The Labyrinth
- “People all over the world are discovering that the ancient practice of walking labyrinths not only solves problems, but also soothes the nerves, calms the soul, mends the heart, and heals the body. It can help bring us into balance, giving us a sense of wholeness that is much needed for all of us whose lives ache with lopsided discomfort. Labyrinths offer the opportunity to walk in meditation to that place within us where the rational merges with the intuitive and the spiritual is reborn.”
OriginLabyrinths are ancient. Their spiraling pattern has been found on coins from Knossos, Crete, dating back three centuries before the birth of Christ to a clay tablet from Pylos, Greece which is 3,200 years old. Common to all labyrinths is a series of rings or circular paths which emanate outward from the center. Though at a glance these paths may seem to be separate, they are in fact 'unicursal' or 'a single course' - one unbroken path from start to finish. Unlike mazes, there are no dead ends and no choices to make regarding which direction to travel when walking a labyrinth. The way in to the center is also the way out. The same path that is walked into the heart of the labyrinth is followed out after reaching the center.Labyrinths are sometimes identified by the number of 'circuits' they have. This is a way of describing the series of circles or rings which flow out from the center. There are labyrinths with eleven, seven and three circuits. The most famous eleven-circuit labyrinth is 40 feet in diameter and laid directly into the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. The seven-circuit labyrinth can be traced to the ancient design found on the currency used in Knossos, Crete and is often referred to as Cretan. And labyrinths can be found around the world from ancient Rome to Africa, Scandinavia, India and China.
The entrance through which one begins to walk the labyrinth is called the 'mouth' - this is the point at which the journey inward begins. Once the threshold to the labyrinth has been crossed, the spiraling walkway followed in is called the 'path.'
The boundaries which separate the paths as they circle inward toward the center are called the 'walls.' And the center is the circular goal one reaches by fully traversing the path inward. It is often experienced as a place of union with the Divine.
Mystery and MeaningThe whole of labyrinth design is rich with symbolism and inherent meaning. The center is often circular - an archetypal pattern symbolizing unity and wholeness. And in the eleven-circuit or Chartres labyrinth, the spiraling paths are divided into four quarters, each with seven 180-degree turns. Seven is the number of embodied chakras in our human energy system.Walking the path as it alternately progresses and turns back upon itself can balance our energy system and the left and right hemispheres of our brain, returning equilibrium to the body, mind and spirit.
There are also energetic forces present simply in the act of walking the path toward and back out from the center. Both centripetal and centrifugal energies are activated in the course of a labyrinth walk. Centripetal energy acts to assist the walker in drawing inward toward the center of an issue they wish to unfold. And centrifugal energy assists the walker in separating out all aspects of the issue which are not relevant, crystallizing the solution and emergent consciousness into action.
Walking the LabyrinthThere is no wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Giving attention to the whole of one's experience as the ancient path is followed is the key. Everything holds significance as the spiraling path is traveled. The act of walking a labyrinth becomes a metaphor for all of life as each person alternately follows, passes, and leads the way, turning toward and away from others on the path. It holds an opportunity to express what is moving deeply in the heart of the self. Small children skip, women shroud themselves and walk with eyes closed and people stop in spontaneous prayer and meditation in the course of walking a labyrinth. There is no wrong way to be in partnership with whatever physical, emotional, or spiritual unfolding wants expression during the walk.
IntentionIt is a common practice to hold an intention while walking the labyrinth. This can focus around seeking a new direction in life or unraveling a problem or issue. The intention may arise spontaneously out of moments of prayer or meditation prior to the walk or be something consciously chosen. Once the intention is held on the walk it becomes an integral part of the walker. Enter, walking the labyrinth with intention, and transformation begins to unfold.
The Walk InThe walk in begins by crossing the threshold or entrance to the inside of the labyrinth. The first step begins a journey along the single spiraling path toward the center. Once that initial step is taken, there is no need to think about direction, turns, or even destination. The single path weaves back and forth, up and down, left and right on a seemingly meandering journey to the heart of the labyrinth. Linear awareness of time and space disappears as the energetic forces at play in the labyrinth assist in moving consciousness to an expanded level of functioning. As the more creative, non-linear mind takes over, the relaxation response is triggered, stress levels decrease, and creativity is inspired into action.
The CenterThe center is sometimes called the 'stillpoint.' This is a term from CranioSacral therapy which indicates a moment of deep and profound stillness in which the body uses the energy present in this therapy to reintegrate and come back into balance. Upon reaching the center of a labyrinth, it is common to pause. Some choose to sit or lie and meditate, connecting with the higher self and inner guidance. Others take a moment of stillness at the center, progressing back out shortly thereafter. Whatever time is taken here, the center of a labyrinth has a power all its own. It is a place of communion with the Divine and holds an opportunity to align with one's inherent wholeness and unity with all of life. From this unity many experience insight deep into the heart of their intention.
The Walk OutOn the walk out, simply being present to sensations, thoughts, feelings and experiences offers a way of integrating insight received in the center and further unfolding intention.Sometimes the experience of walking the labyrinth can seem to thwart or be at odds with the walker's expectation. Opening to the lessons inherent in contradiction - sometimes called Divine Paradox - has offered the key to many in unfolding even deeper revelation.
Some people experience a different energy on the walk out of the labyrinth. There may have been a feeling of being lost, confused, tired or beleaguered on the walk in, whereas the walk out may hold a feeling of being buoyed along the path joyously and effortlessly. These are only two examples of what can be experienced. Whatever is felt or realized - any opening, beginning or closure which occurs - is specific to the person walking and there is no wrong way to be a part of the experience.
TransformationHonoring the walk, expressing gratitude, and acknowledging the sacred nature of the experience is sometimes done by taking a moment to turn around and face the labyrinth before taking the last step out. In this way, the walk and the walker's intention and insight are inwardly acknowledged. Or the ritual may involve standing to face and energetically embrace the world of transformation which awaits as the labyrinth is exited. As with all parts of the walk, allowing inner guidance to direct action is the key.
Leaving the labyrinth, Divine Paradox again becomes apparent as the ending is, indeed, the beginning. The beginning of the next leg of a journey, bridging the distance between what was and what is yet to be, and integrating all of the insight gained to manifest positive action. Leaving the labyrinth is the beginning of a conscious rebirth into co-creation of the direction of life and the walker's part in it.
- “...By the end, a half hour later, I know I've undergone an opening, an illumination of the soul. I feel different, changed in a way that I can't adequately describe. And all because I put one foot in front of the other, effortlessly following an age-old path.”
The Labyrinth ClassesThe Labyrinth can be explored in two powerful day long workshops that combine synergistic energywork to create transformational days of self healing and exploration. Click here to download the pdf schedules of current information, dates and times. Awakening Journey and A Walk with Spirit.
Ongoing exploration is possible through community Labyrinth walks offered once a month. These walks are indoors, free, and open to the public. Please check out Community Labyrinth Walks for times and location.
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