Sacred Labyrinths
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
Written by Christine Breese, D.D., Ph.D.
Introduction
The Difference Between A Labyrinth & A Maze
Church Labyrinths
Parts Of The Labyrinth
13-Pointed-Star
The Labyrinth And Cosmology
The Spiral Circle
The Process Of Walking The Labyrinth
Palms Down, Palms Up
Create Your Own Labyrinth
Conclusion
The-Labyrinth-Network
Bibliography
Introduction
Usually, labyrinths are made of mosaic tile, or by laying bricks or stones in certain patterns in the floor. Other labyrinths have been created outdoors, are quite movable, and can be made with mounds of earth, walls of stone, and even shrubbery. Labyrinths are typically used in a meditative fashion in spiritual practices, and they are different than a maze, with a different purpose. This will be discussed shortly.
A workshop facilitator named Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "The labyrinth is not just a symbol for pilgrimage-we were providing sacred space for anyone seeking transformation. We were providing a destination for modern pilgrims... labyrinths spur divine imprint. They are universal patterns most likely created in the realm of the collective unconscious, birthed through the human psyche and passed down through the ages. The labyrinths are mysterious because we do not know the origin of their design, or exactly how they provide a space that allows clarity." Artress is a reverend at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral and is also the founder of Quest: Grace Cathedral Center for Spiritual Wholeness. She also created the Labyrinth Project. She leads labyrinth workshops nationwide. She is also a licensed psychotherapist in San Francisco. Her book explores the ancient labyrinth, a walking meditation that transcends the limits. The labyrinth design, laid in the floor of the Chartres cathedral in the 12th century, is a prominent archetype in the consciousness of human beings. The book explores the historical origins of this divine imprint and assures stories of modern-day seekers who use the labyrinth to gain spiritual growth. Artress goes on to say, "Long forgotten, sometimes feared, it [the labyrinth] has been lying dormant in the archives of the Christian mystical tradition under centuries of dust. The creative intelligence which gave us the labyrinth understood the mystery behind human existence..."
Labyrinths can be found in almost every religious tradition around the world. The Kabbalah, or Tree Of Life in the Jewish tradition, is an even, elongated labyrinth based on the Number 11. The Hopi medicine wheel is based on the Number 4. Tape and sand paintings are Mandalas, which are a kind of labyrinth created for meditation. Labyrinths have been known to the human race for more than 4000 years. The Cretan Labyrinth, or the classical Seven-Circuit Labyrinth, is the oldest known labyrinth. The oldest surviving labyrinth is found in Sardinia at Luzzanas, and dates somewhere between 2500 - 2000 B.C.
Coins in Crete carry the symbol of a labyrinth. Pottery and other artifacts in many ancient civilizations were imprinted with a labyrinth-like design. The earliest surviving labyrinth design on a ceramic vessel was found at Tell Rifa'at in Syria (circa 1300 B.C.). An inscribed clay tablet was found at Pylos, Peloponnisos, Greece (circa 1200 B.C.) A giant labyrinth built at Fayum in Egypt by King Amenemhet III in approximately 1800 B.C. might possibly be the first labyrinth ever constructed that could actually be walked through. The person believed to have coined the term "labyrinth" is Herodotus (484 B.C.).
There is conflict in literature showing that some believed that labyrinths have never been used for more than decorations and others that say they are integral to religious practices. There is no solid proof that labyrinths were walked in medieval times in particular, but before and after that they were. However, labyrinths are most definitely an early form of sacred geometry. Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "Sacred geometry is based on ancient, sacred knowledge that was articulated in architectural forms. It is lost art that developed a balanced and serene climate for the human psyche and soul... This leaves the mind open to other levels of awareness. The Gothic cathedrals of Europe were all created according to methods of applied sacred geometry... This geometry is now, for the most part, a lost body of knowledge... Sacred geometry was once considered a divine art, and master builders and masons were held in high esteem."
Plato was a theorist on sacred geometry, and Pythagoras developed the actual measurements and equations necessary, although Pythagorean geometry is based on whole numbers and does not use a 0. Around the eighth century, zero came into use but was rejected up until that point because it undermined the idea of unity that the number 1 represented. Once zero was finally accepted, the Pythagorean system was lost.
The Difference Between A Labyrinth & A Maze
Since the labyrinth has not been in use for approximately 350 years, most people do not realize the difference between a labyrinth and a maze.
