Welcome to the Labyrinth @ Fly Ranch

‘if you want to teach people a new way of thinking, don’t bother trying to teach them. Give them a tool instead, the use of which will lead to new ways of thinking’ Buckminster Fuller

The Labyrinth at Fly Ranch, (40°50’09.3″N 119°20’07.6″W), situated in the Hualapai Valley in Northwest Nevada, is meant to be a respite from the often chaotic or overwhelming life experience. The labyrinth is a tool with the capacity to show us a new way of being in the world. It is a gift for uncertain times because it is that rare and precious thing, a universal symbol within which all our perspectives can find a home. 

Labyrinth Designs

“Sacred geometry is the contemplation and utilization of the archetypal geometric patterns of nature for the purposes of spiritual communion healing” Alex Champion

For thousands of years, Labyrinths have provided a place for meditating, finding peace and tranquility, making a pilgrimage and enhancing creativity. A Labyrinth is not a maze. It has one path leading to the center and back out, which is called unicursal (one line). It has no blind alleys or dead ends as mazes have. There are no wrong turns, all paths lead you to the center.

Labyrinths have a pattern of pathways that weave in a circle round a central point. You walk through the pathways to get to the center. Labyrinths are about the journey, at least as much as the destination. They can be calming, as they slow you down while you wind your way through the path. Utilized as a meditative tool and represents a spiritual journey to our center and back into the world again.

There are different kinds of Labyrinth designs that have evolved from many different cultures. The term is of Greek origin and the Labyrinth in the palace of Knossos in Crete figures in Greek mythology, as well as Hindu and Hopi cultures. 

The 11th circuit Rosette design chosen for Fly Ranch, comes from the Medieval / Gothic period that was created at Chartres Cathedral, Chartres France, in the early 13th century. Entering the Labyrinth at Fly Ranch, one faces east towards the vistas of the Hualapai valley. Measuring 104’ diameter (31+ meters) with 4’ (1+ meter) wide pathways, will allow those with disabilities to have access.

Labyrinth drone footage by Will Roger November 8, 2020

Labyrinth Walks ~ Participate

A labyrinth is the simplest form of participation, anyone may engage and everyone is welcome. There is no set way for walking a Labyrinth and can be utilized in many ways: Meditative, Intentional, Spiritual or simple to immerse oneself in the surrounding area through dance, ritual, ceremonies or simply walking.

Labyrinths are an ancient archetype used symbolically as tools for personal psychological and spiritual transformation. It is also thought to enhance right brain activity. Labyrinths evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, environmental art, community building. 

For some moving toward the center of the Labyrinth, they can focus on letting go of worldly attachments or asking a question. For others they enter slowly, calming and clearing one’s mind. This may be done by repeating a prayer or chant.

Open your senses and focus on the process of taking slow and deliberate steps. Bring to mind a phrase or a question to contemplate during the walk to the center. Reaching the center (unicursal), pause to reflect, pray and listen for an answer or for deeper revelation. Now begin the return journey. Upon exiting, absorb the experience with continued reflection.

“The entrance to the Labyrinth faces east, with the expanse of the environment, the valley, before me. Nature is not out there, somewhere other than here. It is right under our feet.

When I go into the Labyrinth I set the intention to release expectations and my desires (to be open to the moment walking on the earth). I activate my five senses and I try to recognize my three centers. The physical is activated by walking. My emotional center is engaged as I send out unconditional love to all of humanity. And the third center, the intellectual, as I open my mind to the ideas and thoughts which are generated through the experience of walking the Labyrinth, the shape and concept of that being an intellectual reminder of how our minds work.

Over the years I have come to appreciate that the simple act of walking, with an intention of mind, can lead us toward an understanding of the universe in its entirety. Humans are multi-dimensional travelers, that is we share in the consciousness that is common to us all. That is the gift of our human evolution. What all humans have in common is a form of heightened awareness, an intuitive understanding of not only the physical world through which we walk but a spiritual ecosphere. That awareness must be cultivated through practice and being active in something as mundane as walking a Labyrinth. “ Will Roger, excerpt from “Handbook For A Burning Age”

WALKING IN CIRCLES, BUT NOT JUST WALKING IN CIRCLES.

From the Burning Man Journal BY John Curley

Walking in Circles, But Not Just Walking in Circles

When can I start walking the Labyrinth?

