• Announcing the TLS 2010 Online Auction!

  We are pleased to announce an exciting TLS fundraising campaign for April 2010, and we invite and need your participation!
     
  The Labyrinth Society has partnered with Bidding for Good, for this online auction event. Their unique website connects consumers and advertisers with organizations through an online auction. The website provides an avenue where donations, bids, and the excitement of the auction, may easily be accessed.
     
  Take a brief tour of their website to view auctions from other organizations and see the kinds of items that could be donated to our TLS auction. Just imagine the variety of unique products and experiences, entertainment tickets, gift cards, wine, gourmet products, trips, hotels, retreats, art, collectibles, home, garden, books, jewelry, labyrinth items, etc., which could be donated for our TLS auction! 
     
  When you decide to donate, navigate to the official TLS Auction Site, where you will be guided through registration and donation. If you would like to include an image of your donated item, be prepared to uplaod a small picture (120 x 120 pixels max. @ 72 pixels per inch). Once you have registered, you can follow the auction throughout April. You may also donate or bid repeatedly, or follow the excitement as you watch others participate!

  Your participation and generous donations to this event are so valuable to The Labyrinth Society. As part of our thanks to you, TLS will hold a drawing on May 17, 2010, with a one-time "name in the hat", for everyone who bids or donates to the fundraiser. The prize for this drawing will be a one-year Supporting membership (new, renewal or gift membership) to The Labyrinth Society, valued at $75!   
     
  The success of this fundraiser depends on the energy of all, and the event is open to both TLS members and non-members. Tell your family, friends, fellow labyrinth enthusiasts, your spiritual community, your book club, etc. Donate, bid often, and have fun! 
   
  Many thanks,
  Lilla and Sherry
  TLS Online Auction Committee
  
  Lilla Gidlow and Sherry Biltz may be contacted by email, and are available to help with your donation process.

• Call for Workshop Proposals now open for the 2010 Annual Gathering

  ANNOUNCING the Call for Workshop Proposals is now open for the 2010 Annual Gathering

  The 2010 Annual Conference Gathering will be held November 12-14, 2010, in New Harmony, Indiana.  Concurrent workshops will be offered, and all TLS members are invited to submit a proposal for consideration.  Proposal forms are now available for download on the TLS website.  Proposals must be received by March 31, 2010, to be considered.

• TLS World Labyrinth Day 2010

  Save the date! Tell your friends! The first Saturday in May is World Labyrinth Day, and you’re invited to share in this 2nd annual global celebration on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
  
  World Labyrinth Day is intended as a day that brings people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion, or a practice. It could be a day to inform and educate the public, host walks, build permanent and/or temporary labyrinths, or make labyrinth art. There are only right ways to celebrate World Labyrinth Day, and we encourage you to ’find your way.’
  
  While the entire day is open to celebration, there is once again an invitation to ‘Walk as One at 1.’ You can participate by walking a labyrinth in your time zone at 1:00 PM, to join a wave of peaceful energy as the world turns. Some enjoy walking the labyrinth with a group, but participation can be as simple as walking a finger labyrinth by yourself.
  
  The Labyrinth Locator has a listing of World Labyrinth Day locations. Use the 'Advanced Search' to find a location near you, and please add your location if you haven't done this already.
  
  The TLS Events Calendar has listings of World Labyrinth Day events. To add your event, contact the TLS Events Calendar Coordinator.
  
  You can also view a map of World Labyrinth Day 2009 locations, by searching for "World Labyrinth Day 2009" at the Google Maps website! 
  
  For more information, visit the TLS website, or contact the World Labyrinth Day Coordinator, Stephanie Blackton.
   

• Shop Online and Help Support TLS

  Are you in need of a gift? Do you shop online? Would you like to help support TLS? 

  By clicking on any “Shop Amazon.com” link via the TLS website, you will automatically be connected to Amazon’s extensive collection of books, electronics, gifts, and well - anything! …And the best part? When you make your purchase, a portion of your purchase will be sent to the Labyrinth Society! 

  Would you like TLS-specific merchandise? At the TLS Cafe Press online store you can purchase clothing, bags, caps, buttons, stickers, mugs, and many more items - all with the TLS logo. Check it out!

  
   

• TLS Online Auction Event Coming Soon!

  The Labyrinth Society will be participating in an exciting online auction event, beginning in April 2010. This event is specifically designed to raise money for our organization. Watch for future emails to learn more about how you can participate. It's going to be an exciting event...donors and bidders are welcome! 

• The 2010 Gathering Team Needs Your Help!

  We are looking for one or more volunteers to research local transportation for people coming to the 2010 Gathering. Transportation options are needed between the following airports and New Harmony, Indiana:

  • St Louis, MO
  • Louisville, KY
  • Evansville, IN 

  Volunteers are needed to manage bookings for each of these locations. If you would like to volunteer, please email Cordelia Rose, Gathering Committee Co-chair, or call: (575) 539-2868.
   

• Labyrinth Quilt Project for the 2010 TLS Annual Gathering Silent Auction

  We are looking for 9 – 16 quilters among the TLS membership to volunteer to piece one block each for a collaborative quilt, which will be available during the Silent Auction at the 2010 Annual Gathering. The final quilt will be a 54” square, 7-circuit labyrinth, designed by Ben Nicholson. Patterns, fabric, and instructions, will be provided by Laura Foster Nicholson, of LFN Textiles. Laura will arrange for the blocks to be sewn together, backed, and quilted, and will provide backing and batting materials to finish the quilt. Laura is also looking for a quilter’s guild to volunteer to sew these blocks together and to quilt the labyrinth. If you believe your guild would be interested in doing this, please contact Laura as soon as possible.
  
  Please contact Laura to indicate your interest in participating, by January 15, 2010. At that time kits, including pattern and materials, will be sent to each quilter. Finished blocks should be returned to LFN Textiles by April 1, 2010, for final assembly & quilting. Laura may also be reached by phone at: (812) 682-3733, or by mail, at: LFN Textiles, P.O. Box 122, New Harmony, IN 47631.
  
  The finished quilt will be sold in the Silent Auction at the TLS Annual Gathering in New Harmony in November 2010. The Silent Auction supports the scholarship fund of TLS. This will be the 12th Annual Gathering of The Labyrinth Society, and it is due to the generosity of our members that we are able to provide scholarships to support attendance each year.

• Labyrinth Quilt Exhibition for the TLS 2010 Annual Gathering, Curated by LFN Textiles

  Call for entries: Laura Foster Nicholson and LFN Textiles are sponsoring an exhibition of labyrinth quilts for the 2010 Gathering in New Harmony. If you are a quilter or know someone who quilts, please consider submitting your work for consideration for the show.

  Submission guidelines:

  • It must depict a labyrinth as some or all of the pattern
  • Hand or machine quilted accepted
  • Open to TLS members and non-members
  • Original work only – no kits. Quilt must be ready to hang on the wall
  • Space is limited so please limit size to approximately 36” square
  • Exhibiting artist is responsible for shipping costs in both directions

  Email Laura Nicholson, or call 812-682-3733 for an entry form or additional information. The deadline for receipt of entry is September 1, 2010.
   

• Tales From the Labyrinth - A 2009 Gathering Retrospective

  Following each TLS Gathering, member Lea Goode-Harris, posts a compelling retrospective of her Gathering experience on her blog, "Tales from the Labyrinth." Visit her blog to read the 2009 Gathering retrospective post and to see how labyrinth enthusiasts from around the world "created space for spirit" in Portland, Oregon!

• TLS Silent Auction 2009

  Each year the Silent Auction presents an array of items, from books and finger labyrinths, to original art work, short massages, and weekend stays in nice resorts. 

  Revenues from the Silent Auction go towards funding TLS scholarships, offered to those in need to help offset the cost of attending the Annual Gathering. Thanks to the generosity of this year’s winning bids, a total of $1,321.00 was collected for the scholarship fund. Many thanks to all of you who donated items for this year's auction, and for those of you who supported the auction with your bids!

  Items for the auction are often labyrinth related, but we will accept anything that will raise scholarship funds. Do you have items that need a new home? Bring them along next year for the silent auction at the 2010 Annual Gathering!
   

• Membership Survey Recap

  In August, the TLS Board of Directors conducted a survey of members and friends of TLS. We had a response rate of active members of over 40%. Many inactive members also responded. We considered the return rate to be excellent for an online survey. I would like to thank all who participated. The feedback provided valuable information for the board.

  Overall, the results were positive. Of those who responded, 82.3% agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend membership to others. Respondents also indicated general satisfaction with the resources offered on our website. For example, 76.2% agreed or strongly agreed that the TLS website provides information they need to support their labyrinth work. However, several indicated that accessing the Forum is problematic.

  Seventy-one per cent agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that the newsletter delivers information that supports their labyrinth interests. That, combined with 62% satisfaction with the frequency of the publication, indicated to the board a need to review the purpose and frequency of the publications that we offer.

  We also received useful opinions about our Annual Gatherings. Although 75% had attended only one or none of the annual gatherings, the individual comments offered by some respondents demonstrated concerns about location and cost. International members indicated difficulty attending Gatherings in the US.

  Over 100 respondents provided individual comments in the final section. This information was very helpful in identifying specific issues that could not be determined from the general items in the survey. Thank you again for taking the time to provide this valuable information!

  Survey results were reviewed by the board at their October meeting. Strategies to address your concerns were discussed and forwarded to the relevant committees. You will be hearing from us periodically, related to the survey and the board actions taken to respond to major concerns.

  Ellen Schultz, Membership Chair

• The Holiday Shopping Season is Here!

  Help support TLS and find your perfect holiday gifts by shopping at Amazon.com! By clicking on any “Shop Amazon.com” link via the TLS website, you will automatically be connected to Amazon’s extensive collection of books, electronics, gifts, and well - anything! …And the best part? When you make your purchase, a portion of your purchase will be sent to the Labyrinth Society! 

  Would you like TLS-specific merchandise? At the TLS Cafe Press online store you can purchase clothing, bags, caps, buttons, stickers, mugs, and many more items - all with the TLS logo. Check it out!

  Don’t forget… You can also give a gift of membership to TLS to the labyrinth enthusiasts in your life. Gift recipients are entitled to membership benefits and become part of a community that supports those who have brought the labyrinth into their lives.

  Is your special person already a TLS member? Consider a donation to The Labyrinth Society in his or her honor. Your gift will support labyrinth work world wide. In turn, the Labyrinth Society will send a card acknowledging your gift or donation.

  To give a gift membership or to make a tax-deductible (USA only) donation to The Labyrinth Society, please visit us online. For specific donation and gift-related information, email the TLS Executive Director, or contact the Executive Director by phone at 607-387-5863.

  The Labyrinth Society
  P.O. Box 736
  Trumansburg, New York 14886
  
   

• Have You Heard of TLS Energy Keepers?

  The Energy Keepers of The Labyrinth Society is a strong, active, and dedicated group of 165 members and also some non-members. Energy Keepers provide healing supportive energy for all TLS members, families and friends. This is a member benefit that is often overlooked, but is a great blessing that is available to all our members and their loved ones. Many have spoken of the shift that was experienced after an "energy request" was sent out.
  
  Energy Keepers treat requests for physical, emotional, and family support, but when the Energy Keepers were first organized into a group to serve TLS members, a great emphasis was on receiving support to get labyrinths accepted and built in our local communities. This kind of community and global support continues as our members are creating labyrinths all over the world.
  
  The Energy Keepers are a part of what makes TLS so remarkable, because of the intention to serve and to support our TLS vision statement: "To inspire possibilities and create connections through the labyrinth."
  
  Energy Keepers are free to treat each request as feels right for them using prayer, Reiki, visualization, or just sending energy of love and light and healing to the request. Many of us take the request into the labyrinth as we walk, finger-walk, or meditate the labyrinth. The effect of 165 people focusing positive intent on the request is powerful and a blessing.
  
  Everyone is invited to join the Energy Keepers and to request energy. It has been a great honor to have served as Chair of the Energy Keepers for the last five years. I feel the Energy Keepers are like the heartbeat of TLS.
  
  Would you like to join Energy Keepers or learn more about Energy Keepers? Do you have an energy request? If so, contact Carol House, the Labyrinth Society Energy Keepers Chair, for more information. You may also read more about the Energy Keepers, on the TLS website.
   

