A Comparison of 5 different types of 11 Circuit Labyrinths

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

12 concentric circles
12 concentric octagons
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
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.

How to Make a 11 Circuit Hexagonal Labyrinth

In this post I will show you how to draw a hexagon and then expand that out to a full digital 11 circuit hexagonal labyrinth.

How to Draw an Hexagon

If you want to draw an hexagon with equal lengths here is the method I would use.

Step 1 Draw a straight line

Step 2 Rotate the line 60 degrees

Obviously this is a digital method where you can copy and paste then rotate, but it also works if you are hand drawing. Use a pencil and protractor and ensure you use the same length of line.

Step 3 Rotate the line 60 degrees again

This will create what looks like a widely spaced asterisk.

Step 1 Draw a line

Step 2 Rotate 60 degrees

Step 3 Rotate 60 degrees again

Step 4 Connect the ends of the lines

This will create outer walls of the hexagon that are the same length.

Connect the ends of the lines

Step 5 (both are optional) Delete the original lines and rotate the hexagon

You can delete the guidelines to create your final hexagon, but you may not want to. Why ? Because when you create a labyrinth using this template the guidelines you used also guide you on when you turn the lines (or alternatively embed the hexagon) for your next layer of the labyrinth. You also have the option to rotate the hexagon to have a wall parallel to the bottom of the page/screen, but I did not do this in my example.

blue hexagon

Hexagon

Before we get into the step by step instructions, I want you to notice where the walls of the labyrinth make their turns. I have highlighted them below in blue - if you made your Hexagon using my method above and you did not delete the guidelines here you can see that each turn happens at these guides. The example is a 5 circuit version, but it will be true for ANY size circuit labyrinth.

How to Draw a 11 Circuit Hexagonal Labyrinth

Step 1 Draw 12 concentric hexagons

Now that you know how to draw a good hexagon let’s get started drawing our labyrinth by drawing 12 of them. I always use a standard equal construction, meaning that the width of the walls equals the width of the pathways in between them. For this version I have rotated the hexagon so that bottom is parallel to the bottom of the page.

PROTIP: Start your drawing with the center goal so you do not run out of room !

PROTIP: To create a hexagon of x# of different circuits, you just need to draw x+1# of hexagons. So a 23 circuit labyrinth needs 24 hexagons, etc.

12 concentric hexagons

Step 1 - Draw 12 concentric hexagons

Step 2 Draw the internal sections

In this step we draw our internal turnaround points which create sections for the labyrinth. In our example we have 4 sections. At 9, 12, and 3 o’clock draw straight lines that cut off all but 1 pathway. At 12 this is the outside path and at 3, and 9 it is the most internal pathway. Finally create what will become the final pathway to the goal by adding 2 walls centered at 6 o’ clock. The left wall of those 2 walls should not cover the outside pathway.

Step 3 Break the walls into pathways

Each section will need 10 ‘cuts’ to make the pathways wind thru the section. Also cut the final walkway to the goal and the entrance just to the right of that through the outside wall.

11 circuit hexagonal labyrinth

A note about turn-backs. My example above has 4 sections. But you can also draw the same labyrinth with more or less turn-backs (sections). Below I have a 1 section, 2 section, 4 section (the one we just made) and a 6 section version of hexagonal labyrinths. If you imagine walking these, the more sections, or turn-backs, the more back and forth walking you will do. All examples are 5 circuit hexagonal labyrinths.

A note about orientation. I also wanted to show you how the labyrinth would look if we had not rotated it. In this version the entrance and final pathway to the goal lead from a corner instead of the center on a flat portion on the outer edge. Here are how the 2 and 4 sectioned labyrinths would look:

11 circuit hexagonal labyrinth corner start 2 sections
11 circuit hexagonal labyrinth corner start 4 sections

And let’s compare the standard 4 section versions in more detail because we can adjust our steps above to make another version. Step 1 is the same except for the orientation of the hexagons you draw. Step 2 is actually the same as far as where the lines are drawn and what pathways are left open. And Step 3 is also the same since you cut the pathways in the same place ! So essentially the steps are pretty much the same ! So if you want to make the “corner” version you can !