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Labyrinth
Labyrinths are unicursal, circular with one well-defined path that leads to the center, then back out again. There are no tricks, no dead ends, no cul-de-sacs, and no intersecting paths. |  |
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Maze
A maze on the other hand can be any shape and offers a choice of paths, some with many entrances and exits. A maze offers many tricks, dead ends, cul-de-sacs, and riddles to be solved. Mazes force us to make choices. Logic is challenged. |
The labyrinth does not engage the thinking part of our minds. Rather, the symbolic mind comes forth. We have but one choice. "To enter a labyrinth is to choose to walk a spiritual path," according to Dr. Lauren Artress in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995). Another authority on labyrinths, Robert Ferre', founded Labyrinth Enterprises in October 1995, to meet the increasing demand for technical and instructional information pertaining to labyrinths. It was originally called the St. Louis Labyrinth Project. The use of the word "project" implies an association with Veriditas: The Worldwide Labyrinth Project. Founded at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco by the Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress, Veriditas has been a pioneer in promoting the labyrinth as a spiritual tool. Through the years, Robert Ferre, director of Labyrinth Enterprises, has worked closely with Veriditas, including making the Chartres-style canvas labyrinths which they offer for sale. He has also written several books on labyrinths, including Church Labyrinths (1995), held many lectures and has assisted in the completion of 900 full size labyrinths
Church Labyrinths
There are two styles of the classic 11th circuit labyrinth. The circular designs like Chartres's Labyrinth are derived from the Knights Templar. The design in King Solomon's temple was copied in France by the Templars. The Freemasons provided instruction for the building of Gothic cathedrals throughout Europe, and used this type of labyrinth design often. In Church Labyrinths (1995) the following information is given: The Christian church adopted the labyrinth as a symbol quite early on. The oldest known church labyrinth is a converted Roman labyrinth found in the Basilica of Reparata in North Africa in the city of Castellum Tingitanum, later known as Al-Asnam, Orleansville. (The labyrinth is now in a museum in Algiers.) The conversion of the ancient classical labyrinth into a round, 11-circuit labyrinth with Christian symbolism began in manuscript drawings as early as the 7th or 8th century.
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Chartres Chapel Labyrinth
The earliest Christian labyrinth is believed to be the fourth century basilica of Reparatus, Orleansville, in Algeria. Sancta Eclesia is inscribed at the center, confirming that it was a Christian artifact. This labyrinth was created in the classical Roman style which means that it moves methodically from one quarter to another quarter. This is different than the normal medieval Christian labyrinth, whose patterns move through all four quarters instead of one by one.
The earliest labyrinth appearing on a wall is believed to be at St. Lucca Cathedral in Italy, dating back to the ninth century. This labyrinth is small, only 18 inches in diameter, and was designed to be traced with the fingers before entering the Cathedral. This was to quiet the mind before entering sacred space.
The Chartres Labyrinth was laid in the Cathedral floor between 1194 and 1220 A.D. The labyrinth is located in the central area of the Cathedral, approximately 50 paces after walking in through the main doors. It is 42 feet in diameter and the walking path is 16 inches wide. The total length of the walk within the labyrinth is 861.5 feet in length, almost a third of a mile. Normally there are chairs on it, but sometimes they are cleared and the public is able to walk it. The center of the labyrinth is 9 feet in diameter with six petals. The original centerpiece of the labyrinth was made of copper, brass, and lead. The metal was removed during the Napoleonic wars and was used as ammunition for cannons.
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The Maltese Cross Labyrinth
The second style is a Maltese tradition, and a typical version can be seen in Amiens Cathedral, near Paris. The Maltese tradition typically has a Maltese cross intertwined into the circular or octagonal design. A rose has sometimes been associated with the center of a labyrinth as well.
Parts Of The Labyrinth
The Path: the singular path of the 11th circuit labyrinth has 11 concentric circles with the 12th being the center of the labyrinth. The path moves throughout the whole circle. There are 34 turns on the path going in toward the center, 6 of which are semi right-angle turns, and 28 are 180 degree u-turns. The number 12 is important in sacred geometry. "It is the multiple of 3, representing heaven, and 4, representing earth. The path overall represents creation," according to Dr. Lauren Artress in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995).
The Center: The center of the labyrinth is often called a rosette. It is made up of the six petals and is a rose shaped area, although normally a rose only has five petals. The rose is a symbol for the Virgin Mary. It is also associated with the Holy Grail. The Lotus is its Eastern equivalent. Both flowers appear in sacred art and imagery.
