Ivy: Labyrinth

By S.F. Skyheart - August 8, 2024

The Celtic month of Ivy, August 8 - September 4, is associated with:

Symbol: Labyrinth

A Labyrinth is usually an outdoor spiral path made of plants, stone, or brick, which is used for walking mediation and contemplation. These types of structures can be found all over the world on ancient artifacts and in historical sites, as well as in modern tattoos, art, and therapeutic areas such as healing gardens and retreat centers.

In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was a complex, disorienting maze designed by Daedalus for King Minos. Its purpose was to cage the Minotaur, but Daedalus had so skillfully built the Labyrinth that he narrowly escaped his own creation. This story alone gives us a lesson in not getting caught in our own tangled webs of fear or doubt.

Although the words are often used interchangeably, a labyrinth and a maze are distinctly different. A maze is a puzzle with many choices of paths and direction, which challenges a person to decipher their way to the exit. A labyrinth is designed to help the user find peace and inner knowing, and therefore has only one path to the center and back out again. (If you haven't already read my story of walking a labyrinth for the first time, please see the link below Ivy: August 8 - September 4.)

In connection to Ivy and its other symbols this month, a labyrinth walk is a wonderful to connect with our heart, trust the process, and steer away from being too results-oriented. From the spirals inside seashells, to spiderwebs, to the cochlear spiral inside the human ear, the universe is always whispering to us, and it is up to us to take the time to listen.

Do what lights you up,
Sadie

Please note: Some people start the tree calendar with Birch in January, which follows the solar calendar. However, I learned them in an older tradition, which aligns with the 13-month lunar calendar. It's up to you to discern what feels right for you, of course.

About the author

S.F. Skyheart

Author of The Recollection of Trees book series. Fifth generation intuitive. Kitchen witch. she/her.

My blog is meant for inspirational and entertainment purposes only.

Content is intended to be welcoming and respectful of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or spiritual beliefs.

I do not consent to or approve of the misuse of my content in association with white supremacy, racial elitism, nationalism, or any other form of extremism. Any such ignorance has nothing to do with my ancestors, my spiritual journey, nor any of my sources (historical, spiritual, cultural, archaeological). I condemn these divisive, harmful groups and their false claims about runes, ogham, or any other symbols discussed in my writings.