Previously we looked at how to digitally make a 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth. Then I compared the 11 circuit labyrinths in circular, classic and square constructions. All of those findings also relate to 9 circuits. Today I will look at a few possible constructions of a 9 circuit circular labyrinth.
Before we get into the details here are some definitions that will help us along the way:
turnback: the point in a labyrinth where you change directions
circuits: essentially how many layers a labyrinth has
Let’s start with speaking about a classical labyrinth, which has a standard construction that is used. Learning how to draw that construction is standard across any source you might find and it always starts with a seed pattern. But, for a circular labyrinth there is no standard construction. If it is circular and the path moves from the outer edge to an internal goal in one continuous path, you have made a labyrinth. So when drawing one, you can get creative !! Let’s look at what some circular labyrinth variations might look like.
Single Turn 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
Let’s start by looking at what a single turnback 9 circuit labyrinth would look like. Walking this would consist of long pathways, each getting shorter on your way to the center. You continually walk around the outer pathway until you have completed the circle then move in one layer. Visually, not much going on. I rarely see this version drawn or made.
Single turn 9 circuit labyrinth
2 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
And now a version with 2 turnback’s, essentially breaking the labyrinth into sides. Walking this is more interesting with long walks getting shorter until you switch sides, then getting longer with a final long walk to the center. Notice that you switch sides at the halfway point as you walk around the center goal.
2 sectioned 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
3 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
Now a standard 9 circuit broken into 3 sections. This could also have the entrance and final stretch pathways centered at the goal. My example only shows the final stretch to the goal centered. A little bit of mathematics - this is the only version where the initial pathway enters all the way into the maze. This would be the case for any odd numbered section circular labyrinth (like a 5 or 7 section - neither example is shown - try it !). You switch sections in this labyrinth in alternating places, outside wall, next to the center, outside wall etc.
3 sectioned 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
4 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
And now the labyrinth broken into quadrants. Notice how the crossover point between the sides of the labyrinth is on the outside (a variation to my how-to) and each section you move into alternates the location (inside, outside, inside, etc.). This is the more standard construction. But that side switch can take place in multiple layers if you want. This is the cleanest look IMO.
4 sectioned 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
8 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
Here we have an 8 section labyrinth. Things are getting crowded but there is still nice symmetry. If you had to walk this I think you would find it difficult to be relaxed since you are making turns frequently. Once again we see the pattern - each time we switch sections, the location alternates between the outer wall and inner wall next to the goal.
8 sectioned 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
12 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
And finally the final labyrinth construction I made, a 12 sectioned version. This version would make me dizzy if I tried to walk it. Luckily I only drew it. Obviously you could continue to make labyrinths with more sections but they will continue to lose what makes them great - their meditative power.
12 sectioned 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
4 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth
Now let’s go back and look at the 4 quadrant variant I taught how to make previously. It is a variant because the outer paths turn only once while the inner paths turn 4 times. This variation or other layer turnbacks are possible on any circular labyrinth. Feel free to play around and make new designs as you create your own labyrinths. Again there is no standard, but I personally prefer a more consistent look.
9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth variant
Every single construction you saw today was a 9 circuit circular labyrinth. Here is a look at the 6 main versions together. Which version do you prefer ? I like the 4 section, most likely because it is the most popular version and I am used to seeing it. I also believe this would be the most meditative version to walk in the real world.
As you make your own circular labyrinth realize that you can experiment and make some interesting variations. Good luck and happy labyrinth making !!
If you prefer making a different labyrinth, I have a section of step by step labyrinth making instructions.
Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.