11 circuit Hexagonal labyrinth 4 sectioned
11 circuit Hexagonal labyrinth 4 sectioned and alternative corner start

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How to Make a 5 Circuit Hexagonal Labyrinth

In the past I have shown you how to make labyrinths that are classical, circular, square and octagonal. Today I add one more version of the labyrinth, the hexagonal labyrinth. I will start with how to draw a hexagon and then expand that out to a full digital hexagonal labyrinth.

How to Draw an Hexagon

If you want to draw an hexagon with equal lengths here is the method I would use.

Step 1 Draw a straight line

Step 2 Rotate the line 60 degrees

Obviously this is a digital method where you can copy and paste then rotate, but it also works if you are hand drawing. Use a pencil and protractor and ensure you use the same length of line.

Step 3 Rotate the line 60 degrees again

This will create what looks like a widely spaced asterisk.

Step 1 Draw a line

Step 2 Rotate 60 degrees

Step 3 Rotate 60 degrees again

Step 4 Connect the ends of the lines

This will create outer walls of the hexagon that are the same length.

Connect the ends of the lines

Step 5 (both are optional) Delete the original lines and rotate the hexagon

You can delete the guidelines to create your final hexagon, but you may not want to. Why ? Because when you create a labyrinth using this template the guidelines you used also guide you on when you turn the lines (or alternatively embed the hexagon) for your next layer of the labyrinth. You also have the option to rotate the hexagon to have a wall parallel to the bottom of the page/screen, but I did not do this in my example.

blue hexagob

Hexagon

I wanted to draw a hexagonal labyrinth with the walls and pathways of equal width at an equal width apart (similar to a standard equal maze if you are familiar with that construction). I think it looks best visually. If you are not concerned with that aesthetic you should be able to eyeball your labyrinth together much easier. Here is a standard equal labyrinth that I made that has 4 sections (4 internal turn-back locations).

4 section hexagonal labyrinth

4 section hexagonal labyrinth

If you are eyeballing the drawing of this type of labyrinth, I suggest you start with the center goal portion and work your way out in layers. Could you design in the opposite direction, from the outside in ? Of course you can ! BUT, you may run out of room for your center goal ! If you go inside out, you only run out of room if you are using a piece of paper that is too small (and digitally you would never run out of room) !!

Also I want you to notice where the walls of the labyrinth make their turns. I have highlighted them below in blue - if you made your Hexagon using my method above and you did not delete the guidelines here you can see that each turn happens at these guides.

4 section hexagonal labyrinth with sections shown for reference

How to Draw a 5 Circuit Hexagonal Labyrinth

Note that this method is for digital creation and involves drawing and cutting (erasing).

Step 1 Draw 6 concentric hexagons

Now that you know how to draw a good hexagon let’s get started drawing our labyrinth by drawing 6 of them ! I always use a standard equal construction, meaning that the width of the walls equals the width of the pathways in between them. For this version I have rotated the hexagon so that bottom is parallel to the bottom of the page.

PROTIP: Start your drawing with the center goal so you do not run out of room !

6 concentric hexagons

Step 1 - Draw 6 concentric hexagons

Step 2 Draw the internal sections

In this step we draw our internal turnaround points which create sections for the labyrinth. In our example we have 4 sections. At 9, 12, and 3 o’clock draw straight lines that cut off all but 1 pathway. At 12 this is the outside path and at 3, and 9 it is the most internal pathway. Finally create what will become the final pathway to the goal by adding 2 walls centered at 6 o’ clock. The left wall of those 2 walls should not cover the outside pathway.

Step 3 Break the walls into pathways

Each section will need 4 ‘cuts’ to make the pathways wind thru the section. Also cut the final walkway to the goal and the entrance just to the right of that.

5 circuit Hexagon labyrinth

A note about size. You can add additional steps if you would like, just continually adding internal sections until you are ready to finish the labyrinth by adding a final edge with an entrance.

