A Comparison of 5 different types of 11 Circuit Labyrinths

May 12, 2022

I have previously shown how to make a variety of digital labyrinth drawings. The ones I reviewed fell into one of 5 categories: classical labyrinths, square labyrinths, circular labyrinths, octagonal and hexagonal labyrinths. Today we are going to take a quick look at the five different structures and compare them. We will also discuss the different symbolism associated with each labyrinth shape.

First let’s look at the seed patterns. For the classical and square labyrinths you can use the same seed pattern show below. None of the circular, octagonal, and hexagonal labyrinths have traditional starting seeds beyond their inherent shapes.

Next let’s look at the connections for the labyrinths that use this seed pattern. The difference between a square and classical labyrinth is simple, and that is the shape of the connections between the seed endings. Here is the first move for each, one square and one curved (each makes the destination of the labyrinth).

Both also use the following seed connections to finish the drawing of the labyrinth:

Seed pattern for 11 circuit labyrinth with connections

For a square labyrinth you also have a second option to create a larger square goal if you prefer (the seed is shown with a green background guide below). This is more likely to be found in a real world labyrinth to allow labyrinth walkers to have a large center to rest/meditate in. On the right you see the final version of this center goal variation.

11 Circuit Square labyrinth with large center

What about the starting seeds for the other 3 types of labyrinths ? Well it seems they go their own way. While they also have 11 circuits, the making of them differs significantly from the classical and the square versions. They also have more variety in the way they are constructed, including allowing the creator to make some aesthetic choices along the way.

Let’s first look at the starting patterns:

Circular - 12 concentric circles

Octagonal - 12 concentric octagons

Hexagonal - 12 concentric hexagons

We have consistency here, we just change the shape. If you did not already know, the # of concentric shapes needed is always 1 greater than the number of circuits you want. So, if you wanted to make a 7 circuit pentagonal labyrinth, you need to start with 8 concentric pentagons. If you go back to our seeding pattern for both the square/classical labyrinths you’ll notice that there are 12 seeded connections there also ! So this math is consistent across all constructions.

The next step in drawing each of these labyrinths is determining how many turn-backs or sections you would like the labyrinth to have, and it really is your personal choice. There is no standard way to draw the walls and turn-backs like you find with the classical labyrinth. I typically make 4 sections for my step by step instructions, but I have made 1,2,4 and 8 sections for most shapes with one exception, the hexagonal looks best in 6 sections vs. 8 for obvious reasons. Similarly, a pentagon would look natural with 5 sections.

Here are the 1,2,4, and 8 section octagonal labyrinths:

Here are the 1,2,4, and 6 section hexagonal labyrinths:

And finally the 1,2,4, and 8 section circular labyrinths:

Once you have chosen the number of turn-backs, you can also make 3 more design aesthetics:

Wall or Line Thickness:

For my examples, the hexagonal and octagonal labyrinths each used standard equal constructions (the wall and pathway thicknesses were the same). I like the way they look. All of my other examples used a regular construction. Here is what a circular labyrinth would look like in standard equal construction. All labyrinths can be made in either construction. Which do you prefer ?

11 Circuit Circular Labyrinth thin walls

11 Circuit Circular Labyrinth thick walls

Left-handed vs. Right-handed Labyrinths:

All 5 versions of these labyrinths can be created as either right handed or left handed. Every example in this discussion so far has been right handed. The left handed versions is the mirror image of what I have shown. This is difficult to notice for most people except for the classical labyrinth where it is apparent as shown below (although you would notice the handedness of any labyrinth that you were walking I imagine):

11 Circuit classical labyrinth right handed

11 Circuit classical labyrinth left handed

Labyrinth Orientation

The last variation applies to only the octagonal and hexagonal labyrinths construction (or any other shape you decide to use). For geometric shapes you may start the initial pathway centered on a wall, as all the above examples have done, or you may start the labyrinth on a corner. Here is the 4 sectioned hexagon with each orientation. Notice that the section lines are placed in the same place for each version.

11 circuit Hexagonal labyrinth start in corner

So that concludes our discussion and comparison of the 5 main types of labyrinths. I hope I have inspired you to create your own !