  Carol House,
  Energy Keepers chair
   

• Finance Committee Updates

  As an extension to our Silent Auction at the 2009 TLS Annual Gathering, the Finance Committee is planning a TLS 2010 Spring Online Auction fundraiser. We invite your participation! We are in need of a chairperson, committee members, and donated items of all kinds, such as: labyrinth items and non-labyrinth items, services, vacation rentals, etc.

  Please contact Sherry Biltz, TLS Finance Committee Chair, for more information.
   

• Labyrinth Quilt Project for the 2010 TLS Annual Gathering Silent Auction

  We are looking for 9 – 16 quilters among the TLS membership to volunteer to piece one block each of a collaborative quilt, which will be available during the Silent Auction at the 2010 Annual Gathering. The final quilt will be a 54” square, 7-circuit labyrinth, designed by Ben Nicholson. Patterns, fabric, and instructions, will be provided by Laura Foster Nicholson, of LFN Textiles. Laura will arrange for the blocks to be sewn together, backed, and quilted, and will provide backing and batting materials to finish the quilt. Laura is also looking for a quilter’s guild to volunteer to sew these blocks together and to quilt the labyrinth. If you believe your guild would be interested in doing this, please contact Laura as soon as possible.
   
  Please contact Laura to indicate your interest in participating, by January 15, 2010.  At that time kits, including pattern and materials, will be sent to each quilter. Finished blocks should be returned to LFN Textiles by April 1, 2010, for final assembly & quilting. Laura may also be reached by phone at: (812) 682-3733, or by mail, at: LFN Textiles, P.O. Box 122, New Harmony, IN  47631. 
   
  The finished quilt will be sold in the Silent Auction at the TLS Annual Gathering in New Harmony in November 2010. The Silent Auction supports the scholarship fund of TLS. This will be the 12th Annual Gathering of The Labyrinth Society, and it is due to the generosity of our members that we are able to provide scholarships to support attendance each year.

• A Message from our President

  The 2009 Annual Gathering is only a few days away and in spite of the difficult economic climate, we have more registrations than in any Gathering since 2004! Perhaps it is not in spite of the economic times, but because of the challenges we are facing in the global world that the labyrinth is drawing us together in such numbers. We gather to explore, share and be inspired. We gather to support one another and to seek opportunities to experience transformation. We find joy and solace in the company of dear friends and sacred paths. So, I say, of course our registrations are many. This is precisely why we gather each year. 

  In Oregon, we will be moving “Into the Labyrinth - Creating Space for Spirit” as our theme, and the walls of Edgefield will be bursting with the spirit of the labyrinth, the spirit of community, and the spirit of TLS.

  I invite you to review the Gathering pages on the TLS website to familiarize yourself with the activities. On these Gathering pages you can also find and download the final schedule and a list of the workshop schedules with descriptions and locations. This preparation at the threshold will offer ease as we transition into the Gathering space. Excitement is in the air. Final details and demands create a flurry of activity. The Northwest Region Gathering Team and Labyrinth Network Northwest are facing sleepless nights in their desire to host a flawless Gathering. I know from experience that, once the members begin to arrive, one must simply step aside and let the Gathering take on an energy of its own. Plan as we might, the planners can lead us into the space and hold that space, but the spirit of the Gathering will flow on its own.

  With so many attendees, there are several volunteer opportunities for members, from greeting people as they arrive, helping to set-up vendor area or Silent Auction or in the TLS Store, or introducing the workshop speaker in a workshop you plan to attend. All of these opportunities offer ways to interact with other members and be involved. If you are willing to help in any way, large or small, please email DC Donohue, Volunteer Coordinator of the 2009 Annual Gathering.

  I look forward to seeing many friends, old and new, as we step together “Into the Labyrinth” the first full week of October.

  Lisa Gidlow Moriarty, TLS President

• Final Gathering Reminders!

  The 2009 Gathering Planning Team is ready to welcome you to Oregon! We have a few reminders as you are busy preparing and packing:

  1. Remember to pack a swim suit if you plan on using the salt water soaking pool at the Edgefield spa or the pool at the Best Western.
  2. If you are staying at the Best Western and plan to use their shuttle service for airport transportation, please note they require 24-hour notice for shuttle reservation. Call: 866-312-0073 for shuttle reservations.
  3. Finally, on Thursday afternoon, there will be free art and history tours of Edgefield at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. These are limited to 20 people, so plan on promptness if you hope to take the tour.

  Travel well. What fun we will have together at TLS Gathering 2009!
   

  Sincerely,

  Your 2009 TLS Gathering Team

• Post-Gathering Tour Article Published on OpEdNews Website!

  The Labyrinth Society Annual Gathering was held near Portland, Oregon, at McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale, Oct 8-10, 2009. Portland is home to at least 50 labyrinths, and attendees were offered the opportunity to tour five of these local labyrinths on the day following the event. 

  Journalist, artist, and TLS founding member Meryl Ann Butler, has recently posted an illustrated article on OpEdNews.com about the tour.
  
  The article, “Exploring Portland Labyrinths: An A-Mazing Journey”, is now available for you to read and share with others!

• TLS Gathering Evaluation Forms Now Available

  If you attended the TLS annual gathering and didn’t have an opportunity to fill out the evaluation form, we need your feedback, ideas, and views! An evaluation form is now available on the TLS website. Please share your thoughts!
   

• TLS Facebook Updates

  Two new TLS pages have been created on the social networking site, Facebook. If you are currently a Facebook member, you may view these pages by searching for “The Labyrinth Society on Facebook” and “Labyrinth Society Notes”. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for World Labyrinth Day!

  Not a Facebook member? Join Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com to sign-up. Facebook is a free service open to all.
   

• Research

  If you are sponsoring/facilitating a labyrinth walk on World Labyrinth Day, you are invited to participate in an ongoing research study by using the Labyrinth Walk Questionnaire at your event. The questionnaire is non-intrusive. Participants are simply invited to complete the short questionnaire after they conclude a labyrinth walk. The Labyrinth Walk Questionnaire and full instructions are available for download on the Research Resources page of The Labyrinth Society website.

• Deadline Approaching for Gathering Registration Raffle!

  Registration is now open for the 2009 TLS Annual Gathering to be held October 8-10, 2009 near Portland, Oregon.  All fully-paid registrations received or postmarked on or before May 30, 2009, will be placed in a drawing for prizes, including a Lifetime Membership in The Labyrinth Society, a $1,250 value!  Do not delay - register today! 

  Visit the registration page on the TLS website to register and view additional Gathering information .  To be eligible for the drawing both registration and payment must be received by the May 30th deadline.
   

• Workshops Announced for the 2009 Annual Gathering

  The Annual Gathering Workshop Selection Committee had a challenge on its hands with many wonderful proposals submitted for the limited number of workshop slots in the 2009 Gathering program schedule.  Many exciting workshops have been selected, and you may now read about each on the Gathering pages of the TLS website. 

  Thanks to everyone who submitted proposals.  If your proposal was not selected or if you missed the call, please be sure to watch early next year for the 2010 Call for Proposals, which will be announced in the e-newsletter and on the TLS Gathering web pages.
   

• World Labyrinth Day 2009 a Success!

  Stories and photos continue to be received and from all accounts, our first World Labyrinth Day was a great success!  Thanks to all of you who walked, posted flyers, helped spread the word, and shared your stories and photos.  Despite only twelve weeks of planning and preparation, World Labyrinth Day 2009 was well celebrated.
  
  Organized by TLS member Randy Fillmore, the largest World Labyrinth Day event was held on the Ellipse in Washington, DC.  The event planted 'labyrinth seeds' in at least 12 different countries to include New Zealand, Germany, France, China, Croatia, Japan, Australia, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.  Another noteworthy World Labyrinth Day event was held in Port Orford, Oregon where TLS member Paulianne Balch-Rancourt and Nancy Angelesco created a 'Temporary Edible Labyrinth' using this as an opportunity to collect donations for two local food banks.  This project, the North Curry Food Labyrinth, was awarded TLS Special Project status in April.
  
  And that's just two of the events!  Plans are in the works to post your World Labyrinth Day photos in the Events Gallery on the TLS website.  It's not too late to send your photos or stories!
  
  Also, a 2009 World Labyrinth Day Google Map is being created to chronicle the inaugural event.  Is your event listed?  If not, please forward the address, or better yet, the GPS coordinates to the PR Chair, Stephanie Blackton.
  
  Mark your calendars now for the first Saturday in May, World Labyrinth Day 2010.  
  
  Stephanie Blackton,
  TLS PR Chair
  World Labyrinth Day Coordinator
   

• TLS DVD Project Update

  We are moving forward through each phase of DVD production.  The DVD committee is currently working on identifying the next batch of edits and is excited to see the final product beginning to emerge.  Work is still being completed on the credits page, and so the deadline for contributions to the project has been extended. If you are interested in making a donation, there's still time. Contact David Gallagher (email or call: 607-387-5863) for additional details.

  A preliminary word of thanks goes out to all who have supported the DVD project thus far.  As we walk this path of bringing something new into creation, we have been blessed with a wide variety of gifts from so many aspects of our organization: members who made financial contributions, those who willingly donated their time at the 2008 Gathering to be interviewed, the tireless service of the DVD Committee members, TLS board members, the Energy Keepers who continually hold space for the successful completion of this project, and member volunteers working diligently on project-related clerical work, to name just a few!
   
  With your help, TLS is realizing the dream of providing our members with a tool that can be used to promote the proliferation of labyrinths all over the world.  If you are moved by the power of the labyrinth to create healing and transformation, please consider making a contribution.  We welcome your help in whatever way it is most joyfully given.

• TLS Forums Update

  We are updating the TLS forums! TLS wants to strengthen our family through conversations on the forums.  There will be exciting new subject forums, and we are going to clean up the forum member list.  Many members are not yet signed up for the forums, and TLS will be contacting these members to supply them with their logins and passwords.  Since the forums are a member resource, we will be culling out those people whose memberships have lapsed.  Non-members may see the member forums but will be unable to post.  If you have any questions or problems using the forums, contact the TLS Website Chair, Kay Whipple.

• TLS Website - Labyrinths in Places NEEDS YOU!

  Do you work with labyrinths in healthcare settings?  Would you like a chance to write for the TLS web site?  Then you are in luck!  We are in need of a member to write the text for the Labyrinths in Healthcare Settings aspect of our website.  This information category falls under the Labyrinths in Places page of the web site, which is already chock-full of exciting contributions from members who work with labyrinths in a variety of different community settings.  Visit the Labyrinths in Places pages of the TLS website if you have not already checked them out!
   
  Specifically, we are looking for a member who could write about labyrinths in hospitals as well as labyrinths in other types of medical and healthcare settings.  Here are some topics that could be covered on the page: Benefits (for the patients, medical staff, family and visitors, institution), and important information/guidance for people and organizations who want to approach their hospital, medical or healthcare institutions about incorporating a labyrinth.
  
  In return for the written contribution, the author will be credited, and a link to their website and/or email provided within the context of the page.  Additionally, members who write for this aspect of the web site are then featured in our quarterly member feature.  It’s a great way to connect with fellow labyrinth enthusiasts, highlight how labyrinths can be of benefit in this specified community setting, and be of service to TLS.
  
  If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.  Please email Hallie Sawyers, TLS Education Outreach Chair, for additional information or to volunteer.
   

• TLS Member Highlight

  In this feature, we look more closely at TLS member Dr. Stephanie Blackton, who, among other activities, applies her labyrinth expertise in prisons.  Stephanie represents a multi-talented cross-section of our membership that we are sure you will enjoy getting to know.
  
  Featured Member
  
  Stephanie Blackton, D.C.
  Public Relations Chair
  World Labyrinth Day Coordinator
  
  Dr. Stephanie Blackton assists people interested in creating more health in their lives with nutrition and lifestyle awareness using a variety of methods, including the labyrinth.  A long-time student of personal growth and spirituality and a licensed chiropractor since 1986, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.
  
  Stephanie joined TLS in 2002 and attended her first TLS Gathering in Sacramento.  Soon after she served on the committee hosting the 2003 gathering in Baltimore.  In Spring of 2008, she was appointed to serve on The Labyrinth Society Board and currently serves as PR Chair and World Labyrinth Day coordinator.
  
