Taos celebrates World Labyrinth Day May 1

Erica Asmus-Otero | For The New Mexican

4/23/2010 - 4/24/10

Taos is at the center of one of the oldest and most significant symbols in the world — labyrinths — and will host four labyrinth-centered events for World Labyrinth Day on May 1.

As a project of the international Labyrinth Society, participants across the world will "walk as one at 1 p.m." for peace, and to celebrate the labyrinth as "a symbol, a tool, a passion and a practice."

Sandra Wasko-Flood, a Taos organizer and founder of Living Labyrinths for Peace, says that labyrinths are not only visually intriguing, but there is evidence to suggest beneficial effects for people with diseases such as dyslexia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, though further study is being done. For others, the winding path slows the breathing, focuses the mind and brings a peaceful state.

"For anyone seeking that feeling of being centered, or who are just curious about why labyrinths are such a worldwide attraction, I encourage them to visit Taos and see these amazing labyrinths," said Wasko-Flood.

Labyrinths symbolize life's journey and, unlike mazes, have only one path to the center and back, so a person cannot get lost. Today, labyrinths are found in places such as parks, prisons, churches, retreat centers, schools and playgrounds.

The oldest labyrinths in the world date back more than 4,000 years. The labyrinth design combines the circle and the spiral form found throughout the universe — from the galaxies to our DNA — and is a symbol for wholeness, unity and transformation.

Labyrinths in Taos are growing in popularity among tourists. Three Taos businesses — the Adobe and Pines Inn, Mabel Dodge Luhan House and the San Geronimo Lodge — have labyrinths on permanent display.

Four labyrinth paths will be open to the public in Taos on May 1, with one labyrinth available in Santa Fe as well. Labyrinths will be available at the following locations:

• Adobe and Pines Inn: World Peace Walk at 1 p.m. featuring ongoing introductions to the Labyrinth and to Sarvanga Yoga with Paul Kelly. Adobe and Pines Inn is at 407 New Mexico 68 Ranchos de Taos. For more information, send an e-mail to mail@adobepines.com, visit the Web site at www.adobepines.com or call 575-751-0947.

• First Presbyterian Church of Taos: Prayer for Peace offered at 1 p.m. with Rev. Wayne Mell at the church, 215 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. For more information visit the Web site at www.taospresbyterian.org or call 575-758-3124.

• Greater World Earthship Community: Peace Ceremony at 1 p.m. with Gail Goodwin. Open from noon to 3 p.m. The Greater World Earthship Community is 15 miles west of Taos and 3 miles west of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. For more information, call 575-613-4666 or 251-928-9442.

• Touchstone Inn: Open all day for personal World Peace Walks. Touchstone Inn is at 110 Mabel Dodge Lane, Ranchos de Taos. For more information, send an e-mail to Touchstoneinn@gmail.com or call 575-758-0192.

• In addition to those events, labyrinth-related workshops and events are scheduled in and around Taos starting in July. Visit www.taossacredplaces.com for a schedule of events.

• In Santa Fe: Walk the labyrinth at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Labyrinth Resource Group, and is free. Guitar music provided by Mike Tait. Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire will open the walk at 1 p.m. The labyrinth is outside the cathedral, 131 Cathedral Place. For more information, visit the Web site at www.LabyrinthResourceGroup.org or call 505-988-1470.

Erica Asmus-Otero works for Griffin & Associates, Inc., representing World Labyrinth Day events.