The Labyrinth

Labyriths are corridors laid in patterns that are used as a method of spiritual development. Whether it is large in an open area, or small on walls or tables....the labyrinth is a pathway towards inner peace and balance. The key towards this tool of spiritual experience lies in the fact that as you walk or trace the labyrinth, you meander back and forth at a steady hypnotic pace. As you shift direction, you also shift your awareness and focus.

The labyrinth has only one path (unicursal) which quiets the mind as the winding course is followed to its center and back out again. The steady curve and flow decreases stress and negativity.

The spiritual allure of labyrinths, lies within the mysterious winding, inward path often cited as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. The labyrinths very shape holds an allure on its own, the symbolism is the circle and the spiral, both traditional symbols through human history. Walking or tracing the labyrinth causes us to step out of linear time ~ slowing the inner world down enough so that the inner and outer worlds connect. As the mind quiets, the labyrinth can be used as a path of prayer, meditation, and discernment.

Throughout history the labyrinth has been associated with transformational rebirth, a kind of re-emergence of Self. A kind of Rite of Passage that has an inner significance rather then tribal. Whether inscribed on rock walls, built onto floors, carved onto poles, or carefully laid into tabletops ~ the labyrinth has been found spaning generations and cultures across the globe. The success of the labyrinths has been in the fact that it has been accepted for thousands of years by diverse religious groups with nothing in common, other then spiritual empowerment.

Suggestions for walking or tracing the labyrinth:

There is no 'right or wrong' way to walk or trace a labyrinth.

Quiet the mind ~ open the heart.

The movement around the design to the center can be a release - a quieting of the thoughts, worries, pain, confusion, and tasks. A kind of 'surrendering' to the moment.

Arrival at the center....a place of prayer, meditation, and relaxation.

 A point of peace.

Chartres | The Song of the Labyrinth

Chartres | The Song of the Labyrinth

Shared via AddThis

I'm obviously off to a slow start in this Blogging adventure ... I've spent the last month trying to get back into 'work' mode. You see, I have summers off because I work in a school system so when its time to get back into gear its like re-orienting myself all over again. I believe in having time to myself and when UI no longer do ... it takes getting used to.

So I spent a month focusing at the task at hand, doing various Craft related things and being more social then usual. I'm not a social person, I don't like socials - I could be a happy hermit, except I do have a few folks I'd miss :) When I refer to Craft , I'm usually refering to my pagan lifestyle, mindset and other bits of mystism that I find important or curious in my spiritual development. I am always willing to converse about Craft and spirituality ... and philosophy! Its my favorite kind of conversation - I know nothing of sports and am volitile when discussing politics & religion. I almost always have an opinion, popular or not and if I don't theres a reason why, lol

I'm home sick with a cold today but am heading back to work tomorrow, like it or not. I'm hoping that getting the cold over with now in order to get a flu shot will benefit the long run. Last year I suffered many bouts of respiratory illnesses and want to avoid the same this year. I've never had a flu shot so I'm not sure what to expect.

Anyways ... I built a labyrinth last week for a Pagan Harvest Festival. It was a really nice 3 circuit square made from birdseed. I laid it out, filled in the seed, smudged it then 'opened' it to the energy under it. Now, I guess I should point out that though my blog is more a reflection of life and the mazes we sometimes find ourselves wandering, I want my Life to be a labyrinth because they are 'good things' it won't hurt you like a maze can. Mazes have pitfalls and dead ends - labyrinths are a single path that winds smoothly inward than turns and moves back out. I love labyrinths. They fascinate me and I love making them, especially big ones outside!! As a practicing pagan I believe that building a labyrinth with hand & heart is a good thing :) I wish I had taken pictures of this one.

I'm currently trying to get on track with my fitness program again but am completely unwilling to exercise when I'm sick - the best you'll get is a walk. Hopefully this clears up before the weekend. I could restart on the weekend and still get some rest. This is the plan.

Keep smilin'