  An active member of the Labyrinth Ministry at the Charlottesville, Virginia Unitarian Church since 2002, she coordinated the installation of both a permanent and portable canvas labyrinth and served on a team hosting Open Walks.  She is a Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator, has studied with Master Labyrinth Builder, Robert Ferre, offers Creative Journal/Labyrinth Retreats for groups, and has been offering Labyrinth Retreats in a Level Three maximum security women's prison since 2003. During that time, she facilitated a group project in which the inmates created a 7 circuit canvas labyrinth.  To read more about this work, visit the Labyrinths in Prison Ministries page of the TLS website.
   

• Member Highlight - Invitation Extended

  We hope you have been enjoying our quarterly member feature and learning more about the members who have written for the Labyrinths in Places aspect of the web site.  We still have a few more members who have contributed to this aspect of the TLS site, and we are also busily planning for the future of this column.
   
  To that end, we would like to invite you to contribute: Have you experienced something exciting about labyrinths?  Have you learned anything that surprised you lately about labyrinths?  Are there new settings in which you have enjoyed labyrinth walking?  Has the labyrinth changed some part of your life in a transformative way?  Submit your thoughts, reflections and experiences in writing to our Publications Chair, Katja Marquart, for consideration in the quarterly member feature!

• A Message from the President

  We are living in the midst of an incredible time. The spirit of unity and hope that permeated the recent presidential inauguration in the USA was echoed around the world with the anticipation of stepping into a new era. Paradoxically, the shadow of greed and deceit has fed and fueled the worst economic crisis in decades, and this, too, has global impact.

  The labyrinth symbol is rich in its ability to mirror both the goodness and the shadow of ourselves, and offers a sacred container for solace within which to explore options and creative solutions. Thus, it is no surprise when we learn of new labyrinths appearing in some of the neediest places. In the last several months, labyrinths have been built in the Republic of Congo, the country of Burma, and in a federal park along the Potomac, near the USA Capital Mall. School children are learning conflict resolution on the labyrinth, and care centers and caregivers are becoming enlightened to the value of the labyrinth. We as labyrinth workers are doing important work in today’s world.

  As an organization, we are looking ahead with curiosity and expectation. Our not-for-profit status presents more challenges in this economic environment, yet the labyrinth can be a place of comfort for the employed and unemployed alike, and our work is needed more than ever before. As we look ahead into 2009, we anticipate new ventures, including uniting the global community with a World Labyrinth Day and supporting the building of more labyrinths with a long awaited DVD. We seek new fundraising ideas to support our work, and anticipate our coming together to celebrate and explore at the October Gathering. There is peace in the knowledge that the labyrinth connects us around the world and that we are supported by one another in our common mission. For this global connection, I am most grateful.
  

  Sincerely,
  Lisa Gidlow Moriarty
   

• Join Us in Celebrating the First Annual World Labyrinth Day - May 2, 2009!

  Arising from a recommendation made by the Strategic Planning Team at the November TLS Board meeting, a committee of nineteen recently chose Saturday, May 2, 2009, as World Labyrinth Day.

  World Labyrinth Day is intended as a day that brings people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion, or a practice. WLD can be a day to inform and educate the public, host walks, build permanent and temporary labyrinths, make labyrinth art, or explore labyrinths in numerous other ways. If there are only right ways to walk a labyrinth, it follows that there are only right ways to celebrate World Labyrinth Day. Find your way…

  While only weeks away, enthusiasm for this idea was so great that it was decided to move forward with beginning the event in 2009. Please check the World Labyrinth Day Forum for more information, ideas, and resources, as this new project is unfolding as ‘we speak’.

  Much thanks is also due to the following TLS members whose input, ideas, and suggestions, are helping to launch this new event: Carol House, Cathy Proffitt, Connie Fenty, Cordelia Rose, Diane Terry-Kehner, Helen Drake, Jeff Saward, Joyce Rains, Judy Hopen, Kay Whipple, Lorraine Rodda, Lynda Tourloukis, Marilyn Lands, Mark Milligan, Nhys Glover, Randy Fillmore, Susan Sanborn, William Burlingame, and Wyn Flo.
   

  Stephanie Blackton,
  Public Relations Chair

• Are You Interested in Volunteer Opportunities with TLS?

  David Gallagher is looking for someone to administer the TLS Events Calendar on our website. The job involves receiving email requests for additions to the calendar and posting them via the module on our internet server. On average, we receive two or three requests per week. Each takes about 10 minutes max to post once familiar with the procedure. Training (about an hour) will be happily provided by David over the phone. Equipment needed: Computer with Internet connection.

  A free TLS t-shirt will go to the person who takes it on -- not necessary to wear while doing the job :) If interested, please call the office (607-387-5863) or email David Gallagher.
   

• TLS DVD Project Update

  During our 10th annual gathering last November, we experienced five transformational days of filming for the DVD project. TLS member Kim Becker, her colleagues, Bill Sisca, Rich Lerner, and their film crew joined our annual event ready to capture valuable footage.
  
  With the help of many members, that goal was accomplished - we have nearly 30 hours of film in the can! To ensure higher quality and 'future-proof' the finished product, all 30 hours were shot in High Definition Format. Making this kind of decision was not anticipated when we initiated the "Video Project" years ago, yet it assures TLS a greater return on investment and increased technical viability of the finished product. The resulting interviews with labyrinth enthusiasts from all over the world show a range of experience, spanning from experts, to lay people, to first-time members. The essence of experience, passion, expertise, and heart-felt desire to see labyrinths propagated across the globe is now chronicled on film.
  
  Capturing those interviews meant introducing a professional film crew into the schedule of workshops and events. This posed many interesting challenges, yet the flexibility among all present, helped tremendously. The DVD Committee would like to extend a note of deep gratitude to everyone for graciously navigating any interruptions or restrictions which hosting a film crew placed on retreat and connection time. The footage we now have in hand will serve to make TLS media response-able in a technological age where that viability is essential. Additionally, the final DVD will serve as a tool for TLS members to continue to make a brilliant stand for labyrinths world wide.

  As we progress toward our goal of completion, we are deep into post-production and excited to see the project unfolding. At this point, the DVD committee has viewed the initial rough cut and made suggestions that will produce a second rough cut. Beyond that, there will most likely be a few more rough cuts before we reach a final version.

  As with any large undertaking, there have been unexpected challenges. The members of our committee sometimes find themselves walking an interesting path, aiming to find a comfortable balance among many variables. It is definitely an education unto itself, and has consumed many hundreds of volunteer hours thus far.

  The DVD committee continues to welcome financial contributions to meet expanded production costs. We look forward to the point when we can share the finished product with our membership and will keep you updated on progress through this e-newsletter.
  
  With gratitude,
  The DVD Committee
   

• The 2009 TLS Gathering is Headed to Oregon!

  It is not too soon to be thinking about yet another amazing TLS Gathering. The traditionally beautiful fall weather of the Pacific Northwest has created an irresistible call to hold gathering a few weeks earlier this year in October, so we can take advantage of the area’s lovely scenery. This year's 11th Annual Gathering is planned for October 8-10th, with Pre- and Post-Gathering opportunities on Wednesday evening October 7th, and Saturday and Sunday, the 10th and 11th. A gathering schedule is now available on the TLS website, and online registration  is scheduled to open in April .

  The 2009 TLS Gathering theme, Into the Labyrinth: Creating Space for Spirit, inspires participants and presenters alike to embody the presence we call Spirit, and the multitude of ways we express our connection to That. Sound, movement, and pattern are all forms born out of the impulse to co-create with Spirit. We invite you to bring your own expression of the Mystery into the profound spaciousness of the labyrinth.

  We are also thrilled to feature not one, not two, but THREE Guest Presenters for the 2009 Gathering. We are pleased to be highlighting our west coast’s own Labyrinth Designer and Expressive Artist, Lea Goode-Harris, of the Santa Rosa Foundation, Scotland’s renowned Labyrinthian Land Artist, Jim Buchanan, and Costa Rican Architect, sacred geometrist, and Holistic Balance Instructor, Ronald Esquivel.

  With fantastic food, whimsical room décor, on-site winery and brewery, and expansive views, the Gathering site of McMenamins Edgefield, offers an unequalled space for labyrinth lovers to meet this October and explore the notion of creating space for spirit. This remarkable destination is a whimsical, art-filled venue at the mouth of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge.

  Our Planning Team has been working hard to offer you a most memorable event. We are so excited and cannot wait to see you at Gathering this fall. Stay tuned for a separate announcement when online registrations opens. This is an event you won't want to miss!

  Peaceful meanderings,
  Stephen Shibley,
  2009 Planning Team Chair
   

• Call for Workshop Proposals for Gathering 2009

  Our annual Gathering offers a terrific opportunity for members to share and learn from each other. At the 2009 Gathering in Oregon, 16 concurrent workshops will be offered on Friday, October 9th. Some will be 60 minutes in length, others 90 minutes. The Workshop Presenter Proposal form is now available on the TLS website for downloading. Presentation proposals are encouraged to support this year’s theme Into the Labyrinth: Creating Space for Spirit. If selected, presenters will receive a $150.00 stipend (co-presenters share this fee), will gain visibility and recognition for their expertise, presence on the TLS website, and the opportunity to share their information with a unique group of labyrinth enthusiasts. Submission deadline for proposals is April 1, 2009. So don’t tarry… Put on your creativity caps, sharpen your pencils, and send in a proposal for the workshop you’d like to offer!

• 2009 Annual Pre-Gathering Workshops and Post-Gathering Activities

  Our three Featured Presenters for the 2009 Annual Gathering will each be offering a pre-Gathering workshop wherein we will have an opportunity to mingle and explore together. Ronald Esquivel of Costa Rica will offer a three-hour workshop on Thursday morning, entitled “Feel the Energy of Sacred Geometry.” Lea Goode-Harris will offer a three-hour workshop on Thursday afternoon, entitled “Creating a Poetree Labyrinth to Express the Spirit of the Seasons”, wherein participants will co-create an artwork of poetry and painting that will be included at the Silent Auction. Plan to arrive on Wednesday to partake in a public creative experiential evening with artist Jim Buchanan of Scotland, on Wednesday evening in downtown Portland. More information about these pre-Gathering activities can be found on the Gathering pages of the TLS website.

  If you’d like to extend your time in the company of fellow TLS members and labyrinthians, plan to stay after the Saturday noon closing. Returning by popular demand, Lisa Moriarty and Kimberly Saward will again offer their sell-out workshop, “Creating Your Personal Prayer Labyrinth,” a creative experience in which participants paint their own five-foot canvas labyrinth. Not feeling creative? Then consider spending Saturday afternoon on a sightseeing tour of the natural wonders and beauty along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, with a dinner stop at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. On Sunday, a day-long bus tour of labyrinths in the Portland area is planned. More information about these post-Gathering activities can be found on the Gathering pages of the TLS website.

  SPECIAL NOTE: Saturday-Sunday Lodging (at your own additional expense)
  If you need lodging either or both nights, we recommend checking out of Edgefield and booking with Best Western Cascade Inn & Suites. Please call 866-312-0073, and identify yourself as part of the TLS Gathering. Arrangements will be made for luggage transfers. Best Western offers $10 shuttle service to the airport. 

• Host Houses in the TLS Directory

  Did you know that there are TLS members who have offered to host fellow members at their homes if they are traveling through the area? What a fantastic service! To participate in this service, you can add your name to the list of Host Households on the TLS Website. A total of nineteen host households are currently listed. Wouldn’t it be great if there were Host Households all over the world?

  To sign up, click on ‘Member Login’ above the top page image on the TLS website to access the TLS Member Directory. You will need your member number or the month and year you joined TLS, to log in. Once logged in, find ‘view’ in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Click on ‘My Interests’, scroll down to ‘Host Household for traveling members’, and click on the box to check it. Click the 'Update Interests' button at bottom of the page. Go back to previous page (Member Directory) and click on ‘Host Household’ under the topic ‘Interests’ and you should see your listing along with the others. If you are ever near Philadelphia, you are welcome to stay at my house.