The Labyrs: There are 10 labyrs in the classical 11-circuit labyrinth. The labyrs are are found between the turns in the labyrinth, or might be seen as the black areas, that look like a double ax. When you look at them from above, they form a large cross, or cruciform, that is embedded in the Labyrinth design.
The Lunations: These are unique to the 11-circuit labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral. They are partial circles, inside out, on the outer ring of the labyrinth. There are 28.5 two-thirds circles (foils) and 28 cusps (points) per quarter of the labyrinth. The four quadrants of the labyrinth mark each quarter of the year. There is a total of 113 cusps and 112 foils. Some believe that this was a calendar of some sort that helped the church know when it was time for particular events. One cusp and two foils are absent in the design at the entrance. Reproductions of the Chartres Labyrinth usually leave out these lunations. If these lunations are missing, it is not a true reproduction of the Chartres Labyrinth. Some believe that the power of the labyrinth is reduced when these are missing.
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13-Pointed-Star
The Invisible 13-Pointed Star: This is perhaps the most important part of the labyrinth. The points of the star connect to the outer lunations from the center. The lines of the star determine where the petals at the center will be placed. It is most difficult to reproduce an 11-circuit labyrinth without knowledge of this 13-pointed star. The number 13 comes from the Pythagorean system of geometry that was used to lay out the labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral. 13 is a prime number (meaning that it cannot be divided or reduced) so it is seen in Greek forms as an expression of the prime creator. In some versions of numerology, 13 is the number of Christ (12 plus 1). It is also symbolic of the 13 full moons in a year. A person who walks the labyrinth turns toward the center 13 times before the walk is complete.
Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "I believe the invisible star empowers the labyrinth in some inexplicable way. It establishes the pattern for the flow of energy that allows the seeker to have solid and integrative experiences. I have walked classical 11-circuit labyrinths that were drawn into linear fashion, without the guidance of the star, and they were not as powerful or centered as they should have been."
The Labyrinth And Cosmology
Dr. Lauren Artress continues in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "In researching the labyrinth, it doesn't take long to find your way into books naming the paths for the planets. The Chartres Labyrinth articulates an ancient cosmology, much as the medicine wheel does for Native American culture. Keith Critchlow believes the source of labyrinth cosmology is most likely from Macrobius's Commentary On Cicero's Dream Of Scipio. This book was known to have been in the library at the School of Chartres before the Cathedral was built. According to the theory, the earth was at the center of the labyrinth. The consecutive circle of paths held the Moon, the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The three outermost paths represented the powers of Soul, Mind, and Supreme God. Understood in Neoplatonic as well as Christian terms, the person who chooses to walk the labyrinth is reenacting the descent of the soul into manifestation on earth (at the center)." Once it was discovered that the earth was not at the center of the universe, this map of the cosmos was discredited, and the value of this ancient tool was forgotten.
The labyrinth was also seen as an astrological aid, including the 12 signs of the astrological chart which are Libra, Virgo, Leo, Cancer, Gemini, Taurus, Aries, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, Sagittarius, and Scorpio.
The Spiral Circle
The labyrinth functions like a spiral. The walk into the center moves in a clockwise pattern, and the path back out moves counterclockwise. According to Dr. Lauren Artress in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "The spiral is a basic form in nature-although the labyrinth spiral is more complex. The circular path inward cleanses and quiets us as it leads us in. The unwinding path integrative empowers us on our walk back out. Walking out of the winding path, we are literally ushered back out into the world in a strengthened condition."
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Spiral
According to Melissa Gayle West, a psychotherapist and the author of Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide for Healing And Spiritual Growth (2000), the labyrinth evolved from the spiral, the universal symbol of growth and transformation. We see spirals in the scalar patterns of a pinecone, the chambers of a nautilus shell and in our own fingerprints. West says, "The spiral is literally encoded into the universe. The labyrinth, echoing the spiral's transformational theme, has invited journeyers and spiritual seekers through the ages to contemplate the mysteries of life. Each time we walk the labyrinth we walk into a world that contains far more mystery and magic than our literal minds could ever grasp."
