Unlike a maze, designed to confound and confuse, a labyrinth has a single (unicursal) visible path that leads to the center and out again.  KCT’s labyrinth is laid out in the ‘classical 7-circuit’ pattern whose geometry has been found on ancient archeological sites dating back thousands of years.  The origins, purpose and early spread of this labyrinth pattern across continents and cultures remains a mystery.  

Historic examples include petrographs in Goa, southern India, rocky constructions on the Solovetsky Islands of Russia, prehistoric cave drawings in Val Camonica, Italy, the legendary labyrinth of King Minos depicted on 5th C BCE coins from Knossos, Greece and the ‘Man in the Maze’ symbol of the Native American Tohona O’odham people.  The Romans later adapted the pattern to be inlaid in mosaic floors and walls.  During the Middle Ages, labyrinths were adopted by the church, perhaps as an alternative form of pilgrimage.  One of the most famous remaining medieval labyrinths is that found inlaid in the stone-tiled floor of Chartres Cathedral in France, dating from the early 13th Century.

Over the last few decades, a revival of labyrinth building has taken place, often in public spaces such as parks, hospitals, schools, places of worship and gardens.  (Use this link for the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator!)  People all over the world have discovered its endless symbolism and capacity for taking us out of everyday life, time and direction.  The labyrinth doesn’t belong to any single culture, age or religion; there is no orthodoxy of tradition and no right or wrong way to walk it.  For many people it is an opportunity for quiet reflection or walking meditation and facilitates a ‘letting go’ of everyday busyness, thoughts and stress.  Some people come to it with a question, others for encouragement or insight in time of pain or change.  One school of thought describes ‘releasing’ as one walk in, pausing to ‘receive’ at the center and ‘returning’ back to the world integrating what has been received.

The KCT labyrinth is here for you to enjoy your own unique experience each time you visit.  It is intentionally made to be accessible, natural and set in the most beautiful surroundings.  You are invited to share your reflections and experience with others, should you wish.