How our labyrinths came to life 

We invited Susan Trumpfheller to conduct a dowsing workshop at Lodestar Gardens in November of 2011. We heard about her reputation as dowser who created labyrinths on the ocean beaches of the west coast of the U.S. Once the labyrinths were created, she conducted ceremonies setting intentions of world peace and thereafter, the high tides rolled and carried the labyrinth’s message around the world through its waterways. 

The master dowser consented and eleven workshop participants learned dowsing techniques. During the workshop, Susan dowsed a perfect spot In a quiet corner on the eastern side of our property to create her first labyrinth on land in the high desert of Arizona. On that sunny autumn afternoon, eleven of us followed her instructions and we constructed a Creton Labyrinth, the design of which is one of the most commonly found world over. 

It takes many hands to build the design. Eleven workshop attendees were keenly aware they were participating in an ancient practice. They learned that for centuries, communities all over the world have come together and created spaces designated for walkers to feel safety, solace, reflection, and sacred, intimate time with the energies of the Earth.

Nineteen years later, this labyrinth friend of ours has accumulated on her paths thousands of footsteps and dozens of gifts from grateful walkers– stones from around the world, petrified wood, shells, personal gifts, and our family of crystals. We have had as many as fifteen people huddled together inside the inner circle of the labyrinth hands outstretched to the sky. For years we have laid inside the labyrinth and observed constellations, full moons, and eclipses.

Many walkers feel her powerful and soothing energy and leave re-energized. Some walkers pour out their concerns and worry with each step into the labyrinth’s accepting earth. People who stay with us awhile and frequently walk the labyrinth find clarity and direction in their lives. The Labyrinth has hosted couples in marriage ceremonies, children in yoga workshops, Airbnb guests exploring the property, and very importantly Clark, Barbara, and our dogs as we take our nightly walk before bedtime. This is a living labyrinth and it grows stronger with every footstep. 

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