We are in the process of creating a schedule so that you may walk the Labyrinth at Fly Ranch. But there are other activities. To subscribed to the Fly Ranch newsletter sign up here:

https://flyranch.burningman.org/participate/#participation

Fly Ranch is Burning Man’s 3,800 acre ranch in Northern Nevada. The land is home to Fly Geyser, hot springs, three reservoirs, wetlands, animals, and more than 100 types of plants. Since 2017 we’ve had 30+ open campouts and 300+ nature walks. Our aim is to steward the land and be a space for healing, growth, connection and transformation. We host nature walks a few times a month if you’d like to visit. Please visit our web site for all the activities.

Participants joining us on Fly Ranch Nature Walks . . .

agree to wear a suitable face covering over mouth and nose at all times while on the property and maintain six feet of distance from others on the property. Thank you for your cooperation.

WINTER/Spring 2021 Fly Ranch Nature Walks – experience the beauty of Fly Ranch and the Black Rock Desert region in the clear crisp air of Winter. Winter Walks on Fly Ranch require a minimum of 10 (ten) participants.  Experience Fly Ranch in small groups, maintaining a physical distance while making a connection with the desert and geothermic landscape of Northwestern Nevada.  Walk slowly, take in the scenery and experience the art and nature of Fly Ranch. Friends of Black Rock-High Rock offer 2.5-hour Nature Walks in partnership with the Burning Man Project. Explore two distinct portions of the stunning 3,800-acre property. To the south, we will visit an area of the ranch where Burning Man art can be seen and you’ll learn about the area and land use. To the north, we visit wetlands, see wildlife, and several geothermal wonders.  There are three geysers on the property including the stunning Fly Geyser, a unique and iconic geothermal geyser that constantly sprays, depositing minerals, and enabling the growth of multi-colored algae on its surrounding natural terraces. The walks are an immersive experience in a changing and dynamic environment. It is not uncommon to see wild horses, jackrabbits, coyotes and other wildlife. 

About the Walks:  Participants are guided by knowledgeable Docents. The total walk length is approximately 3 miles on uneven ground. Sturdy close-toed shoes are recommended. Bring water, wear layers, be prepared for changing weather from day to day.  Nature Walks start at the main Ranch gate of Fly Ranch north of Gerlach, Nevada. Details for where to meet will be in your confirmation email. Limited Photos: During the walks, we ask everyone to keep cameras, devices, recorders and phones tucked away.  Be present with all of your senses. Enjoy the land without distractions. Hear the birds, smell the flora, touch the grasses.  There will be an opportunity to take photos at the conclusion of the walk when we visit the geysers. Rain or Shine and other Details:  Walks may occur during less than ideal weather. Be prepared. The soil can be muddy after rains. It can be dusty when dry.  For insurance and liability reasons, we are not able to accommodate soaking in the pools at this time. Plan ahead read the Survival Guide and visit FBRHR’s website for information on visiting the Black Rock Desert area. blackrockdesert.org/know-before-you-go/ Area Amenities: In Gerlach, there is a gas station, Bruno’s Motel, Bruno’s Country Club (restaurant and bar), the Miner’s Club (cafe and bar), and Joe’s Gerlach Club. Due to Covid-19 the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock Visitor Center is closed to the public at this time. The Empire Country Market is now open daily. Lodging: You can spend the night at Bruno’s motel in Gerlach, find an Airbnb, or camp out on neighboring public lands. Learn more about Gateway Communities.

Supporting non-profit work: Tickets for this experience are donation-based. A deposit will be charged to your credit card to reserve your place on these limited-capacity trips. After the visit, you have the option of donating all or a portion of your deposit in support of Fly Ranch, or receiving a full refund of your deposit. If you do not attend, the full amount will be considered a donation and will not be refunded. Both the Fly Ranch Project and Friends of Black Rock-High Rock are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Your donations help us continue to offer Nature Walks and fulfill our nonprofit missions. We could not do this without your support.  Getting There and Protocol: Please arrive at the Ranch gate by 11:30 a.m. so you can be checked in before walks begin at 12noon.  The gate is approximately 25 minutes north of Gerlach. See your confirmation email for directions.  It’s about a 20-minute drive to the gate from Gerlach, so plan accordingly.  Pets are not allowed. If you or someone in your group has mobility issues, please let us know ahead of time so that we can better accommodate those who may have trouble making the entire walk. Fly Ranch Nature Walks 2021

For more information about the property and Burning Man’s Fly Ranch Project, visit: flyranch.burningman.org. For more information about Friends of Black Rock High Rock visit blackrockdesert.org. Open access to Fly Ranch is not available. DO NOT TRESPASS. Fly Geyser is still on private property. Guardians remain on the property year-round. Thank you for your interest and support. We’re looking forward to walking with you! Please note: Covid 19 protocols are in place. Masks are required, along with 6-feet physical distancing from others while on Fly Ranch. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.