Labyrinths have long been confused with mazes, but labyrinths have one possible path while mazes have many possible paths, if only one "solution". A labyrinth generally consists of a single, winding path that represents the seeker's life to date, a central element or resting place that represents the present, and a path leading out of the labyrinth that represents the future.
Mazes also lack the spiritual aspect with which labyrinths have long been associated. From Buddhist Temples, Mayan and Hopi Native American cultures, and Chartes Cathedral in Chartes, France to modern healing gardens, labyrinths have long played a role in the religious experience.
Healing Gardens as Labyrinths
Many hospitals and cancer treatment centers have built labyrinths in healing gardens. Frequently, these gardens are filled with flowers, fountains, and places for patients to rest and contemplate. Some healing gardens are built to be enjoyed by mobile patients and those who aren't able to walk the paths.
Such gardens are frequently visible from the windows of the facility. Patients are encouraged, however, to walk the labyrinth as a means to calm the heart and soul and to facilitate healing.
Spirituality and the Labyrinth
One modern use of the labyrinth is as an escape from the stress, materialism, and pressures of modern society. Walking the path is a way to concentrate on things other than possessions, finances, and jobs.
Some churches and spiritual organizations have created Prayer Labyrinths that supplicants can walk while they pray. Labyrinths are not associated with a particular religion, however. They are non-denominational in spirit.
Labyrinths as Meditative Devices
Walking a labyrinth is believed to suspend conscious thought and quiet the mind, thus enabling the walker to meditate. A common method for walking the labyrinth is to pose a question before entering the labyrinth, then to walk the paths while contemplating the question. The goal is for the meditation to allow the seeker to find the answer to the question posed.
Examples of Modern Labyrinths
Labyrinths have been built throughout the world during their resurgence. They can be found in public parks, such as Campbell Park, England; at art museums, such as the Museum of International Folk Art in Sante Fe, NM; in churches, such as San Francisco's Grace Cathedral; at hospitals and cancer treatment centers, such as Cook's Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth, TX; and schools and universities, such as Flinders University School of Theology, Adelaide, Australia.
To locate a labyrinth, go to The Labyrinth Society and select their Labyrinth Locator tool.
Sources:
The Labyrinth Society
Mythic Arts
Mary Beth Miller - Mary Beth Miller is the author of two Young Adult novels from Dutton Children's Books, Aimee (2002) and On the Head of a Pin (2006). Some ...
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