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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, feeling 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 one is at 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
campfire. 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.
© 2002 Norah Griggs. All rights reserved and must not be used without the permission of the author.
Norah Griggs (Rocklady)
has spent the last 5 years, building and studying about
labyrinths. She is now organizing and hosting walks and
drum circles around her labyrinth in her woods. She has
also been busy doing talks on her book Rocklady, The
Building of a Labyrinth in schools and Spiritual Centers
. Norah, is a self proclaimed “Wild Woman”, giving
advice even where its not wanted (but should be);
singing out of tune, but doesn’t care because it frees
the soul; looking like a chicken when she dances, but
does it anyway because it makes her feel good. Visit
Rocklady at http://www.rocklady.ws
or email her at norah@rocklady.ws
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