  Connie Fenty,
  TLS Nominating Chair
   

• TLS Member Highlight

  2009 brings with it a wave of change on all fronts. As we navigate through changing economic times, ways to reframe situations and find new inspiration are even more important. What better way than turning to the labyrinth? In the quarterly 'Member Feature', we highlight TLS members doing just that - working with labyrinths in a wide variety of dynamic settings and inspirational ways.

  To date, we have featured TLS members who have written pages for the resources section of the website about working with the labyrinth in the following settings: schools, retreat settings, churches, universities, and colleges. If you missed those features, we invite you to visit Labyrinths in Places. 

  In the months ahead, you can look forward to hearing about more of our members who have contributed pages to the resources section of the web site. Eventually, we will expand the feature to include the general membership. Stay tuned for these updates on how our membership is fulfilling the TLS mission of serving the global community with education, networking, and opportunities to experience transformation!

  In this feature, we look more closely at TLS member Neal Harris. Among his many activities, Neal applies his labyrinth expertise in counseling work. As always, this person represents a multi-talented cross-section of our membership that we are sure you will enjoy getting to know. Read more about labyrinths in counseling.

  Neal Harris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology, and a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association. He has practiced the art of psychotherapy for the past 22 years. He is also the managing director of Relax4Life, a holistic education, services and labyrinth products center and has been a workshop leader in the holistic health and self-enrichment fields since 1985.

  Neal’s experience stems from training in both the United States and India. In addition to his book, “Pocket Stress Manager & Labyrinth Guide”, Neal is the author of both a relaxation CD and videotape program used for pain management in hospitals. Neal is also a creator of public labyrinths, fabric traveling labyrinths, unique wood finger labyrinths, and manuals for creating outdoor labyrinths. He also leads labyrinth workshops. He is a founding member of The Labyrinth Society and a Certified Veriditas Facilitator.

  Currently, Neal is spearheading a national, ongoing, in-home research study to determine if his Intuipath® labyrinth design can make a difference in the behaviors of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. To read more about Neal’s work and this current study, visit his website, relax4life.
   

• Looking for a Gift? Don't Forget TLS for Your Shopping and Gift Giving!

  Please help support TLS by shopping at Amazon.com! Clicking on the “Shop Amazon.com” link on our website homepage will automatically connect you to Amazon’s extensive collection of books, electronics, gifts, and well - anything! …And the best part? When you make your purchase, a portion of the sale will be sent to The Labyrinth Society -- minimum 4% up to 10% depending on the total number of sales in a calendar month. We've already received $41.00 for November 2008, with more coming from December & January.

  Would you like TLS-specific merchandise? At the TLS Cafe Press online store you can purchase clothing, bags, caps, buttons, stickers, mugs, and many more items - all with the TLS logo. Check it out! As at Shop Amazon.com, purchases benefit TLS financially.
   

A Quarterly Online Publication

• A Message from our Past-President

  Dear Members,
  As most of you already know, our November Gathering marked the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Labyrinth Society; it also marked the end of my presidency and the inauguration of a new president!

  It has been my honor and privilege to serve as president of the board for these past five years. Developmentally, we made great progress during this time, moving from being a very enthusiastic, but young organization onto a path of even greater stability and an increase in activity. Over the past year in particular, we have broken through some of the barriers that seemed to be holding some of our big projects from fruition, and now we are taking flight. The past few months have been a virtual whirlwind as the flow of productive and creative energy gathered speed and danced with what seemed like perfect synchronicity. A lot is happening...

  As expected, the board met after our Annual Meeting and elected Lisa Gidlow Moriarty to serve as its new president. I have worked with Lisa extensively over the past several years, and I know she is the perfect person to orchestrate the activity and growth of the Labyrinth Society as it moves into its next decade.

  Meanwhile, I will be serving one further year on the Executive Committee as Past President. In addition to facilitating the integration of our new strategic plan, I have decided to focus my attention on working with the TLS regions. I’m excited about working with our Regional Reps and look forward to using my experience and perspective as we reorganize our local networks.

  Thank you for your support over these past five years. This has been an incredibly rich time in my life and I feel greatly blessed to be part of our international labyrinth community!

  With love, Kimberly
   

• 2008 Gathering Retrospective and President's Message

  The 2008 Annual Gathering was a warm and wonderful event that brought our members together from several continents. We celebrated the 10th Annual Gathering by hearing fabulous stories from a panel of founding members on Friday evening, followed by a fun celebration of dancing and singing. Saturday was filled with inspiration beginning with member images of labyrinths from around the world and a featured presentation by Robert Ferré, who enlightened us as to the different approaches to healthcare and healing, as well as the successful and expanded uses of labyrinths in hospital environments. We shopped the vendor/artisans room, chose from 18 concurrent workshops, shared stories, walked new and familiar labyrinth patterns and deepened our relationships with each other. Saturday evening brought an active day to a contemplative closing as we were graciously nudged by Rebecca Rodriguez to awaken to the sacred. We also journeyed together and more deeply on the labyrinth to incredible healing musical expressions of Sonam Targee and his global instrumentations. 

  On Sunday morning we were intrigued as Gernot Candolini led us in an exercise with the 7-circuit labyrinth, drawing connections and honoring influential persons in our lives, and we pondered as a panel of members discussed the future of labyrinths in our global community. As we prepared to close, we offered deep gratitude to Kimberly Saward who was moving into the role of Past President, and I was honored and humbled as Kimberly, joined by first TLS President Helen Curry, draped a shawl over my shoulders as a symbol of passing the leadership, with the fire of inspiration and the comforting support of a vital organization. As I assumed the role of President and the new Board of Directors was commissioned, we processed through a spiraling labyrinth singing the familiar closing song, “Dear Friends” through tears, hugs, smiles and bows. As is typical through the Annual Gatherings, new friendships were formed, ideas were explored and we finally parted with that bittersweet feeling of inspired leave-taking. We look forward to the 2009 Gathering when we will travel to Oregon to be together once again.
  As I journeyed home, my heart was full. I continue to ponder the responsibility of leadership in this organization as we enter into a new year and a new phase that is sure to be filled with growth, commitment, new challenges and many celebrations. I am most grateful to belong to this incredible organization of people I like to call my tribe of Labyrinthians. Be well, celebrate the season with joy and join me as we journey forward on the path into the New Year.
   

  Sincerely,
  Lisa Gidlow Moriarty,
  TLS President
  
   

• Still Looking for Special Holiday Gifts?

  Help support TLS and find your perfect holiday gifts by shopping at Amazon.com! By clicking on any “Shop Amazon.com” link via the TLS website, you will automatically be connected to Amazon’s extensive collection of books, electronics, gifts, and well - anything! …And the best part? When you make your purchase, a portion of your purchase will be sent to the Labyrinth Society! 

  Would you like TLS-specific merchandise? At the TLS Cafe Press online store you can purchase clothing, bags, caps, buttons, stickers, mugs, and many more items - all with the TLS logo. Check it out!

  Don’t forget… You can also give a gift of membership to TLS to the labyrinth enthusiasts in your life. Gift recipients are entitled to membership benefits and become part of a community that supports those who have brought the labyrinth into their lives.

  Is your special person already a TLS member? Consider a donation to The Labyrinth Society in his or her honor. Your gift will support labyrinth work world wide. In turn, the Labyrinth Society will send a card acknowledging your gift or donation.

  To give a gift membership or to make a tax-deductible (USA only) donation to The Labyrinth Society, please visit us online for specific donation and gift-related information, email the TLS Executive Director, or contact the Executive Director by phone at 607-387-5863.

  The Labyrinth Society
  P.O. Box 736
  Trumansburg, New York 14886
   

• News Flash - TLS Video Project in Production Phase!

  The TLS Video Project has a new working title that is more consistent with today’s technology. The “video” project has now become the TLS DVD Project!

  The energy, time, and money so generously given in founding and initiating this project have taken seed and production is underway. To help us navigate through the technical aspects of the production phase, TLS received an offer from one of our members, Kim Becker of Labyrinth Consultants. After interviewing Kim and several other professionals in this field, we accepted Kim's offer and engaged her professional services. Kim and her production crew joined us at the recent Gathering in Atlanta, to make the most of the opportunity to film interviews with labyrinth experts, builders, project nominees, and members-at-large. The crew also captured footage of labyrinths that will serve the needs of the DVD and supply us with what is necessary to respond to future media requests for information about labyrinths.

  In addition to capturing these live interviews and footage of labyrinths, in the weeks prior to The Gathering, those scheduled to be interviewed were also asked for digital images and/or footage related to the areas they were addressing within their interviews (labyrinths in hospitals, churches, schools, prisons, and public places). Those images have been arriving in great number and will be reviewed for possible inclusion in the DVD.

  Post production began the week after Gathering. Kim and her team have been reviewing the wealth of media received, editing the script, and coalescing it all into a powerful tool for use by our members in making a stand for labyrinths. This phase of creation will continue through the holiday season with a target date of early next year for review of the final rough-cut prior to project completion.

  As we move through this post-production process, we are still accepting donations. Additional funds will further enable us to fine-tune the final project as well as create additional chapters of the DVD that will further define critical areas of labyrinth work in need of our support.

  Stay tuned for more updates and know that I am happy to talk with anyone who has questions or feedback!

  
  Hallie Sawyers
  Education Outreach Chair
   

• Annual Global Labyrinth Event Planning Committee Forming

  The Labyrinth Society is spearheading an annual TLS World Labyrinth Walk. If you are interested in being on this committee please email Stephanie Blackton, TLS PR Chair.

• TLS Board of Directors Openings for Development and Development Committee Chair

  The Nominating Committee is currently seeking a person interested in serving as Chair for the Development Committee, as a means of filling a current opening on the Board of Directors. The Development Committee would be charged with implementing creative ideas to raise funds for ongoing website updates and other TLS projects. The Development Chair would also seek members for the committee to accomplish this task, focusing on finding a member with grant writing experience. The Nominating Committee will provide specific information as to what this position entails.

  If you are interested, please email Connie Fenty, or call (215)906-2275.

• Quarterly Member Feature - See What Fellow TLS Members are up to!

  You may recall that we have created a quarterly 'Member Feature' area of our E-news bulletin, highlighting TLS members working with labyrinths in a wide variety of dynamic settings and inspirational ways. Initially, these updates are featuring TLS members who have contributed pages to the Resources section of the new website. They represent a multi-talented cross section of our membership that we are sure you will enjoy getting to know. Eventually, we will expand the feature to include the general membership. Stay tuned for these updates on how our membership is fulfilling the TLS mission of serving the global community with education, networking, and opportunities to experience transformation!

  In our last feature, we focused on the members who had written web pages for labyrinths in grade school settings and labyrinths in retreat centers. In this feature, we look more closely at members using labyrinths in higher educational settings and churches. If you work in a college or university setting, or are affiliated with a church or religious setting that could benefit from inclusion of a labyrinth, we invite you to meet these two TLS members who are experienced in these realms of labyrinth journeying below.

  Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion, Labyrinths in Churches and Labyrinth Prayer

  Jill K H Geoffrion is the author of seven labyrinth-related books. She can often be found in Chartres, France, studying the cathedral, leading pilgrimages, and walking the labyrinth. Through Faith, Hope and Love Global Ministries, Jill travels to places of extreme suffering where she is privileged to introduce the labyrinth and offer labyrinth prayer experiences. She will be installing labyrinths in Burma for 9 weeks this winter and in Rwanda next fall. Jill is the co-regional representative for the Labyrinth Society in the Midwest region, and care-taker of ten labyrinths at DeepHaven Labyrinths and Retreats in Minnesota. You may also visit Jill's personal website or Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries, for more information.  

  Read more about Jill's labyrinth work in churches.

  
  Jan Sellers, Labyrinths in Universities and Colleges

  After a career in guidance and in adult and university education, Jan Sellers is now a Creative Learning Fellow at the University of Kent in south-east England. Jan was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2005 for her work in student learning development. This award eventually led to her engagement with labyrinths. At present, Jan is furthering her work with the labyrinth to foster reflection and creativity at the university, on both an individual level, and within and across academic disciplines. She also leads the Labyrinth Project at the University of Kent, part of the University’s Creative Campus initiative, which includes the newly built (2008) Canterbury Labyrinth. Jan is a member of the Steering Group of the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education (ALDinHE) and a Fellow of Higher Education. Jan is a Quaker, and a student of the Chantraine Dance of Expression. She divides her time between London and Kent.
   

