2021 - Labyrinth on Donabate - Donabate

Equinox is on Wednesday 22nd September 2021 at 20.21 IST. The moon will be rising over Dublin Bay at 20.14 that night.

Anne has pointed out that the sun actually rises and sets faster around the time of an equinox. So, please BRING A TORCH if you intend to join in the Celebration at Donabate.

Pat provides these directions: For directions to Donabate Beach (apart from Google / Sat Nav) is to head to Portrane. There is a crossroads with traffic lights with signpost for Donabate (left) and Corbalis (right). Go right because Donabate village is about a mile from the beach.

There were 10 apples... brought by Anne and arrowed below... and yes.... there were 10 people.

Jackie and Nora M recorded sunset and moonrise

Martin joined in from Mayo

Bernadette Mac joined in at An Tobar

On Sunday I celebrated the autumn equinox in An Tobar, walked the labyrinth and went deep into the woods. Swallows were still about, seeing them fly up into their nests on the side of the building... maybe getting ready to journey south I thought. Came across some beautiful roses and two lovely cats minding each other in the sun just at the gate on the way out of the labyinth. What a feeling of pure love I got from them.

Love, balance and hope were feelings that I felt very much on Sunday. Blessings to you all on this autumn equniox.

Nora joined in from Derbyshire

Original Running Order for the day

Meet at Martello Tower 6.45pm - Where? Turn Left by of the Shoreline hotel as you face the sea to the beach and follow the coastal path just after the rocks end.

Head to Beach. Gather stones, feathers, shells, etc for decoration, markers etc on the way.

Open the directions

May our steps be supported by the Earth,

May our wishes be carried by the Wind,

May our passions be lit by the Fire

May our worries be washed by the Water

May our spirits be fed by Ether.

Making the labyrinth

Making the labyrinth forms an act of moving meditation or spiritual reflection in itself. While creating the labyrinth, begin with the feelings of calm and reflection and begin to become more aware of your surroundings

Notice all the things you're experiencing,

• the feel of the sun or breeze on your skin,
• the texture of the sand or soil beneath your feet and drawing stick,
• the sounds : bird song, the sound of water, wind & waves, distant voices,
• the smell of the sea, the incense,
• the salty taste on the breeze.

Mark out pathway after marking with stones people gathered on the way.

Place the elements in their spots. Feathers – air, stones – earth, Shells- water, candle – fire, Incense – ether.

Mark out the Centre space, then invite people to draw the next line and so on until it is finished.

Time to walk it.

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to walk a labyrinth. When you walk it the mind is quietened, and you have the time to reflect, listen to inner guidance and let go.

The entrance is an opportunity to stop, reflect, make prayer or intention for the spiritual walk you are about to take.

The walk around the design to the centre can be a "letting go" - a quieting of the thoughts, a letting go of worries, lists of tasks to do, and just be with the experience of being present in the body.

Arrival at the centre

• - here is a place and time to pause
• - to hear inner guidance and a place just to be.

Then, when you are ready, you head back out, back to the world.

When everyone is finished their walk, gather in circle, time for Open Heart.

“In the space between yes and no, there's a lifetime. It's the difference between the path you walk and the one you leave behind; it's the gap between who you thought you could be and who you really are....." ~ Jodi Picoult

It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. Rumi

Time to close the sacred space.....

Tea and chat. on the beach? People bring their drink and food.