Gay walks the Labyrinth
at Chartres France |
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There are many designs
but the 7 circuit and 11 circuit seem to be the
most used today. The seven circuit may be the
oldest dating back as far as 3,500 years. The
11 circuit is from the 1200's and is used today
in hospitals, hospices, prisons, schools, and
churches of all denominations. To enter the Labyrinth
is to step into a rite almost as old as the human
race.
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Information available hints at a close connection
with Mother Earth, with a deep experience of death
and rebirth, initiation, healing. |
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The pattern itself reminds us of the interior
of the human body, as well as the turns and returns
each person experiences in life. |
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The center of the Labyrinth is the enclosed
garden containing the fountain of living water
where the rose of all roses blooms. The six
petals, going clockwise from lower left represent
the realms of mineral, animal, vegetable, human,
angelic and divine. |
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Labyrinths have been found in cave paintings
in several places throughout the world. Labyrinths
have been found everywhere from Egypt, Africa,
Greece, and even in caves in New Mexico. |
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Labyrinths are akin to the zodiac and similar
to the medicine wheel. Like the medicine wheel,
the Labyrinth is entered from the West, the gateway
to sacred journeys. At that time all elements
are represented the first quadrant is water,
the second is fire ---the sun, passion, metabolism;
the third quadrant is earth; where substance is
formed; and the fourth quadrant is air.
Some scholars believe the idea of the Labyrinth
may have originated in the catacombs. During the
middle Ages, the Labyrinth was said to show the
connection between earth and spirit. In the 12th
century, a beautiful Mandela-like version of this
ancient pattern was laid in the stone floor of
the great Cathedral of Chartres. Pilgrims came
from all over the Western world to tread the Labyrinth
as a substitute for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
People who walked it for both physical healing
and birth into the spirit-filled life. There are
279 stones in the path representing the time from
when the angel told Mary she would give birth,
until the birth or the days of normal gestation. |
So the Labyrinth is a picture of the self. Are
you willing to travel every part of yourself?
You can do so as you walk this meditative route.
If so, come, follow the path of the Labyrinth.
The music is chosen to provide a background in
which to lose self-awareness in order to discover
your true self. As the music plays, circle the
Labyrinth and when you feel ready enter the
Labyrinth and begin your pilgrimage.
Remember: There really is no right or wrong way
to walk the Labyrinth.
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Meditation is a time to be quiet, to center
your thinking and be with your beliefs. |
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Walk slowly at your own pace, follow the path
and take care when passing others. |
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When you reach the center you may stay as long
or as little as you like. |
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When you are ready, begin your outward journey
by reversing your path. |
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After leaving the Labyrinth you may relax in
the seating area, circle the labyrinth, journal
or contemplate but please remember to maintain
the quiet meditative atmosphere around the Labyrinth.
Enjoy your journey into the Labyrinth.
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| PS: We know everyone
is mannerly so there is no need to say excuse
me, stay within yourself as you walk, pause, or
pass another. |
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