  Read more about Jan's labyrinth work in Universities.

• TLS Silent Auction 2008

  Each year the Auction presents an array of items, from books and finger labyrinths, to original art work, short massages, and weekend stays in nice resorts.
  
  Revenues from the Silent Auction go towards funding TLS scholarships, offered to those in need to help offset the cost of attending the annual Gathering. Thanks to the generosity of this year’s winning bids, a total of $1,813.00 was collected for the scholarship fund.
  
  A special thanks must be made to Annette Reynolds and her unique way of moving house. Instead of packing her belongings and taking them to a new residence, she decided to bring a variety of items to the Gathering and donate them through the silent auction! The largest item in the auction, both in size and dollars raised, was also donated by Annette. This item came with its own unique story that Annette kindly shared with us for this article (see below).
  
  Items for the auction are often labyrinth related, but we will accept anything that will raise scholarship funds. Do you have items that need a new home? Bring them along next October for the silent auction at the 2009 Gathering!
  
  Only ten months and a few hours to the close of the Silent Auction 2009…
  
  Dan Raven,
  TLS Silent Auction Coordinator ...with integrity. (Dan was out-bid on the two items he most wanted at this year's auction!)
   

  Annette's Labyrinth Story

  “The 24’-0” x 24’-0” 7-circuit classical labyrinth was created in 1996 by a small group of wonderful labyrinth friends for me to take to Russia, Lithuania, and Prague. There was no time to paint the lines and I only had one day to make it, so I cut strips of green felt which we glued on the canvas to create the labyrinth paths.”
  
  “The first group to use the labyrinth in St. Petersburg was a group of Russian women. They literally experienced a rebirth on this labyrinth! The women spent the entire day on the labyrinth; walking it, laying on it, wailing, and being witnesses and midwives to each other. Then the women gathered in the center, covered themselves in veils, and shared life stories while supporting one another as their voices were heard and their spirits thawed.”
  
  “I also had art supplies available throughout the day for processing, journaling, and artwork. However, instead of using the colored markers, chalk, and crayons on the paper provided, the women got down on their hands and knees and covered the white canvas labyrinth with the most beautiful imagines of hope and healing: green vines, doves, flowers, and sunrises. They were like hungry children in a spiritual candy store. After that experience, whenever I offered this labyrinth anywhere, walkers continued the tradition of creating images on the labyrinth. This labyrinth has been taken all over the country and the world, and has been walked by hundreds of people.”
  
  “After the labyrinth was no longer useful for contemplative walk because of all the distracting images, I took it to many conferences to use for ceremony or as a teaching tool. These included the Alabama Chaplains Association, Florida Art Therapy Association, American Art Therapy Association, Journey Into Wholeness Conference, and of course, the opening ceremony at TLS Gatherings in 2001 and 2008.”
  
  Annette Reynolds,
  Faculty Advisor
  Email: areynolds@aiht.edu
   

• Worldwide Labyrinth Locator Updates

  The Worldwide Labyrinth Locator website (WWLL), jointly funded by The Labyrinth Society and Veriditas, continues to expand with around 2,850 labyrinths, in 60 different countries, currently included in its database. Over the next few weeks a number of updates will be made to the website:

  • A new FAQ page to answer some of the common questions that are asked about how to search the database and upload new labyrinths or correct existing entries;
  • A links page listing other websites that provide information on labyrinth locations; and
  • A change to the WWLL web address, as our URL is converted to www.labyrinthlocator.org - much easier to remember and recommend to others!

  Meanwhile, you are encouraged to upload any new labyrinths you may have built or discovered, and also to check your existing entries for any corrections or updates required. Visit the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator now!

  Jeff Saward,
  WWLL Admin & Support
   

• Revised Labyrinth Research Bibliography now Available

  A revised Labyrinth Research Bibliography is now available! You may download this document and other useful research information on the TLS website.

A Quarterly Online Publication - September 2008

• Greetings from the TLS President

  Many people speak of labyrinth walking as an experience of stepping out of time… and time has been very much on my mind lately. In November we will be gathering once again from around the world, and this year we’ll be celebrating the Society’s 10-year anniversary. Ten years! In 1998, labyrinths in mainstream settings were uncommon, and those of us who were building and walking labyrinths were few and far between. We relished the opportunity to get together, and we felt like we could do more if we banded together. And so, The Labyrinth Society was born – and one of our prime objectives was to give ourselves the gift of gathering our labyrinth ‘family’ together once a year to share enthusiasm, information, and friendship. For me, the annual Gathering is the highlight in my calendar, and I look forward to our weekend of labyrinth immersion, greeting old friends, and meeting new ones.
   

  Time has moved on, of course, and labyrinths are more plentiful than they were back then… but the pleasure of meeting together hasn’t diminished. Many people work hard all year to plan and prepare for each year’s Gathering. Will you be there? This is our chance to share our love for the labyrinth and to play together as we compare notes and share our passion.

  Each year, I leave with the feeling that my heart-family has expanded, and I take with me renewed enthusiasm for my labyrinth work. This year’s Gathering at Simpsonwood is a time to look back at the development of the labyrinth over these past ten years, as well as a time to look forward. As a group, we’ve done much of what we originally set out to do, so it’s time to look forward to our next steps as a society. If you’ve attended Gatherings in the past, you’ll remember the energy and excitement that graces each event – and if you’ve never attended a Gathering, this is a wonderful chance to renew your own enthusiasm for all things labyrinthine and to meet people who share your interest. I promise you’ll leave with a full heart and, most likely, a spring in your step.

  I hope you’ll consider joining us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary!
   

  Blessings!
  Kimberly, TLS President

• Gather-Up! Journey to Healing and Wholeness

  The 2008 Annual Gathering is approaching and what fun we have planned! This is a time when we gather labyrinth people from around the globe, to learn from each other, share ideas, expand our vision, and celebrate together. We will gather at Simpsonwood, a beautiful retreat center just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, that has installed a permanent outdoor labyrinth since we last gathered there in 2001.

  This will be our 10th Annual Gathering and the program is filled with great activities from quiet contemplative labyrinth walks to a fun-filled party celebration. View a list of fantastic and diverse workshops here.

  Please note, we begin on Friday this year so be sure to check the 2008 Gathering Planned Schedule of Events (.pdf 76K), as you plan your travel.

  In addition to the anniversary celebration, an underlying theme will be labyrinths in healthcare. “Journey to Healing and Wholeness” is the title, and the events begin with optional pre-gathering workshops to transition with dowsing, yoga, dance, and inspiration cards, and will close with painting personal canvas labyrinths and a day-long bus tour. In between we will install a new TLS president, listen to the wisdom of founding members and gaze into the future of labyrinths in the global community. In Robert Ferre’s presentation on “Science and Spirit,” we will explore the building and use of labyrinths in hospitals. Rebecca Rodriguez, who introduces the labyrinth to hospice workers across the nation, will lead us on a sacred journey. Global musician Sonam Targee, will set the tone and we will dance and sing together in a grand celebration!

  It is not too late to register. Join your friends and meet us at Simpsonwood. See you there!
   

  Lisa Gidlow Moriarty, Gathering Liaison

• Just Walk Away, Renee...

  Well, that might not be your first choice of music to play at a quiet labyrinth walk, but our Friday night anniversary party on November 8th at the TLS Annual Gathering won’t be your typical contemplative labyrinth experience. Celebrating our 10th Annual Gathering, we will make new friends and greet old friends, dance, and sing along with fun and music. What songs would you put on the Top 40 list of songs that have a “walking” theme? These Boots are Made for Walkin’, Walk Like a Man, Walk on By, or Walk - Don’t Run, might be found there. If you have suggestions for the list, email the Outreach Chair.
   

  Be sure to attend the Gathering and join in the circle of fun. Be there or be square!
   

• Show Your Stuff

  Members' Images are a regular highlight of the Annual Gathering. This activity provides members with an opportunity to submit photos of labyrinths they have built and love. It is a wonderful way to begin our large group time together and to see the diverse and beautiful labyrinths that are dotting the landscape. Any member is invited to submit digital images for inclusion at the slide show to be shown at Gathering. Attendance at Gathering is not required (but highly recommended!) Randy Fillmore is accepting and compiling the images for 2008. Visit the TLS online Call for Member Images for more information, or contact Randy Fillmore directly with inquiries.

• Silent Auction

  Each year the Annual TLS Silent Auction provides scholarship awards towards the following year's Gathering registration. This is a fun way to help others and also have the chance to go home with creative and exciting winnings. There are two ways to be involved. Anyone can donate items to be on the Auction. Past Auction items have included: hand knit items, autographed books, dowsing rods, wooden finger labyrinths, weekend retreat packages, original artwork, and massage treatments. Start thinking now of how you can contribute. Gathering attendance is not required to submit items to the Auction. Then, attend Gathering and the fun begins…bid on Auction items during the Gathering, watch the bidding progress and take your chance to win while knowing your entire donation goes towards helping others. What could be more fun? To donate, contact Dan Raven, or call 773-973-3590.
   

• Gathering Program Ads

  The printed TLS Annual Gathering program is a great way to advertise your business or services to a targeted audience. Submit your advertisement early to reserve a spot in the Gathering program.

• Call for Vendors and Artists

  The Vendor/Artisans Area is a great place to display your wares and meet fellow members of TLS. Take advantage of this opportunity and reserve your space now.
   

• TLS Introduces Quarterly "Member Feature"

  The Labyrinth Society mission is to support all those who create, maintain, and use labyrinths, and to serve the global community by providing education, networking, and opportunities to experience transformation. In support of that mission, we have created a quarterly 'Member Feature' area of our E-news bulletin which highlights TLS members working with labyrinths in a wide variety of dynamic settings and inspirational ways.

  Initially, you will meet TLS members who have contributed pages to the resources section of the new website. They represent a multi-talented cross section of our membership that we are sure you will enjoy getting to know. Eventually we will expand the feature to include the general membership. So, stayed tuned to learn how our society is growing, changing, and raising the vibratory frequency of the world!

  As the summer winds down and autumn approaches, our first quarterly feature focuses on TLS members working with labyrinths in schools and retreat centers. If you are working in an educational setting and looking for inspiring ways to include the labyrinth in daily activities, or are a pilgrim on an inward journey, we invite you to meet a few TLS members who are experienced in these realms of labyrinth journeying below:

   

   Marge McCarthy, Labyrinths in Schools

  Marge McCarthy, is a retired School Psychologist who loves labyrinths – hence her commitment to create the labyrinth experience for children. Under her direction, children have built labyrinths at ten Santa Fe, NM schools, and have learned how to use them for things like calming, conflict resolution, community building, creativity, and dealing with grief. She has produced a book and DVD called “Kids on the Path”, which is a guide to bringing labyrinths to schools. She organized the TLS group “Labyrinths in Schools”, for sharing ideas and suggestions for working with children in the labyrinth. She was a member of the Veriditas Board for six years and is now on the Veriditas Council. In 1998 she founded the Labyrinth Resource Group in Santa Fe and currently serves as President. She and her husband, Bob, retired to Santa Fe fourteen years ago.
  

  Read more about Labyrinths in Schools.

   Dave Porter, Labyrinths in Retreat Settings

  K. David Porter, is a retired school administrator with 29 years experience in education. For the past nine years, he has been involved with many not-for-profit organizations. Presently, Dave is President of Wellspring Nature Center, Inc., Vice-President of Wellsville Citizens for Responsible Development, (WC-RD), Treasurer of Art for Rural America, and Admistrative Director of Wellsville Montessori School. Besides his involvement with not-for-profits, Dave is also a dowser. He has dowsed and built labyrinths for Wellspring and a local horse farm. The latter is large enough for horseback riding where clients use the labyrinth for pleasure and healing.

   Jana Batey, Labyrinths in Retreat Settings

  Jana Batey, is a Business Entrepreneur, Licensed Realtor, and Mortgage Broker, in the State of Florida with over 25 years professional experience. She divides her time between her home in New Smyrna Beach and her retreat center, Harmony Hill Lodging & Retreat Center, in central upstate New York. Jana is also a Professional Life Coach and a graduate of Coach For Life, a Certified Tele-Leader, a Reiki Practitioner, and Labyrinth Facilitator, having trained with Lauren Artress in Chartres, France at the Chartres Cathedral. Jana leads labyrinth walks and workshops in Florida, utilizing the beautiful beaches of New Smyrna Beach as a palette and at her retreat center in upstate New York, where she utilizes the natural stone labyrinth she and her business partner, Chris Rosenthal, built by hand.

