Walking inwards

Labyrinth (p6291017), originally uploaded by uzvards.

My godmother recently walked a labyrinth at The Edge, Hogsback. She found it really transformative, and shared these interesting tidbits with me:

Symbolism:

The path	Life’s journey, unfolding creation
Circle:	Unity, surrender to wholeness
Concentric circles:	Time and space and often the seeker’s place in either
Inward turning spiral:	Creating the vortex of power, generative force, leaving behind, relinquishing and forgiving.
The Centre (also called the Rosette)	The Mother of all things; love; timelessness; the point where reason meets imagination, the empirical meets the mystical, dogmatic suffocation is transformed into spiritual liberation
Outward turning spiral	Integration and empowerment; manifestation; finding, healing, discovery and renewal
Braided edges	Ariadne’s Thread of love that encompasses the seeker and keeps him/her safe
Turns	Change; discovery; spiritual evolution

History:

For many centuries the labyrinth has been used as a pathway to spiritual discovery and fulfillment. The labyrinth is used as a means to enhance prayerful attitudes, intimacy, meditative states and spiritual focus. It can be used by anyone of any belief system.

The labyrinth has been part of human consciousness for about 5000 years with the oldest recorded labyrinth being a stone-carved relief in Sardinia dating back to about 2500BC. A labyrinth patterned building dated about 1800 BC can be found near the pyramid of Pharaoh Amenemhet III in Fayum, Egypt. A coin unearthed in Syria and dating back to 1300BC has a labyrinth pattern pressed into it.

The labyrinth has a protecting and nurturing nature. Homes, seafaring ships and Cathedrals often had a labyrinth carving or painting, usually on the mast head or over the front door to keep all within safe. Through history, the labyrinth has been used for marriage and commitment ceremonies. Couples recite vows in the centre of the labyrinth then emerge together to mark their new life.

Labyrinth inside Grace cathedral, originally uploaded by one2c900d.

I love the idea of a labyrinth as a form of walking meditation. Sometimes the sitting quietly kind just isn't what you want! I am also going to try to learn to knit (!) My long-suffering mom is going to teach me. Same results, different method, because sometimes, after teaching yoga all day, a girl just wants to drink tea and knit.

On another note, I love the internet: it gives me access to info I would never even be aware of otherwise: check out this class from the late, great Indra Devi that I found on - wait for it - emusic!

By the way, I have noticed several typos and mistakes in my recent entries. Sorry! I promise to check more carefully from now on.