History of Labyrinths
They've been considered a universal symbol of healing and renewing the body-mind-spirit connection for over 3,000 years. A Simple Labyrinth Definition The ancient symbol of the labryinth is a combination of a circle and a spiral, a metaphor representing the journey to your own centre and back out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools, and as models of lifes' path. Ancient and modern labyrinths can be found in most parts of the world. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Chartres Labyrinth, a medieval stone labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral, France, pictured below.
You'll still be walking in circles, but at the same time you'll be tracing an ancient pattern of healing, with each step bringing you closer to resolving the puzzles of your life. As you navigate a labyrinth's elaborate twists and turns, meandering your way toward your ultimate goal - the centre- you'll feel a sense of calm descend over you. The history of labyrinths continues into the present; in the past decade labyrinths have become very popular in North America. They can be made of many materials, such as being painted on canvas, constructed out of stone, brick, grass, sand, even carved it in turf grass for a garden labyrinth.
Unlike a maze, a left-brain puzzle consisting of many paths, false leads and dead ends, a labyrinth is a right-brain tool using intuition, creativity and imagery to follow the one winding path leading into the circle and out again. Labyrinths can be used in several ways. They are usful as walking meditations or as exercises to gain an understanding of the human psychological and spiritual journey. Different images and metaphors can also be introduced to accentuate the experience. A Typical Meditation Labyrinth Experience There are three components to the labyrinth walking experience. (1) The walk to the centre calms your thoughts, allowing you to be fully present in your body. (2) Arriving at the centre connects you with your inner guidance.
(3) The walk out leaves you empowered and ready to transform your life. Before entering the labyrinth, walkers are advised to take a moment to relax, focus on the present moment, and release as much tension as possible. You may want to say a prayer or focusing on a question you would like answered. Or simply ask yourself what you need in your life right now, being open to any answers that come to you as you walk the path. Once inside a labyrinth, take your time and walk at your own pace. Be mindful of your life, envisioning your life's goal and thinking about what the turns represent to you. When you reach the centre, spend some time in contemplation. The journey back out invariably feels different from the one in, and its beneficial to be aware of your different impressions. When the labyrinth walk is over, take the time to reflect and journal on the experience. It's said anything that's been experienced offers valuable lessons to the labyrinth walker so pay attention to every detail of the experience. After all, as Louis L'Amour said, "The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you'll miss all you are travelling for." I hope this history of labyrinths page helps you find the peace you're looking for!
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