The Process Of Walking The Labyrinth
Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "Stepping out of the linear mind is often the most challenging part of the walk. Even though the person has been assured that the path leads to the center, someone who does not surrender easily to experience might stop walking during the first part, trying to visually figure out where the path goes. Of course, there is no right or wrong way to walk the path. This can be a valuable lesson about control and surrendering to process... People have revelatory experiences in the labyrinth. At first I was uncomfortable with this. I was concerned that someone might have a distorted experience. After months of walking the labyrinth and listening to the experiences of others, I began to trust the labyrinth... Seekers frequently meet their spiritual longing, are greeted by a velvety silence, or hear the still, small voice within. They gain wisdom, assurance, solace, peace, and direction. When people take questions into the labyrinth, they receive direct guidance unique to each person's individual context."
First, take a moment to reflect on where you are in life: what is going on in the present moment, and what answers are you seeking? What are your goals? You may want to focus on a question, prayer or statement that will guide this experience. Some people walk the labyrinth in order to mark an important time in life, like a birthday, anniversary, or the death of a loved one. It could be useful to do some journaling before your walk, and quite interesting to journal again after your walk. The walk into the center symbolizes that we are going inward to receive something. The walk out is a matter of taking what we have received back into the physical world.
Next, you'll want to quiet the mind and let all thoughts go as you begin the journey into the labyrinth. It is very important that the mind becomes still in order to receive insights and revelations from the divine. You can also focus on a question, prayer or phrase, but do not waver from that question or phrase. Meditate on that as you walk, not allowing the mind to stray. Some people like to read Scripture, or recite Scripture by memory as they walk the labyrinth. One can also ask for help through prayer as one goes through the walk. Walking isn't the only way the body is allowed to move in the labyrinth. Some people dance or skip, bringing joy into the body. Sometimes people crawl, or walk ever so slowly as a baby steps.
Allow the ego to let go. Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "If we take a walk in the country expecting to see a frog, the whole walk can be so focused on finding the frog that we miss the beauty of the countryside. If we do find the frog, we miss learning how our expectations shape our world around us... Expectations cut us off from the flow of life and set us up for disappointment." It is important to let go of any expectations, for they will limit the experience of the labyrinth. Expectations often lead to disappointment. Rather, it is best to leave the mind open to anything, for that is when the most creative ideas come forth, the most divine revelations are revealed, and the answers to our deepest questions are found. When one reaches the center of the labyrinth, if the mind is not quiet and in a receptive mode, without ego expectations, the answer will not come forth and cannot leave the labyrinth.
Find your pace and do not let anyone rush you. The world is full of rushing; it is important to take one's time in the labyrinth area so the labyrinth helps us find our natural pace and draws our attention to things that do not require deadlines and time limits. It is important to wait and stop if led to do so within the labyrinth. The labyrinth represents many levels of the self, and various parts of the self may want to be addressed or acknowledge when there is an urge to stop. Honor these urges, for these might be the places where messages come. Be conscious of your breath. Notice if you hold your breath.
Getting lost in the labyrinth is a common experience, especially when many people are using it at the same time. Sometimes when one person passes another, or steps aside in order to let someone pass, one forgets where their place was. One of two things happens: either one reaches the outer entrance or the center, and something is learned even when reaching the entrance again happens. Life patterns become clear in the labyrinth. For instance, a person might be afraid to pass the person in front, ignoring one's own needs and one's own pace, putting others before oneself. Another example is how one reacts to getting lost in the labyrinth, or to how long it takes to reach the center, or whether one takes shortcuts and cheats on the walk. Another example is that the ego might believe that it is faster or more evolved than everyone else if one passes others quickly. Notice the symbology of life patterns when walking the labyrinth.
Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), "The labyrinth has many messages for us, and for our times, that remain embedded within its mysterious path, its petals and illuminations, that we have yet to grasp. We do not really know how or why the labyrinth works. I do know that the labyrinth is a profound devotional tool. My hope is that the old masters of the School of Chartres, or whoever birthed the labyrinth into the earthly plane, are pleased that it is being rediscovered... Many tears have been shed on the labyrinth... Walking the labyrinth gives comfort to the aching heart, and solace to the weary soul. It can go beyond the bounds of comfort that another human being can give... Healing in the labyrinth comes in the form of renewed strength and perspective that is needed when illness has made us vulnerable."
