Labyrinths FAQ

ABOUT LABYRINTHS

- adapted from ‘Pondering the Labyrinth by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion, Pilgrim Press, 2003.

WHAT IS A LABYRINTH?

A labyrinth is a symbol, a pattern that contains a single pathway that turns back on itself at least once.

IS A LABYRINTH DIFFERENT TO A MAZE?

YES! Unlike mazes, the labyrinth offers one route to the center, one path that leads ever inwards to a central place. Mazes, on the other hand, have multiple paths and myriad choices, most of which lead nowhere. In a labyrinth there is no competition; we can relax and be present with the journey itself. The overarching difference is that "a maze is designed to lose your way, a labyrinth is designed to find your way."

IS THERE JUST ONE LABYRINTH PATTEREN?

There are a great number of labyrinth patterns. Some are ancient; others have been created recently.
The Chartres labyrinth pattern, which comes from a medieval cathedral in France, and the Classical or Cretan seven circuit labyrinth pattern are the two patterns most readily recognized today.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A LABYRINTH?

There are many. Different purposes have surfaced throughout history including:

decoration,

prayer,

protection,

inspiration,

amusement,

guidance,

meditation,

distraction,

creation,

dance,

problem solving,

symbolic reminder of death and rebirth,

psychological exploration,
ritual,

ceremony,

The possibilities goes on…..

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE LABYRINTH?

No one is certain of the entire history of the labyrinth. Clues that lead us towards its origins include: a labyrinth doodle on a Greek clay tablet dated 1200B.C.E.; the older Greek key pattern (also known as the Greek meander pattern) that can be stretched into a labyrinth; the orbit of Mercury as observed from Earth; and mythological stories such as the one involving Theseus and the Minotaur. We know that over time labyrinths of various shapes and sized have appeared on every inhabited continent.

WHY WOULD SOMEONE USE A LABYRINTH?

For many reasons:

To gain clarity.

To break old patterns.

To explore.

To connect with God.

To receive help.

To become more open.

To relax.

To find wisdom.

To celebrate.

To turn a new corner.

To pray.

To integrate inner and outer realities.

To heal.

To wonder.

To see if anything is going to happen.

To meditate.

To center

The purposes goes on….

BEFORE USING THE LABYRINTH WHAT DOES A PERSON NEED TO KNOW?

Nothing.
Many suggest experiencing a labyrinth Is the best introduction possible.
Willingness to engage the pattern and be engaged by the pattern is all that is needed.