WHAT IS A LABRYINTH ? A circular path,
An ancient walking meditational tool, found in Crete BC,
(with minator), Celtic cultures, and Chartres Cathedral,1200
as a pilgrimage walk.
Its origins are lost in prehistory. It is
believed that the Egyptians and Etruscans used subterranean
forms
to
guard
their tombs around 4500 BCE.
Early fishermen in the Baltic regions walked crude
stone paths to lose the slower trolls before they leapt
into
their boats to fish. South American examples are
found with the Nasca in south west Peru, and in North
America
the Hopi Indians used a 7 path model.
The one most people know about is the Cretan model
and the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur.
It symbolized the condemned hero’s journey
to the dark centre and back into life..
The plaque in the centre of the Chartres labyrinth
declared “this
stone represents the Cretan labyrinth. Those who enter
cannot leave unless they be helped by Ariadne’s
thread”
The Chartres pattern was built in 1200 and mirrors
the rose window above.It is a lonely survivor of
many once
found in medieval churches. We believe they were
used by pilgrims who were unable to
journey safely to Jerusalem. It was a symbolic journey
to the holy city to find Jesus.
The shape The labyrinth is a symbol of the archetypal
feminine, there is a uterine energy in the spiraling
into the central
womb and the birthing out.- the Cretan model used
272 stones which is approximately the number of days
for
human gestation.
Ritual in the labyrinth The sacred experience of
walking in the labyrinth is greatly enhanced by the
use of
- appropriate music
- special lighting eg candles
- thematic materials eg at harvest festival taking in
some produce, celebrating in the centre and later donating
it.
WHAT DO I DO?
Take the single winding path to the centre, the path winds
around and becomes a symbolic mirror for where you are
in your life. Walk it with an open mind and heart, for
it leads to self-knowledge, healing, clarity and balance.
WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE IT AS AN AID TO MEDITATION
AND PRAYER, A PLACE OF CENTERING, HEALING AND PEACE.
STAY A WHILE IN THE CENTRE TO LISTEN AND PRAY eg FOR WORLD
PEACE, then
return out refreshed , even dancing by the same path. ALLOW YOURSELF TO FIND YOUR OWN PACE
YOU MAY PASS PEOPLE, RESPECTFULLY
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