A note about turn-backs. My example above has 4 sections. But you can also draw the same labyrinth with more or less turn-backs (sections). Below I have a 1 section, 2 section, 4 section (the one we just made) and a 6 section version of hexagonal labyrinths. If you imagine walking these, the more sections, or turn-backs, the more back and forth walking you will do.

comparison of 4 different 5 circuit hexagonal labyrinths

I also wanted to show you how the labyrinth would look if we had not rotated it. In this version the entrance and final pathway to the goal lead from a corner instead of center on a flat portion of the outer edge. Here are how the 4 sectioned labyrinths look:

4 different hexagonal labyrinths with corner starts

And let’s compare the standard 4 section versions in more detail because we can adjust our steps above to make another version. Step 1 is the same except for the orientation of the hexagons you draw. Step 2 is actually the same as far as where the lines are drawn and what pathways are left open. And Step 3 is also the same since you cut the pathways in the same place ! So essentially the steps are pretty much the same !

Hexagon labyrinth with flat start
Hexagon labyrinth with corner start

How to Make an 11 Circuit Octagonal Labyrinth

We will start this How to with How to Make an Octagon since this will become the base component of the virtually the entire exercise.

How to Draw an Octagon - Method 1

If you want to draw an octagon with equal lengths here is the method I would use.

Step 1 Draw a straight line

Step 2 Rotate the line 45 degrees

Obviously this is a digital method where you can copy and paste then rotate, but it also works if you are hand drawing. Use a pencil and protractor/ruler and ensure you use the same length of line.

Step 3/4 Rotate the line twice more at 45 degrees

This will create what looks like an asterisk.

Steps 1-4 to make an octagon

Step 5 Connect the ends of the lines

This will create outer walls of the octagon that are the same length.

Connect the ends of the lines

Step 6 (both optional) Delete the original lines & rotate

After deleting the guidelines, rotate the octagon 22.5 degrees so you have the bottom side flat on the page. I will mention that if you are drawing an octagonal labyrinth you may want to keep the lines to help guide you drawing that (explanation later in the post).

How to Draw an Octagon - Method 2

Alternatively you can also use a grid to draw an octagon that is “eyeballed” and has sides that are not quite equal. I will help you some with the math of that and show you how to get your sides very close. If you want to read the full explanation, it is included in the 5 circuit version an includes an Isosceles Right Angle Triangle and calculating the hypotenuse.

We are skipping the math except for the chart below I calculated for you. Basically, if you are using a grid to help you eyeball your octagon, use the highlighted rows. You reverse the lengths from the chart to draw your sides. So a 7 unit grid length is paired with a 5 grid diagonal (which is actually a length of 7.07). Similarly a 10 unit length paired with a 7 grid diagonal (actually length 9.9) also works. So using this math you can draw your own octagonal using grids and 45 degree angles.

Octagonal Labyrinth pre-how to discussion

When making this labyrinth I suggest you start with the center goal portion and work your way out in layers. Could you design in the opposite direction, from the outside in ? Of course you can ! BUT, you may run out of room for your center goal ! If you go inside out, you only run out of room if you are using a piece of paper that is too small (and digitally you would never run out of room) !!

Also I want you to notice where the walls of the labyrinth make their turns. I have highlighted them below in red - If you made your Octagon using Method 1 above you will notice that the walls turn at the exact point it touches the line used to draw the octagon !! Keep this in mind as you draw your labyrinth ! You may also want to keep the original guides with this in mind. That is the reason Step 6 is optional above !

And finally, I prefer to use a standard equal maze construction method where the width of the walls equal the width of the pathways (although you do not need to do the same). I prefer how standard equal objects look.

Note: If you decide to do a standard equal construction I have found it takes some trial and error to get lined up correctly. Using a regular construction will alleviate this.

How to Draw an 11 Circuit Octagon Labyrinth - Method 1

Use this method for drawing a labyrinth without any erasing. It can be made digitally or with a writing utensil. Method 2 is digital and involves drawing and erasing some lines. I prefer Method 2 for digital creations.

