Labyrinth meaning

Since ancient times the labyrinth has been recognized as a sacred symbol for life or heroic journeys. In Christianity, the labyrinths symbolic meaning is that life's journey is challenging, filled with highs and lows, ups and downs and when one feels lost along their path, God’s salvation is at the at the center of life. There are more than 5,000 labyrinths currently around the world. You may find them in outdoor spaces like parks, churches, sanctuaries for healing and hospital gardens. Two of the most famous indoor labyrinths were built directly into the cathedral's floor, read on to learn more about Christian labyrinths. Is the Labyrinth in the Bible? The Bible does not mention a labyrinth specifically within its pages. A labyrinth is a man-made creation to contemplate spiritual concerns and become closer to God. There are several verses in the Bible that relate to the purpose of a Christian labyrinth. In these verses, God explains to us that He is the way, the path, to salvation, such as: • I am the way, the truth and the life - John 14:16. • Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21 • You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Psalms 16:10. • In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9 • For we walk by faith, not by sight. - Corinthians 5...

• • • • • • The history of the labyrinth can be traced back over 4000 years. The ancient designs are complex, almost playful and yet highly meaningful. Although the most popular legends relating to the labyrinth are connected to Over time, the labyrinth has acquired many symbolic meanings. Today, the labyrinth may symbolize confusion but also spiritual clarity. Here’s a look at the origins, history and symbolic meaning of the labyrinth. Legend of the Labyrinth According to the Greek legend, the labyrinth was a highly complex maze designed and constructed by Daedalus as per the mandate of The story goes that the labyrinth was so confusing, even Daedalus himself could barely get out of it once he had constructed it. The minotaur lived in the labyrinth for a long period of time, and every year, seven youths were sent into the labyrinth as food for the minotaur. Finally, it was Theseus who successfully navigated the maze and killed the History of the Labyrinth Archaeologists have been looking for the site of Daedalus’ labyrinth for a long time and have found some potential sites. Possibly the most well-known is the Bronze Age site at However, the word labyrinth could be more general, referring to any maze-like structure and not a specific building. Herodotus mentions a labyrinthine building in Egypt, while Pliny describes a complex underground maze beneath the tomb of King Lars Porsena. There are references to labyrinthine mazes outside of Europe as well, such as in India, Nat...

Learn about Labyrinths What is a Labyrinth? A labyrinth is a meandering path, often unicursal, with a singular path leading to a center. Labyrinths are an ancient archetype dating back 4,000 years or more, used symbolically, as a walking meditation, choreographed dance, or site of rituals and ceremony, among other things. Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation, also thought to enhance right-brain activity. Labyrinths evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, environmental art, and community building. Labyrinths are named by type and can be further identified by their number of circuits. Counting from the center, the drawing at right illustrates a seven circuit design. You begin a labyrinth walk at the entrance and proceed along the path. Lines define the path and often maintain a consistant width, even around the turns. Generally at the center you have travelled half the distance, where it is common to pause, turn around, and walk back out again. Left- or Right-Handed Labyrinths A left- or right-handed labyrinth is determined by the direction of the first turn after entering the labyrinth. Jeff Saward estimates that approximately two-thirds of the ancient Classical labyrinths were right-handed (as depicted above) and two-thirds of the modern Classicals are left-handed. Neither is better than the other—it is totally up to personal preference. An Ever-Evolving Typology As our awareness of la...

The word Labyrinth comes from the labyrinthos and describes any maze-like structure with a single path through it which differentiates it from an actual maze which may have multiple paths intricately linked. Etymologically the word is linked to the labrys or 'double axe', the symbol of the Minoan mother goddess of Labyrinths and labyrinthine symbols have been dated to the The labyrinth has been defined as distinct from the maze in that, as noted above, a labyrinth typically has a single path which winds through it while a maze can have many. Even so, the terms labyrinth and maze are often used interchangeably. The scholars Alwyn and Brinley Rees discuss the significance of the labyrinth-maze and why the design seems to have resonated so strongly with ancient people, specifically the YouTube Follow us on YouTube! Much has been written during the past three decades about the ritual significance of mazes, both as a protection against supernatural powers and as a path which the dead must follow on their way to the world of the spirits. Here we will simply note that mazes are in relation to directions what betwixts-and-betweens are in relation to opposites. In passing through a maze one is not going in any particular direction, and by so doing one reaches a destination which cannot be located by reference to the points of the compass. According to Irish folk-belief, fairies and other supernatural beings can cause a man to lose his bearings…it is when the voyagers have lost thei...

What Is a Labyrinth? A labyrinth is not a maze. It has no blind alleys or dead ends as mazes have. It is unicursal(one line), meaning there is only one path to the center and back out. The path twists and turns back on itself many times before reaching the center. Once at the center, there is only one way back out. Open your senses and focus on the process of taking slow and deliberate steps. Bring to mind a prayer or spiritual question to contemplate during the walk to the center. Reaching the center, pause to reflect, pray, and listen for an answer or more profound revelation. Now begin the return journey. Pray or reflect further. Upon exiting, absorb the experience with continued reflection, prayer, or journaling. If the labyrinth is set up indoors, it may be in a darkened room with candlelight to set a calming and reflective mood. Outdoors, a labyrinth is often in a sheltered area surrounded by trees to shield walkers from extraneous sights and sounds. History Labyrinth images are found in many cultures. The term is of ancient Greek origin, and the labyrinth in the palace of Knossos in Crete figures in Greek mythology. Labyrinths are present in Hindu and Hopi images, among many others. A Word From Verywell Labyrinth walking is a form of active meditation that can help you break free of thoughts or behaviors, allowing you to focus your intentions or clear your mind as you let your body move through the pre-determined pathway. Learning more about how to walk a labyrinth ...