  Read more about Labyrinths in Retreat Settings. 

• Expanded Labyrinth Research Resources Available on TLS Website

  As you are checking out the new TLS Website, be sure to explore the array of resources available that are related to labyrinth research. The research resources on the website support the three major goals of the TLS Research Committee:

  1. To make current labyrinth research easily accessible to TLS members and the broader labyrinth community;
  2. To encourage TLS members and the broader labyrinth community to become engaged in ongoing labyrinth research; and
  3. To build and represent labyrinth research as a viable, visible, credible, and respected area of inquiry within the broader research community.

  Locating the research resources is easy. From the TLS Home Page, click on the "Resources" link. On the left sidebar of the Resources page, click on "Research." (Visit the page now) This will make the entire array of resources available to you.

  Whether you are interested in the theoretical aspects of labyrinth research (A Context for Labyrinth Research, Basic Assumptions of Labyrinth Research, A Framework for Labyrinth Research), want information about labyrinth research studies (Bibliography of Studies Related to Labyrinth Research, Matrix of Topics Addressed by Various Labyrinth Research Studies), or want to participate in an ongoing labyrinth research study (Labyrinth Walk Questionnaire and Instructions), the information you need is there.

  If you have questions about the labyrinth research resources or are aware of something that might be added, please contact the TLS Research Committee Chair. 

A Quarterly Online Publication

April 2008 - Sent 04/30/2008

• 01. April 2008 - In This Issue

  In This Issue - April 2008
  Sent 04/30/2008

  • Education Outreach Request
  • Labyrinth Pathways Submissions
  • Strategic Planning Update
  • WWLL Update
  • TLS 2010 Annual Gathering
  • TLS Forum News

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - April 2008 (.pdf 215K)

• 02. Dear Friends

  Dear Friends,
  
  We've had a lot of rain (and snow) in our little corner of England this spring, giving us an endless succession of grey days and sticky mud. Today the sun is shining and it finally smells like Real Spring. In my mind's eye, I am seeing England's turf labyrinths getting their annual haircuts, and I'm envisioning people all over the northern hemisphere doing the same for their own local labyrinths... And, of course, that connects us to our southern hemisphere counterparts who are out tidying their labyrinths prior to putting them to bed for their cold season!

  The spiral of seasons is a familiar one to us all, and I enjoy the traditions that I sense here, where we can read old parish records of money spent for labyrinth maintenance or reports of community celebrations held on or near the village labyrinth. And regardless of the weather, the same is true for TLS... We experience a real upsurge of energy as the board meets for its spring meeting, final preparations are made to open registration for the Fall Gathering, and ongoing projects move toward fruition. This year is no different -- and I want to thank everyone who is working hard to help TLS grow and thrive in our mission of support for labyrinths and their makers, tenders, and walkers around the globe.

  Blessings!

  Kimberly

• 03. International Labyrinth Community

  TLS Requests YOUR Input on Sharing Labyrinth Expertise!

  The TLS Website redesign is underway and Education Outreach is a large and dynamic component of the site, offering resources to those initiating labyrinth projects and installations in their areas of the world. Because we serve the global community, we want to include international perspectives within the resources offered on the web site. Specifically, we need members of TLS located outside the U.S. who are interested in writing text for web pages covering the following areas:

  • Labyrinths in Schools
  • Labyrinths in Hospitals/Medical Settings
  • Labyrinths in Public Spaces - city and town parks and recreational areas
  • Labyrinths in Prisons
  • Labyrinths in Retreat Centers/Spas
  • Labyrinths in Churches
  • Labyrinths for Kids
  • Labyrinths in the Arts
  • Other labyrinth use not mentioned above

  These pages can be brief. Please cover the following topic areas and anything else you feel is pertinent:

  • Benefits: for the organization, community, or group as well the individual(s)
  • Important information/guidance for people and organizations who want to approach their organization in the above-listed areas about incorporating the use or installation of labyrinths

  A sample page can be sent to you upon request. Bilingual articles are welcome but one of the languages needs to be English. If you agree to write content for any of these categories, you would be specifically credited as the writer, with a link to your website and/or email provided at the base of the web page. If you are interested in helping out, please email the TLS Educational Outreach Chair or contact by phone at 585-967-0009.

• 04. Labyrinth Pathways Submissions Needed

  The 2nd edition of Labyrinth Pathways, the journal produced by Jeff Saward on behalf of the Labyrinth Society, is just about to start production. At this stage there are several articles in hand and the winners of the 2007 TLS writing contest are slated for inclusion, but there is still space for further submissions. If you have poetry, short essays, stories, articles that you would like to submit for consideration, contact Jeff Saward for details and submission guidelines. We are also seeking line drawings and illustrations.

• 05. Strategic Planning Update

  As many of you know, TLS has begun a detailed strategic planning initiative looking towards the future. In the past e-newsletter, a call was sent forth to the TLS membership seeking interested individuals for participation in this endeavor. Following a review process of those who responded to this call, a Strategic Planning Team has now begun to organize, working under the direction of our Strategic Planning Design Team. Stay tuned for updates!
  
  We would also like to formally acknowledge and thank the members participating in our Strategic Planning process. Design Team members are: Ingrid Bredenberg, Harriette Royer, Kimberly Saward, and Kay Whipple. Strategic Planning Team members are: Barb McCarthy, Sig Lonegrin, Kay Kinneavy, Randy Fillmore, Meg Hansen, Jose Cuesta, Tony Christie, Phyllis Carlisle, and Marcy Walsh. There are still opportunities to be part of the Tactical Team, which will help the planning team by doing specific tasks. If you are interested in serving on the Tactical Team, please email the TLS Secretary.

• 06. Worldwide Labyrinth Locator Update

  From Jeff Saward

  The Worldwide Labyrinth Locator (WWLL) website - jointly sponsored by The Labyrinth Society and Veriditas and administered by Jeff Saward - has now been operational for four years and contains over 2600 labyrinths in more than 50 different countries. The largest online catalogue of labyrinths worldwide, last year the website had over 1/4 million visitors. If you own, or have built a labyrinth not listed in the WWLL, or know of a public labyrinth likewise unlisted, please visit the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator website and click the "Add a Labyrinth" button to put that labyrinth in the Locator.

• 07. Will the 2010 TLS Annual Gathering be Near YOU?

  Are you interested in having a TLS Annual Gathering in your area? Have you always wanted to attend a gathering in a particular location? We are currenly taking location suggestions for the 2010 Annual Gathering . If you have a place in mind, please email your suggestions to the TLS Gathering Liason or contact her by phone at 651-439-8082.

• 08. TLS Forum News

  Your TLS Forum is a good way to let others in your Society know about labyrinth events that you are putting on. Regions can tell all of us about a gathering they are planning; you might be planning a workshop on how to use a labyrinth, or maybe you want to construct one in a public park, and you need volunteers with strong backs - all of these are good reasons to let all of us know what you are up to!

  Also, our Forum is a great place to trade ideas on specific areas of interest as far as labyrinths are concerned. For example, Neal Harris has a thread going about using labyrinths to work with children with ADHD. It is clear that this topic is of great interest to many of you - over 275 people have read at least parts of this thread, but sadly, only four people have contributed to the conversation. It is always important for you to add your two cents - even if you don't know anything about the topic, but want to ask a question.

  Our Forum is presently the best way for Members of TLS to communicate with each other in-between Gatherings or Regional meetings. Please check it out - especially if you haven't been there for a while. See you at the TLS Online Forums.

  }:-)

  Sig Lonegren
  TLS Forum Administrator

A Quarterly Online Publication

A Request from the Labyrinth Society

Sent 04/24/2008

• 01. Labyrinth Society Video News

  How many times have each of us known in our hearts that if we could just get "permission" to build a labyrinth in the first place, we could raise the funds, find the volunteers, and secure the materials to make it happen? Whether we want to build the labyrinth in a park, church, hospital, school, or prison, we must somehow paint the right picture so the key person or group that has decision authority can "see" the finished result and its benefits, and ultimately say "yes" to the proposal.

  The Labyrinth Society's upcoming DVD, Creating the Path, is about getting that permission. It is intended to promote the proliferation of labyrinths around the world. The goal is to have a documentary resource that speaks directly to decision makers, moving them to stand in support of a proposed labyrinth.
  Gael Hancock, Video Project Chair, is ready to begin production of this DVD. The film is expected to run about 22 minutes.

  We are currently seeking recommendations of suitable labyrinth projects for inclusion in the video. Five categories are planned: schools, churches, hospitals/hospices, public spaces (parks, office buildings, etc.), and prisons.

  Our objective is to find projects/programs and people who are willing to participate by having their location filmed and be interviewed on camera. After submitting the completed form, participants will be contacted by telephone for an initial exploratory conversation.

  If you are the creator, involved with, or know of a labyrinth project/program that falls into one of the categories, you are invited to submit it for consideration. Criteria are outlined in the project description that can be downloaded via either of the following hyperlinks:

  • Video Project Criteria and Submission Form (.doc 245K)
  • Video Project Criteria and Submission Form (.pdf 32K)

  Funding slightly in excess of $16,000 has been raised. Gael and a professional videographer are walking this path as volunteers. Your involvement requires only time and the commitment to helping realize the vision.

  Please help by downloading and reviewing the project description and submission form. If you are involved with, or know of a labyrinth project/program that falls into one of the categories, please submit it for consideration or pass the forms along to someone else who might be interested. Please email a hyperlink to this page to a friend or colleague who might know of a possibility that would be a good fit.

  Imagine the blessings and comfort when thousands, if not millions, of those who otherwise might not have access, can experience the labyrinth. 

  The Labyrinth Society
  P.O. Box 736
  Trumansburg, New York 14886

  The Labyrinth Society Video News - April 24, 2008 (.pdf 204K)

Presenter Proposal Form for 2008

Gathering Now Available - Sent 04/21/2008

• 01. Presenter Proposal Form for 2008 Gathering Now Available

  The Labyrinth Society 2008 Annual Gathering
  "Journey to Healing and Wholeness"

  November 7-9, 2008
  Simpsonwood Conference Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
  
  The Planning Committee is pleased to announce the theme of the Gathering "Journey to Healing and Wholeness." Featured presenters will include Lauren Artress, Gernot Candolini, Helen Curry, Toby Evans, Robert Ferre', Jill Geoffrion, Rebecca Rodriguez, Kathy Ruyts, Jeff and Kimberly Saward, Sonam Targee.

  The format of the Gathering will include several concurrent workshop sessions on Saturday that will allow speakers to present information on a wide variety of topics. Your new ideas and creativity are encouraged. The only limits are your inspiration and willingness to participate.

  Deadline
  The Presentation Submission Form must be received by June 1, 2008. In order to be considered, this form must be completed in full and submitted by mail, email, or fax.

  If you are selected
  Presenters at the gathering will:

  • Gain visibility and recognition of expertise.
  • Receive an honorarium of $150.00 per workshop (co-presenters share this fee)

  Presenter proposal forms are now available. Selection of Workshop Presenters will be completed and notification will be made by June 15, 2008.

  • 2008 Annual Gathering Presenter Proposal Form (.pdf 32K)

  For additional information email Pamela Bowles Fillmore or contact her by phone at 540-657-4324 (home) or 571-338-8551 (cell).

  David Gallagher, Executive Director

  News from The Labyrinth Society - April 21, 2008 (.pdf 134K)

A Quarterly Online Publication

January 2008 - Sent 02/07/2008

• 01. January 2008 - In This Issue

  In This Issue - January 2008
  Sent 02/07/2008

  • TLS Welcomes New Members!
  • TLS Forum News
  • Labyrinth Market Update
  • Video Project Update
  • Spring Board Meeting 

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter is a quarterly online publication. We are always seeking new information to share with our members. If you have labyrinth-related updates, news items, anecdotes, or other information you would like to share, please email the TLS Publications Chair.

