 | | The labyrinth and Zodiac Garden |
In a muddy clearing between the willow trees that elegantly drape the riverbank we stand, a huddle of women, less than elegantly dressed for the cold. Laughing and gossiping we wait, looking to the sky, speculating on where in the heaven above us the moon will appear. In summer it's easy, we know the moon will hang low just above the water along the river towards the town centre. In winter it can be difficult, there’s always so much cloud. Some months we don't see her at all. But tonight we are lucky – there she rides, high above the trees over towards the road. It is time. We make our way back over the bridge and up the steps between the yews to the entrance of the labyrinth. The Zodiac Garden that sweeps in an arc around the labyrinth is barren at this time of year but there still to remind us as above, so below. All things have their place in the pattern of creation. Contemplation The mood among us is more subdued now as we attempt to light our lanterns in the wind. Turning in, we begin to contemplate the year behind us, our triumphs and our failures. In silence we join hands and breathe deep, banishing mundane cares and concerns from our thoughts. Together we focus on the ground beneath our feet and the crisp cold air on our faces, until we feel fully present in the moment. We break circle. Stepping forward to the threshold of the labyrinth I remind myself of Tchenka's advice to fit my breathing to a number of steps. As I follow the winding pathway (there are no choices to be made in the labyrinth) memories of events through the year rise up. I realise just how stressful mothering two teenage boys has been, what a roller coaster my daughters first pregnancy was, how becoming a grandmother has given me a new confidence that all will be well. Looking out over the labyrinth as I walk I see the others, dark shapes weaving to and fro, making their private journey to the centre. I feel moved that we are making this journey together at the solstice, the turning of the year. Despite petty squabbles and misunderstandings, bonded by faith, we still honour each other as daughters of the goddess. Cleansed Reaching the centre I stand for a few minutes to clear my head, to give thanks for my life in this place, this time. I shed the worries I have carried through the year and ask the goddess for insight in the year to come.
 | | The labyrinth and Zodiac Garden |
Again I follow the winding path out from the centre. I try to keep my mind open, my breath in time with my footsteps. A sudden awareness of bone, muscle, pulsing blood, sweeps through me. This is what it is to be alive! All the rest, the worries over children’s progress, money hassles, what possibilities lie ahead for me as a middle-aged woman, these are all the surface things of life. Stay focused, the labyrinth tells me, on the miracle of animated blood and bone, on what a wonder it is simply to be alive in the world. I reach the threshold, my journey done. Waiting for the others to join me I feel lighter, optimistic at the thought of a new year and grateful for the teaching of the labyrinth. The labyrinth and Zodiac Garden in Wensum Park was designed by Tchenka Jane Sunderland and laid out with assistance from Norwich City Council. | 
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