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My path in the labyrinth

For some reason I expect English-readers to be more familiar with the phenomenon of labyrinths. Maybe that's because of the fact that those English-speaking circles I am involved with seem to be somewhat close to this special tool of contemplation, but maybe that sample of people is not representative at all and it needs to be explained, clarified. Anyway, here you have a brief outline of what labyrinths are all about. I am learning them myself as well and have already built some. My intention is to be more involved and deliver new ones to environments where they can be of help. I look forward to opportunities to make people know how to walk the labyrinth, this sacred path, which mirrors our own life. The text below and my knowledge trace their origins back to my labyrinth teacher and friend: Terry de Vries Nel in South Africa. Without her, I would have never discovered this amazing transformation tool in such depths.

What is a labyrinth?

 

    A labyrinth is a single, winding path that leads you from the entrance to the centre. It is an ancient universal archetypal pattern that has been found in almost all cultures all over the world. The history of labyrinths dates back more than 5000 years.
There are two archetypal labyrinths, the Classical 7-circuit Labyrinth and the Medieval 11-circuit Labyrinth, and several contemporary labyrinths.

    A labyrinth offers one of the oldest contemplative tools known to humankind that is used for personal and spiritual growth. It is a blueprint for transformation. An ancient practice that is used as a way to calm the mind, still the thoughts, get insights, receive guidance, solve problems and set goals. Like Augustine said: "Solvitur ambulando." It is solved by walking.

    Labyrinths offer a non-denominational path for self-discovery. It is open to anyone on any spiritual path and from any religious tradition. There is no dogma attached to labyrinths and also no right or wrong way to walk them. They offer neutral ground.

    A labyrinth is a sanctuary; a safe and sacred place in which we can reconnect with ourselves and the world of spirit. When you walk toward the centre of the labyrinth, you symbolically walk toward your personal spiritual centre. And this walk mirrors your journey through life as the labyrinth offers a metaphor for the journey of life. It is a symbolic pilgrimage to still the mind so that the heart can open up and you can return to the world with a deeper and clearer understanding of who you are. As with all journeys, it begins with a single step.

    A labyrinth is different from a maze. A maze has twists and turns and blind alleys and one can get lost in the puzzle that must be solved. In a labyrinth one cannot get lost as the way in is the way out. It does not matter how intricate the labyrinth pattern may be, there is only a single route to the centre. Thus the only choice with a labyrinth is whether to enter or not.

 

Short history

 

    The oldest known graphic representation of a labyrinth is carved on a piece of mammoth ivory. This was found in a Paleolithic tomb in Siberia and dates back farther than 5000 BC! Other early recordings of classical labyrinths are ancient rock carvings in Spain (2000 BC), Italy (750 BC) and Morocco (500 BC). Examples of classical labyrinths were also found on ancient Greek coins from Crete (300 BC).

    During the Roman Empire square mosaic labyrinths were built with more intricate patterns. Today some examples can still be seen at several museums throughout Europe, among others the Vienna and Pamplona museums.

    From the early ninth century Christian manuscripts began depicting classical labyrinths labeled Jericho. During the Middle Ages, the classical labyrinth symbol was transformed to incorporate Christian iconography (i.e. the cross) and built in cathedrals. Also known as pavement labyrinths, they were walked as a substitute for the long and arduous pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Several pavement labyrinths in cathedrals in northern France were known as "Chemin de Jérusalem" or the Road to Jerusalem. Of the 80 cathedrals in France and Italy during the Middle Ages, 22 of them had labyrinths.

    The modern labyrinth revival, which started in the 1970s, has birthed labyrinths all around the world in public parks, private gardens, universities, schools, hospitals, churches, retreat centres and prisons. Jeff Saward, author of several labyrinth books, says: "Throughout the history of the labyrinth, whenever and wherever society is undergoing rapid change and development, the labyrinth has blossomed." If you have a further interest in this topic, I recommend you check Terry's Rainbow Labyrinths for more detailed news/info.

 

A few Guiness records on labyrinths 

 

    The first known Christian labyrinth was built in Algeria in the Basilica of Reparatus in Orleansville, dating from the year 328. It is small, about 2,5 metres in diameter, square and in the centre is a word puzzle that make up the words "Sancta Ecclesia".

    The first known European church labyrinth is in the Church of St. Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. This small black and white paved labyrinth has seven circuits in a unique design, dates from the sixth century and is part of a much larger octagonal pattern on the floor.

    The best known authentic example of an 11 circuit Medieval Labyrinth is the one in Chartres Cathedral, France, built in 1201. The pattern of the Chartres labyrinth can be seen in the background here. (As Dr Lauren Artress, labyrinth master, so aptly says: "A labyrinth is not New Age. It is Middle Age!") This labyrinth is the oldest walking-size Christian path in the world and is 12,85 metres in diameter.