Walking The Path Of The Feminine
Young and old alike enter the labyrinth. Some carry homemade signs addressing a spectrum of social and environmental issues. Others wear cat-eared hats of pink yarn or fleece. Many elders walk slowly while some children race. The occasional dog is led along the path by their human. And a few babies ride in backpacks carried by parents. Some people are silent, while others converse. A few even sing, all we are saying is give peace a chance (1). Hope and solidarity pervade the winding journey. In the labyrinth and along the streets, more than 2000 strong peacefully demonstrate together, uniting at intersections of oppression, each honoring the concerns of the other (2).
On January 21st, 2017, following the presidential inauguration, millions of people across the USA rallied and marched. People in other countries demonstrated, as well, taking a stand against hate, intolerance, and tyranny. A week and a half prior to this occasion, I designed a labyrinth in the shape of the gender symbol for women. While drawing it, I wondered if there was a local Women’s March scheduled, an opportunity to share the experience of walking a labyrinth. I searched the media, finding none.
It then occurred to me that I could provide a public opportunity to walk this labyrinth, offering a way of prayerful action on the day of the Women’s March on Washington. I consulted two of my friends and each said, I’m in! In a whirlwind of preparation, we advertised on social media and garnered support from a local political organization and a church. We arranged our location with the City and informed the local police department. Together, we crafted an opening ceremony that would rally the forces, yet set a peaceful tone.
The big day came and my husband and I went to the plaza early. Together, we stomped down the snow, preparing the ground for the labyrinth. Others arrived, assisting us and shoveling walkways. Another team assembled a stage while we created the labyrinth, one five foot rope at a time. And then marchers came, trickling in. We expected at least 200, if not more. Then throngs of people descended on the plaza, far exceeding our expectations. Crowding onto sidewalks and standing in snow, multitudes gathered for the Women’s March and Labyrinth Meditation.
The sound system on, my sister organizers and I welcomed citizens and shared our thoughts and intentions. A choir sang, Circle round for freedom, circle round for peace. For all of us imprisoned, circle for release. Circle for the planet, circle for each soul. For the children of our children, keep the circle whole (3). Following the closing words, masses of people peaceably marched around the entire city block. A steady stream of folks also walked the labyrinth, many experiencing such a journey for the first time.
The shape of this labyrinth not only symbolized gender, but also represented the feminine. The feminine includes qualities in all of us, regardless of gender, such as love, compassion, and concern for the rights of others. The more we uphold and express qualities of the feminine, the more we will experience unity and the possibility for change. Walking the path of the feminine can be a metaphor for our actions together in the coming months and years.*
For all that is,
(1) "Give Peace A Chance" lyrics by John Lennon
(2) Read more about intersections of oppression at http://www.npr.org/2017/01/23/511267131/womens-march-organizer-we-are-committed-to-fighting-for-change
(3) "Circle Chant" by Linda Hirschhorn
* see more images of the Women's March labyrinth in the gallery
