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The Use Of The
Labyrinth In Spiritual Growth by Norah Griggs (Rocklady)
If you are here, you already understand the importance, the
benefits of slowing the busy mind. A labyrinth is a tool used as a means to do just that. The course of the labyrinth itself
leads you to the center and back out again. It has many turns and bends just like our pathway through life. You may come away
with a solution to a problem, an inspiration, a new awareness, feelings of joy or peace, or just a sense of having taken a
nice little walk.
Not unlike the medicine wheel, which represents the circle of life in our Native American culture,
the labyrinth has sacred meaning. It’s been found in many cultures and religions all around the world; used in ceremony
and meditation and was a place to help heal in time of sickness. It was also used as a type of calendar to watch the phases
of the moon and the seasons; an indicator as to when to plant various crops.
Most commonly used around the world
are the eleven or the seven circuit labyrinths. There are several different designs, patterns and styles. People today are
creating their own patterns and using things from flowers, rocks or wood to various man-made material such as brick, concrete
or canvas.
The eleven circuit labyrinth is mainly used as a spirituality and religious pattern, for prayer and
meditation. The most famous is the Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. It was built into the floor around the turn of the
13th century and has since been restored. This Chartres style labyrinth is being used in more and more churches around the
world. There is a renewed interest as people are finding a reconnection to the spirit. Many hospitals are now providing patients
and the public with a labyrinth, finding it useful in the healing of both physical and mental illness.
The seven
circuit labyrinth is known to be the symbol for Mother Earth. There are two main styles of seven circuit, classical and concentric
designs. It is used much like the eleven circuit, for meditation and prayer. I believe I was drawn to this pattern because
of my strong ecological beliefs. We need to bring the consciousness back; preserve our trees and land. Bring back the “Don’t
Be A Litterbug” signs. Our Native Americans believe that we are one with the earth and when something is taken we must
put something back. It is part of the circle of life and it must not be broken.
It is not known how far back in
time the labyrinth originated. But like many other mysteries in this world, there are questions as to how people of ancient
civilization knew exactly how to figure a geometric design such as the labyrinth to line up with the lunar phases and to work
both the right side and left side of the mind to relax and heal. It makes me wonder if we are really as advanced as we think,
or are some of the old ways actually too far advanced for us to comprehend. And in our misunderstanding, do we simply toss
aside old beliefs, calling them foolishness? I don’t believe these things were a scientific discovery, proclaimed to
be true by one great mind. I believe it was the ability that humans had of being in touch with their inner self, their natural
way of knowing; something we have lost in the age of technology. We are learning that the brain is more powerful than we ever
imagined, and with proper understanding and discipline, we can actually learn to heal our own bodies. We can become connected
with the intuitive sense that has been suppressed for many years. And most importantly of all, and I can’t stress this
enough because it has been my personal battle, is learning how to quiet the chattering mind. One day I visited a Chartres
style labyrinth done on canvas at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I had been having pain
in my hip for quite some time, so upon entering the labyrinth, I had decided to leave it behind. But soon I found myself in
an almost unbearable state of impatience to finish, letting myself become distracted. Somehow I actually turned myself around
and found myself at the exit before making it to the center. I was a little bewildered but thought, “Oh well”,
and started over, to the center and back out, this time more in focus and at ease. I left there that day with a very valuable
lesson that I will carry with me forever. Slow down! Pay attention! Think, but not so much thinking at a time. I also left
there that day free of the pain and have not been bothered by it since I’m often asked about my personal experiences
walking the labyrinth. It’s sometimes difficult to explain because they are so personal. I’ve had prayers and
questions answered but I have prayers and questions still in deliberation, as it were. So, I love trying to explain and will
continue to try because it’s wonderful to be part of a community willing to try to understand and experience these things
for themselves.
I built a labyrinth in my woods even before I knew much of anything about it. I realize now that
everything about the labyrinth was inspired. The where’s, why’s, and how’s, I had no knowledge of on my
own, I was guided by an unknown instinct.
Fortunately, I am able to visit my labyrinth almost everyday. One day I got
to wondering about how my thoughts worked at different turns and areas. As I walked it, I tried to stay aware of just what
I was thinking at each turn. And sure enough, I noticed that after each right turn, I would start picking up small branches
that were blown off the trees, pull a weed here and there, or even straighten a rock that I thought should be turned a different
way. But when turning to the left, a deeper place inside of me awoke, I would become dreamy and think of my children or beautiful
experiences that have happened throughout my life, sometimes even writing poetry in my mind. Then the right turn and back
to straightening and picking up. So I guess this little study proved at least to myself the theory about working both the
creative side of the brain and the logical side.
I have organized several “walks” at my labyrinth. People
would come to join together in fellowship and walk and share their experiences around a camp fire. They would listen and learn,
accept and validate each other’s stories and opinions. Some would come and show me a small stone or leaf they had spotted
while walking and asked if they could please take it with them, taking with them a part of something that helped them feel
such peace and calmness.
Every now and then someone will call and ask to walk the labyrinth alone. Whether it be
for solace or to give thanks, afterwards I get to see and hear how much better they feel. What an honor and joy it is for
me! And I have seen many people lay their fascinated gaze upon it. Very often I find that a gift or an offering has been left
in its center. Be it a twig, a feather, a flower, it is never insignificant to the one who left it there. It is usually something
from this earth, a token of their reverence and gratitude. Sometimes though, it is something very personal and perhaps symbolic
of the leaving behind of a bad habit, negative thoughts, or a relationship that needs to end.
So I have felt and
witnessed the labyrinth’s mysteries and miracles. I can not say how it works, I just know it does. I know the labyrinth
has a definite purpose and I know that many people feel as I do, that it has Sacred meaning. I strongly advise everyone to
walk a labyrinth at least once in their lifetime. Chances are you will love the experience.
Finding peace one
step at a time.
Taking in a long deep breath, I look into the pathway of wind blown leaves and soil covered with moss.
I see the beauty of the trees scattered inside the labyrinth. It’s as if they were placed there on purpose, and each
one seems to be standing proud, as if guarding this sacred ground. Occasionally, they sway with the wind as if giving a happy
little hula dance. As I stand in the center and look up and through the branches, I see the sun shining as if it is looking
right at me. I can hear a hawk’s cry in the distance. I can only stand and drink in the calmness I feel. I thank my
God for giving me this day and slowly step by step I walk and turn and dream and ponder about what life will bring tomorrow.
Each time I walk the labyrinth I pray that some day there will be no more suffering in this world, no more hunger or pain,
and that each and every one of us will be equal and know love for one another. Until that day, I will walk one step at a time.
Written by Norah Griggs, author of
Rocklady, The Building of a Labyrinth.
All rights reserved
and must not be used without the permission of the author. Web design by Barbara Paulson
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