decided to call it the "Peace to All Creatures Labyrinth." Before beginning, we dedicated it to the well-being of all who might find it, whether they be humans, animals, or birds.

We used plastic buckets full of cheap sunflower seeds (a 50 pound bag bought at Home Depot for $8.99) and drew the seed pattern. First the cross, then the four corner brackets, and then the four dots.

If the photos look a little cloudy to you, we apologize. It was a very cloudy and grey day!

Then we started pouring out the "walls" of the labyrinth. Notice how small our buckets were. We would recommend bigger ones so they don't have to be refilled so often.

We had about an hour allocated for this, so we kept moving--pouring out the "walls" and hoping that the paths would connect! (Remember, we hadn't done this before and we weren't convinced it was going to work!)

It took less than the hour to make. We were amazed to actually walk it to the center where we prayed together.

It was much easier and more fun to do than we expected.

The only problem we encountered was the overwhelming flood of ideas about where else we could make labyrinths!

Over the course of the next week The Animal Lovers Labyrinth had many visitors. Some who enjoyed its seeds of peace; others who enjoyed its sunflower seeds. It was a totally biodegradable labyrinth--good for us, good for all!

If we can make a seven circuit labyrinth, so can you!

We hope you will!

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