Step 1 Draw a Center Octagon (The Goal)

Now that you know how to draw a good octagon let’s get started drawing our labyrinth with one that will create our goal. There is only 1 alteration that you need to make. In the bottom side of the labyrinth, leave a gap in the center for the final pathway. In my example that gap is equal to the width of the line I used to make my octagon.

Step 1 - Draw an octagon (with a gap)

IMPORTANT: From now on the examples will be formed in the following way: Black - previously drawn sections. Blue - current section you are creating. Red - future sections.

Step 2 Draw the first layer from the goal

This layer, shown in blue below consists of what look like brackets on each side of the center. Mine are an equal distance from the initial octagon. However you’ll notice that there are gaps at the top and bottom of the brackets. How do you know where these should start and stop ? For the top of the octagon, draw a centered line equal to 3X width of your walls. The brackets will end 1X width length away from that line (this creates your turnaround point). For the bottom section draw 2 lines down from the entrance to the goal also 3X width of the walls. Again your brackets will end 1X width away from them.

Step 3 Draw the second layer from the goal

This set of brackets is on a north south orientation. To determine where these end, draw a line centered on the right/left side of the previous bracket that measures 2X width. End brackets 1X width away from the these lines. Also, because of the pathway to the goal you will also need to leave a gap in the center of the bottom bracket !

Steps 4-11 Continue drawing each successive layer

We return to the side brackets. We extend our north and south lines by 2X width. We extend and connect our left and right centered lines. Then, we continue to draw each next layer, switching between East/West and North/South brackets.

Step 12 Draw the final outer edge

This final step has some changes to note. In the bottom section of the labyrinth, the the final pathway leading to the goal finally turns into the labyrinth. The only gap is the entrance, directly to the right of the final pathway goal wall. Also note that there is no extension of the wall at due north. This completes the drawing of the octagonal labyrinth.

Here is the final version with all lines in black.

11 circuit octagonal labyrinth

How to Draw an 11 Circuit Octagon Labyrinth - Method 2

Step 1 - Draw 12 concentric octagons

12 concentric octagons

Step 2 - Add turnback sections

Once you select how many turn-backs you will have ( my above example has 4 ), draw them, which will typically need one additional line than the # you choose to account for the centered bottom pathway that leads to the goal. The exception is a 1 section labyrinth which needs only 1 turnback.

For a 4 section these will be drawn at 3, 6 , 9 and 12 o’clock. With the extra line occurring at 6 where you create a centered final pathway to the goal. Ensure the lines at 3 and 9 have the innermost pathway open, while 12 has the top pathway open.

Step 3 - Open pathways

At the location of the turn-backs you will need to create the appropriate pathways, along with the entrance and goal pathways. This will create the final labyrinth.

Additional things to consider as you design your own labyrinth

A note about turn-backs. My example above has 4 sections. But you can also draw the same labyrinth with more or less turn-backs (sections). Below I have a 1 section, 2 section, 4 section (the one we just made) and 8 section version. If you imagine walking these, the more sections, or turn-backs, the more back and forth walking you will do.

Comparison of 4 different 11 circuit octagonal labyrinths

A note on labyrinth orientation. You also do not need to rotate the octagon you have made, and instead make the labyrinth entrance on a corner. Here is the 1 section version, which of course it could be done like the above in 2, 4, and 8 section versions.

11 circuit octagonal labyrinth with 1 section starting at a corner

Real World Examples to explore:

A also wanted to give you some information on the most famous octagonal labyrinth in the world, the Amiens Labyrinth in the cathedral in Amiens, France. You can find some great pictures and information about the labyrinth from Atlas Obscura. It has been around since 1288 !

And it has a cousin, as far as labyrinths have cousins I guess, an octagonal labyrinth located in the parish church of the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, in St Quentin, France. It was made sometime around 1495 which makes it both very old, and yet 200 years younger then Amiens !

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