Labyrinth
Reverand Meddy Jacques
Like the thunderstorms of summer, it is time to reclaim our true potential! The weather reminds us how quickly conditions change and how easily vibrational frequencies may move through our environment. We must choose to harness the energy and use these forces for our growth and renewal. One way of individual healing is finding balance within a Labyrinth - unlike a maze, there are turns and circuits yet no dead ends, no wrong turns - even if one finds themselves returning to the center before stepping back outside. It is about breaking through our own mental obstacles and those of the seven subtle energy bodies; the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can help heal the split between reason and imagination, thought and feeling, psyche and spirit. Even if we find ourselves turned around within the greater circle, we are not lost. We can retrace our steps, start over, or even go back to the heart of the matter. Like our physical existence, a labyrinth may be a long journey but it has a specific beginning and a definite end. Examples of labyrinths in many different styles and patterns have been in existence all over the world for over 3500 years on 5 of the continents.
A labyrinth contains non-verbal, geometric and numerological prompts that create a multi-dimensional field. The energies of the labyrinth circuits relate to the chakras, to musical notes, astronomy and astrology, sacred geometry, and directional relationships like those of a medicine wheel. However, unlike creations such as Stonehenge, it is not a continuous open portal. It is a unique link that requires the tracing of the path to convey the energy to the participant. During the walk, some have experienced a sense of rising walls, sluggish regions and areas of increased walking speed - reaction to patterns in sacred geometry similar to the merkaba. These configurations reveal the presence of a cosmic order as they border the world of material form and the realms of higher consciousness.
Medical science is beginning to acknowledge and conduct research on the role spiritual faith and practice plays in the health and healing process. The scientific evidence of the benefits of meditation is documented through brain waves, breathing and heart rates, blood pressure and other measurements of the body prior to, in the duration, and post meditation. Meditations may employ mantras (om) or repeated affirmations (I AM healthy) or merely concentrate on the breath to produce a single consideration, clearing the mind of extraneous thoughts. But meditations can be so much more! Introducing physical activity into a meditative state allows for even deeper experiences.
From my time in an elaborate outdoor Cretan style labyrinth as a child, to walking through the knee high, simplified clipped shrubbery labyrinth in Lily Dale to having an amazing memory of being in the cathedral of Chartres, France, in the summer of 1988, labyrinths have always resonated in me a deep sense of awe. The resurgence of labyrinths since the early 90s is possibly stemming from our deeply rooted urge to honor again the Sacredness of All Life. When we remember that the Law of Alchemy states: "Whenever you change the energy, you change the manifestation of the mass," we begin to see the importance of accessing and altering the energy in our own lives and the sanctuaries we claim, like our homes and sacred spaces. From the concept of Spiritualism - that science and religious ideas can meet in Natural Law, that our experiences can be explained, measured and understood with modern technology as well as in our hearts and minds – we can accept that what appears to be a simple act can actually be a moment of epiphany.
In medieval times, as many as twenty-two of the eighty cathedrals constructed during the Gothic period housed labyrinths indoors and many others had outdoor walking paths. Cathedral labyrinths were adopted as a symbol of the Christian way, representing the path of the soul through life. Medieval pilgrims re-enacted this, following the path of the labyrinth in the cathedral on their knees as a means of prayer, or to symbolize the journey to Jerusalem, or as a ritual to mark the end of a true pilgrimage. In our present day, we are experiencing a rediscovery of the labyrinth as a spiritual tool. Many communities are coming together to construct labyrinths in parks, hospitals and long term care facilities, and in and outside spiritual centers. Support groups use them for finding one's way through difficult times. Patients at hypertension clinics stroll through them to reduce stress. Walking a labyrinth takes time, time to reflect and meditate on your relationship with yourself, your Source and your Neighbor. Like a pilgrimage, it is both a communal event and a private act of transformation. The act of walking a labyrinth becomes a metaphor for all of life as each person alternately follows, passes, and leads the way, turning toward and moving away from others on the path. Walking the labyrinth with a group reminds us that we are all on the path together, each in our own unique way.
The decision to stride in begins by crossing the threshold from the external to the internal. That first step begins a journey along the single spiraling path toward the center. Once that initial footstep is taken, there is no need to think about direction, turns, or even destination. The single path weaves back and forth, up and down, left and right on a seemingly meandering journey to the heart of the labyrinth. Linear awareness of time and space disappears as the energetic forces at play in the labyrinth assist in moving consciousness to an expanded level of functioning. As the more creative non-linear mind takes over, the relaxation response is triggered, stress levels decrease, and creativity is inspired into action… unless one enters in a state of fear. In this condition, the chaos of the inner being may be amplified for a moment as one starts to question: Did I go the right way? Am I on the right path? One may find themselves headed back to the entrance and wonder: Did anyone see me go the wrong way? If this happens, one can leave the labyrinth or simply choose to begin again. There is no shame in getting turned around and needing to start over. Everyone is on their own journey.
The center is sometimes called the 'stillpoint.' Upon reaching the center of a labyrinth, it is common to pause. Some choose to sit, connecting with the higher self and inner guidance. Others take only a moment of quietness at the center, progressing back out shortly thereafter. Whatever time is taken here, the center of a labyrinth has a power all its own. It is a place of communion with the spark of divinity we hold in our hearts, an opportunity to align one’s energy centers and unite, no matter how diverse, with all of life. From this harmony, many experience insight deep into the heart of their intention and often loftier goals are envisioned.
Some people experience a different energy on the walk out. While there may have been a feeling of being lost, confused, tired or anxious on the walk in, the walk out may hold a feeling of being directed along the path joyously and effortlessly. Whatever is felt or realized - any opening, beginning or closure which occurs - is specific to the person walking and there is no right or wrong way to be a part of the experience. Honoring the walk, expressing gratitude, and acknowledging the sacred nature of the experience is sometimes done by taking a moment to turn around and face the center of the labyrinth before taking that last step out. Some even bow to the midpoint. In this way, the walk and the walker's intention are inwardly acknowledged. Then, we can exit, turn back around, and honor the whole experience from an external point of view.
This is where Divine Paradox truly applies: the ending is, indeed, the beginning - the commencement of the next part of a journey, bridging the distance between what was and what is yet to be. Departure from the labyrinth is the beginning of a conscious rebirth affirming the walker's part in the cosmic consciousness, a return to the external stimuli. Now, we must choose how we respond, react, and act for the benefit of the All.
So take some time this summer to explore the inner journey of the labyrinth. There isn’t one near you? Draw one out on a beach or your driveway in minutes or make it a day trip destination. You’ll be amazed how far you can travel within yourself!