As a last note, Artress suggests, "The shift from tourist, who comes with an interested eye, to pilgrim, who comes with a searching heart, makes all the difference in the world... When traveling as pilgrims we come with vulnerability and humility. "
Palms Down, Palms Up
There are many approaches to the labyrinth. The "palms down, palms up" Christian approach to the labyrinth is based on the "threefold path" of Purgation, Illumination, and Union. These represent three stages in a labyrinth walk. 1) Releasing (Purgation): From the entrance to the goal is the path of shedding or "letting go" There is a release and an emptying of worries and concerns. 2) Receiving (Illumination): At the center there is illumination, insight, clarity, and focus. It is here that you are in a receptive, prayerful, meditative state. 3) Integrating (Union): Empowerment and taking ownership, the path out is that of becoming grounded and integrating the insight. It is being energized and making what was received manifest in the world. There are three stages, but one path, and it is different for everyone.
These three stages can be symbolized with a "palms down, palms up" approach to walking the labyrinth.
"Palms down" symbolizes release or letting go while "palms up" indicates receiving. Enter the labyrinth and walk to the center palms down and center your thoughts on releasing conflictual issues and concerns in your life. When you reach the center turn your palms up to be receptive to insight. As you walk out of the labyrinth, keep your palms up to receive strength and guidance to make your insight manifest. As you leave the labyrinth, turn to face the center and bring your palms together for a prayerful end to your walk. The walk out is a matter of taking what we have received back into the physical world.
Create Your Own Labyrinth
There are multitudes of ways to create your own labyrinth. You can come up with your own sacred design, or use one that already exists. Simply laying out rocks can serve as a labyrinth. You can get even more creative with a garden, using flowers, shrubs, statues, trees, anything. Even today, some ancient castles have well maintained labyrinths on the grounds, often made of tightly manicured shrubbery or flower beds. It served as a walking course for guests and royalty to enjoy.
Put your own meaning into your labyrinth. Perhaps certain areas or patterns can represent different things to you. Or you could use existing meanings if you resonate with them. Any way that you create your own labyrinth is the right way to do it for you. Now you have a working knowledge of what the sacred labyrinth is for, make up the rest using your intuition!
Conclusion
Each experience of the labyrinth is different. Do not expect the labyrinth to be the same every time that it is walked. This is why it is so important to let go of expectations. At different times of life, different questions and answers present themselves. No one says it better than Dr. Lauren Artress in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995): "There are layers upon layers of meaning in the ancient tool of the labyrinth. Much more research needs to be done to understand fully the magnificence of the sacred pattern... But the best way to learn about the labyrinth is to walk one-with an open heart and an open mind. Then allow your experiences to guide you... To those of us who fear our interior world, the ideas behind the labyrinth will shake us to our foundations. However, the experience of the labyrinth, if we let ourselves explore it, could be wondrously supportive and gentle... The labyrinth is designed by an intelligence we cannot fully understand. But this much I do know. The labyrinth is truly a tool for transformation. It is a crucible for change, a blueprint for the sacred meeting of psyche and soul, a field of light, a cosmic dance. It is the center for empowering ritual... The labyrinth is gracious and generous with its gifts for all who enter it... The labyrinth is an old watercourse that has dried up over time and circumstance. But it is filling again now, with clear, cool waters. It is inviting us to drink. The labyrinth has been awaiting rediscovery, longing to guide us, awaken us while we walk this earthly path. The time has come. I look forward to meeting you by a labyrinth."
The-Labyrinth-Network
Grace Cathedral in San Francisco is a leader in reclaiming the walking meditation as a part of Christian tradition. Grace Cathedral has formed the Labyrinth Network. This network is a listing of groups and places that hold labyrinth workshops or have opened labyrinth sacred spaces. Grace Cathedral offers a seed kit with explicit instructions on how to design your own labyrinth using the 13-pointed star to honor the tradition of sacred geometry. They ask that you register your labyrinth, with the names of the original founders of your group, so that they can direct people to you. Dr. Lauren Artress would like to visit any labyrinth that is created and wishes to collect stories of rituals, meditations, and experiences for the Grace Cathedral newsletter so that they may be shared with other groups. You may contact Quest/Grace Cathedral at: http://www.gracecathedral.org/labyrinth/
Bibliography
Artress, Dr. Lauren, 1995
Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool. Riverhead Books; New York
Some pictures in this course come from this book.
Ferre', Robert, 1996
Church Labyrinths
West, Melissa Gayle, 2000
Exploring The Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing And Spiritual Growth. Broadway Books; New York