Everything about this property aims to please one’s senses, and, even more, one’s Soul. That’s why, when I was thinking about a celebratory project for a landmark birthday, I was inspired by Nunkeri itself to create something beautiful and lasting that would be a gift to all who come here.

The result is a beautiful Classical Cretan labyrinth, which some people think should be 3-D, as in the labyrinth of the Minotaur :). In fact, it is a simple, 2-D, symbolic representation of a Journey to Self.

I’d aimed to minimise the maintenance of that specific piece of land (keeping in mind the Permaculture-ish notion of intelligently constructed work now reduces unnecessary work later), as it was a sloping site which required regular brush-cutting. It is now more level, indeed, but, what with the rich, moist, whacker-packed road base that we created the base from, it is now almost perfect as an unintentional seed-raising tray!!! Sadly, brush-cutting has been replaced by hand-pulling of weeds, but at least it is human vs fossil-fuelled labour.

Ultimately, it is a very beautiful space, which is enjoyed by many, and weeding as one walks is both meditative and sacred if one views it as same. It is a beautiful space, which was created by the combined energy of many dear friends and loved ones, who contributed their physical energy, favourite stone friends along with their voices, blended in harmony.

After we’d finished ‘singing the labyrinth in’, the grumbling of thunder and lightning that had been buzzing over us on that swelteringly hot day finally burst, and it began to rain… and rain… and rain, until the sky had emptied itself. Later that night, with just a dozen or so of us remaining, the light left the sky and darkness filled the space around us. Just then, in that moment, my friend cried out “The labyrinth… Look at the labyrinth… The fireflies are going off!!!” We do get fireflies from time to time, with any luck, at a very certain time of year, but only ever perhaps ½ to a dozen at a time… In the labyrinth that night, the general consensus was that there were quite a few hundred, flitting, buzzing and skylarking around in their new space. It was a truly wonder-filled moment…. Truly magic! :) Such is the labyrinth.

I should hasten to add that, from a permacultural perspective, the labyrinth is a successful use of land. It serves many purposes, given that it:- is medicinal (two of the groundcovers are brahmi and gotu kola :)), aesthetic, sensory, minimises labour, and stabilises a sloping bank!!! :):):)