The Magic of Labyrinths: Following Your Path, Finding Your Center
The most comprehensive work on labyrinths yet written.Labyrinths have fascinated and enthralled mankind from the beginning of time. This illustrated book examines the phenomena of mazes and labyrinths, looking at their historical, cultural and spiritual significance, and at how we can use these ancient devices to enrich our modern lives.The Magic of Labyrinths is a journey, woven around four themes of voyage, trial, initiation and resurrection. It examines the importance of ritual and ceremony, the hero's quest, and dealing with the monsters within. Contents:Introduction to labyrinths• Labyrinths in mythology• Labyrinths in history• Different forms of labyrinth• Earth energies – rituals and ceremonies• Pilgrimage – a moving meditation – how labyrinths can facilitate your journey• Practical labyrinths – how to build or draw a labyrinth
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The Magic of
LABYRINTHS
Liz Simpson
Following your Path, Finding your Center
As a wise woman once remarked to me, the labyrinth is not about “me,” it’s about “us.” The same is true of books. I could not have written this one without the generosity of spirit I received from so many inspiring individuals. Their support and the openness with which they shared their personal stories and wisdom have helped make the writing of this book an especially joyous experience for me. I would therefore like to extend my special thanks to:
Kim Anderson
Neil Anderson
Jim Buchanan
Dr. Alex Champion
Joan Champion
Kathy Doore
Robert Ferré
Lea Goode-Harris
Nicholas Halpin
Joyce Leake
Prof. Paula Lemmon
Sig Lonegren
Rae Ann Kumelos Mahon
Marge McCarthy
Julie Mitchell
Joseph Rafalo
Taylor Ray
Jeff Saward
Dr. Lynne A. Texter
Calvin Vanderhoof
Dale Vanderhoof
I would like to dedicate this book to my husband, Douglas Barnes. There is a saying I’m fond of: “A mind once stretched by a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.” No one has ever stretched me as much as you, Doug, for which I am ever grateful.
A walking meditation, a spiritual tool,a means of coming to one’s spiritual center.
Viewed from exterior angles, a device that appears complicated and bewildering but, once experienced, is found to be a single pathway (“unicursal”) that winds inextricably towards its center and requires you simply to take the same route out.
delirium, delusion, disappointment.
A network of interconnecting passages designed for trickery and deception. A complex puzzle that, without guidance, is difficult or impossible to navigate to a successful conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. The History of the Labyrinth
3. Emerging from the Maze Mind
Instead of searching for what you do not have, Find out what it is you have never lost.
SRI NISARGADATTA MAHARAJ (1897-1981), FROM “I AM THAT”
What is a labyrinth? How does it differ from a maze? And why are so many people across the world today embracing a symbol that is thousands of years old? It is these, and other questions, that this book aims to address – but as a guidebook, rather than a set of rigid rules that have to be followed. Because what is so exciting about labyrinths is that they lend themselves to individual interpretation. There is no single labyrinth pattern, nor is there a right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Each experience is unique and, if welcomed, can offer valuable insights about how to navigate life and address its challenges.
The beauty of the labyrinth motif is that its appeal is so multi-faceted. As a metaphor for life’s journey, the labyrinth prompts us to think about the way we choose to travel that path – whether we savor each moment, secure in the belief that while life’s problems will continue to challenge us, we have the inner resources and confidence to solve them. Or whether we act like distracted onlookers – always wondering why someone else seems to have the better deal. Consciously walking the labyrinth can cause you to reflect on whether life is something that just happens to you, or is an experience that you choose to truly engage with. The labyrinth symbol can help you re-appraise your goals in life – to stop looking for a “quick fix” by latching onto this guru or that and to accept full responsibility for your own spiritual enlightenment. After embracing the labyrinth as a metaphor for journeying into our deeper, hidden, authentic selves, many have been inspired to recognize that the source of contentment and wisdom lies within. Since walking the labyrinth – consciously and with respect – has prompted others to ask themselves questions like these, then it is likely to do the same for you. The labyrinth is not just a philosophical tool but lends itself to many practical applications. Here are a few of the ways in which labyrinth symbolism can be integrated into your life:
• as a form of walking meditation, particularly for people who find it hard to sit still;
• to relax and release stress;
• to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving;
• to assist in focusing on your breath;
• to work with your chakra system and the flow of chi;
• to get in touch with your inner or higher self;
• to connect with the Earth and more fully appreciate your environment;
• to create a stillness in which you can hear the whisper of your intuition;
• to do something nice for yourself – by yourself;
• to illustrate that you alone are responsible for the path you chart through life;
• to reconnect you to the Hero within.
If you are challenged in any of these areas or if you are seeking a more grounded and balanced life, then there will undoubtedly be something within these pages that will arouse your interest and help you find new ways to approach these challenges and help you achieve your goals.
