Crafting Avalon By Kim Davis   For part two of my four part series on crafting the tools we may chose to bring into our ritual circle, I will focus on a tool of the Station of Confrontation; the labyrinth. The labyrinth is steeped in a rich tradition of mystery and spirit. John Ridder, author of the essay, “A Brief History of Labyrinths and Their Modern Usage,” writes that, “Labyrinths are found in many cultures dating back as much as 3,500 years. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth is unicursal, having a single path leading to the center with no loops, cul-de-sacs or forks. They all share the basic features of an entrance or mouth, a single circuitous path and a center or goal.” There are two basic types of labyrinths; the Chartres and the Cretan labyrinth. We, in the SOA, tend to focus on the classic, seven circuit Cretan labyrinth.  This labyrinth pattern is fairly easy to learn and research as information abounds on the internet. If you want to learn how to easily draw this pattern just go to your favorite search engine and use the keys words, “draw a labyrinth” and you’ll have an abundance of links in the blink of an eye. There are many ways in which you may create a labyrinth. You can make a labyrinth so that it’s big enough to walk or you could create one small enough to trace with your finger.   Some ideas for creating life-sized labyrinths: • Draw the labyrinth into sand: this works great if you are near a beach or a big sandy lot. • Use chalk: if you have a big expanse of sidewalk or even a concrete porch, this will work well. • Mow the pattern into the grass in your yard or a nearby field. • Stake out a labyrinth pattern and use hemp twine to connect the stakes. • Luminaries – use small white paper bags, filled 1/3 of the way with sand and a lighted tea light. • Make a moveable labyrinth – get yourself a plain king-sized flat sheet and paint or draw the labyrinth on the sheet. • Use mulch to create a path and line with stones or bricks and/or Avalonian herbs. • Use stones or bricks to create a path and/or line with bushes or plants.             My process of creating ritual tools is part of my personal spiritual practice. Usually, before crafting my tools, I will consider the timing and plan an actual ritual around the creation of the tool. It is important for me to get into “ritual space” during the crafting of my tools because, I feel, it imbues my tools with intention and the particular energies I wish for them to evoke in me when I use them again.   In general, my tool creation ritual is very simple; I call up a circle and set my intention. I may also burn some Avalonian herbs and draw my scrying cauldron near so that I may look into it for inspiration. Before beginning I still my mind and begin with my Power breathing. You may also wish to do some Avalonian chants. Or you may wish to work in the “silence of magic”.   My favorite type of labyrinth to create is a finger labyrinths. They are fun and easy and the process is as revealing as simply walking a labyrinth. All the finger labyrinths that I have created for myself and others are unique with their own special characteristics and energy. Some are incredibly simple yet others have become quite elaborate with the addition of leather hanging straps or complete pictographs of spiritual images.  My favorite way to create a finger labyrinth involves the wood burner. Basically, I get myself a nice, flat piece of wood, Michaels and other hobby stores usually have a good selection. However, you may wish to find your own piece of wood. I have done this too with great results. Simply take a walk through a nearby forest and let the piece of wood reveal itself to you. When you’ve found it, ask the local spirits if you may take it and then leave an offering of thanks.   Once home, prepare the surface by sanding. When you have the piece of wood sanded and smooth you will be ready to draw the labyrinth onto the wood. You may wish to simply draw your labyrinth freehanded or you may wish to use a stylus to trace a precise labyrinth pattern onto the wood.  After getting your pattern onto the wood you should be ready to fire up the wood burner. Take your time burning the pattern into the wood. After you are done, you may wish to create a design around the labyrinth. I have burned in runes, chants, oghams, and secret symbols. When I have the labyrinth just like I want it, I push a length of leather cord into the sides using brass tacks. Now I can hang the finger labyrinth on the wall of my temple for decoration.   You may also consider making a finger labyrinth out of clay or sculpey. Both mediums lend themselves well to creating this wonderful tool. You may also consider painting or drawing a labyrinth onto a piece of wood or canvas. You may even try your hand at embroidering a labyrinth onto your cloak or altar cloth. The ideas are truly endless.   Once you have finished crafting your finger labyrinth you may wish to consecrate it in a special ritual just to imbue it with your energies and to call upon the energies of the Avalonian Motherline.   Crafting your own ritual tools can be fun and empowering. It gives me a timeless sense of connection to the Priestesses who walked before me and allows me to express myself and how I relate specifically to my chosen path. Crafting my own tools puts me in touch with the Goddess and helps me to sharpen my sense of inner vision. However you craft your own labyrinth…I wish for you much inspiration!     References: John Ridder’s essay, “A Brief History of Labyrinths and Their Modern Usage” at http://www.paxworks.com/labyrinthbasics.html