Labyrinth Information
A labyrinth is generally defined as a symbol with a meandering path guiding the user on a walk inward to a center and outward back to where they began. It is not intended to confuse you or have dead ends like a Maze. It is called a finger labyrinth when you trace the pattern with your finger.
This wonderful ancient symbol is experiencing resurgence in popularity. It has found its way into churches, universities, hospitals, communities, backyards, boardrooms, and now into your life!
It is an ancient symbol that has been found all over the world, and has been calculated to be over 3,500 years old in some forms. It comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some feel it moves the person through a wave of subtle energy to transform or enlighten, and guides the journey into three stages of experience which can be described as, releasing, revealing, and renewing.
It seems to draw spiritual, metaphysical and scientific interest and speculation, but you may be attracted to it simply because you like the way it looks.
This tool may not need to be explained, but for those who are interested, here are a few pieces of information on two of the most popular styles.
The Chartres style is named after the 13th century Cathedral in Chartres, France where it is laid out on the floor. (See the French Site for more pictures of labyrinths in France)
The other most recognizable style is called the Cretan and often is associated with a story from Greek Mythology. An adaptation of this style may also be known as Classical or Classic. Most commonly, a Cretan/Classical style has 7 circuits or paths leading into its' center. This style has been known to be constructed with many additional paths and variations, and sometimes incorporates shapes into it.
LABYRINTHS MADE IN THE GROUND - TURF LABYRINTHS
This is an example of the wonderful turf labyrinth located at
Saffron Walden, Essex, England. It measures
about 132 feet from corner to corner, and is made of raised earth pathways. While no one knows who made it, or why,
there is documentation from the 1800's that games and ceremonies may have been played on it.
It is located in a public area, and is still played upon by children and adults today.
So you can see that Labyrinths can be created indoors or outdoors, and the term, "Labyrinth Walk" can pertain to walking a full size labyrinth with your feet, or tracing a smaller pattern with your fingers.