The Magic of the Labyrinth

Each person has only one path.  By entering the labyrinth, it becomes a metaphor for our journey through life.  It builds a sense of relationship and can be used as a tool for people of all beliefs to come together for a common spiritual experience.    Research has found that focused walking meditations are highly efficient at reducing anxiety and elicits the “relaxation response”.  This effect has significant long term health benefits, including lower blood pressure and breathing rates, reduced incidents of chronic pan, reduction of insomnia, improved fertility.  To those in deep sorrow, walking the labyrinth gives solace and peace.  Regular meditative practice leads to easier concentration and a sense of control and efficiency in one’s life.  It is a road to self-knowledge, creating balance and harmony.  It is a tool for problem solving, relieving stress, and anxiety.

The labyrinth can be found in almost every religious tradition around the world.  The Cretan labyrinth, also called the classical 7-circuit labyrinth is the oldest European form on record.  Labyrinth designs evolved out of the spiral figures found in nature.  These designs were imprinted on coins and traced into pottery.  The first labyrinth constructed was built in Egypt by King Amenemhet III around 1800 B.C.

The 12 Circuit

The early Roman-style labyrinths were usually made of mosaic tile.  England, Scandinavia and Germany built turf labyrinths which were mounds of earth covered with grass.  Today, labyrinths are created in sand, cornmeal, flour, painted on canvas or stones, grass, or any material used by one’s imagination.

Labyrinths are very different than mazes.  Labyrinths have only one path, called unicursal which leads us to the center and back out again.  They are right brain task, which involves creativity, intuition and imagery.  There are no dead-ends or tricks.  However, as you walk and shift direction, you shift awareness from right brain to left brain.  This helps to balance the chakras and induce receptive states of consciousness.

Mazes are multicursal.   There are many entrances and exits.  They are left brain task where choices must be made and an active mind is needed to solve the problem.  There are dead ends.  They challenge the choice making part of ourselves.

A labyrinth does not engage our thinking minds; it invites our intuitive symbolic mind to come forth and presents us with only one (profound) choice.

There are 3 stages in the process of walking the labyrinth.  The first process is purgation or Release.  It is a way of QUIETING THE MIND. When we walk from the entrance to the center, it is a way of letting go all those things that block communication with ourselves or with our Higher Power.  It is an emptying of our worries and our concerns.  We know that we are no longer in control and we relinquish all of our worries and troubles.  It is believed that monks walked the first part of the labyrinth on their knees as a penitential act.  We walk the labyrinth with our palms down releasing or letting go.

The second stage is called the Illumination or Receiving:   It is a time for MEDITATION AND PRAYER. It is the center of the labyrinth where we find insight into problems and receive clarity and focus.  If we enter with an open heart and mind, we will be able to receive what is rightfully ours.  This is our meditative state, a state of prayer and meditation.  We bring our hands together in a state of prayer, a way of receiving grace.

The third stage is called the Union or Integrating stage.  This is where we are TRANSFORMED. As we leave the labyrinth, we integrate the insight that we received.  We have the received the energy, creativity, and sometimes answers to our thoughts and prayers.  It empowers us and gives us confidence to take risks.  Empowering us to move back out into the world, feeling replenished and directed. Walking out of the labyrinth is realistically and symbolically the act of taking what we have received out into the world.  We walk with our palms up to receive strength and guidance to make your insight manifest.

KB Yorkie Puppies has a 5 circuit labyrinth on their property.  Our puppies are introduced to the labyrinth on the day of their birth, as a way of celebration and in developing a connection with our hearts.  We carry the little ones close to our hearts.  As they develop, we continually carry them and when old enough allow them to investigate the labyrinth themselves.  They always stay close to our feet as we make our way to the center.  We ask the Universe to provide them with a safe and loving home; a home that is perfect for them!  They are unique in their personalities and each puppy always finds their way into the perfect home.  The labyrinth has always provided exactly what we/they need.  Allow your home and your heart to be open to the healing properties of the labyrinth as you select one of KB Yorkie Puppies to be your next family member.

We have developed Simple Guidelines in walking the Labyrinth.  You can find these tips/guidelines by clicking on this link:  Simple Guidelines in Walking the Labyrinth

For more information on labyrinths, please visit www.labyrinthsociety.org and www.allthings labyrinth.com.