More shapes to consider:

Following the basic steps I have outlined you can create additional shaped labyrinths. I think once you get to a decagon (10 sided) and dodecagon (12 sided) regular shaped polygons you are close enough to a circle that that would be the preferred construction. A pentagon and triangle are certainly both possible, although not commonly seen. Similarly, irregular polygonal shapes are possible but typically not drawn, just used in the real world because a rock/tree/other is in the way of the path.

Here is the final comparison. Which do you prefer ?

11 circuit labyrinths in 5 different shapes

Labyrinths - Shape and Symbolism

The symbolism of labyrinths is complex and varied. Some people see them as symbols of the journey of life, while others see them as representations of the universe or the mind. Labyrinths can also be seen as metaphors for the challenges that we face in life and the rewards that we can reap if we persevere. Here is a look at some of the symbolism found in the most common shapes:

Most Classical labyrinths have 7 circuits. The 7 circuits represent the 7 stages of life: birth, childhood, youth, adulthood, middle age, old age, and death.

Square labyrinths are often seen as representing the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water),

Circular labyrinths are often seen as representing the cycle of life.

Hexagonal Labyrinths may have been made for a variety of reasons. One theory is that the number 6 has symbolic significance in many cultures. It is often associated with creation, completion, and balance. For example, in the Bible, God created the world in six days, and the Star of David has six points. It is possible that the builders of labyrinths used the number 6 because they believed that it had special powers or meaning.

Step by step instructions on how to draw digital labyrinths.

A Comparison of Possible 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth Constructions

December 3, 2020

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.

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. 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 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. Visually, not much going on.

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.

3 Section 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth

A 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 !)

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). 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.

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.

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.

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 switchbacks are possible on any circular labyrinth. Feel free to play around and make new designs as you create your own labyrinths.

Every single construction you saw today was a 9 circuit circular labyrinth. Here is a look at the 6 main versions together:

6 different 9 Circuit Circular Labyrinth Construction options

As you make your own circular labyrinth realize that you can make any of these or as I did, a mix a few of them together. 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.

How to Draw a 25 Circuit Circular Labyrinth

November 23, 2020

Today we look at how to digitally make a 25 Circuit Circular Labyrinth. Spoiler alert - This is the same as a 17 circuit circular labyrinth just adding a few more rings. This method is a draw and cut method, meaning you will be making edits that remove lines you have previously drawn as you move thru the steps. When I started this project I wanted to see how large I could make a circular labyrinth. For me, at more than 25 my screen and guides were too difficult to use. That’s how we got here. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Draw 26 Concentric Circles

Draw 26 concentric circles each an equal distance between one another and centered around the middle circle. The middle circle will become the labyrinths goal. As you may note, whatever the number of circuits you want is add one and that is how many circles you need.

Step 2: Draw the 10 Inner Walls

I could break this into more steps but there are 10 straight lines that form inner walls and pathways. See the example. All occur at 3, 9, and 12 o clock or centered around 6 o’clock. Rather than write it out, follow the example. Imagine you are riding a subway system and mind the gaps.

Step 3: Add Pathways Where Needed

Refer to the picture and add pathways where needed, erasing portions of the circles. There are many, and depending on how you draw/erase them the number can change. They are all at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’ clock, next to where you just drew inner walls.

That completes the drawing of a 25 Circuit Circular Labyrinth.

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.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Draw a 17 Circuit Circular Labyrinth

November 22, 2020

Today we look at how to digitally make a 17 Circuit Circular Labyrinth. This method is a draw and cut method, meaning you will be making edits that remove lines you have previously drawn as you move thru the steps. It is possible to use a drawing only method but I think it is much more complicated with many more steps. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Draw 18 Concentric Circles

Draw 18 concentric circles each an equal distance between one another and centered around the middle circle. The middle circle will become the labyrinths goal.

Step 2: Draw the 6 Inner Walls

I could break this into more steps but there are 6 straight lines that form inner walls and pathways. See the example. At 12 o’clock create 2 lines, blocking paths between all circles except 15-16. At 3 o’clock add a pathway wall to block circles between 2 and 16. Use 2 lines to draw a pathway from the center to the bottom edge (notice neither are at 6 o’clock). The right line will stop one circle short of the outer circle. Add a line at 9 o’clock blocking the pathways between circles 2 and 16.