Our labyrinth and maze

TERRY DE VRIES

Both our Vergenoegd Löw labyrinth and maze are the work of Stellenbosch-born Terry de Vries. A leading authority on labyrinths, she has built over 300 to date, some in the Cape Winelands, but many further afield in South Africa and abroad.

Initially she worked as a journalist and lectured in journalism at Stellenbosch University, before taking a break to rethink her life and her career. It was on a road trip to the US, where she had stopped to study yoga that she encountered a labyrinth at the Omega Institute, upstate New York. Her young son, who was with her, was enchanted by the experience of walking its path, and she knew she had found her calling. She built her first labyrinth in 2001.

For the decades since then, she has continued to visit sacred sites all over the world, often travelling on foot, building her understanding of labyrinths and the spiritual awakening and deep emotional healing they offer.

She explains that the labyrinth symbolises a sacred journey, a safe space where those who walk it can reconnect with their authentic selves.

She is also a yoga teacher and sound healer, and she has established a luxury retreat and spiritual sanctuary in Barrydale, Klein Karoo, where she lives.

Terry de Vries
Our 7-circuit medieval-style labyrinth

H) Labyrinth

Our 7-circuit medieval-style labyrinth is positioned so its centre lines up with the Botmaskop Mountain in the distance. Both our Vergenoegd Löw labyrinth and maze are the work of Stellenbosch-born Terry de Vries. A leading authority on labyrinths, she has built over 300 to date, some in the Cape Winelands, but many further afield in South Africa and abroad.

From the Labyrinth, head in a southerly direction with the dam on your left towards Amy’s Island. Here, you’ll discover Female Trans-Figure XXXI by Dylan Lewis, a graceful and evocative piece that adds depth to your journey through our art walk.

Walking the Labyrinth

  1. Begin with an open mind and heart. Breathe deeply.
  2. Find your own pace.
  3. As you walk, notice your own emotions.
  4. Memories may surface. Allow them to.
  5. Engage your senses. Listen. Look. Touch. Smell.
  6. Relish the challenge and the experience.
  7. Have fun!

Terry de Vries
Multiple paths, branches and blind alleys

F) The Maze

Mazes have multiple paths which branch off, sometimes leading to blind alleys. To find the point at the centre and to exit is to solve a puzzle. May your walk be enriching, satisfying and fun. There are two paths that lead to the blessing well in the centre.

Opened doors may reveal or obscure. To find the centre will require focus and patience, but the effort will feel immensely rewarding. When you walk the maze, follow the sound of water to find the centre. You may be confused, but if you listen closely, you will find the blessing well.