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - January 2008 (.pdf 372K)

• 02. Dear Friends

  Dear Friends,

  We hope you are enjoying the more frequent communications from TLS... we are thrilled by the response we've had to our recent request for new participants in the strategic planning process. Many projects take a long time to bring to fruition, so it is particularly heartening to feel energy and enthusiasm stirring as we look to the future of both the labyrinth and the society. Meanwhile, the website redesign is underway, and the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator and the TLS Labyrinth Market continue to thrive. We delight in hearing from labyrinth enthusiasts around the world; this connection is vital as the labyrinth continues to weave itself into hearts and communities around the globe.
  
  Blessings, Kimberly

• 03. TLS Welcomes New Members!

  In each newsletter we share the name and location of new members who joined TLS during the period following the last newsletter and elected to be listed in the Member Directory. Since the number is so large, here listed are those from April through July 2007. The rest will be sent in installments over the coming weeks. 

  • Alchemy Enterprises, Mia Corinha, Nahant, MA
  • Stuart Anderson, Atlanta, GA
  • Jean Ando, New York, NY
  • Laurie Breeden, Phoenix, AZ
  • Helen Anthony Bridges, SFO, Cockeysville, MD
  • Jo Ann Jordan Elias, York, ME
  • Cynthia Emerlye, S. Pomfret, VT
  • Everyday Feng Shui Company, Donna Collins, Dallas, TX
  • Cynthia Frey,Lovingston, VA
  • Dominique Freymond, Schoenenberg, Switzerland
  • Jo Grant, Derby Derbyshire, United Kingdom
  • Gertie Graves, Campbellsville, KY
  • Heart in the Park, Audrey Schmitz, Tonkawa, OK
  • Susie Hillenbrand, Kerrs Creek, NSW, Australia
  • Patricia Jarrett, Tucson,AZ
  • SusanJones, Houston, TX
  • Sandra Kynes, Portland, ME
  • Barbara A. McCarthy, Prairieville, LA
  • Mavis McClintock, Duncan, BC, Canada
  • George McLellan, Russellville, AR
  • Mercy Regional Medical Center, Diana McKenna, Durango, CO
  • John Nichols, Fredericksburg, TX
  • John Phelps, Round Rock, TX
  • Cathy Proffitt, Burlington, NC
  • Earlene B. Reavies, Winston-Salem, NC
  • Laurel Reinhardt, PhD, Asheville, NC
  • Margaret Robbins, San Antonio, TX
  • John Sharp, Baltimore, MD
  • JoAnnSmith,Lawrence, KS
  • St. Andrew Catholic Community, Joseph Annese, Boulder City, NV
  • Katresia Staggs, Dover, AR
  • Jill Tardiff, Hoboken, NJ
  • Ginny Whittmore, Yellville, AR

  If you'd like to network with any of them, their contact information can be found by logging into the TLS Online Member Directory and searching on the name. Recall, please, that detailed MD User Instructions are in your Membership Handbook and are also conveniently available online within the MD itself.

• 04. TLS Forum News

  For reasons we do not understand, we have discovered that there are members of TLS who have email, but are not on TLS Forum.
  
  This Forum is where TLS Members can talk with each other and share ideas and discoveries. If you are a TLS Member and do not have access to post on the General Forum, please email the TLS Forum Administrator to register you for this great benefit of being a member of TLS.

  Forum Tip: Please click on the <Help> link at the top right-hand corner of the Forum Home Page. It is full of tips on how better to work this Forum. The most important tip - you can get the Forum to send you an email any time someone posts a new message on any given thread, or much better yet (and I would heartily advise each of you to do this), you can sign up to have InVision (the Forum software) send you an automatic email either immediately when a new posting has been made, or a daily or weekly Digest of all of the postings in the Forum(s) you are on.

  I would encourage you to choose the Daily Digest. I suggest this because we have found that many members forget to check their Forum(s) for new activity, get out of the habit, and stop being an active participant in the discussions. These emails are excellent reminders of interesting things that are happening.

  Of course when messages are of a more personal nature, you can send an email directly to the individual concerned, but the Forums are the primary way TLS Memebers can talk with each other and share new ideas.

  If you are on more than one Forum, please sign up for this Daily Digest service for each one you are on.

  See you on TLS Forum!

  }:-)

  Sig Lonegren
  Forum Administrator, The Labyrinth Society

• 05. TLS Labyrinth Market

  Looking for canvas labyrinth makers, somebody to build a labyrinth for you, finger labyrinths, books or teaching resources?

  With so many labyrinth related products and services, and from so many sources, it's often difficult to know where to start looking... The TLS Labyrinth Market website now provides a one-stop service to help you find that labyrinth! Listed by product and service categories, A-Z and by geographic location, the website now has advertisers from around the world, with a multitude of labyrinthine goodies on offer.
  
  And it's easy to show your products and services on the TLS Labyrinth Market website - as a member, you are entitled to discounted listings, with links direct to your own website, or custom-built display pages to showcase your products - the choice is yours.

• 06. Video Project Wupdate

  Gael Hancock, Project Coordinator, has announced a tentative timeline for completion of the TLS Video Project. The labyrinth projects to be featured in the video are sill open for selection, so please consider nominating yours or one with which you are familiar. For additional information on the TLS Video Project, as well as Selection Criteria information and an official Nomination Form, follow the above link.
  
  Tentative Timeline for Completion:

  • February 28, 2008:  Deadline for Nominations
  • March 1 - April 30: Applications will be reviewed by the committee and three to five projects in each category will be chosen for interviews.
  • May 1 - August 31: The Final projects will be chosen and filming will take place.
  • September 1 - October 31: Final Editing

  Thanks to an especially generous gift of $5,000 from TLS member, Kathy Ruyts, the Video Fund now totals $16,081. We're oh sooo close to the $20,000 goal! To help close the remaining gap, another member is offering a challenge grant pledging to match dollar for dollar all donations to the fund received by April 1, 2008.

  If you are able to contribute to this fund, please indicate "Video Fund" on your check and mail to: The Labyrinth Society, PO Box 736, Trumansburg, NY 14886. Visa or MasterCard payments will be gratefully accepted by calling the Executive Director at (607)387-5863.

• 07. TLS Spring Board Meeting Scheduled

  The TLS Spring Board Meeting has been scheduled for April 11-13, 2008. All members are welcome to attend this annual event and participate in discussions. The meeting will be held at the Carondelet Center, in St. Paul, MN. The center is located in the heart of the Twin Cities area, adjacent to the College of St. Catherine Campus. A large outdoor labyrinth graces the backyard lawn of this retreat center.
  
  Carondelet Center
  1890 Randolph Avenue
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55105

  Tentative Meeting Schedule:

  • Friday: Dinner at 5:00 PM, followed by the evening session starting around 7:00 PM.
  • Saturday: Morning and afternoon sessions. An evening session will be held contingent on progress with the agenda.
  • Sunday: Morning session. The meeting concludes at Noon.

  If you wish to attend, please email Lisa Moriarty or call 651-439-8082 for additional details and arrangements.

Sent 01/25/2008

• 01. TLS Invitation

  January 2008

  Dear TLS Member, 

  As a member of The Labyrinth Society, you have used some of the programs and experienced some of the services the society offers to members. On behalf of the Board, we sincerely thank you for your support as a member. Now we're excited to invite you to take a leading role in shaping the future of TLS by sharing your ideas and helping us grow our vision.

  TLS is poised to take our mission to a new level of worldwide labyrinth engagement and truly make our Vision a reality. In our recent decision to move forward with strategic planning, the Board recognized that we needed broad member representation on the team. We're seeking 2-3 members who want to imagine and plan our future direction.

  Will you consider volunteering to join 6-7 other committed members on our Strategic Planning team? This is your chance to become more involved and to make a difference.

  The Strategic Planning Team will conduct its work via the web and teleconferences. Through the spring, they will gather information and generate ideas. By summer and early fall, they will formulate recommendations and present them to the Board at or before the 2008 Gathering in November.

  For more information, please contact the TLS Board Secretary. I will answer your questions and send a description of what TLS needs from team members, as well as the outline of the preliminary process.

  Our sincere thanks for giving this request your serious consideration.

  Warm regards,

  Harriette Royer,
  Secretary

  The Labyrinth Society Invitation - January 25, 2008 (.pdf 124K)

2008 European Regional Gathering

Sent 01/13/2008

• 01. 2008 European Regional Gathering

  New Registration Deadline

  Due to low registration, we may need to cancel this weekend Gathering.... If you are considering joining us, please register your interest now to give us a clearer picture of how things stand. We don't want to disappoint anyone, but we need to make a decision by January 23.

  Portals & Perambulations: Weekend Gathering at Troy Farm

  Friday evening 30 May 2008 - Sunday afternoon June 1

  A weekend of presentations at Troy Farm in Oxfordshire, home of a unique historic 15-circuit turf labyrinth, recently restored and re-opened to the public. Speakers include Klara Adalena, Lauren Artress, Jim Buchanan, Suzy Castleman, Sig Lonegren, Karin Schlüter Lonegren, Jeff Saward and Kimberly Lowelle Saward, speaking on various aspects of labyrinths, dowsing and spiritual practice, plus a visit to the nearby Rollright stone circle. For full details, visit the Amazing Adventures website. We hope to see you in England this year!

  Jeff and Kimberly Saward and Sig & Karin Lonegren

  If attending an exciting event at this historic English labyrinth sounds tempting, we would ask that you contact Sig, via the web link above, to let him know of your interest. Please don't send any money yet; once the event is confirmed, we will let you know the easiest way to make your payment.

  2008 European Regional Gathering News - January 13, 2008 (.pdf 147K)

• 01. The Labyrinth Society Newsletter

  In This Issue - April 2007
  Sent 04/02/2007

  • Spring Board Meeting
  • Regional Gatherings
  • Report from Australia
  • Worldwide Labyrinth Locator Update
  • Author Seeks Assistance...
  • News 'n Notes

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - April 2007 (.pdf 683K)

• 02. The Labyrinth Society Newsletter

  In This Issue - January 2007
  Sent 01/25/2007

  • Meet Me at the Forum
  • Membership Committee Update
  • New Cosmic Pathway
  • Upcoming Events
  • Fourth Annual Writing Contest
  • News Briefs & Reminders
  • New Members

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - January 2007 (.pdf 806K)

• 03. Annual Gathering News

  In This Issue
  Sent 04/10/2007

  • Greetings TLS Members & Friends
  • Information Links to Gathering Website Pages
  • Accommodations & Fees
  • Gathering Programs Ads

  Annual Gathering News - April 10, 2007 (.pdf 287K)

• 04. 2007 Annual Gathering News

  In This Issue
  Sent 08/08/2007

  • Workshops & Presentations
  • Help Create the Gathering Labyrinth
  • Familiar Favorites & Traditions
  • Labyrinths On The Grounds
  • Airport Shuttle Information
  • Pre-Gathering Workshop
  • Post-Gathering Workshop
  • Lodging
  • Early Arrival / Late Departure
  • Member Images
  • Vendor Room / TLS Store
  • Silent Auction
  • Off-Site Lodging Availability
  • Walk-In Day Rate
  • Invite A Friend
  • Share the News!

  2007 Annual Gathering News - August 8, 2007 (.pdf 454K)

• 05. News from The Labyrinth Society

  We’ve learned from TLS member, Debi Kermeen, that another cable program featuring labyrinths is scheduled to air on HGTV (Home & Garden Television) this coming Sunday, 2 September, at 10:30am Eastern Time (8:30 Mountain, 9:30 Central, 10:30 Pacific). The show is called “Curb Appeal,” and will re-air again on 22 September.

  Marty and Debi Kermeen built a small Zen Garden at a row house in Washington, a few blocks from the capital, featuring a 6-foot Chakra - Vyuha Labyrinth. They have not seen the program, but were interviewed on-camera, and the production crew shot footage of them working. Debi reports that the wonderful labyrinth at The Washington DC Botanical Garden, built by TLS member, Michael Clarridge, will also be featured.

  The HGTV channel may be available only to cable and/or satellite subscribers in the United States, so I cannot assure it’s accessible in other countries.

  Turned out the program on the One channel was available only to Canadian cable subscribers. Sorry for the misdirect in sending that email to everyone. Should have gone only to Canadian members. I’m investigating whether we might be able to get a DVD or VHS recording to share it more widely.

