MORE ABOUT LABYRINTHS

The classical labyrinth has only one path to the center, with no dead-ends. One of the best known patterns was incorporated into the floor pavement of the Chartres Cathedral, near Paris, France, around 1200 AD. It is an eleven circuit design divided into four quadrants. This labyrinth pattern was originally intended to be walked as a pilgrimage, a questing or searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God. It often served as a symbolic substitute for the actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was called the “Chemin de Jerusalem” or Road to Jerusalem.

When walking, or tracing the pattern, of the Chartres labyrinth, its rhythmic nature is noticeable. The path inward is of increasing amplitude, with smaller inner circles progressing to larger outer circles. The entrance to the center happens during the most energetic phase, created by movements of the larger circles. The path going out is one of decreasing amplitude. Thus, the labyrinth walk re-creates our natural cycles of expansion and contraction and connects us to our very own energies.

A labyrinth is made to be walked. It is a journey into our own centers. Even walking a finger labyrinth with one’s fingertip or visually traveling the labyrinth with one’s eyes will arouse kinesthetic sensations. One “feels” a labyrinth as much as one travels it.

Labyrinths have re-gained popularity in the last 20 years as powerful spiritual tools. Walking the labyrinth while in contemplation or meditation can arouse deep feelings of peace and calm, resulting in healing and feelings of great well being. Labyrinths are currently being used not only in Churches, but in hospitals, community centers, and recreation areas by those who wish to experience a gentle walk to peace of mind, body, and spirit.