  And, finally, a reminder that the extended early bird discount deadline for postal mail and fax registrations ends this coming Friday, 31 August.

  • 2007 TLS Annual Gathering Registration Form (.pdf 50K)

  Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who might be interested.

  Good walking to you all,
  David

  David Gallagher
  Executive Director

• 06. 2008 European Regional Gathering

  Portals & Perambulations: Weekend Gathering at Troy Farm

  Friday evening 30 May 2008 - Sunday afternoon June 1

  A weekend of presentations at Troy Farm in Oxfordshire, home of a unique historic 15-circuit turf labyrinth, recently restored and re-opened to the public. Speakers include Klara Adalena, Lauren Artress, Jim Buchanan, Suzy Castleman, Sig Lonegren, Karin Schlüter Lonegren, Jeff Saward and Kimberly Lowelle Saward, speaking on various aspects of labyrinths, dowsing and spiritual practice, plus walking the labyrinth at the nearby Rollright stone circle. For full details and registration, please visit the Amazing Adventures website. We trust we will see you in England next year!

  Jeff and Kimberly Saward and Sig & Karin Lonegren

  2008 European Regional Gathering - October 29, 2007 (.pdf 129K

• 07. Holiday Greetings from The Labyrinth Society

  ...Wishing you many blessings on the path...

  Give a Gift of Membership!

  As you make your holiday gift list, consider The Labyrinth Society in your planning. Give a gift of membership to TLS to the labyrinth enthusiasts in your life. Gift recipients are entitled to membership benefits and become part of a community that supports those who have brought the labyrinth into their lives.

  Is your special person already a TLS member? Consider a donation to The Labyrinth Society in his or her honor. Your gift will support labyrinth work world wide.

  The Labyrinth Society will send a card acknowledging your gift or donation.

  To give a gift membership or to make a tax-deductible (USA only) donation to The Labyrinth Society, please email the TLS Executive Director by contact by phone at 607-387-5863.
  
  The Labyrinth Society
  P.O. Box 736
  Trumansburg, New York 14886

  Holiday Greetings from The Labyrinth Society - December 20, 2007 (.pdf 134K)

• 01. News from The Labyrinth Society

  Dear Members,

  While you’ve heard from us on a regular basis of late, there are several announcements that we’re excited to share with you in this special letter.

  At the Fall Board Meeting in Lenox, MA, significant decisions were made about the ways in which we will focus TLS energies and resources. In our early days, we felt our priority should be putting labyrinth information out into the world. We’ve done that in good measure, and will continue to do so in as many new and innovative ways as possible. At the same time, the board has felt that the privilege of being part of this labyrinth outreach was our greatest member benefit. Now we need to look at how TLS can best serve our members. We’ve listened to your requests, suggestions, and ideas and are acting on a number of them.

  First, we are happy to announce that TLS has partnered with Caerdroia – the Journal of Mazes and Labyrinths, to offer this annual publication as a member benefit. Caerdroia, now in its 25th year of production, is edited and published in the UK by Jeff Saward of Labyrinthos. In addition, a new journal, tentatively titled The Labyrinth Path, will be introduced in Spring 2007, and it too will become a member benefit. This publication will focus on spirituality, health and the arts. It will contain, among other things, the winning entries from the annual writing contest, personal essays, and material specific to The Labyrinth Society, including an annual Gathering retrospective. TLS members will be encouraged to submit their writing for publication.

  Also, after several years in development, we are finally ready to launch our online Labyrinth Marketplace. This is something that many of you have been suggesting for quite some time. In short, it will provide a one-stop site for finding labyrinth products and services. This will not be an online store, but rather will serve as an index to what is available worldwide, with direct links and/or contact information to product and service providers. As TLS members you will be offered a simple listing free of charge (after a one-time setup fee) with expanded listings available at discounted rates. The new Marketplace was rolled out at the Spring Board meeting, and will open for business within the next few months.

  Other benefits are planned for introduction later in the year, including new educational outreach materials. And we still plan to distribute the video, Creating a Path: A Story of Labyrinth Building, to all current members when production is completed.

  Our membership fees have been the same since we organized in 1999, and inflation has seriously eroded their adequacy in the intervening years. Moreover, during that time we have gone from a small group of volunteers to an international organization with a full- time executive director, a highly visible website, a partnership in the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator and a small grant program for member projects. In order to make some adjustment for the effects of inflation and provide these additional member benefits, we are introducing a new tiered membership pricing structure. Beginning June 1, 2006, TLS will have five membership categories, intended to address both the interests and budgets of our members.

  
  Individual Membership: $50.00(US) per year

  • $100.00 Gathering discount for Gathering 2006; $75.00 Gathering discount thereafter
  • E-letter subscription (6 issues per year)
  • Free listing in Online Marketplace (after one-time setup charge)
  • 50% discount for expanded Online Marketplace listing fees
  • Full voting rights
  • Access to, and inclusion in, the Online Member Directory

  The $5.00 per member household discount will be continued at this membership level. (all Torrez scholarships will be at this level of membership)

  Supporting Membership: $75.00(US) per year

  • All benefits of Individual Membership
  • $100.00 Gathering registration discount
  • Subscription to two Journals: Caerdroia & The Labyrinth Path

  Household Membership: $130.00(US) per year

  • All benefits of Supporting Membership
  • $100.00 Gathering registration discount for each member of the household
  • Individual listing in the Online Member Directory for each household member

  Organization Membership: $130.00(US) per year

  • All benefits of Supporting Membership
  • Four $100.00 Gathering registration discounts

  Individual Lifetime Membership: $1,250.00(US)

  • All benefits of Supporting Membership for duration of the member’s lifetime

  The new categories, benefits, and prices will apply to new memberships received after May 31, 2006, and membership renewals due beginning in June. Questions and comments should be directed to David Gallagher at info@labyrinthsociety.org or by calling David at 607-387-5863.

  Complete information concerning the Online Labyrinth Marketplace, including service level descriptions and pricing, will be announced when the Marketplace is ready for public debut – planned for early summer 2006. Other member benefits are in the planning stages, including special members-only pages on the website.

  We hope you will be as excited as we are about these new developments, and that you will take advantage of these exciting member benefits!

  On another note, we expect 2006 Gathering registration will open on Thursday, June 1st.

  Kimberly Lowelle Saward, TLS President
  David Gallagher, Executive Director

  News from The Labyrinth Society - May 17, 2006 (.pdf 249K)

• 02. TLS Noninating Committee Letter

  Call To The Membership

  “When I do a random act of kindness, I receive an abundance
  of positive energy from the universe.”

  By the editors of Don’t Sweat Press

  ---

  First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Cindy Keesee and I am writing to you as a TLS member and chair of the Nominating Committee.

  Second, I am sending out a request for your assistance. There are many positions available within TLS both on the board and committees. The Nominating Committee is coming to you the members asking that those interested in a position to step forward. It is always beneficial if you are already on a committee and have some understanding of the duties that may lie ahead of you. Even if you are not currently on a committee and are interested please contact the Nominating Committee. Positions currently available are:

  Board Positions:

  • Development Chair – Oversee the development of TLS, responsible for Grant writing and Fund Raising.
  • Membership Chair – Assist with new members and bring forth new ideas in maintaining the members that are currently in TLS.
  • Nominating Chair – Review vacancies within TLS committees and board and assist with the nominating ballot.
  • Publication Chair – Oversee the newsletter, writing contest and any other publications.
  • Treasurer – Responsible for monitoring TLS funds.

  Committee Coordinator Positions:

  • Wisdom Circle Coordinator – A prior member of the board to serve in an advisory capacity by sharing their wisdom and experiences with the current board.
  • Web Coordinator – Someone to assist with envisioning and maintaining any design changes of the TLS web site.
  • E-Letter Coordinator – Prepare our bi- monthly e-letter with events and information for our members.
  • Member Images Coordinator – To accept submissions of photos, slide and digital images from TLS members. To assemble a digital photo show of images for the Annual Gathering Program.

  Now is a great time to do a random act of kindness. Share your skills, talent and knowledge with TLS to help us to continue moving forward. It is the members who make TLS what it is and keeps it going. Together we can share the word and uses of the labyrinth for all.

  Remember there are many ways to become more deeply involved in TLS. Suggest an interest group at the gatherings, sign up for a committee, communicate on the forums, and contact any of the board or committee members with information or ideas. You can always propose a new committee if there is not one already performing a function for which you see a need. TLS is what you make it.

  Those people that come forth as nominees will be interviewed by the Nominating Chair. This will help the nominee obtain additional information concerning the position and assist the nominating committee in learning more about that person. We have currently received some nominees that are being added to this review. Subsequent to the review, the Nominating Committee selects a slate of the candidates to be voted on by the members at the Fall Gathering or by mail.

  I look forward to hearing from you soon and can go into more detail on the positions available upon your request. Please contact me via email, letter or phone. Questions and comments are always welcome.

  Cindy Keesee
  15454 N. 135th Dr.
  Surprise, AZ 85374
  623-975-2249

  The Labyrinth Society Nominating Committee Letter - May 26, 2006 (.pdf 180K)

• 03. The Labyrinth Society Newsletter

  In This Issue - June 2006
  Sent 06/13/2006

  • Board Changes
  • 2006 Gathering Update
  • TLS Forum Report
  • Writing Contest Reminder
  • Global Healing Response Program
  • Midwest Labyrinth Conference
  • Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth
  • Welcome New Members

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - June 2006 (.pdf 600K)

• 04. Annual Gathering News

  In This Issue
  Sent 06/19/2006

  • Dear Members & Friends
  • Postal Mailing
  • Who to Contact with Questions

  Annual Gathering News - June 19, 2006 (.pdf 168K)

• 05. The Labyrinth Society Newsletter

  In This Issue - July 2006
  Sent 07/25/2006

  • 2006 Gathering Updates
  • 2007 Gathering: Dates & Location
  • Northwest Regional Gathering
  • Midwest Regional Gathering
  • Website Research Page
  • Meet Me at the Forum
  • Curated Labyrinth Art Show
  • Love Stories
  • New Members
  • Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - July 2006 (.pdf 645K)

• 06. Reminder from The Labyrinth Society

  Gathering Registration Early Bird Deadline

  Just a brief reminder that this year's deadline for early
  bird registration is Tuesday, August 15th.

  Prices will auto-increase by $100.00 on the website at Midnight, Wednesday, August 16th.

  In order to qualify as an early bird, postal registrations should be postmarked no later than August 15th.

  ---

  TLS Scholarships

  A limited number of Annual Gathering scholarships are available to TLS members. A separate scholarship application form is only available on request. Scholarship recipients are required to register via postal mail. If you are interested in this option, please email the Registrar.

  ---

  This year we have new and interesting information & workshops, exciting key notes, and a beautiful location near one of the most visited cities in America!!

  Reminder from The Labyrinth Society - August 11, 2006 (.pdf 119K)

• 07. Special Message from The Labyrinth Society

  Dear TLS Members & Friends,

  This special message represents a departure from our long-standing policy regarding email. It was approved by the Executive Committee in recognition of an unusual and critical situation, believing it constitutes a benefit to our members, and is not a typical communication from TLS.

  Earlier this month, Robert Ferré reported that his office computer crashed resulting in the loss of all his contact information and photos. The hard drive was evaluated for possible recovery of data without success. Given the situation, Robert asked for assistance in getting the word out so people can get back in touch with him.

  Robert requests the following:

  • Our ezine mailing list (please send us your address again)
  • Our prospective participants for the October labyrinth-making training in St. Louis (please send us your contact information)
  • 2000 photos (please send us photos of our labyrinths if you have some)
  • All inquiries for information (we have no way to stay in touch)

  If any of the above categories apply to you, please email Robert Ferré so he can reconstruct his database.
  
  David Gallagher, Executive Director
  The Labyrinth Society

• 08. The Labyrinth Society Newsletter

  In This Issue - September 2006
  Sent 10/02/2006
  

  • 2006 Gathering Update
  • Meet Me at the Forum
  • TLS Mini-Reunion
  • News Briefs & Reminders
  • New Members

  The Labyrinth Society Newsletter - September 2006 (.pdf 484K)